The Homeschooler’s Summer: Planning and Relaxing
Just as homeschoolers are breathing a sigh of relief because a year of hard work is almost over and summer vacation is about to begin, it’s time to make plans for the next school year. Thankfully, most of us regard this as an exciting time because we are happy to be able to educate our [...]
“October Baby” to Speak at Pregnancy Help Clinic Fundraiser
Abortion survivor, Gianna Jessen, subject of the movie, October Baby, will be the keynote speaker at Pregnancy Help Clinic’s annual Celebration of Life on April 18, 2013. “Ms. Jessen has an amazing story to tell that is important for both prolife and prochoice people to hear. She brings truth to the conversation, a truth that [...]
Developing Good Writers
As an editor, writing tutor, and homeschool teacher of twenty years, I am frequently asked for advice about improving children’s writing skills. Most of the calls I receive are from parents of high schoolers, while some calls concern college-aged students. Although it is never too late to improve skills, there are some ways that young [...]
I’m a Wimpy Mother
You hear this from almost the minute your baby’s born: “Enjoy every moment because before you know it, they will be grown and gone.” I used to hate hearing that when my kids were little. It was almost always well-intentioned older ladies who would utter those words. Yet even then I was sure that they [...]
Wild By Cheryl Strayed; Review By Nancy Gillard Doran
Sadly and reluctantly, I just finished reading Wild, a memoir by Cheryl Strayed. I first heard about this book after reading an essay by the author in The Sun magazine. Captivated by the engaging writing style and subject matter (grief over the untimely death of the writer’s mother), I put a hold on the book [...]
My Post-Facebook Life (“Post” for Now, Anyway)
I deactivated my Facebook account about one week ago. I was disappointed that I had let myself spend so much time there. So many times throughout the day, when I had a free moment or two, I would sign in and see what was going on with friends, family, and acquaintances. I was also getting [...]
Take a Stand Against Abortion This Weekend
Pro-life advocates have a busy weekend ahead with two important events: Run for Their Lives 5C Charity Walk on Saturday morning and Life Chain on Sunday afternoon. Run for Their Lives 5C Charity Walk begins with check-in at 9 a.m. at Brighton Church of the Nazarene, 7679 Brighton Road, Brighton. The cost to participate is [...]
In Praise of Roasted Garlic
My husband and I discovered several years ago that we love roasted garlic. I used to add two or three bulbs to the roasting pan when I was cooking a big “Sunday” chicken, along with carrots and onions. Only recently, however, have I realized that this nutritious, flavor-packed powerhouse is beyond great when added to [...]
Nancy Doran is a former advertising executive who has been busy homeschooling for the last 20 years. She is currently a writer and editor whose work has been published in magazines about homeschooling, as well as local publications. In addition, she enjoys helping high school students become better writers. 
