Connection Meets Creativity
BRINGING STORYTIME MAGIC TO YOUR INBOX
HAPPY FEBRUARY
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FROM MY READING CORNER | 2/3/26
Thoughts from my reading corner:
Are you a fan of markets or vendor fairs? I like participating in them occasionally, but what I really love is strolling through them. Looking at each booth with care—not because I am always interested in every item for sale, but because I’m interested in people. What’s their story? How did they get started? Acknowledging the work that goes into setting up a booth and promoting a craft. You never know what might be found around the next corner. Or what ideas a booth setup might inspire in my own creative flow.
When we visited Europe over the summer, we unexpectedly ran into a local craft fair. There were jewelry booths, clothing boutiques, and more, but the one that caught my eye was a booth by a local artist. He had a simple table set up under a pop-up tent. Nothing flashy. I’m not sure if he even had a banner, but he didn’t need any of that because his art stole the show. His name was Steven Farrell, and he is a local Irish artist. He had created lifelike scenes of the cathedral, local pubs, and landscapes. They were stunning. We purchased three prints, and as we discussed why we were on the trip and where we planned to go, he gave us advice on where to go and gifted my grandma a print—any one she wanted. She was elated. We left his booth with our prints, and I couldn’t help but feel joy, not only for meeting such a charismatic and kind local, but for being reminded that when you are joyful about your craft, it shows, and the joy spreads.
I have those prints hung in our basement, and every time I walk past them, I am reminded of a once-in-a-lifetime trip and of an Irish artist my husband and I met, who is now part of our story. Every time I receive a message or email with a photo of your little ones reading one of my books, I am encouraged to keep my message of kindness and positivity going—because the joy I find in creating brings connection between you and your loved ones, and now those books, my books, can be a small page in your own story.
I hope you can keep an open mind the next time you attend a craft fair, and who knows, maybe you’ll find a memorable memento that will bring added joy to your home, much like the Irish art does for me.
Happy reading.
-Katie Marie
THE KIDS’ CORNER |
What We Are Reading
Tuck’s Bookshelf: A Pokémon description of characters book…not my favorite, but he’s loving it.
Ella Bella’s Bookshelf: This past week, Ella has been wanting to “read” my Harry Potter books. She has been flipping through the pages and making up her own words. Cultivating her imagination and creativity is a win. She has been enjoying YOTO cards as well. We have listened to Cinderella, Fancy Nancy, and some of The Magic Treehouse series.
My Bookshelf: Poems and Prayers by Matthew McConaughey.
Reminder: To make reading an enjoyable activity for your kiddos, sometimes that means you are reading books you do not enjoy. I am not the biggest Pokémon fan; however, if that is what my son wants to read before bed, I settle in and read a few pages and hope he pivots to something else sooner than later. Remember that comics count as books, too.
THE CRAFT CORNER |
Sometimes the saying, “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it,” really hits home. The kids are continuing to enjoy foil fun. We have also been playing the Dragonwood card/dice game and Sleeping Queens as a family.
(Although I have linked these games and crafts through Amazon, I don’t get paid or have any affiliation with these products; we truly have loved playing them.)
If you need a fun little activity for February, download the PDF below. It’s fun to see what answers your little ones come up with.
Positive Affirmation Hearts Worksheet
