It really feels good to be back home. I mean . . . the last blog post I published was back in November 2024 and then the one before that was September 2024. So, it’s been a minute. And, I haven’t been able to fill this nagging void I’ve been experiencing for a few months now — a void that only “writing in my own space and place” could adequately fill. As I’ve been known to say in times past, “writers write.”
More specifically, “bloggers blog.”
And, while I’ve been present on my L.I.T. News newsletter (a Degrees of Maternity monthly publication distributed every 4th Sunday), I just haven’t been as fulfilled when it comes to meeting my content-writing itch. There’s been something missing with the writing. Simply put, I’ve missed YOU! And, what to do about that? Well, my hope is to be regularly present at my online blogging abode going forward.
Boy, does it feel good to be back and writing to you right now!
Reason for the long break from blogging: I’ve had some personal matters that needed my undivided attention over the last several months of 2024 and counting; and therefore, I’ve had to drop some things off for a while. But a while is not forever, and I’m here to pick one of those things back up — my precious blogging time.
Now, don’t get me wrong, though. While I was M.I.A. over here, I’ve continuously been hot on the literacy trail.
So, I already mentioned the monthly newsletter that has been in circulation since its inception back in Jan. 2021. This content-writing effort never stopped. Oh, and I’d love for you to join the L.I.T. News (new newsletter name) family if you haven’t already. And since I may go on vaca over here from time to time, you’re sure to find me over there every month. Click below and you’ll start getting your monthly newsletter on the upcoming 4th Sunday of the month.
Subscribe here for L.I.T. News
But, I’ve also been steadily serving as a reading tutor at a beloved academy of pre-K through high school scholars since the very start of the ’24-’25 school year. Whoo hoo! My love of reading has been thoroughly nourished by my reading sessions with the kiddos. (Hint . . . hint . . . I may be dedicating an upcoming blogging series about tutoring life, seen through the lenses of yours truly.)
And then, there are all the wonderful books I’ve been reading and re-reading, such as:
The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Predictable Profits by Stu McLaren
The Only Grant-Writing Book You’ll Ever Need by Ellen Karsh and Arlen Sue Fox
Speaking of grant writing, I’m knee-deep into the “grant writing for a non-profit” scene. Loving it, too. So, I guess I’m aggressively scratching that writing itch, as well. (I have a feeling I may be sharing a thing or two about my deep dive into grant writing when the inspiration strikes.)
So, I just wanted to check in with you and let you know that I’m still kickin’. Readin’, and writin’, and such. You’ll be hearing quite a bit from me over the course of 2025; because quite frankly, there’s a lot of catching up to do.
Let our blogging adventures resume . . .
degreesofmaternity.com 
Okay, Phil. You just gave me a big assignment. Giving you something to really sink your teeth into. Hmmm… The challenge is on. Hee. Hee. I plan on bringing some good life lessons from just living life. Things I’ve been learning in educating children, in working on making life improvements, in writing to help others. There’s just been so much going on. I NEEEED to share. So, get ready. Here I come . . . Love hearing from you, as always. Oh, and I appreciate your “real” words of advice and insightful comments. I genuinely NEED those.
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Jana,
While I know you have not given up on your communications completely, you have now got back on a bigger horse. This is fine, as long as you have not forgotten how to ride it.
I am still around, although not as prolific as I used to be. Give me something I can my teeth into and I am sure you will get some sort of response. That is, if you want it!
All the best.
Regards, Phil
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