Hello there! May you find inspiration to celebrate your story, even in the middle of the muddle.

I returned to my first love—the classroom—in the 2026-2027 school year. Previously, I served as a:
- professional learning director for The Lead Learners (2018-2026)
- the editor in chief of the Choice Literacy website (2019-2026)
- an instructional coach (2004-2018)
- a 7th grade teacher (2000-2004)
I write books, articles and other stuff because I’m sure stories + teachers make the world a better place. Most importantly, I’m completely charmed by my forever family. Welcome to my corner of the world.
Palju õnne sünnipäevaks! Happy Birthday!
Terje
Happy Birthday! Great words
Love the “fair trade chocolate.”
Enjoy this special day with the ones you love the most!
Hope you have the happiest birthday ever!
Lovely idea for your 34 years-words are special to your life, so you captured it with the years. Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Ruth! I love the idea of writing 34 words for your 34th birthday! I hope you have a blessed year!
I know you will have a happy, happy day. Wonderful words!
Happy Birthday, to one awesome woman!! You are beautiful inside and out.
Kerri W.
What a wonderful way to share a special day. LOVING the juicy watermelon. Have a happy and relaxing birthday!
Happy Birthday!
What a great writing strategy.
I'll need to remember that one!
Love the picture and the idea for birthday writing.
Happy birthday writer-friend!
Happy happy birthday! Mimi
What a beautiful way to celebrate your birthday. Enjoy your day.
I love this strategy—makes me want to emulate in October when I turn 34 :).
Hey, maybe I'll slice today…
(BTW: What about a chocolate dessert???) 😉
Love this idea…I will use it to “console” myself on my next birthday…and happy birthday, Ruth!
Happy Birthday! Sounds like it's going to be a great day.
Happy Birthday! A very creative celebration of words!
Happy birthday and all the days after! Your choice of words is clearly carefully chosen and reflects who you are today. I feel like I have learned so much about you that is reflected in this slice: how important your family is to you and the connections you make with other people, your interest in the world beyond your local community, that you value being healthy, that you are a humble, giving, person who is oh so deserving of another year filled with joy and blessings beyond belief!
Wow! Thank you everyone for the comments. You made my day even more special. Thank. You.
What a fun, powerful slice! I also loved the photo with the black and white except for the red watermelon. Amazing all around!
I am reading through your archives. I love this post. What a creative way to use your words. Thanks for your inspiration. :)MHG