I have to introduce one of my favorite illustrators, Mark A. Hicks. It is awesome that he wrote and illustrated lots and lots of books. I have read several of them. My favorite was Ellwood's Plans. Ellwood's life always goes well, but it takes a turn for the bad. He couldn't see what his future would be. But in the end, music wins out. He makes a new and important friend on the bus and there's a cool song that I can't stop singing! The funny thing was that so many things had music patterns on them (like his PJs). This is a very clever book.

In the last few years, an increasing number of students are going to China on a study abroad trip. They travel for a summer to learn the language or for an academic semester or year to understand more about China and its society. Others make an educational investment to increase their chances in future business ventures.

This week we were lucky enough to visit Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City.

Italia

In my second life, I am Italian. Robust and ripe, laden with grapes and widening to the world around me. Eating…and still eating. Drinking…and still drinking. The hills, the castles, the frescoes, the olives, the oil from the olives. It is all so good, so fresh, its beauty absolute and contagious.