Little House on the Prairie: even if you’ve never been to the American midwest, these words bring up images -- images which seem like memories, really -- of life at the edge of pioneer times in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas a century and a half ago.

Whether you make it for a living or listen for fun -- or both -- music is a central part of the winter holiday season. Listen in as those whose music you enjoy offer ideas about music they like to hear or play this time of year.

One of the most important things we can do for young kids is to read to them - and teach about the world, through those books. One such book that I just love is called Elephants, a simple, loving, and beautiful picture book that teaches about this incredible animal, as well as elephant conservation.

One of our favorite authors, Gabrielle Yetter, has a new book that we're delighted to share with our wandering educators. Entitled Martha the Blue Sheep, it's a story of fitting in - or not, of taking care of those in need, of good deeds and celebrating life. It's a lovely tale, beautifully and colorfully illustrated by Daro Sam and Monnyreak Ket. It has much to teach us about acceptance, helpfulness, and diversity. Read it with your kids, and then find (or be) your own Marthas in life.

A Film In The Park

Unfortunately, the drive-in movie theater is no longer a primary moviegoing opportunity in the United States. It used to be that you could find such drive-ins across the country, but they’ve been closing down left and right. They’re just not as profitable as they used to be, and there are really only a handful left.

If I were to dance these words, I would dance the drops of rain falling on parched earth. 

Winner of two World Music Awards, 'Cielo Nocturno' by renowned guitarist Russ Hewitt is a work of art. The Grammys? They know what they're doing by putting it on the ballot in three categories. Hewitt, now on his third album, is constantly growing, traveling, writing...and impressing listeners. His work is new to me, but one listen to Cielo Nocturno and I was hooked. When I interviewed him, I became even more of a fan.

You have to love a band that starts one of their songs with Spongebob lyrics...

Indeed, we loved the band of brothers, AJR, before we saw them perform live this weekend. But after seeing them in concert? Well, they blew us away with their energy, creative songs, personality, and musicianship.