Posts

The Ruins of Gorlan

Image
Welcome into the world created by John Flanagan in The Ruins of Gorlan .   The first of ten novels in the Ranger’s Apprentice series, not including the three prequels,  The Ruins of Gorlan vividly immerses readers into a world filled with adventure, fantasy, courage, and mystery.   And, after many years of hearing the Mr. recommending it to anyone and everyone who would listen, I finally got around to reading it.  Believe me, it did not disappoint.   In fact, the second read through with my nephew is proving even more enjoyable.   We’ve decided he is clearly Will and I've told him he can call me Halt.  Although he objects because, “You’re a girl!"    But someone must force him to think things through, have accurate answers and above all be honest!  It might as well be Halt if it can’t be Aunt E.   Anyway, the  entire Wolfe Stew household is excited to see it on the big screen! That’s right folks.   You heard...

February | An Idea for Every Day Calendar

Image
It's nearly here - that month of cupids, presidents, and groundhogs. What's your favorite holiday in February? Are you the type that lives for or dreads Valentine's Day each year? Me? I've always loved Valentine's. I don't care if it really is just a holiday invented by greeting card companies to line their pockets in the Christmas to Easter slump. For me, I'm all in. Why? Because love is always worth spreading around. However, if you're not into Valentine's Day, there are twenty-eight other holidays to choose from this upcoming month. Why not set a new tradition? Sink your teeth into one of these: Above is only an image.  For a downloadable copy with clickable links, click here . We encourage you, for this month of February, to find one national day that piques your interest. Just one. Then, choose an appropriate activity for your learners and do it! If you feel compelled, we would love to hear how it went.   Below, find some of the ide...

Victoria: The STEAM Team Technologist

Image
Your adventures with the STEAM Team continue as you meet Victoria today.  Previously, you met Silas , our scientist and now, meet our technologist. As you might recall, the purpose of the STEAM Team is to help learners conceive the importance of STEAM skills in a post-apocalyptic environment.  To plunge them into an environment where they must rise up and be the problem-solvers; there are no adults to tell them what to do or guide them along the way.  See how Victoria operates to do exactly that: Victoria was a Cogsworth.  In this age you didn’t get a last name unless you earned it.  Victoria was worth her weight in cogs.  It was an old saying.  One before the Bots ruined everything.  Somehow, they had held onto the words.  She was a Tech.  Technology was her thing. She had been eight when her ability to understand the technology of a thing came about.  Her ability to create and innovate technology came when she was ni...

Mission Born: Space Twins - Chapter 10

Image
Welcome to the tenth chapter of Mission Born: Space Twins.  If you're new to the story, or need to catch up, find the appropriate link here: Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Ready for lift off?  Strap in and commence the countdown.  Chapter 10 begins in 5 4 3 2 1                 As the door to El-4’s meeting room swished open, both Walter and Jess could see her sitting gracefully at the head of a massive table.  She beckoned them to come and take seats near her, in utter silence.  As they sat, and were about to open their mouths to speak, El-4 put up a warning with her index finger.  “You shall listen.”                 Jess seemed overly put out by this but refrained from saying anything that could get her in trouble with the people who had given her so much already.  Walter...

Silas: The STEAM Team Scientist

Image
If you've been to Wolfe Stew before, you likely already met Silas.  But, in the process of remodeling, we needed  a special post dedicated just to him and his story to feature in the Reading Nook.   Have you seen it yet?  In this corner of Wolfe Stew, you'll find a quiet place to browse all our original literary creations.  Intrigued?  Head over and get cozy in the reading nook now. But, maybe you're only here because you want to meet this person named Silas.  Welcome!  You're in the right place!  His story lives here.  The Mr. created Silas and the STEAM Team for the purpose of making STEAM content accessible to daily life; to help learners visualize how the STEAM skills become essential in a post-apocalyptic world.  Each character in the STEAM Team possesses a different STEAM skillset. Silas is our scientist, and this is his story:          Silas was possibly the youngest doctor alive....

What's Your Dream?

Image
I don't know about you, but for me, long after watching  Pretty Woman,  these words resonate. Soon, I find myself asking, "What is my dream? Will it be one of the ones that come true? Or does that only happen in Hollywood?" Friends, these are good questions (well, except for maybe the last) and it is important to have a dream.  To reach for something. To keep making goals. And to work for them. It's what drives us. What makes our feet keep hitting the pavement, keeps our coffee pot brewing, and makes Monday mornings manageable. So, I ask: "What is your dream?" Step One:  Brainstorm Go on. List them. Say them aloud. Proclaim them to the world. Take your time. I'll be right here when you're ready. Step Two: Categorize Welcome back! It feels good knowing you have a dream. It gives us purpose and hope. And, with the wise words that end  Pretty Woman  I agree, I think there are two types of dreams, but instead of "some that come tru...