Stories based on real people pack an emotional punch. Not only do they teach history and allow readers to see the world from different viewpoints, they provide role models and inspiration. My oldest recently came across the story of Virginia Hall in the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. She’s quite taken with the decorated American spy who thwarted the Nazis during World War II (I’m confident there’s a Virginia costume in our future). Girls need to have exposure to diverse people who have pursued dreams and overcome adversity. Through real stories they learn they’re not alone in their feelings and that others who came before them discovered ways to cope and respond to hardships. Luckily, we live in an age where there are as many tales as there are children’s interests. Is your girl concerned about the earth? Tell her about Rachel Carson, an environmentalist who wrote the book Silent Spring. Does she worry about making her voice heard? Suggest she explore the world of Sojourner Truth. Harry Potter a current obsession? Put books about author J.K. Rowling in her hands. Reading real stories encourages self-reflection, empathy, emotional intelligence, and offers a front seat to observing life lessons. They’re a win-win for anyone wanting to boost a child’s reading list. Activities With Your Girl Have your child write on a sticky note the names of the people they’re reading about. Arrange the names in chronological order, along with the years the people lived. Take time to sit down with your child; ask her to share …

The arts have always been a part of Sarah Greenman. As a child, this painter, playwright, and activist spent hours with her maternal grandmother, a watercolorist in a small attic studio. Her grandfather built the sacred room, because he knew it was important for his wife to have space of her own. That tradition has continued, with Greenman now having a studio behind her own home in Oregon. Its name is “The Little Shed That Could” and it is a place for Greenman to spread out, get messy and experiment. Growing up in California, Greenman spent a lot of time active with the local community theater. Both of her parents were involved with directing, scriptwriting and performing. Her paternal grandmother even lent her seamstress skills to designing their costumes. Having caught the acting bug, Greenman went on to graduate from the Pacific Conservatory Theater (PCPA). While serving as interim Director of Outreach and Education at PCPA, she fell in love with her partner, Jack, an accomplished actor and voice dialect coach. The couple relocated to Dallas, where Jack worked at a local university. Greenman frequently contributed to the home tour site Houzz.com and also worked on her lifestyle blog, La Maison Boheme, which focuses on modern bohemianism and art. Painter Together she and Jack are raising two sons, Walker and Charlie. Charlie lives with a host of special needs that stem from an pediatric stroke and Craniosynostosis. During his early years, Greenman took up painting, because it was something she could do with Charlie in a …

Loved recording this podcast with Christy Maguire at Forties Stories. We talked about how all of us can – and should be – creators, how women DO support one another, and how the role of women in the media has shifted – ever so slightly. I also reference some 80s stuff (and totally got Melanie Griffith confused with Meg Ryan, shame on me).    And there’s a giveaway! Lindsey Mead, a writer and the editor of “On Being 40ish” has generously donated a copy to Forties Stories listeners. To be entered, you must leave a review on iTunes for Forties Stories (or wherever you listen to podcasts), leave a comment on any of the episodes about what resonated with you, or subscribe to the Forties Stories’s newsletter. If you write a review and subscribe to the newsletter, your name will be entered twice. Christy will pick a winner at random. Contest ends May 15, 2019. Top photo by Lum3n.com from Pexels.