2023 has arrived, and my newsfeed is currently congested with dieting ads, fitness plans, intention-setting, and all the typical resolution chatter. Meanwhile, I’m over here shaking my head and making a big ole X with both arms. Now, this may be an unpopular opinion, but January just doesn’t feel like the most organic time toContinue reading “Bleed Schmeed”
Author Archives: Summer Woodward, M.Ed
Just To Know You’re Alive
Last week, on November 2, 2022, I celebrated my first Cancerversary. One full year of life since finishing the trifecta of mastectomy, chemo, and radiation. If you’re new here and unfamiliar with the story of how my cancery booby-doos tried to kill me, please explore the other posts on my blog. There you will learnContinue reading “Just To Know You’re Alive”
Rainbow Boobies and Airline Angels
“Mommy, when they cut your boobies off, will they give you new rainbow ones?” I recalled my three year old’s words as I stared out the hospital window with labored breath. The pings and beeps of the machines monitoring my body sang their hideous chorus, and I wondered how long a person could stay saneContinue reading “Rainbow Boobies and Airline Angels”
Invisible Monsters
Nervous energy coursed through my body as I stepped onto the elevator. I was heading to my first radiation treatment. “Does your shirt say, ‘I Got This’?” a voice from the back corner inquired. She was small and thin, and her steel gray hair was chopped into a no-nonsense bob. “Yes, it was a gift,”Continue reading “Invisible Monsters”
It Puts the Lotion on its Skin
I typically title my blog posts after I’ve begun writing, but I knew what I would name this one before I ever typed a word. And I can’t stop laughing at the actual perfection. I mean we ARE talking about scary skincare (among other things) here today, but don’t worry… nobody is “getting the hose.”Continue reading “It Puts the Lotion on its Skin”
Welcome to Crunchy Town
Hello dearest students. Thank you for returning to Part II of the lesson I never dreamed I’d be teaching. I have entitled this portion of our learning: “Having Environmental Breast Cancer at Age 36 is Absolute Poopidy-Poo-Poo-Garbage, and I Recommend You Avoid It At All Costs.” Okay, maybe not my most cleverly titled lesson plan,Continue reading “Welcome to Crunchy Town”
Cancery Booby-Doos
For as long as I live and breathe, the following memory will be recalled with the dream-like-fluidity and precision detail that only a trauma can create in one’s mind. “Do you have any questions? Mrs. Woodward?” I stared at the radiologist’s face. Did he have a wife? Kids? What was his first name? I mean,Continue reading “Cancery Booby-Doos”
Yes, Even Tiger King
I believe you can learn something from ANYTHING. Well, except maybe from Tiger King. All of our brains need a good wash down after bingeing that hot mess. But actually, I take that back. In an alternate universe where that train-wreck of a show is child-friendly, even Tiger King could be an excellent jumping offContinue reading “Yes, Even Tiger King”
1,000 Book Challenge: March
For those of you unfamiliar with our 1,000 Book Challenge, you can find more details in my previous post — https://fiercelittlelearners.com/2020/03/31/just-one-more-page-momma/. The gist of it is that as a New Year’s Resolution, my kiddos decided we would strive to read 1,000 picture books during 2020. And there were stipulations… chapter books and re-reads couldn’t countContinue reading “1,000 Book Challenge: March”
Just One More Page, Mama
“We read with our children because it gives both them and us an education of the heart and mind. Of intellect and empathy. We read together and learn because stories teach us how to love.” – Sarah Mackenzie, The Read Aloud Family I am of the strong opinion that one can never own too manyContinue reading “Just One More Page, Mama”