Funtastical Blog

"Are you ready to unlock the magic of grandparenting?"

Categories

More than Money Carlene Szostak More than Money Carlene Szostak

Fading Footprints: Unraveling the Tapestry of Family History

Once upon a time, in the quaint hamlet of North Chicago, nestled between the Great Lakes Naval Training Center and the state line of Wisconsin, there lived five young girls. They were known for their strong work ethic, kind hearts, and insatiable curiosities. Their days were spent working in the family business based in the heart of the hamlet. The family business began in the early 1900s, and their great-grandmother purchased the land alone long before women's lib became a thing.

Where does your story begin?

Read More
More than Money Carlene Szostak More than Money Carlene Szostak

Dare to be Different: What do Jacob's Ladder, Eyeballs, and Mice Have in Common?

No, it's not a game where players embark on a magical journey to help mice reach new heights by navigating a whimsical world filled with Jacob's Ladders and enchanted eyeballs. Nor is it a new Artificial Intelligent robot.

They are science fair experiments.

Science Fairs…this yearly event caused excitement, enthusiasm, dread, and everything. Once announced, the questions started swirling.

Read More
More than Money Carlene Szostak More than Money Carlene Szostak

Brushing Through Childhood: Memories from Art Lessons

Move over Picasso, Rembrandt, and Jackson Pollack. The next "master" of the arts is me…not.

As an adult, I learned to appreciate art, the lines, the strokes, the shading, and the visual stories that an artist tells, but let me take you back in time to how it was determined that my calling was not the world of paintbrushes and canvas.

Read More
More than Money Carlene Szostak More than Money Carlene Szostak

Preserving Family History: The Power of a Handwritten Letter

I had an epiphany last night and had to share! I think handwritten letters are like warm hugs on paper, carrying the personal touch that emails can never quite capture. What do you think?

Hear me out. I am guessing that you and I live in the same fast-paced digital world. I have always been a communicator, but my communication, which used to be slower-paced, has morphed into mostly texting and social media posts. In this modern era of smartphones, laptops, and iPads, letter writing may seem obsolete.

Read More
More than Money Madeline S. Hoge More than Money Madeline S. Hoge

Crafting Tomorrow: The Journey to Building a Computer or Not

Growing up in the 1970s, I dreamed large with Big Harry Audacious Goals (BHAG). During this computer age, Steve Jobs was changing the world in the personal computing industry.  I wanted to be part of that. Intel, Xerox, and IBM were already making groundbreaking strides in the industry, but it was Steve Jobs who had a vision. A vision for everyone to have a personal computer in their home, which seemed absurd at the time. Who knew personal computers were only a piece of the puzzle of him changing the world? He was an inspiration.

Read More
More than Money Charlotte S. McLaughlin More than Money Charlotte S. McLaughlin

A Teen's Journey Behind the Counter: Tales from the Family Liquor Store

In the heart of our small town stood a time-honored establishment with a story as rich as the spirits lining its shelves. The family liquor store, once an ice cream parlor in the roaring twenties, transitioned through the years into a thriving hub for libations. My journey within its walls began at the tender age of 14, marking the beginning of a unique chapter in my life that taught me the value of hard work, family bonds, and resilience.

Read More

Intentional Grandparenting Series

These insightful books are designed to strengthen the bond between grandparents and their grandchildren, offering a fresh and humorous perspective on grandparenting. With a mix of wit and wisdom, CJ Corki addresses the common challenges faced by grandparents today, providing practical advice and engaging activities that make grandparenting both fun and meaningful.