by Phil Houseal | Jan 6, 2022 | All Articles, Education, Philosophy
Jan 5, 2022–Our assumptions are so powerful we defend them fiercely. Even when they are wrong. “Papa… I have a question.” When my 6-year-old grand says this, I know I am ready to have my assumptions challenged. “When we are celebrating Christmas day here, what...
by Phil Houseal | Sep 15, 2021 | All Articles, Education, People of the Hill Country
Sept 15, 2021–One of our forgotten pleasures is being read to. That was how we were all introduced to the world of words. This continued even after we learned to read silently to ourselves. I still remember my 6th grade teacher reading I, Juan de Pareja to our class...
by Phil Houseal | Aug 11, 2021 | All Articles, Education, Philosophy
Aug 11, 2021–Are you a grammar grinch? I belong to the social media group A Way With Words. They air a fascinating podcast that explores language and writing. I always learn something. Even when I don’t want to. That’s because the group is a nest of grammar grinches....
by Phil Houseal | Jun 16, 2021 | All Articles, Education, History, People of the Hill Country
June 16, 2021–When is a coloring book more than just a book to color in? When it was created by Liza Proch. “I believe we’re all given the gift of creativity, whether in the artistic sense or not,” said the 22-year-old Fredericksburg resident. “A huge...
by Phil Houseal | May 19, 2021 | All Articles, Education, Philosophy
May 19, 2021–The world would function more smoothly, warring factions would join hands, and we would all sleep more soundly if organizations and businesses would hire one person. Who is this magical being? Someone to answer the damn phone. I believe every customer...
by Phil Houseal | May 12, 2021 | All Articles, Education, Philosophy
May 12, 2021–I was asked to write a letter to my granddaughter that she will open 12 years from now. This stumped me. Me, who calls himself a writer. I’ve said before how intimidating it is when you realize you are in a place where people actually listen to or read...
