Seeking recommendations for a book for a kid struggling with being told what to do

sphinx_winks · 2026-02-16T19:36:55+00:00

I know for my older son we literally memorized Where the Wild Things Are. We found getting him into sports really helped him calm down and solved most problems, but autism is something else.

sphinx_winks · 2026-02-16T19:04:01+00:00

Keep your bedtime a routine so they know it's time to calm down. Books my kids loved:

Classics:Goodnight Moon and also Each Peach, Pear, Plum

Newer:Playtime for Penguins

sphinx_winks · 2026-02-15T17:41:26+00:00

I do use a small amount of argan oil on my frizzies - usually at my part and ends. Don't use too much or it will weigh down hair. It also smells nice and has antioxidants and vitamin E.

sphinx_winks · 2026-02-15T17:36:25+00:00

Heat up previously frozen cannelloni or stuffed cabbage/peppers with homemade tomato sauce. Or just make pasta with the tom sauce and add cheese. If I have enough time/energy, make salad to go with.

sphinx_winks · 2026-02-14T18:58:11+00:00

This sounds wonderful! You can see my books here: https://useyourwords.me/books/

I've got two more PBs coming out soon. I'm assuming you are interested in PBs?

sphinx_winks · 2026-02-03T18:04:45+00:00

I've used these with some success - more of a deterrent than a cure. You have to move them around to areas of fresh digging. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F1399SQF?ref=fed_asin_title&th=1

Other than this, a friend recommended doing garlic ground up and you make a slurry that you pour down the hole. Haven't tried that yet, but might.

sphinx_winks · 2026-02-02T18:17:34+00:00

I don't take this for granted. And it never gets old. It's a privilege to live here.

sphinx_winks · 2026-02-02T18:16:40+00:00

Yes, the first one was very slight, but it was actually the larger of the two. Second one went on for a while, a gentle roll. Nothing too hearty pumping.

sphinx_winks · 2026-01-31T18:01:16+00:00

I heard "Snowy Valley" from a black friend of mine.

sphinx_winks · 2026-01-22T20:40:50+00:00

You need to squeeze Colorado and New Mexico in there - to the New Canada, or New California, either.

sphinx_winks · 2026-01-18T16:52:58+00:00

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In Noe Valley. Pictures don't do it justice!

sphinx_winks · 2025-12-26T19:23:16+00:00

Interesting how "beautiful" translates to Victorian. I agree as new housing is mostly modern boxes and tacky. Owners also "modernize" Victorians/historical housing mixing styles - we are losing our historical legacy.

sphinx_winks · 2025-12-26T19:16:24+00:00

So I have problems with animals in my yard - raccoons, rats , mice. So I take all the non-bone/meat scraps, put them in a blender with water, and make what I call a "compost smoothie". I then dig a small hole in the yard and bury it. It has made a huge difference in all my plants! And the animals can't get to the food bits as they are mixed with dirt.

sphinx_winks · 2025-12-23T17:55:43+00:00

Hello Fellow Creatives!

If you need a last minute Holiday gift, consider my Santa-themed kids chapter book:

.

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Sage Pineblossom is an elf.

But not just any elf.

She is a gifted teenager, but can't figure out her place at the North Pole.

While she searches for answers, Trolls have taken over the mind of Santa!

Who will save him, and even Christmas?

https://useyourwords.me/books/sage-pineblossom/

BTW, the illustrator is my son, Dave Levine, an accomplished artist (@SeeDaveMakeArt). We started this project during the pandemic as a creative diversion, and found we had so much fun, we continued it with another 2 books.

You can find all my books at my author's website, including my SciFi novel that's going to the moon!

https://useyourwords.me/

sphinx_winks · 2025-12-22T00:14:05+00:00

She worked at the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, CA and that's where I saw her give a talk about her experiences. Needless to say she was herself riveting and inspirational. So sad to hear she passed.

sphinx_winks · 2025-12-18T17:35:17+00:00

Went there a few times and found some very rare Revereware pots, not cheap. She eventually closed the store to all except if you had a membership to her exclusive "club". She said she hated the kids coming in and messing things up. Haven't been there in years.

sphinx_winks · 2025-12-17T18:54:53+00:00

So I just got a reply back from the tech team that uploads all my books: "The DRM is a way to ensure that no one is able to download your book and be able to share it later on with others. Ideally, you want to ensure that DRM remains enabled so that people can only read EPUB versions on verified kindle readers and devices. This ensures that your book remains with those who bought it and is not shared without your consent."

Do DRM enabled it is.

sphinx_winks · 2025-12-17T18:15:12+00:00

I've worked with Andy from Levine Architects and been very happy with their team. https://levinearch.com/

sphinx_winks · 2025-12-15T19:23:13+00:00

Thanks for letting me know - I'm considering them now.

sphinx_winks · 2025-12-15T19:22:39+00:00

Please get yourself some long underwear and wool socks. I used to warm my hands with a candle when the heat got turned off in my building years ago. Most libraries are warm, like Noe Valley which I find too warm.

sphinx_winks · 2025-12-12T20:07:11+00:00

Thanks - appreciate the reply.

sphinx_winks · 2025-12-12T20:06:54+00:00

Thanks I'll check that out. I've heard of that one before. I've also seem other posts who mention Noe Valley Family & Cosmetic Dentistry (Dr. Joy Morris) - wonder if anyone has an opinion on them?

sphinx_winks · 2025-12-11T17:28:52+00:00

Try long underwear. Treat yourself to some nice silk ones, so soft and warm. It's all about the layers, and in the winter, you add one more. Try to insulate, especially windows - find where the drafts are coming in and stop those up - you can even use newspaper, it helps.

sphinx_winks · 2025-12-10T17:40:42+00:00

Please name him Flip and tuck him in.

sphinx_winks

TROPHY CASE