Rachel Coltharp

I’m standing on the edge of the sea, about to set sail on another school year. The sunlight is a gentle glow; the breeze carries the sweet sound of bird’s cheerful songs.   But inside my heart, the darkness starts to grow,  and I am serenaded by the birds of prey.   Vultures, crowing at the thought of picking clean the bones of my plans. 13 books on our Family Read list What if I don’t get all the character building books read aloud?   Storms await my children.   Character building will give them the skills they need to survive.  Lord the sea is so great, my boatRead More →

As a public service announcement for homeschoolers everywhere,  I want to offer the following information. We are not freaks Not all home scholars are radical religious cult members,  hippies or anarchist.  We don’t all make our own bread and yogurt.   Only the lucky ones.  Most of us are regular people.   Check out the stats there. Socialization Contrary to popular belief, home schooled children  are not missing out on honing their social skills.  We are not turning out painfully shy, socially stunted,  weak willed wimps.  Statistics prove it is just the opposite.  Home learners are among the most secure,  confident children in America. A recent studyRead More →

I’ve never had Ebola, but recently I did come in contact with something just as nasty. It came my way in one of those loud-talking-stranger-in-the-waiting-room kind of experiences. “That crazy Lisa wears sandals EVERY DAY”. “ Why would anyone want an ugly chair like this?” “Those stupid people got my order wrong.” The poor dear (Southernism for big ol ugly of spirit)  was infected to the core with a nasty case of MWITRW. My Way Is The Right Way. Isn’t it funny how “ugly” is so easy to diagnose in others,  but so easily hidden in our own lives?   Several days after the nasty encounter with Read More →

I met a thief in the hospital on Thursday;  baby G contracted a virus  and became dehydrated.  While we were in turn to be called,  the thief made his appearance  on a waiting room T.V. game show.   The show featured four brides  who attended each other’s weddings  and then rated them in effort  to win an exotic honeymoon.  The once-in-a-lifetime event,  the day that they had each meticulously planned,  every detail given heartfelt attention to,  was stripped of its meaning,  and given a number. “They should have used more color”  “Her dress was too plain”  “The chicken was dry” “The flowers looked skimpy”  “The musicRead More →