Jenny Bristol

Columbia lifted off the launch pad for the first shuttle mission on April 12, 1981. Note the white external tank. NASA used a white tank only twice before scrapping the paint because it added so much weight. Image: NASA

Things to Love #6: NASA

The Space Shuttle program is over, but that doesn't mean we aren't continuing to explore. Learn about NASA's history of exploration and research, what's in store for the future, and the free and amazing educational resources available.

May 10

Bristol Box #6: For Those Who Fidget

People fidget for a wide variety of reasons. Perhaps they are restless, or anxious, or they have autism or sensory needs. But regardless of the reason, there are many toys and tools that can help you stay focused and be at your best. This week's Bristol Box includes very portable fidgets that can be carried in your pocket, bag, purse, or child's backpack.

May 9

I’ve Got Moxie #5: Sketches From the Ether #1

I'll be sharing my sketches with you on occasion in this irregular series, Sketches From the Ether. So far it's just pencil drawings in my sketchbook. We'll see where it takes me.

May 6

Olio #5: 30 Classic Games for Simple Outdoor Play

When I was a kid, we played outside with the other kids in the neighborhood with most of our free time. We also made the most of recess at school. We kept ourselves quite occupied without any of today's modern technologies.

May 5

Image by Wikimedia user Carol M. Highsmith

The Liner Notes of Archival History #5: The Library of Congress

The largest library in the world (the second-largest being the British Library), the U.S. Library of Congress is a sight to behold. The building is just gorgeous. The collections are unparalleled. The exhibits, inspiring.

May 4

Things to Love #5: Astronomy: Four Galilean Moons

Jupiter. It's the biggest planet in our solar system. It has a distinctive red spot, a raging storm that never seems to end. It has more moons than any other planet. And four of them are special. They're huge. Like, planet huge.

May 3

Bristol Box #5: For Those Who Experience Migraines

What feels best during the debilitating pain that often comes with a migraine? It's different for everyone, but for me, it's cold packs, pressure, dark, and quiet. This week's Bristol Box is loaded with tools to help your favorite sufferer. Set them up in a dark, quiet room with a bottle of water, help them procure any prescription migraine meds they may have, and hopefully this box of tools will help them through to the...

I’ve Got Moxie #4: There Are Those Who Call Me… Mom?

It still blows me away that my body made people. PEOPLE. Right? Some people call it "a miracle", I'm just blown away by the impressive biological processes.

Apr 29

Bloom's Taxonomy by Flickr user nist6dh (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Olio #4: Bloom’s Taxonomy

Used in education and teaching, Bloom's Taxonomy describes gradually deeper levels of understanding, and can be used in pretty much any subject, including math, science, history, literature, and more.

Apr 28

The Liner Notes of Photographic History #4: Astrophotography

Taking pictures of the sky isn't new. The first photograph of the sun, a daguerrotype, was made in 1845 by French physicists Louis Fizeau and Lion Foucault, proving that from the earliest days of photography, people were turning their cameras to the skies.

Apr 27

Things to Love #4: Retrofuturism

Retrofuturism includes imagined styles from the future, conceived of in the past. The 20th century was filled with these kinds of things, as we aimed for the sky and then participated in the Space Race. Anything space-y and modern was cool.

Apr 26

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Bristol Box #4: For Those Who Like Cats

This Bristol Box is filled with items for people who like (or love) cats. You don't necessarily have to have a cat for this Box; it's for those who just can't get enough cat in their lives.

Apr 25

I’ve Got Moxie #3: My Books and Self-Publishing

I've got two books published currently. For one of them, my co-authors and I went the traditional route with traditional publishing. For the other, I self-published. Why? Because that book I wrote for myself, just for fun.

Apr 22

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs by Wikimedia user Factoryjoe (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Olio #3: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

I mostly think of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as a mental exercise. There is a lot of truth in it, but it is more food for thought and discussion.

Apr 21

The National Archives building. Photo: Jenny Bristol

The Liner Notes of Archival History #3: The National Archives

The National Archives of the United States is worth a trip in person, if you can. But if you can't, their website is a treasure trove of information, history, and jaw dropping resources.

Apr 20

My great, great grandparents along with my great grandfather and his sister.

Things to Love #3: Family History and Genealogy

From an early age I've been interested in genealogy. My paternal grandmother had so much information about where and who she came from. I remember seeing a huge, handwritten wheel that was made with her at the center and her family branching out from there. I was struck by it all. And, when she died, I volunteered to be the caretaker of all of the family history documents, letters, photos, and memorabilia.

Apr 19

Images: Cadbury (left) and Burtons (right)

Bristol Box #3: Travel to England!

If you don't have the time or the means to travel to England, you can pretend, with a Bristol Box full of English goodies. Disclaimer: I have yet to actually set foot in England, so these might be a bit stereotypical for "tea time", but hey, it's all in fun.

Apr 18

New Old Content

I’ve recently backfilled in a bunch of posts from my old blog, so scroll down to see some interesting new old content!

Apr 15

I’ve Got Moxie #2: Learning German

I took Spanish in school. It made the most sense, since I had already had some Spanish in elementary school, and I had a couple of Spanish-speaking people in my family. I'm glad to have learned what Spanish I did, and living here in Arizona, it really does come in handy. But I always kind of wished I'd learned some German.

Apr 15

Pride and Prejudice title page. Image is in the public domain.

Olio #2: Jane Austen Mad Libs*—Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen Mad Libs*. Because why not. If I run out of other ideas, I may make this a semi-regular feature, at least making it through her six major works. And maybe some other public domain works. Let me know if you have any requests!

Apr 14