Enriching Education - Benjamin Franklin and Franklin TN

The seed of an idea held for years by longtime Franklin, TN resident Pamela Lewis has finally taken root! Entrepreneur Lewis, who has spent decades working behind the scenes with high-profile projects like MTV and Garth Brooks, is unaccustomed to the spotlight but felt time was of the essence to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary.

Lewis is a former Franklin Alderman, preservationist, philanthropist, historian, and art enthusiast who often wondered why there wasn’t anything linking her city to its namesake, the enigmatic polymath Benjamin Franklin.

To connect the dots... this historic city, located just south of Nashville, was named Franklin in honor of Benjamin Franklin. Early settler Abram Maury, Jr. (Maury County) initially proposed the name “Marthasville” in honor of his wife, Martha, but she humbly suggested instead to name for Franklin, who was already a household name. Martha argued that Ben was a colleague and co-patriot of Dr. Hugh Williamson (Williamson County), who had also befriended Maury, thereby establishing a fitting connection.

Founded in 1799 – just nine years after Franklin’s death – Franklin, TN is the second-oldest city in the United States named for this Founding Father, famed publisher, and inventor, and also is the largest city by population to bear his name.

In early 2025, Lewis learned from her friend, historian Mary Pearce, that the city and the local Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) were discussing plans for America’s 250th anniversary, including the possibility of finally erecting a statue honoring Benjamin Franklin, the city’s namesake. This was a tipping point. Lewis quickly joined the effort, brainstorming ideas with the DAR and others, urging them to seek a sculptor capable of creating a detailed statue that would reflect the community while properly honoring Franklin.

Lewis did not stop there. Building on the renewed focus on Benjamin Franklin’s legacy at the Williamson County Archives and Museum campus, she expanded the effort by creating two books about Benjamin Franklin – one written for readers of all ages and another for children.

The all-ages title, Benjamin Franklin: America’s First Rockstar, is a hip, engaging collection of facts and anecdotes about Franklin, interspersed with quotes from other famed and historic figures, with an emphasis on fun. The book was published by Traitmarker Media, with editor Robbie Grayson III working closely with Lewis.

The children’s book, Ben Franklin Visits Franklin for a Day, is a warm and whimsical story featuring original illustrations by Isabella McKaskill, who grew up in Franklin after being adopted from India by her parents. McKaskill, who now lives in nearby Spring Hill, Tennessee, with her husband and two children, created 60 original sepia-toned llustrations for the book.

A joint proclamation between the city and county declaring January 17 “Ben Franklin Day” can be viewed here.

“We made a little history at 10 am on January 17, 2026,” says Lewis. “It was so gratifying to look out and see so many supportive and enthusiastic people. This was definitely one of the happiest days of my life. May we continue to make history in the best of ways, sharing unity, a sense of community, and what positive legacies we can create together.”

Both books are available nationwide through online retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as locally at Landmark Booksellers, 114 E. Main St., Franklin, TN 37064, and Denise Carolyn Boutique, 706 Columbia Ave., Franklin, TN 37064. For wholesale or stocking inquiries, please contact the email address below.

Parenting Pointers - You’re Allowed to Want More: Why Personal Happiness Still Matters After You Become a Parent

By Sarene B. Arias, author of Discovering Diamonds: A Story of Compassionate Divorce

For a long time, I stayed in my marriage because I believed that leaving would make me a “bad mother.” I told myself that enduring unhappiness was simply part of the job description. 

In the introduction to Discovering Diamonds, I share something that still catches in my throat when I say it out loud: in my marriage, I felt more like a slave than a woman. And yet, I stayed—because we had children, and I believed their needs automatically outranked my own.

Many women know this internal conflict intimately. In fact, a 2015 study by the American Sociological Association found that women initiate nearly 70 percent of divorces, and that number rises to almost 90 percent among college-educated women. These statistics don’t mean that women are impulsive or anti-marriage. They suggest something far more uncomfortable: that many women stay until they simply can’t anymore.

Especially mothers.

We are often taught, explicitly and implicitly, that once we have children, our personal happiness becomes optional. A luxury. Something to revisit “later,” when the kids are grown. But here’s the truth I state clearly on page 13 of my book: your personal happiness is both your right and your responsibility, even if you are a parent.

That sentence alone can feel radical.

Let me be shed some light on the matter: loving your children deeply does not ask you to sacrifice your humanity. In fact, divorce does not mean you love your children less. It means you are willing to look honestly at the emotional environment they are growing up in, and at the person you are becoming inside it.

Renowned psychologist Dan Siegel offers a powerful reframe that many parents are ablet to recognize immediately. He compares emotional well-being in families to the airplane oxygen mask rule: you must secure your own mask before helping your child. Not because you’re selfish, but because if you can’t breathe, you can’t help anyone else breathe either.

When our needs go unmet for years on end, we feel unseen, overextended, or diminished. It also becomes exponentially harder to parent with patience, presence, and warmth. Children are particularly sensitive, and while they may not understand the details, they feel the emotional weather in the home. Chronic resentment, quiet despair, or emotional shutdown don’t disappear just because we try to “push through for the kids.”

This is why I believe that parents are allowed to consider divorce—even when children are involved. Not lightly. Not impulsively. But consciously, compassionately, and with deep care for the entire family system.

Which brings me to what I call Compassionate Divorce.

For couples who must part ways, Compassionate Divorce offers an alternative to the adversarial, blame-driven model most of us associate with divorce. Instead of framing separation as a failure or a battlefield, it treats it as a transition that still needs collaboration, integrity, and shared responsibility.

In Compassionate Divorce, partners are supported in remembering that they were once a team, and, in many ways, they still are. The goal is not to “win,” but to create the best possible outcomes for every member of the family that they have formed together. This includes the children, of course, but also each parent as an individual human being.

One of the hardest parts of this process is slowing down. This is especially true when relationships are in crisis, and fear can drive people toward quick exits or rigid positions. Compassionate Divorce asks something braver: that each person take responsibility for their inner work, communicate honestly, and stay connected to shared values even while letting go of the marriage itself.

In Discovering Diamonds, I describe this process as opening a “toolbox.” Inside are skills many of us were never taught, such as emotional regulation, conscious communication, boundary-setting without cruelty, and the ability to sit with grief without assigning blame. These tools don’t just help couples divorce well. They help them co-parent, heal, and grow long after the legal process ends.

And then there are the diamonds themselves.

The “diamonds” are the unexpected gifts that emerged for me through Compassionate Divorce: self-respect, emotional freedom, and a renewed sense of vitality. I became a better mother not because my life got easier overnight, but because I became more alive, more honest, and more present. My children didn’t lose a parent, instead they gained a mother who was no longer disappearing inside her own life.

If I could offer one piece of advice to couples standing at this crossroads, it would be this: don’t confuse endurance with love. Staying at any cost is not the same as staying with integrity. And leaving does not have to mean destruction.

Divorce, when approached with compassion, can be an act of responsibility rather than abandonment. It can model courage, emotional intelligence, and respect. And for children, that lesson may be one of the most valuable inheritances we ever give them.

Hope doesn’t end when a marriage does. Sometimes, that’s where it finally begins.

About the Author 

Sarene B. Arias is author of Discovering Diamonds: A Story of Compassionate Divorce. She has learned to make peace while finding love in the conflict-ridden Middle East. She is a Certified Integral Therapist who works internationally with individuals and couples, helping them to feel vitally alive. Her groundbreaking Diamond Workshops support couples in crisis, helping them to rediscover hope and compassion. 

Going Green - Basics but Better: Splendid’s Climate Beneficial™ Verified Cotton Tee Collection

Splendid, the lifestyle brand celebrated for its iconic soft fabrics, introduces the Lila Tee collection. Crafted from 100% Climate Beneficial™ Verified Cotton, these all-new silhouettes are soft, breathable, feel-good essentials that are as thoughtful as they are timeless.

Building on its commitment to thoughtful materials, Splendid is proud to utilize Climate Beneficial™ Verified (CBV) Cotton, grown on farms that are committed to regenerative farming and ranching practices. CBV farms aim to restore and enhance ecosystems by pulling CO2 out of the atmosphere and into the soil, increasing biodiversity, conserving water, and reducing chemical inputs. While organic agriculture sets an important baseline, Climate Beneficial raises the bar by focusing on regeneration—restoring ecosystems, rebuilding soil, and creating positive climate impact.

Designed as a new everyday staple, the Lila tee launches in three silhouettes, a Short Sleeve Crew Neck, Short Sleeve V-Neck, and Long Sleeve Crew Neck. These classic cuts are timeless basics you’ll reach for again and again, perfect for layering or wearing on their own.

“Splendid began with the quest for the perfect tee, and our new Climate Beneficial™ Verified Cotton Tee Collection is the continuation of that journey. Over the past year, Splendid has partnered with Fibershed on the development of this fabric. Visiting partner farms in California and learning directly from those behind this work has been truly inspiring,” says Creative Director, Holly Shapiro. “This has been a team effort in every sense, and we are deeply inspired by the experts who have guided us along the way. We’re proud to be releasing our first climate-beneficial fabric to our customers this Spring and hope that it becomes a staple in everyone’s wardrobe in the coming year.”

The Lila Climate Beneficial™ Verified Cotton Tees are now available on splendid.com and at select Splendid stores nationwide priced at $88 for Short Sleeve and $98 for Long Sleeve.

Learn more about Climate Beneficial™ Verified Cotton and Splendid’s Kind Fibers on SplendidKind.

About Splendid

Starting as the leading premium tee in the market 20 years ago, Splendid now has reach in almost every category—all of which highlight the soft and luxurious fabrics the brand is known for. With an uncomplicated, timeless aesthetic, Splendid has come to be so much more than a t-shirt—it’s a lifestyle. At Splendid, our aim is to uplift women to feel their best. We make clothing that’s effortlessly put together, that looks great and feels even better. Splendid can be found at its retail locations in the US as well as at high-end department and specialty stores. For a full listing of stores, to shop online or for additional brand information, visit https://www.splendid.com/.

Music Minute - Tracy Lawrence: No Alibis Tour

 

Country music icon and philanthropist Tracy Lawrence brings all his best lines to the road this year on his headlining 2026 No Alibis Tour with select dates presented by Peachtree Entertainment, hitting many cities across America for the first leg with more dates to be announced. The run will kick off in March and go through August, featuring a hometown stop in Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium for the third year in a row following back-to-back sellouts. Presale is happening now with general onsale beginning today (1/30) at 10 a.m. local time – tickets can be purchased here.   “This year felt like the right time to lean back into headlining more shows and really celebrate these songs with the folks who've been there from the beginning and love real country music,” said Lawrence. “The No Alibis Tour is about showing up and sharing a night that reminds us why we fell in love with country music in the first place. I can't wait to sing all the hits together!”   Lawrence spent 2025 touring across the country, playing with Josh Turner as well as his own headline shows. He also returned to NFR joining Rodeo Live! for an interview following his performance – watch here. The country icon also drew in a major crowd at Stagecoach last year, packing out the Palomino Stage to a rowdy audience singing back every word of his countless hits.   Last year also marked a milestone year for Lawrence's charity, Mission:Possible, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Mission:Possible Turkey Fry and Benefit Concert. The Nashville community came together like never before for the beloved event after a refrigerated truck broke down, spoiling 650 stored turkeys. After calling out to social media, the event saw over 2,400 turkeys donated, making the new total 5,350 cooked and frozen distributed turkeys. The added donations brought the total to 50,000+ meals provided for those in need. The night ended with a special benefit concert featuring performances by Lawrence, Gretchen Wilson, Chris Cagle, Eric Paslay and Halfway to Hazard, raising over $355,000 from ticket sales, silent auction items, significant artist donations and more.   In addition to his robust music career, Lawrence has launched a growing line of cooking products, featuring all-natural marinade and seasoning. The products tout being completely free from MSG, gluten, sugar and genetically modified organisms (non-GMO) and is sold in select Scheel's stores as well as Amazon and Lawrence's website. He joined FOX & Friends to launch the seasoning during Labor Day weekend (watch here) and the marinade last fall (watch here). Select profits from the marinade and seasoning benefit Lawrence's Mission:Possible charity.    Keep up with Lawrence on Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok.

No Alibis Tour Dates: March 12, 2026 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall March 14, 2026 in Gonzales, La. at Bulls, Bands and Barrels* March 26, 2026 in Riverside, Iowa at Riverside Casino & Golf Resort March 27, 2026 in Clear Lake, Iowa at Surf Ballroom March 28, 2026 in Du Quoin, Ill. at Cord McCoy DuQuoin Rodeo April 10, 2026 in Lake Charles, La. at Golden Nugget Lake Charles – Grand Event Center April 16, 2026 in El Paso, Texas at The Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Center – Kendall Kidd Performance Hall* April 17, 2026 in Canyon, Texas at The Backyard at the Lumberyard* April 18, 2026 in Georgetown, Texas at Two Step Inn Festival April 23, 2026 in Duluth, Minn. at Duluth Entertainment Convention Center Symphony Hall* April 25, 2026 in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. at Crystal Grand Music Theatre May 2, 2026 in Marietta, Ohio at Peoples Bank Theatre May 3, 2026 in Nashville, Tenn. at Ryman Auditorium May 7, 2026 in Savannah, Ga. at Johnny Mercer Theater* May 8, 2026 in Dothan, Ala. at Dothan Civic Center* May 14, 2026 in Wichita, Kan. at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center Concert Hall* May 16, 2026 in Pasadena, Texas at Pasadena Strawberry Festival May 28, 2026 in Spartanburg, S.C. at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium* May 29, 2026 in Roanoke, Va. at Berglund Performing Arts Center* May 30, 2026 in Reading, Pa. at Santander Performing Arts Center* June 7, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, S.C. at Carolina Country Music Festival June 11, 2026 in Decatur, Ala. at Rock the South* June 12, 2026 in Corinth, Miss. at Crossroads Arena* June 19, 2026 in Wildwood, N.J. at Barefoot Country Music Festival June 20, 2026 in Cumberland, Md. at First Peoples Wing-Off & Music Festival June 21, 2026 in Webster, Mass. at Indian Ranch Amphitheatre June 27, 2026 in Bonner Springs, Kan. at Country Stampede July 10, 2026 in Midland, Texas at Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center* Aug. 7, 2026 in Peoria, Ill. at Prairie Home Alliance Theater* Aug. 8, 2026 in Worthington, Iowa at Worthington Memorial Park Aug. 29, 2026 in Long Beach, Calif. at Cali Country Cruise   * presented by Peachtree Entertainment

ABOUT TRACY LAWRENCE: With 13M albums sold and 18 No.1 singles, Tracy Lawrence has solidified his status as a cornerstone of country music for more than thirty years. Even as he continues to release music and tour, the CMA and ACM award winner's ambitions have also extended to numerous media and charity projects. His interest in working with younger artists and being able to explore different topics led to the “TL's Road House” podcast, which has featured guests such as HARDY, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson and more.   Over three decades into his decorated career, Lawrence's legacy continues to evolve. He spent 2024 touring with artists like Riley Green, Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson and more on top of his first-ever headlining show at the Ryman, which was sold out, and he returned to the iconic venue this year with another sold-out show. After revisiting his catalog with the Hindsight 2020 Vol 1, 2 and 3 and Live at Billy Bob's Texas albums, Lawrence released his Out Here In It EP, available everywhere now. Meanwhile, Lawrence continues to uphold his commitment to helping those in need across Middle Tennessee and beyond with his Mission:Possible non-profit committed to serving the homeless. From its humble beginnings cooking Thanksgiving dinners for the Nashville Rescue Mission to frying over 15K turkeys to date, the organization has raised more than $1.3M for those in need. In recognition of his philanthropic efforts, Lawrence was honored with the 2023 CRS Humanitarian Award.   For additional information on Tracy Lawrence, please visit his website, Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.   ABOUT MISSION:POSSIBLE: Tracy Lawrence's Mission:Possible exists to raise support and awareness of the homeless population in Middle Tennessee and beyond. The organization was launched in 2006 with its initial fundraising event, Mission:Possible Turkey Fry which has raised over $1.3M for Nashville Rescue Mission, fried over 15K turkeys and provided over 135K meals to the homeless and hungry of Middle Tennessee. In 2021, the organization created an annual Spring event, Mission: Possible Celebrity Golf Classic which has raised nearly $1.5M to date.

Book Nook - The Best Children’s Books to Embrace the Winter Season

 Originally published here

Winter brings a unique kind of magic for children. Shorter days, chilly air, and quieter moments create opportunities for slowing down, snuggling up, and sharing stories together. One of the most meaningful ways to help children connect with the season is through books that capture the wonder, beauty, and lessons of winter. Carefully chosen winter books for kids can nurture curiosity, support early literacy, and help children understand the natural changes happening around them.

Whether you are a parent building a seasonal home library or an educator planning winter read-alouds, these are some of the best children’s books to help young readers embrace the winter season.

Why Winter-Themed Books Matter for Young Children

Seasonal books do more than entertain. For young children, winter stories offer important developmental benefits. They introduce new vocabulary related to weather, clothing, and nature, help children make sense of seasonal changes, and encourage emotional connection through shared reading experiences.

Winter-themed stories also support early childhood learning by:

• Building background knowledge about the natural world
• Encouraging observation and curiosity
• Supporting language development through repetition and descriptive language
• Creating cozy, calm moments for bonding

The best children’s books about winter invite children to slow down, observe, and appreciate the season rather than rush through it.

Classic Winter Books for Kids

Some winter stories have stood the test of time and continue to be favorites for generations of families.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

This beloved classic captures the simple joy of a child experiencing snowfall for the first time. With gentle illustrations and minimal text, it’s an ideal choice for toddlers and preschoolers. The Snowy Day is often considered one of the best children’s books for introducing winter in a relatable, child-centered way.

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

This beautifully written story follows a quiet nighttime walk through the winter woods. Its poetic language and soft illustrations make it a wonderful choice for older preschoolers and early elementary children. This book emphasizes patience, observation, and the stillness of winter.

Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson

Perfect for read-alouds, this rhythmic story follows a hibernating bear while his woodland friends gather during a winter storm. It introduces concepts like hibernation and friendship, making it a strong addition to any winter book collection.

Books That Celebrate Snow and Weather

Snow is often one of the most exciting aspects of winter for children, and many winter books for kids focus on snowfall and winter weather.

Snow by Uri Shulevitz

This quiet, visually striking book builds anticipation as snow begins to fall in a city setting. It’s excellent for discussing prediction, observation, and changing environments with young readers.

Red Sled by Lita Judge

With no words at all, this beautifully illustrated book tells a story entirely through pictures. It’s a fantastic choice for encouraging storytelling, imagination, and visual literacy during the winter months.

Winter Books for Kids That Explore Nature and Animals

Winter is a time of adaptation in the natural world, and books that highlight animals and seasonal changes help children build environmental awareness.

Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner

This beautifully illustrated book explores what happens beneath the snow’s surface during winter. It’s a perfect blend of storytelling and science, making it one of the best children’s books for curious young minds.

Time to Sleep by Denise Fleming

Bright illustrations and simple text make this an engaging introduction to hibernation. It’s ideal for toddlers and preschoolers learning how animals prepare for winter.

Winter Is Here by Kevin Henkes

This book gently explains the arrival of winter through simple observations. Its calm tone and expressive illustrations make it a lovely seasonal read for younger children.

Cozy and Emotional Winter Stories

Not all winter books focus on snow and animals. Some explore feelings, relationships, and cozy indoor moments that define the season.

The Mitten by Jan Brett

A timeless folktale retelling, The Mitten combines humor, repetition, and detailed illustrations. It’s excellent for group reading and sequencing activities.

A Loud Winter’s Nap by Katy Hudson

This humorous story follows a turtle who struggles with hibernation. It offers gentle lessons about rest, change, and embracing differences, all important themes for young children.

How to Use Winter Books to Extend Learning

Reading winter books for kids can easily become more than a single storytime moment. Families and educators can extend learning by:

• Asking open-ended questions about what children notice
• Connecting stories to outdoor observations
• Pairing books with winter-themed art or sensory activities
• Encouraging children to retell stories in their own words

The best children’s books inspire conversation, creativity, and connection long after the last page is turned.

Building a Winter Reading Tradition

Winter naturally invites slower routines and cozy traditions. Creating a winter reading ritual—such as nightly storytime, weekly library visits, or a seasonal book basket—can help children associate reading with comfort and joy.

By thoughtfully choosing winter books for kids, you support literacy development while also helping children embrace the season with curiosity and warmth. The best children’s books don’t just tell stories; they create memories that children carry with them for years to come.

 

If this article sparked your interest, there’s so much more to explore. Our About page dives deeper into how exceptional early education can nurture a child’s natural curiosity, confidence, and love of learning. You can even experience this unique style of learning for yourself at a Reggio Emilia preschool and daycare near you. We’re glad you’re here—let’s keep learning together.

Keep reading, keep learning!

• Winter Activities for Kids: Keeping Children Learning and Moving All Season Long
• Teaching Kids About the Importance of Giving
• Developing Fine Motor Skills for Preschoolers