Hi, I’m Rebecca. I write books and I write here at This Joyful Mess to inspire everyone to find JOY in the everyday messes of life. Here you’ll find inspiration, educational resources, and so much more. Please explore and connect—I’d love to hear from you!
The Pandemic Nearly Destroyed My Kids Part 2... One Mother's Horror Story
If you think your kids are safe online, think again. Read one mother’s horror story about online dangers and learn the number one best way to protect your kids short of setting back the clock twenty years. Learn about Gryphon and digital safety.
The Pandemic Nearly Destroyed My Kids. This Is How I’m Getting Them Back
I thought my 5 year old was watching a harmless YouTube video for kids. What he was really watching absolutely horrified me. The internet is fast becoming one of the scariest places on earth, especially for kids and their parents. Here is the first in a series on protecting children from online dangers.
19 Ridiculously Easy Ways to Ignite Your Creativity
Here you’ll find my TOP FIVE easy ways to set your creativity ABLAZE. These ideas can be used by anyone—even if you (mistakenly) think you’re not creative. We’re all creative. It’s part of what it means to be human, but we each express our creativity in our own uniquely wonderful ways. Download the full list to find out more!
Saying Goodbye: Why I Broke Up With Instagram
I stopped posting to Instagram in November of 2020. And in so doing (or, not doing, I suppose), I noticed some things… First, there’s very little “Social” about Social Media.
Just in Time for Holiday Gift-Giving: My Year Nature Journal Paperback
My Year Nature Journal gives you 12 full months of nature journal activity and free-creation pages to support your nature/outdoor education. The journal is perfect for fans of Charlotte Mason, Montessori, kinesthetic and hands-on learning, or to simply enhance your enjoyment of the outdoors.
This One Hack Made My Mom-Life Better and My Kids Happier
It’s any random evening and I’m doling out the usual pre-bedtime chores. Pick up, put away, no, really put it away properly, not under the chair, all the pieces, oh whatever, just go brush your teeth. So. Many. Toys. Find the Ultimate Guide to creating your own Toy Rotation System. Reclaim your house and make all those old toys seem new again!
Nachos, picture books, and a chat with author Sandra Nickel
In this delicious interview, discover Sandra Nickel’s forthcoming book Nacho's Nachos, which tells the true story of Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, who invented one of the world’s favorite snacks.
An Amazing August with the My Year Nature Journal
Get outside this year! Yes, to celebrate the release of my third picture book, A Year With Mama Earth, I’m creating a nature journal inspired by Rebecca Green’s illustrations and the book’s lyrical text. Find August’s installment here, as well as helpful educational links and more ideas for crafts and fun.
Celebrate the Freedom of July with the My Year Nature Journal
Get outside this year! Yes, to celebrate the release of my third picture book, A Year With Mama Earth, I’m creating a nature journal inspired by Rebecca Green’s illustrations and the book’s lyrical text. Find July’s installment here, as well as helpful educational links and more ideas for crafts and fun.
Enjoying the Outdoors in June with the My Year Nature Journal
Get outside this year! Yes, to celebrate the release of my third picture book, A Year With Mama Earth, I’m creating a nature journal inspired by Rebecca Green’s illustrations and the book’s lyrical text. Find June’s installment here, as well as helpful educational links and more ideas for crafts and fun.