Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

Did you have a restful weekend? We didn’t—and even though the past few weeks around here have been exhausting, I’m really happy about that. On Friday, 8-year-old Colton and I ventured over to Fairystone State Park in Patrick County and had an extremely fun time looking for (and finding) the unique crystalline structures.

On Saturday, my husband, son, and I had a blast at the Celtic Festival in Big Island. And Sunday, we were super productive on the home front—church, Easter Bunny photos, grocery shopping, kitchen cleaning, all the necessities.

All to say, I’m looking forward to another fun, albeit busy week and weekend—and I hope you are too. I hope today’s newsletter topics find you well, because I’m so glad you’re here.

Amie Knowles

Newsletter Editor, Dogwood

Colton Knowles, a second grader, enjoys a day at the library. (Amie Knowles/Dogwood)

I’m a Virginia mom who homeschools; here’s what it really looks like

By Amie Knowles

If you’re hoping for a “this is the perfect way to homeschool your child” kind of article, I’m sorry to say you won’t find that here.

But if you’re a Virginia parent balancing work and home with a schedule that looks like a drunk squirrel designed it—and you’re still curious about home-based education—you’re in the right spot.

Yes, I’ve watched the same Instagram reels you have. The ones with the mom in her long, flowing dress, baking sourdough from scratch in a 1940s oven, a cloth-diapered baby on her hip, and a buttoned-up-shirt boy gently clutching an antique slate to begin the morning lesson. That, apparently, is the dream.

I bought the 1880s school desk. Our first readers were Dick and Jane. It was our first day of kindergarten—what I imagined would be a sweet, simple morning.

Instead, it quickly turned into pure chaos…

Read the nitty gritty →

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Welcome to our weekly advice column, courtesy of Grace: She’s the big sister who shares her own mistakes so you can avoid making them, the coworker who builds you up to ask for the raise you deserve, and the friend who is always happy to listen.

We all need someone like Grace in our corner. Submit your own questions here.

How do I get the guy I’m seeing to put a little more effort into romance?

Dear Grace,

I’m dating a divorced dad, and he’s a little low-effort. Our last date was gas station beer, corn nuts, and…you-know-what. I liked the last part, but the first part wasn’t a great warm-up.

How can I give him gentle encouragement to be more romantic?

— Not There Yet in Provo

Dear Not There Yet in Provo,

First of all, I hear you. Gas station beer and corn nuts might be fine in a pinch, but it’s understandable to want more romance, more care, and more intention.

Many women wonder whether they should just be “easygoing” or speak up. So let’s get one thing straight: it is okay to want more than a low-effort hookup. Here’s some advice to get the romance you’re looking for…

Read Grace’s response

Down here in the Southside, all of our essentials are met with what my husband and I bring home combined each month. But with inflation, rising real estate taxes in our area, gas at nearly $4 a gallon, and even $1 items now priced at $1.75, it feels like things are adding up faster than they ever have before.

That begs the question: Do you feel the cost of living in your area is justified by the quality of life?

I’d love to hear your take. Click below to respond or email me at amie@couriernewsroom.com. Keep an eye out for Friday’s newsletter, where we share reader responses.

Join the conversation

Virginia Events

🐣 Easter Sunday buffet brunch, Sunday, April 5, 11:30 a.m. (Luray)

Enjoy an Easter Sunday buffet brunch at Mimslynn Inn, complete with roast beef, honey ham, roasted chicken, stuffed flounder, and more. Reservations are required, and you can be added to the waitlist by calling 540-743-5105.

🐣 Easter Celebration, Sunday, April 5, 12 p.m. (Lovingston)

Want one last chance to see the Easter Bunny? He’ll be hopping around Wood Ridge Farm Brewery on Sunday for a 12 p.m. meet and greet with photo opportunities. An hour later, there will be a children’s Easter Egg hunt, followed by an adult egg hunt at 2 p.m.

🐣 Easter Egg hunt, Sunday, April 5, 12:30 p.m. (Skipwith)

Head on over to White Oaks Preserve for an Easter egg hunt designed with the whole family in mind. There will be kids’ activities, a face painter, fresh cut flowers, craft vendors, and more.

Are you enjoying this newsletter?

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Knowles. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 8-year-old who loves Pokémon. This edition includes stories from Galvanize Together. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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