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Thanksgiving memories can be of family joy. But for Native Americans, it's also a day of sorrow. Uniting the two facts is a dream of fellowship and shared bounty. May we be guided by the dream rather than the blood-stained myth.

As the sun sets on Yom Kippur -- a day set aside for reflection, to evaluate our past deeds and failures, to seek forgiveness from those we have wronged, and to rededicate ourselves to a better future -- I've decided to share this poem that evolved out of my meditations this morning.

At the end of the day, when black mothers are living nightmares I can only imagine, I know that change begins with me, with my actions. Words are not enough.

As we shelter in place, some of us are completely alone, though lucky singles like me have a pet to keep us company. But for the majority of us who have Internet connections, we’re not truly alone. We are connecting with each other on a deeper, richer level than ever before – and far more frequently.

BookTV interviewed Sally Wiener Grotta at the opening of The Wordsmiths Project photo exhibit for which she created interpretive portraits of people behind the scenes in book publishing. The launch exhibit was at Book Expo 2007 at Javits Center, NYC

In this episode of "What If? Why Not? How?", Sally Wiener Grotta talks with Saroj Ghoting, the Early Childhood Literacy consultant, who shares tips for engaging newborns, toddlers and young children in the joy of books and how to make them lifelong readers.

Video: George Harrison has a sure-fire plan for world peace, if Richard Nixon will listen to him. Sally Wiener Grotta reads her story "The Truth Within" from the anthology "Across the Universe: Tales of Alternative Beatles."

Though I wrote this poem several years ago, it feels very appropriate for this April.

In 1918, my Aunt Rose's life was saved during the Spanish flu epidemic by a traditional "sprecher", a Jewish man who sat by her bed talking to her. Or so my Grandma believed. A superstition? Perhaps. But maybe words and a loving touch can keep the spirit tied to life, or at least make life worth living.

Working from home is nothing new for freelance writer/artist Sally Wiener Grotta. Here's the time management routine she has developed over the years which has helped her be so productive.