Writer, Speaker, Editor, Blogger
Last week, I had the joy of indulging in a personal retreat, a time of respite self-care. I stepped aside from life’s demands, normal routines, and the grief process. I ceased decluttering my home and focused on decluttering my mind. Lists, boxes, and chores were left behind as I rested, reflected, refreshed, and rebooted. Following […]
When I opened my laptop this week, I was greeted by a black screen with not even a brief flash of light or sound of whirring fan. I tried several different things, but my laptop remained silent and dark. For months, I set aside this week for a personal writing retreat. As I loaded bags […]
This week, my son announced the upcoming closure of his recording studio, which has been his passion and full-time job for almost ten years. Although he told me this was a possibility, I wasn’t expecting the announcement to come so soon. In some ways, I’m sad, but I know his decision is God-led, therefore, I […]
Last week, my son and I climbed up the attic stairs in search of a few specific boxes. I hadn’t been in the attic for years and was surprised by all that is there: a playpen that is now too dirty to ever be used again, plastic boxes of unknown items, toys strewn willy-nilly with […]
As I begin this post, the day is dreary. Rain spatters the window and a steady breeze rustles foliage. If I allow it, the damp dreariness could cast a dark shadow over my mood. But I won’t let this happen, because, in the background, I see glistening green grass. I see beauty. Enjoy Beauty Now […]
Sometimes, when I sit at my computer to begin writing, I have a kernel of an idea that unfolds gradually. Other times, the idea sputters, dribbling out in phrases rather than sentences, and takes far longer than I like to form into cohesive paragraphs. My favorite writing days are ones that involve a Divine download. […]
Years ago, when my mother was alive and still living in my childhood home, the swimming pool stayed covered one summer while she was in and out of the hospital. The next year, I knew it needed to be uncovered. I expected it to be a mess, and it was. As I struggled to remove […]
March is usually the month with the most unpredictable weather. While wind is a given, temperatures are erratic. March teases us with a warm and sunny day followed by a return to cold and dreary. A chilly morning gives way to a hot afternoon, or a warm start to the day ends with blustery cold. […]
Last weekend, I taught and met with conferees one-on-one at a writing conference. I always learn at these conferences, even when serving on faculty. Not only do I learn about the craft of writing, but I gain insight into human nature. I see those with deep hurts, quirks, and a desire for self-expression. But I […]
Any time you have a dramatic life change, if you are willing, you learn from the experience. The death of a loved one presents that opportunity. Following are reflections on what I’ve learned in the last year and two months: Expect Times of Loneliness Recently, I woke up and smelled coffee brewing. Then, I realized […]