Writer, Speaker, Editor, Blogger
In recent days, we’ve had one of those unexpected problems no one wants to deal with—an overflowing toilet. And, of course, this fiasco happened on a weekend, so no help from a plumber until Monday. I’ll spare the graphic details but suffice to say sopping up potty overflow is an unwanted and unpleasant job. Do […]
Ah, spring! Who doesn’t love the vibrant greens, multi-hued blooms, and ever-increasing warmth of spring? Following the drabness and coldness of winter, spring is a gift. Spring is all about renewal, hope, color, forward motion, and promise. Renewal The last few years have felt like a long winter filled with pandemic, civil unrest, and, most […]
Last weekend, I taught at a writing conference. Conferees, clutching their proposals, streamed into the appointment room. Some slid in the door and plastered themselves against the wall. Others danced in, anticipation and excitement apparent on their faces. Still others bounced from one appointment table to the next like a pinball hitting obstacles, searching for […]
Last week, as I prepared a snack basket for a friend’s family to enjoy following a celebration of life, I listened to Mozart’s Requiem in D Minor. It was what happened to be playing on Symphony Hall that day at that time. Although I’d heard the piece before, I suddenly noticed many sections end in […]
For most of us, March marks the return of spring, and with it, new vegetation, multiple shades of green, milder temperatures, and bright blue skies. Yet, March is a month known for its changeability. Sometimes, within just a few hours, spring-like weather morphs into strong, biting winds, severe storms, or a sudden return to frigid […]
Last weekend, I taught at a writing conference. As I met conferees, reviewed their book proposals, and talked to them about their ideas, I was reminded anew that writers often write from their hurts. Difficult, challenging, wounding life experiences are the fuel that drives many to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. But […]
One of the advantages of having grandchildren is the joy of looking at the world from their perspective. I did this to some extent with my children, but grandchildren put a whole new spin on a child-eye viewpoint. What we learn through the eyes of little ones, enhances forward motion. Following are some of the […]
Raise your hand if you cringe at the subject of self-discipline. Yeah, I’m right there with you. It’s so much easier to do as we please without thought to consequences. But without some level of self-discipline, you, and sometimes others, suffer. Self-discipline is never easy. Most of us don’t enjoy having any type of limitations […]
I can count on one hand the times I’ve won a contest, so last weekend, I was surprised to learn my book Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well won first place in the SCWC Notable Book Awards for traditionally published nonfiction. I had already decided which of the finalist would win, and it wasn’t […]
Several days ago, we woke to a beautiful, deep snow. For many, snow is common and more of an inconvenience than anything else. But for those of us living in areas where snow is occasional, it is a delight. Here, snow in the forecast is guaranteed to clean out grocery store aisles and send people […]