Writer, Speaker, Editor, Blogger
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 […]
Each year, I like to choose a word that is meaningful, motivating, and helps me stay focused. Sometimes, my word for the year is obvious and comes rapidly. But here we are almost to the middle of January and I still haven’t landed on my word. Now, for a writer, it’s a little disturbing to […]
Like an empty canvas awaiting the first brush stroke, there is something infinitely exciting and refreshing about a new year. Difficulties and challenges of the year past fade into the background with the bright hues of opportunity that lie ahead. Decisions for change load a fresh palette. New choices brush away and cover past mistakes. […]
What brings you joy at Christmas? Is it time with family, baking, singing, volunteering your time and talents? Christmas is a time for celebration, rejoicing, and counting blessings, but it’s also a time to brighten the lives of others, and give as your heart prompts. Here are a few of my favorite things at Christmas: […]
When our children were young, a zealous property owners association board member encouraged everyone in the neighborhood to purchase and place luminaries on the curb in front of their houses each Christmas Eve. Even if we prepared in advance, it was always stressful to get the luminaries in place and lighted before extended family arrived […]