Writer, Speaker, Editor, Blogger
Last weekend, I taught at a writing conference. Each time I teach at a conference, I become increasingly aware that our lives weave a story. Some lives are stories of abuse, neglect, betrayal, and struggle. Other lives involve miracles, healing, and thankfulness. Life stories are powerful. Your personal story is unique and multifaceted. Each life […]
Last week, we celebrated the life of my 96-year-old aunt. Although we miss her, her death was the natural outcome of a long life well lived. At the visitation, many shared stories of their friendship with her and what she meant to them over the years. Those stories delighted and encouraged me. No one said […]
Have you experienced times when difficulty comes in clusters? My husband and I are navigating such a season. Physical recovery, providing care for an aging loved one, and other stressors combine to make it feel as if we are swimming in a sea of icebergs. We know eventually all these situations will moderate, or end, […]
Every time I attend, or teach, at a writing conference, I am reminded of the power of community. The interaction, learning, camaraderie, encouragement, and support inspire and propel forward motion. But community isn’t limited to writers. Faith-based, creative, work-related, local, regional, and family-oriented communities enrich our lives. Following are some of the gifts of […]
I just returned from teaching at the American Society of Journalists and Authors conference. This was the first in-person conference in two years. In addition to teaching, learning was a big part of the experience. Even greater than knowledge gained, were the connections made with other writers, editors, and agents. I met several first-time attendees […]
Last week, I learned of several in our community who died from COVID-related complications. This week, I know those who are struggling with multiple health conditions or new diagnoses. I look around me at church and count multiple people who lost a spouse or other family members in the past year. Honestly, as we near […]
Each year, thousands of people search for their roots through online sites or by other means. Some are looking for birth families; others are curious to know more about the lives and locations of past generations. Roots are important in nature and in our lives. Although we might survive, without a healthy root system, we […]
In recent weeks, I have become increasingly aware of those in various types of pain. A friend and also a family member who are experiencing physical pain. Extended family members endured the emotional pain of watching the physical pain of a loved one’s final days on earth. Others suffer pain related to aging or chronic […]
For the second week in a row, I spent the day in the ER with my husband. His health has been a rollercoaster ride since November and has left us feeling as if we are constantly on the edge of the next emergent situation. We would happily give up our ER frequent flier designation. Much […]
I just returned from several days in New York City for the American Society of Journalists and Authors annual conference. Attending the conference is akin to drinking from a fire hose. Information and connections came at me so fast I barely have time to swallow, much less digest, before the next flood of information washed […]