https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtDpsKgLEun/?igshid=ZWQyN2ExYTkwZQ== Just a quick shout out to my memoir-writing team! I took this group under my wing during the pandemic, when as a group, we decided we wanted to self-publish our anthology. I’d self-published exactly ONE book, and so I was deemed the most experienced. To be fair, I really pushed this group of retirees,... Continue Reading →
The First Frost of the Season
I woke up well-rested after a full night’s sleep. My bedroom window was still open, and I could feel the chill of the misty air as a light breeze carried it into my room. I flung the covers back and set my feet on the floor. My little dog scampered off the bed and down... Continue Reading →
The Smell of Campfire Smoke in the Air
I finished my Zoom call and stood up to stretch. I twisted and my spine crackled like popcorn. It was time to move! I put on my sneakers. My little black dog stood at the ready, waiting and waggling her hind end, her eyes fixed on me. I tied my shoes and zipped my hoodie.... Continue Reading →
Fall: The Season of Creepy Things!
After one of the shortest summers in Newcastle history, I was hoping Fall wouldn’t arrive so quickly. How can we be in the Season of Dark already, I wonder? Our PNW summers may be short, but they are nearly perfect with the extra sunshine, the fabulous mountains and lakes nearby, and people enjoying outside together.... Continue Reading →
May 31, 2022 | Day 31: When Planning Ahead Paid Off
Earlier this month, I traveled with my family to Colorado to see extended family, including my in-laws, my sister-in-law and her family, and my brothers and their families. We'd scheduled our trip around my nephew's high school graduation. About a week before, I'd texted my brother to find out the flow of events during our... Continue Reading →
May 30, 2022 | Day 30: A Food that Reminds Me of Summer
The number one food that reminds me of summer is WATERMELON! I know that's not an original answer, but when I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania, we ate seasonal foods, so it wasn't possible to find summer foods like watermelon or grapes in the winter months. Maybe that makes them seem more... Continue Reading →
May 29, 2022 | Day 29: What I Learned During My Month of Writing
After today's writing, I will have written for 29 days in a row. I learned to prioritize my writing. I am proud of myself for writing on work days, weekends, travel days, and holidays, such as Mother's Day. I learned that I would get it done when I put the time and dedication ahead of... Continue Reading →
May 28, 2022 | Day 28: Being a Confident Writer
What makes me feel confident as a writer? My personal favorite is finding a topic, researching, and writing about it. I spend days reading my story aloud to myself, my dog, and my family. When it's good enough, I share it with my writing group. They give me feedback that I incorporate, then publish on... Continue Reading →
May 27, 2022 | Day 27: Eliminating Insecurity
Whenever I feel insecure, my response is to take action! I used to be afraid of public speaking, so I applied for a teaching position at a local college. I didn't feel confident praying for people, so I joined a prayer team. I was afraid to publish a book, so I self-published. But there's no... Continue Reading →
May 26, 2022 | Day 26: Am I Insecure?
One thing that makes me insecure about my writing is not winning writing competitions. I know rejection is part of the writing game, but I want everyone to love what I write as much as I do. Ha! It doesn't bog me down or keep me up at night, and I honestly feel like it... Continue Reading →