The inevitable happened. I just wasn’t ready for it – yet. This summer of 2017 seems rampant with the unexpected. A visit with my mother in assisted living and BAM – another unavoidable side effect of Alzheimer’s Disease. She no longer knew me. “Hi, kiddo,” her greeting for everyone who enters her room. As we …
For regular followers of my blog and those who have read my books, you might think the title of this post means my mother has passed. No. She is still living in the shadows of Alzheimer’s Disease. Her brave heart still beats. This loss was a complete surprise – a younger woman in good health …
He was young and bright – this college student who wanted to pursue creative writing. We met at a local coffee shop, two creatives sharing a gift – though decades apart in age. The hazelnut blend he drank mellowed the atmosphere while I played with the tail end of my English Breakfast tea bag. He …
How is it that an ethereal quality can somehow find its energy through a concrete object? Either the process has emerged through my own visual creativity or it exists within the spiritual realm I cannot see. For whatever reason it begins, hope is empowered within the realm of nature. When I cannot stand to watch …
Five years ago, my first author pictures were taken by a good friend and wonderful nature photographer, Ken Ratzlaff. It was time for an update. An author photo plays many roles. It has to suggest my brand, exude professionalism yet introduce a friendly style. At the same time, it has to look good on social …
During the summer of 2017, my church is utilizing a system to BLESS our neighborhoods. The acrostic works like this: Begin with Prayer Listen and Engage Eat (because we all connect better while we’re eating) Serve Others Story (be willing to share your faith story) Although I like this concept, I am purposely NOT engaging …
It happened so quickly, I blacked out. Even now, I have no idea how I turned my foot on that last deck step. I have descended those steps hundreds of times. Somehow, this time was different. As I woke up twisted in the grass, I was certain something weird had happened to my right foot. …
July Fourth is such a fun holiday. Whether it’s family picnics, iced tea with lemon, a favorite swimming hole or watching fireworks – everything about July Fourth seems fun. But a serious side of the topic also presents itself. In our family, this date is a reminder of how fragile life can become. My son, …
Stuck. Between the third and fourth chapter of the gazillionth revision of my novel. Somewhere a segue exists but currently – I can’t find it. I know it will come – somewhere over the rainbow. But the frustration of the moment calls for a break from writing and a massive piece of comfort chocolate. As I …
Several years ago, I started a vision journal. Some writers use a vision board to piece together plots for a novel or goals for the year. I prefer a journal. In my journal, I write about my visions for the future: A healthy and happy life for my son The country cottage I have always …