Late autumn is here in earnest this week, with some chilly temps and soggy days. It’s been a week for sipping tea and curling up under a blanket with a good book. I’m finally getting around to responding to blog comments, and I apologize for the delay. Having two new part-time jobs has sent my […]
Wow. My life has been a whirlwind these past few weeks. Some of it amazing. I started teaching English as a Second Language, which is promising to be a life-changing journey for me. Some of it not so amazing—like a beloved family member being diagnosed with a serious illness. So, in the midst of all […]
Since my return from my trip to Germany in August, I’ve entered a period of quiet introspection. What direction do I want to go in my life? Am I on an authentic path that will allow me to drink from the wellspring of creativity? How do I define success, and how have I internalized society’s […]
Today the daffodils are resting their weary heads against the frozen earth. After a fairly mild winter, and an exceptionally mild February, winter appears to be making its last stand, complete with snow flurries and wind chill advisories. In Southwest Virginia we’ve been spared the mountains of snow that are currently blanketing the Northeast, though, […]
Sometimes in life it is necessary to sweep the cobwebs away. We get stuck in a rut, and it’s hard to break out. Lately I’ve been in just such a rut. I’ve been hobbling along with my writing. I’ll do well for a few days, and then I won’t write for a few days. It’s […]
It’s a warm but rainy day in Southwest Virginia. The steady plop of rain against the townhouse provides a backdrop for a day spent inside, drinking tea and typing away at the keys. They’re saying thunderstorms are on their way, so we’re holed up inside today. As a goal-driven person in a goal-driven society, sometimes […]
It’s turning out not to be the best of days for insightful blogging. We’re having new windows installed (much-needed, too, as the cold days of winter grip us!), so my house is a flurry of activity. And, on a sadder note, it appears my 14-year-old cat, Roo, is having seizures, so I’ve already made one […]
The swirl and color of autumn leaves. The first flowers peeking their heads through the still-cold earth in spring. Lying in the grass on a warm summer night, staring at the stars or the full moon’s silver orb. The hush of winter snowfall. The owl’s hoot. The deer’s wide gaze. The calming scent of lavender. […]
In the Pagan tradition I walk, Yule, or the winter solstice, is all about rebirth. It’s a turning point, much as New Year’s Eve marks a turning. We say goodbye to the old and open our arms to the rebirth of the sun. The longest night of the year holds within it a spark of […]
While studying creative writing in undergraduate and grad school, I participated in countless writing workshops. I’ve been a member of critique groups and read countless writing books. But there’s one thing I’ve only recently come to realize: Sometimes people’s writing advice is bad. Well, let me clarify. It’s not necessarily bad advice. It’s just bad […]