A couple of years ago, urged by a friend, I read Life of Pi, by Yann Martel.It left me fascinated, and a little confused. I guess I'm not so good with obscure stuff. So I was quite interested that the Festival of Faith & Writing brought him to speak. Would he explain the book for the slow-of-brain?The evening began with an amusing glitch. Martel was introduced by a … [Read more...]
You. Are. Blessed.
During the festival, I spent time with several single people. I was walking with one of them to a lecture and mentioned that I was blogging. He said that some friends of his were bloggers, as well. I asked if they had a particular topic that they focused on, or if they just wrote about life.He said that one of them was married, and she and her husband were trying to have a … [Read more...]
Little School in the Woods
I've been thinking back on our week of camping and how we were immersed in nature 24 hours a day (excepting the two or three evenings we escaped the mosquitos by retreating to the camp's clubhouse, which was outfitted with a pool table, cable TV, two leather recliners, and two public computers where the kids took turns logging onto Webkinz...can it still be considered … [Read more...]
The Blessing of Boredom
"I'm bored," a child whines. Oh, no! Quick, pull out the paints or Playdough—heaven forbid the child actually sits with nothing to do. In our entertainment-obsessed society, we almost panic at the thought of having nothing to do, at being bored. The world seems to want to fill every spare moment with productivity or fun. But is boredom such a bad thing? Could boredom … [Read more...]
Blogger's Prayer
This weekend I'm off to a women's retreat.In preparation, I've been thinking about this well-known passage from Psalm 19--a prayer, really--and as I've prayed it, I realized how perfect it is for Christians who blog. I offer it to you today, especially for this coming week, Holy Week, but ideally, for every week.For every day.For every moment.For every post....a blogger's … [Read more...]
Pictorial Review of This Year's Birthday
For breakfast, a chocolate croissant. These came from Trader Joe's and had to sit out overnight to proof. They were good. Really good.The baking instructions amused me. It reads, "You will be astounded by how much these grow!" Just to be on the safe side, The Belgian Wonder left a really big space between each croissant, because that warning made it sound like they were … [Read more...]
How the Cuckoo Found its Voice – Resurrecting Forgotten Talents
At a friend's house, I took note of a beautiful cuckoo clock hanging on their family room wall. "I grew up in a home with a cuckoo clock," the host explained, "and I wanted my kids to enjoy one, too." I looked at my husband. He looked at me. "Do we still have it?" he asked. "We sure do," I answered. Take Time to Warm Up to Old … [Read more...]
My Five Writing Strengths
I was once asked to make a list of five strengths I possess as a writer. Here's what I came up with. Five Writing Strengths 1. The ability to sit still for long stretches of time Not everyone can do this, you know. Some people get antsy, restless. After a few minutes of sitting still, they fidget and have to get up and make hot chocolate or call a friend. Writers need … [Read more...]
An Oasis in our Fast-Paced Lives
Ken Gire, in his book The Reflective Life, described the plentiful options we have before us to fill our plates, our days (I'm adding a few and updating to reflect opportunities present in 2007): Vehicles to transport us wherever we want, even off-road, with audio technology and reading material--iPods, books on CD, podcasts--to keep the ride from getting … [Read more...]
Adventures in Literary Outings: Encounters with Haven Kimmel, Author of A Girl Named Zippy
In 2007 I attended a colloquium at which Haven Kimmel, author of several books including a favorite of mine called A Girl Named Zippy, was the keynote speaker. It's been years since I read Zippy. Not long before I was heading to the colloquium, I happened across a post at Shalee's Diner reviewing it. The timing was fun, and I was glad she … [Read more...]
10 Simple Ways to Class Up One’s Act (a notch)
You may have concluded at some point that I'm not exactly a style guru. If so, you are correct. Just ask the friend who does my hair—she's thrilled if I agree to something other than a blunt trim straight across. I often forget to wear makeup, even though my face would certainly benefit from daily attention and improvements. And then of … [Read more...]
What are Your Five Fat Files?
Janel Messenger published a post entitled "The Anti-Boredom Life," in which she talked about modeling a life of curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, turning off the TV and assigning chores. After reading her post, I was ready to take the kids on a breezy bike ride, run in the woods or veg out in a hammock watching clouds. She also included some practical suggestions for … [Read more...]
Life. Parenting. Writing. Perspective. (Writing in the Midst of Motherhood)
I remember settling sideways in a black, plastic chair to sit across from a new client. I was developing my freelance corporate writing career simultaneous to incubating my first baby. My client, a land developer, stared doubtfully at the tent-like awning—er, maternity blouse—brushing the edge of the table. I tried tucking my "bump" under the table, but that didn't work. … [Read more...]
Grow as a Writer: Live Life, Take Risks, and Waterski
Fifteen years ago, I sat in a breakout session at a writers' conference listening to an author talk about the writing process. Experience Life The thing I remember most was this: "The best advice I can give you to help you grow as a writer is to experience life." What? We came to hear about queries and proposals. We wanted to learn how she organized submissions … [Read more...]
I'm a Midwestern Blogger: Sensible as a Wool Hat
Ever since I discovered Scott Russell Sanders a few years ago and read some of his books that extol the virtues of firmly planting oneself in a physical, geographical place, I've been thinking about my place: the Midwest.The suburban Midwest, no less.I've always wanted to try living elsewhere, to escape for a time, to see what it's like away from the mild, vanilla … [Read more...]
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