Friendships and relationshipsKindle in the beginningFilled with passion, excitementLong nights by the fireLearning, connecting, ignitingLate night conversationsSmiling, laughing until jaw hurtsLater on the partnership dimsHazy days dull the sparksThen a coziness settles inSimmering, continual flames over bright burnsA comfortable duet ensuesBecoming a favorite blanket, sweatpantsMakes you warm, makes you wholeLounging as your most vulnerable selfLess …

How are you doing and feeling these days? I’m going to be honest. I struggle at times to make sense of (and in) this world. I’m always looking for signs, symbols and meaning that appeal to me or reach my core. A week ago, I set out for a three-mile walk alone. I put my …

Something strange and wonderful is happening in my household… I never pictured this or dreamed it would happen, but I sure am happy about it. My daughters have become my in-house editors and beta (test) readers. My youngest daughter may become my next book’s illustrator too. There I said it…my next book. I’m ready to …

Some of you may recall that back in September of 2020, I came up with an idea to give 13 playlists to my daughter who was turning 13 in October. I wrote about it here and made a plea for music requests to be sent in. The project turned out to be a huge hit …

I’m sitting in my kitchen typing on my laptop at the dinner table, trying to think of something good to write about. This is my first blog post of 2021. My youngest daughter Lana is at the table next to me writing a folk tale for a class assignment that she did not finish on …

I was having a conversation with a great writing friend yesterday and we were reflecting on this year, 2020. We spoke for an hour catching up on each other’s lives, talking about our children and how we’ve written or journaled a lot this year. She asked me, “How do you think we’ll look back on …

Darn, I broke a nail, Pam the realtor said to the empty house. She carefully moved the tray of baked chocolate chip cookies from the oven to the kitchen table. She checked her watch. I will have to fix my nail later she realized. The potential home buyers would be there in 10 minutes. Pam …

Ever have a memorable, interesting and funny kind of week? That’s how this week has felt for me. I wanted to capture the top ten moments so here it goes – 10 reasons this week has been memorable: 1. I dropped a balsamic vinegar bottle all over the kitchen floor! Here’s the proof. I took …

I have not worn makeup since mid-March, since this pandemic began. But I put on mascara and lipstick and curled my hair to see Judy Blume. By “see” I mean through my computer screen for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Summer Spectacular happening now through August 4. This conference normally occurs in …

Have you ever really put thought into your day and recorded how you spend your time? On New Year’s Day 2018, I did just that. I was intentional in how I spent my day, hoping that it could perhaps set the tone for the year ahead. I made time for each member of my family. …