The lights were off.  No glowing pumpkins sat on our home’s front porch.  Zero candy bowls were gently placed at the door for children seeking chocolates. Darkness, fear and uncertainty filled the air inside my house instead.  The eerie feelings grew with each breath I took. Continual screams blasted in my aching ears.  I had …

I read an article recently suggesting that using the word “busy” or saying “I’ve been busy lately,” is not a good term or phrase to use.  The implication does not share anything specific going on in your life with others.  In fact, the word busy can even lead people to think you’re being ‘lazy’ and …

“Can I have just one more hug?” my three year old asked me this morning shyly. “Of course!” I replied. “You can always have one more hug from me. You can have as many hugs as you want,” I said. We embraced each other. I sure did appreciate my child’s extra affection and attention to …

Now that I’m over a month into my fall semester of graduate school, I’m beginning to feel the pressure and anxiety that goes along with homework reading and assignments.  Add to that my work and family obligations.  Specifically I’m thinking about my daughter’s second grade learning, her extracurricular activities, my family meals to plan, an …

I had a revelation recently about criticism.  Last week during a meeting with my book illustrator, I realized my change in attitude over helpful feedback. He showed me his initial sketches that are bringing my words to life (which I absolutely love!)  However, on one page, I had too many things happening in the story.  Within four lines …

Ever have an excellent idea pop into your head but then before you can take note of it, that notion slips away?  You strain the brain to remember it.  You curse the ghosts that took your innovative thoughts away.  The whole day passes by and then it returns the next one.  I wrote this poem …

My friend Dana, who is also a writer, gave a speech in our Toastmasters group Thursday on the importance of writing everyday.  She urged the audience to write daily for four different reasons. Her first reason included the art of recognizing astonishment. She told a fabulous, descriptive story.  Dana detailed a scene she witnessed in the park …

A strange, surprising thrill has taken over me the past several weeks.  I do it in the shower.  I do it in the car on my morning and evening commute. I’m even doing it while washing dishes and folding laundry.  By “it” I mean practicing and writing speeches for my Toastmasters club. I joined the …

Yesterday my family and I enjoyed a late Sunday brunch.  Then we shopped at an antiques and flea market style place.  I had my eye on purchasing a used chair for the corner of my bedroom – to design a small area for me to sit, read, write and study in peace. Two weekends ago I had spotted …

Another wonderful surprise – I am one of the winners for the 2015 Summer Magnolia Quarterly Writing Contest.  I received this certificate in the mail today along with prize money and a gift card toward receiving an author’s book in the Gulf Coast Writers Association.  What an honor! This contest was a short, short (only …