Traditions: October Movie Nights

As so many of my stories do, this one starts in the kitchen, where I add the final touches to our meal. We fill our bowls or plates and gather. Not around the table, as one might think, but in front of the television. Why? Because it’s October, and it’s family movie night. My familyContinue reading “Traditions: October Movie Nights”

Christmas Traditions: Songs

I am a stickler for waiting for Christmas music until after Thanksgiving. My daughter, on the other hand, could play it year round if I would let her. My favorites include all those classic Christmas tunes: Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, and Karen Carpenter’s velvet tones. There’s even a great non-traditional song by Trisha Yearwood thatContinue reading “Christmas Traditions: Songs”

Today I noticed… {A Writing Prompt Reflection}

I’ve been doing a 10 day writing challenge using the opening prompt, “Today I noticed…” I wrote this on Saturday, after we experienced 6 inches of snowfall. Our trees hadn’t yet shed their leaves for the winter, and many weren’t ready to bear the weight of the snow with the leaves. Today I noticed theContinue reading “Today I noticed… {A Writing Prompt Reflection}”

The Plum Tree: A Writing Wednesday Poem

It’s #writingwednesday!! I’m so excited to share this poem with you today. The inspiration for it happened while I was on a neighborhood run late last week. Enjoy! The Plum Tree When I was on a run today I ran by the plum tree You know the one that In Spring smells like hope andContinue reading “The Plum Tree: A Writing Wednesday Poem”

{Writing Wednesday: Thoughts on Savoring This Season}

It’s been a minute since I’ve done a #writingwednesday, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been on my mind. Finding the routine of school again after so many months of it looking vastly different has been good, but it’s also been challenging. Speaking of challenging, today’s post is about a reflection prompt that I foundContinue reading “{Writing Wednesday: Thoughts on Savoring This Season}”

{Writing Wednesday: Poetry Edition}

Happy Writing Wednesday, friends! It’s hard to believe that August is on the downward slope. In less than two weeks, I’ll be headed “back” to work, and I know many of my teacher friends have already begun their school year. This is a season when decisions certainly can feel overwhelming and I’m right there withContinue reading “{Writing Wednesday: Poetry Edition}”

{Writing Wednesday: Poetry edition}

Happy Writing Wednesday, dear readers! Every now and then I get the urge to write a little spot of poetry, because as much as I love fiction and sharing about leaving a legacy that matters, poetry holds a not small bit of my heart. My family and I recently spent some time in Montana, andContinue reading “{Writing Wednesday: Poetry edition}”

Stones of Remembrance

Stories are my favorite. I especially love family stories. I love to tell them, and I love to hear them. I think that’s most likely the main reason that my novel (which I’m currently in the process of editing) incorporates some of the stories of my family that have been passed down to me. AsContinue reading “Stones of Remembrance”

{Writing Wednesday: A Prose Poem}

Hey friends, welcome back to Writing Wednesday!! Last week I shared a poem that came from part of my weekly journaling practice; this week I’m sharing a prose poem about growth and growing and change.  It’s an intriguing piece, and I’d welcome discussion on it.  Growth doesn’t happen in an echo chamber, so leave meContinue reading “{Writing Wednesday: A Prose Poem}”

{Writing Wednesday: Childhood Memories}

Writing Wednesday is back!  As part of my ongoing practice of reflection and growing and sharing, it seemed like the right time to bring back an intentional day of sharing some of what I’ve been writing.  In my current practice of journaling, which I hope to share more about soon, I’ve been writing about aContinue reading “{Writing Wednesday: Childhood Memories}”