"Mom, I'm not as smart as I used to be." I will never forget my youngest daughter's statement after her first day back to school following brain surgery. After many personal trials that had initially delayed graduation, she was supposed to graduate the year before, in Spring 2014. Then, just prior to the [...]
Our seasons of creativity can reflect seasons of the Earth. We move from winter into spring in our creative journey. It is here we may notice that there are new ideas beginning to form. This metaphor is one that brings great hope. Can you detect that "glint of green" in your life and in [...]
When we use our authentic voice in writing, we move away from a "follow the numbers" format into a world where our words, thoughts and written form are our own. We come out of hiding and remove our masks. There is an originality that is now placed upon the page and this is offered [...]
Composting is the decomposition of thrown away waste. This material breaks down over time to become a powerful additive for gardens and crops. The rich soil of our lives is greatly enhanced by our powerful compost. Our experiences are to be valued, both the wondrous times as well as seasons of pain and difficulty. [...]
Graphophobia is the fear of writing. I suffered from graphophobia; I worked hard to overcome my own fear of writing. Because of this I am able to understand how this fear works and effectively help others. Hearing me talk about this may surprise you. I am an author, a seasoned writing teacher and a [...]
Art is often a response to life and my Art Cards were birthed out of the reclaiming a part of my life where sadly, as a child, I was made to feel that my writing was full of imperfection instead of appreciated. This is effectively the back story of the creation of my Art [...]
We all have powerful Life Themes: The metaphors of thunder, of rain, and of powerful lightning have served as some of my life themes for a very long time. When I look over my poetry from decades past, there are life themes that run deep. These are the roads of my journey. These are [...]
I remember when the hand specialist spoke those dreaded words; “You won’t be able to use your right hand anymore.” At first his words were foreign, spoken in a language I didn’t understand. What? What was the doctor saying? How could I, a writer and an artist, NOT use my right hand? But my [...]
