Spring: in Kipling Lyrics and Local Images

In Springtime By Rudyard Kipling My garden blazes brightly with the rose-bush and the peach,And the koil sings above it, in the siris by the well, From the creeper-covered trellis comes the squirrel's chattering speech,And the blue jay screams and flutters where the cheery sat-bhai dwell. But the rose has lost its fragrance, and the … Continue reading Spring: in Kipling Lyrics and Local Images

Review of Gown of Glory by Agnes Sligh Turnbull

This one’s a keeper. It may turn out to be my favorite book of all time. It’s got it all. The story in this excellent novel is set in Pennsylvania around 1910. David and his wife Mary are just moving to a new community, Ladykirk. He is the new minister at the church, and Mary … Continue reading Review of Gown of Glory by Agnes Sligh Turnbull

24-hour short story contest, great prizes, $5 entry fee

Starting tomorrow January 24 2026 at noon (CST), a fun activity for writers begins! For me, the mystery of what the topic will be is half the fun. I participated in this QUARTERLY contest last September, and it was a delightful experience! If you want to check out Writers Weekly's first contest of the 2026, … Continue reading 24-hour short story contest, great prizes, $5 entry fee

I Wonder as I Wander – Christmastime in Appalachia

Hello from the Appalachians! I’ve gathered some Christmas-y photos from my walks around the neighborhood which I hope you’ll enjoy. And music for scrolling through them! See if you can pick up some of the culture, dialect, and love of nature in the lyrics to this Appalachian Christmas carol. “I Wonder as I Wander” I … Continue reading I Wonder as I Wander – Christmastime in Appalachia

Finding the Happy and the Thanks in Thanksgiving Day

Here's wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving! The first Thanksgiving 1621 / J.L.G. Ferris 1932 According to American history, the first official Thanksgiving celebration was one of genuine gratitude that......they were still alive after a transatlantic voyage across the Atlantic. ...many still had surviving relatives with them. ...they had so far survived the lack of food. … Continue reading Finding the Happy and the Thanks in Thanksgiving Day