I am inspired when I run across a writer who values truth, honor and sacrifice. Annie Holmes, at Annie's Attic, has written a post full of such beautiful words and concepts, here. "Art matters!", she begins. "It does indeed. And until reading philosopher Roger Scruton’s work “Beauty: A Very Short Introduction” recently, I didn’t realize … Continue reading Passing along some wise words…including Joan Baez
America the Beautiful
I have a sweet memory related to the song, "America the Beautiful"... It is 1968, and I am standing with other fifth- and sixth-graders near the top of the risers at the front of our school’s auditorium. As I scan the audience, I know my mom, dad and brother are among the many family members … Continue reading America the Beautiful
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
Easter Joy
...including festive music and images in a video by the Asidors! A short account of finding the joy of Easter The joy of Easter, for me, is related to the love of Easter. Strangely, I found that love through battling anxiety in my 50's. As usual, with health issues, I turned to natural solutions for … Continue reading Easter Joy
Pi-ku Haiku and More for Pi-Day
March 14 … 3/14 … 3.14 In celebration of Pi-Day, here’s a bit of fun with words (even a crossword puzzle!), and a few interesting facts. Pi-ku poems Remember Haiku? Those are the 3-line poems with 5 syllables in the first line, 3 in the second line, 5 in the third line. Well, for Pi … Continue reading Pi-ku Haiku and More for Pi-Day
Exercise for Writers, Remote Workers, and other sitters
Hey all you out there who sit most of the day, here is a fun FOUR AND A HALF MIINUTE video for your next body break! After a minute and a half of warm up, the music gets more lively. It's hard to sit still, and it sure doesn't feel like work to me! This … Continue reading Exercise for Writers, Remote Workers, and other sitters
Honeycomb
A little encouragement for when you’re faced with the unpleasant tasks in life... When we are in the midst of having to do things we don’t want to do, we won’t likely have a flash of joy and anticipation of how marvelous it will turn out one day…unless a wise someone like Aunt Patty comes … Continue reading Honeycomb
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
Happily Writing 