Before our trip down the Rhine, I had never internalized the real impact of World War II on Europe.I knew the standard history taught to every American child, plus a few stories from my father about that time in his life in Nashville, Tennessee, on the other side of the globe from the actual battlefields.…
Yes, the love of my life took me there. Years ago, after seeing the ads on Downton Abbey, I mentioned to Steve (husband) that I would like to do a Viking River Cruise. So what happens? We take a Viking River Cruise. Is he the best or what? On June 29 we settled into the…
So here’s the thought process: A friend recommended I change the name “Maisie” of Maisie’s List to something a little easier on the ear. Viewing a list of popular names around 1980, when the character was born, I came across “Christy.” I have a friend named Christy whom I love a lot, and who serves…
Welcome to a new day! The news would have us believe that the world is on fire and there is terror and despair in every corner. This is not true. It has never been true. The world is a wonderful, beautiful place, and there are far more good people than bad. I sat in the…
I always worry that my novels are too short. Soul Lost is my longest at 81,000 words, but Megan is much shorter, only 47,000. A book that has not yet seen the light of day, The People of the Green Hills, is more epic in my mind, but on paper it is only 67,000 words.…
One of the things I love about my sons as adults is that they are now the teachers, and I truly enjoy learning from them. Currently my younger son is teaching me about alternative rock, and I’m loving it. Context: I’m working on a new book with a working title of “Maisie’s List.” The protagonist is…
A friend has recently begun blogging, and I have read her words with joy and amazement. She has revealed aspects of herself that I never suspected because she is so quiet and reserved in person. She has inspired me to share some things that I have hesitated to share before. First and foremost, I must say…
