It's That Time Of Year Again!

This time of year is filled with numerous and varied traditions.  My latest article on Coffee House writers explores one of those "things" that occurs this time of year.  Please click on the title to read the full article.

It's That Time Of Year Again!

Images of Christmas Day 1

My goal is to post an image that reflects some of the Christmas traditions around the house.  I hope you find it as cozy and welcoming as I do.  I know the real reason for Christmas has nothing to do with decorations, baking, presents, or even family.  The real reason we celebrate is because of Jesus being born and WHY he was born.  The story doesn't end there though.  The story ends when we celebrate Easter, or Resurrection Sunday.  Both components to His story make up the whole.

That being said... here is Christmas Image # 1:

Grace Group

I recently read this gem of a book by Carrie Maldanado.  I would consider immersion reading.  I found the best place to put it down was at the end.

Without giving too much away, I will say that the story addresses a difficult subject.  Holly Mathews finds out she has a terminal disease.  During the plot, she discovers how her life can impact other people's lives for good.  Now that I type it out it sounds a little cliche, but Carrie Maldonado has written a fresh plotline that faces Holly's illness with honesty, hope, and humor.  There are light romance and religious tones to the story, but it is not preachy in the least.  Personally, I recommend this book and I look forward to reading more of Carrie Moldonado's work.

Traveling With Teenagers

Traveling with a few young children can be a challenge.  But how would you deal with a van full of teenagers on a twelve-hour trip?  My latest article gives some tips for how to survive a journey from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin with a van full of high schoolers.  Bon Voyage!

How To Take A Twelve Hour Trip With High Schoolers And Live To Tell About It

NaNoWriMo-- It's that time again!

Writing, writing, and more writing.  That is what I have been up to lately...well, besides teaching and codirecting Les Miserable at the local school, and working on grad school work.  But it is that time year again when I add in 1667 words a day to my overpacked schedule.  Why do I subject myself to the rigors of the November commitment of 50k words?

Why I Participate in NaNoWriMo Every Year, my last article, explains what benefits await those who commit to the event.

It's Time!

NaNoWriMo is upon us!  Maybe it has snuck up on you,  as it has me.  Never fear!  As a seasoned NaNoWriMo participant, I have learned some efficient ways to prepare for the event.  Can you get ready for NaNoWriMo in just a few days? Yes, you can!

How To Prepare For NaNoWriMo In Less Than A Week

Teachable Moments

A teacher's job is never boring.  In our small school, there is always something cute, funny, and sometimes even profound said by our students.  In my latest article, I give a teacher's perspective of a day in the life in the classroom.

Teachable Moments

Procrastination and Writing

Procrastination is a writer's second most-developed talent. Here are some tips to overcome putting off until tomorrow what should be done today.

Dithering and Delays

Why Mondays Should Be Outlawed

Mondays Should Be Outlawed... here's why!

Poseidon's Frown

My haiku was recently published on Medium.

Poseidon's Frown

An Unbearable Situation

Camping is fun and relaxing until an uninvited guest makes an appearance. Read about my family's recent adventures:

An Unbearable Situation

Finding Billy Battles book review

I recently had the opportunity to read and review Finding Billy Battles by Ronald E. Yates.  Now, I do not like western stories as a rule.  And I almost passed up the opportunity to read this book because of that prejudice.  However, I was pleasantly surprised.  The historical details woven into the plot are excellent.  It is a story that keeps you wondering what could possibly happen next?  I have posted reviews on both Amazon and Goodreads.

Goodreads Review 

BTW... there are two more books in the Billy Battles series.  I'm looking forward to reading them!

Book Review of The Wives of War by Soraya M. Lane

Coming Soon!

Isotope second edition

Coming soon!  A new cover, new publisher, and new tweaks. 

Stay tuned for more information and a sneak peek at the new design cover!

Celebrate June

 Summer is here... sort of.  The temperatures haven't hit the high 80's and matching humidity, but we are firmly out of the clutches of winter and early Spring.  June is a month of promise and anticipation.  We should celebrate this season.  My latest article talks more about it!

Click here for the whole article:  The Gate Is Rusted

Carpe Diem!

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.com

All middle-aged women of the internet unite!

I have seven children.  They each think that I am old and that my life is over.

I totally disagree.

I am a mom, wife to my husband (28 years and going strong!), MFA student, teacher and writer. That doesn't sound like someone who's life is over.

To all those who are living their best life, I salute you.  And to those who think that those of us who are middle-aged and beyond have one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel, I say:

I'm not dead yet.

I hope you enjoy my tales of how I find enjoyment and humor in everyday life. 

Carpe diem!