The death toll from the tsunamis has now reached 125,000. When we hear of people suffering so much elsewhere, it makes our comfort at home seem somehow indecent or self-absorbed in contrast, and the everyday troubles we complain of mere trifles. (more…)

If you’re in the mood to read a classic story, here’s a link to my favorite online version of that 1843 tale of humbug, ghosts, and merriment, A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. This edition was published by Chapman and Hall, Ltd. of London in 1897 and illustrated by John Leech. Be sure to click on each picture for a complete view of the artwork. (more…)

Each year around this time I pick up my copy of The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas, by John Matthews (with contributions from Caitlin Matthews). (more…)

A recent writing challenge from Vikk Simmons at Down the Writer’s Path reminded me of this DVD, which I’ve watched about a dozen times. It contains a memorable scene depicting the creation of a first draft, the subject of Vikk’s post.

Sean Connery plays William Forrester, the reclusive author of a single, renowned literary novel, who’s been holed up in his family’s Bronx apartment for years. He never goes out, and is known only by an alias to the superficial young man who delivers his groceries. (more…)

Today we have rain in a slow, steady drizzle. The sky is steel gray, the trees wet and shining, and the blue jay acts nervous about a small hawk or kestrel hanging out nearby. Our heater is on and the cat has camped out in front of it. This is the time of year I contemplate what calendars to purchase for the new year.

Last time around we waited until January, and in desperation picked up a free calendar at our local feed store. (more…)

I first learned to knit from my mother, as a little girl, but I didn’t get it back then. There was too much counting and keeping track of stitches and rows. I dropped stitches and wondered where they’d gone, and accidentally added stitches when I didn’t want to. My mother only knew how to knit and purl, and not much more. I soon lost interest. (more…)

I’m just popping in to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, since I’ll be away from this blog until after the holiday. I consider Thanksgiving the most important holiday I celebrate. It’s one that anyone of any background can enjoy, and a chance to simply appreciate and share the many blessings we’ve been given. My husband and I will spend it this year with my dad and my sister, whom I don’t see nearly as often as I should. This year my brother-in-law is roasting the bird.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING and many BLESSINGS to you and yours

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It’s been a while since I’ve posted here. I’ve been writing more on my novel this past week. Then today dawned stormy, starting out with thunder, wind and rain, a good day for putting on a sweater and gloves to sit on the front porch and think.

I’m contemplating the pros and cons of writers’ critique groups. (more…)

If you’re in the mood for a little fiction, you may want to check out the new Short Stories page on my website. (more…)

I don’t usually do memes, but this one, found at Live Journal, seems appropriate to start off this week. Everyone everywhere is still talking politics. Perhaps it’s time for a break?

If so . . .
1. Stop talking about politics for a moment or two.
2. Post a reasonably-sized picture of something pleasant, that has nothing to do with politics.
3. Include these instructions, and share the love.

This is a photo taken at sunset from my front walkway, September 6, 2004. (Click to view larger.) I’ve been meaning to share it, and this meme is the perfect excuse.

It begs the question, How high is the sky?