Category Archives: The Writing Life

Parallel Journeys

Posted on September 10, 2016 by

I’m on the homestretch of a deep, final edit of my memoir, Stitching a Patchwork Life, and have found this the most fascinating part of the entire writing journey. The draft topped out at 115,000 words and my goal has been … Continue reading →

Posted in Grace, Health, The Writing Life | 6 Comments

An Incredible Talent for Existing: A Writer’s Story

Posted on March 30, 2016 by

“In 1965, when I was eighteen, I ran away to Portland, Oregon. Running away was an act of rebellion, but also of faith. In one beautiful leap I would escape my family, my past, and the insufferable person I’d been … Continue reading →

Posted in A Wonderful Book, Book Reviews, Childhood, Courage, Gifts, The Writing Life | Leave a comment

Gifts of a Low-Energy Day

Posted on February 25, 2016 by

What to do on a cloudy, low-energy Thursday following a Wednesday filled with heady activities? Yesterday, my neighbor, Rita, invited me for lunch, a fellow writer who also has a long-established animal sanctuary on her property. Her long-time friend, Marilyn, … Continue reading →

Posted in Gifts, Gratitude, Knitting, Simplicity, The Writing Life, Womens' Writing Circles | 3 Comments

A Sweet Evening

Posted on February 17, 2016 by

Each Wednesday evening my newly-formed life-writing circle meets at the Crozet Library from 7-8:45 pm. One of the preparation parts I especially enjoy is making a treat for us. For tonight I decided on chocolate since Valentine’s Day was a … Continue reading →

Posted in Bovina Stories, Gifts, Gratitude, In the Kitchen, The Writing Life, Womens' Writing Circles | Leave a comment

Flying Geese Quilt Pattern

Posted on January 23, 2016 by

I’ve happily returned to quilt-making, to the quilt that will, along with my memoir, represent much of the story of my life. The quilt is comprised of a variety of patterns ranging from the early 1800s, the 1900s, and also … Continue reading →

Posted in Gifts, Mystery, Quilts, The Writing Life | 1 Comment

Literary Citizenship Tips

Posted on January 7, 2016 by

Source: Literary Citizenship Tips

Posted in Mystery, The Writing Life | Leave a comment

Writing Circles

Posted on January 7, 2016 by

Fifteen years ago, on a frigid January morning, I checked off my first New Year’s resolution for 2001: I joined Story Circle Network, a national organization dedicated solely to women with stories to tell. Soon after, I was assigned to … Continue reading →

Posted in Mystery, The Writing Life, Womens' Writing Circles | 5 Comments

The Turtle – My Totem

Posted on January 2, 2016 by

My editor, Linda Hasselstrom, recently returned my manuscript with many richly helpful comments, and an intriguing one that took me on a little research journey. In the chapter I named Ocean Waves, I included a quilt square sample to give … Continue reading →

Posted in Animal friends, Childhood, Gifts, Mother Nature, Mystery, Quilts, The Writing Life | Leave a comment

Unfinished Projects

Posted on January 12, 2015 by

During the past half-century (has it really been that long?) I have enjoyed creating so many kinds of craft projects: sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch, candle-making, macramé, creating and selling children’s Quiet Time Books to teach fine motor skills such … Continue reading →

Posted in Change, Family, Gratitude, Quilts, The Writing Life | Leave a comment

May 11 – Mother’s Day 1994

Posted on May 12, 2014 by

May 11 – Mother’s Day 1994.

Posted in Animal friends, Change, Courage, Gifts, Gratitude, Mystery, Simplicity, The Writing Life | Leave a comment