In 2019, I began researching for my next book, a historical fiction novel inspired by the fascinating life of Alice Martin. Alice was born in 1881 in Derby, Indiana, which is about an hour from my house. She lived on her family’s farm until she left for college, and then she traveled the world (literally) … Continue reading Road Tripping and Novel Researching
I have collected quite a few vintage books over the years, but this little pamphlet was the first. I found it at a consignment shop out in the country over 25 years ago, when I was a broke college student. I had recently moved and spent a lot of time visiting garage sales and consignment … Continue reading Discovering Vintage Books: Shakespeare Edition
A couple of weeks ago, I had my last physical therapy appointment. I have been going to physical therapy appointments regularly since my brain hemorrhage in January 2020. I looked back at my calendar and did some math to discover I have had over 343 hours (that’s 20,580 minutes!) of physical and/or occupational therapy over … Continue reading From Wheelchair to 5K: How 343 Hours Changed My Life
I remember the first poem I ever wrote. In fact, I still have the original copy, 36 years later. I don’t remember the details, of course, but what I do remember is how much I adored my third grade teacher, Ms. Hawes. I would do anything within my power to impress her. When she once … Continue reading Remembering My First Poem: A Tribute to Ms. Hawes
April 13, 1936 The coffin rested on the kitchen table in the center of the room. She turned and stared at the walls, up at the ceiling, down at the floor, anything to avoid looking at the smooth pine box that seemed to swallow the air in this room, seemed to draw the very breath … Continue reading Waverly: A Novel (Excerpt)
BLANK CANVAS Everyday is a blank canvas. Some days, The canvas is full of gold medals And lucky pennies, On those days, it’s easy to see everything Through rose-colored glasses, To forget that It isn’t always like this. Other days, Your canvas seems dark as night. You find yourself in a Deep, dark wood, Or … Continue reading Paint Chip Poetry #2: Blank Canvas
I don’t have as much time to read as I would like. Then again, who does? I will never be one of those people who posts a perfectly filtered photo with my smiling face next to the stack of 150+ books I managed to finish in one year, but that’s okay! I’ve come to accept … Continue reading Maximize Your Reading: The Art of Book Pairing
I have a confession to make. I'm a hotel pen hoarder. I'm not sure when this habit started, but I have accumulated quite the collection during my travels.
Note: This is an excerpt from my book, Kentucky Family. When I hear a strange noise in the night, I usually chalk it up to some critter moving around outside, the pipes, or the heater or air conditioner, depending on the season. I briefly contemplate it, and then just go back to sleep, content that … Continue reading The Intruder
I sucked air between my teeth in a hiss, not wanting to wake my husband, but wanting the pain to stop. I had been in the midst of a dream, but I couldn’t remember it. I grabbed my wrist and felt it was hot and slick with what could only be blood. I jumped out … Continue reading The Scar
