Dear Rachael, Twenty-five years ago today I delivered all 7 pounds of you on a sleeping bag spread out on the floor of Daddy’s and my bedroom in our Victorian on Grand Avenue in Sherman, Texas. Daddy and Patricia – dressed in their matching green hospital sweats they’d managed to procure just for this occasion…
Month: April 2016
The Close of the Conference and the Celebration of a Birthday
The Story Circle Conference ended today and was absolutely wonderful. It was an opportunity to see old friends, make new ones and learn a lot about writing. I was sad to leave but happy to come and see my family, who had gathered for a barbecue. Here are some pictures of the gang. Great Niece…
Day 2: Story Circle Network Writing Conference
Today I went to classes on poetry, marketing, the value of place in writing and developing a writing voice. There were so many great options that it was hard to decide which classes to pick. I was very pleased with my four choices: the presenters were excellent in each and I came away with information…
SCN Conference: Day 1
Day One of the Story Circle Network “Stories of the Heart” writing conference was a resounding success. Here are a few pictures of the women who are attending. Some are old friends, many are new ones. Also, there is one picture of two of my current students, who are in a flash fiction/flash memoir class…
My Austin Family
I have been up since early morning so this is going to be a short entry. I am here at my Cousin Lee’s house in Austin, all settled in for the night. We had a wonderful family dinner together tonight at the home of my nieces, Leslie and Hayley. I saw six of my nieces,…
Heading to Austin!
I am heading off to Austin tomorrow morning to take part in the Story Circle Network Stories from the Heart writing conference which begins on Friday. I will also have the good fortune to see lots of family while I am in town since my relatives there have graciously agreed to meet for dinner on…
A Doggie Problem: Advice Appreciated
My dogs are here in the den with me. Frankie on the stool at my feet and Cordelia on the couch across the room. She was giving me a long look just a minute ago but now has tucked her head and gone to sleep. Tough life these two have. We are having a disturbing…
Great Writing Advice
I am prepping for my workshop at Story Circle Network’s Stories of the Heart writing conference in Austin this weekend and saw this article from American Scholar. I believe this is indeed some of the best writing advice I’ve read ever and I read a lot of writing advice for motivation and inspiration. Please let me know…
Luna’s Birthday Bash
Luna’s 3rd birthday party was held today in a park near her home in Highland Park. There was a bounce house, birthday cake, pizza and a pinata. These pictures capture much of the afternoon activities; however, I now realize that most of the photos center on the pinata. At least it’s possible to get a…
Repost: 5 Star Pineapple Recipes
I made two recipes today that both used canned pineapple. That doesn’t sound all that good, but both were exceptionally tasty. One was a rice salad and the other was a maple and molasses-sweetened pineapple upside-down cake. Here are the recipes. Let me know if you try these. I think you’ll like them. California Rice…
20 Minutes a Day 