I wrote this a while back, but wanted to share it again in honor of my grandmother. My grandmother, Winnie Waugh, walked with a wooden cane for as long as I can remember. This cane was made of smooth, polished, dark brown wood and was very plain—a simple curve at the top for her hand…
Tag: Writing
The Shoes That Have Carried Me
A list of the types of shoes I’ve worn over my life: Kid’s Keds. A favorite of mine when I was little, white and navy blue. Patent leather little girl shoes for special occasions like Easter or Christmas (in white or black). Flip-flops, which, when I was growing up, were referred to as “thongs.” Pink…
25 Lies Writers Tell Themselves (and How to Fight Back)
One of the biggest challenges in writing is quieting the negative self-talk that can paralyze creativity. Below are 25 common thoughts that often surface—followed by a method I’ve discovered that helps combat these discouraging messages. Why I tell myself I shouldn’t write today: How to Combat Negative Self-Talk Set a timer, pick up your notebook…
Vroman’s Book Reading & Signing Today
Today, I read and signed books at the beautiful Vroman’s Independent Bookstore in Pasadena. When I looked out into the audience, I saw all three of my daughters, their husbands/partners, and children, plus a whole slew of close friends who had made the trek from Burbank, Glendale, San Dimas, San Marino, Covina, and even one…
Flash Fiction: Eyes Wide Open
Stolen innocence. That is what Marsha thought as she stared out the window at her garden below. That’s where it had happened—just two years ago while she was weeding her vegetables, when John stomped over. “You’re a fool!” he’d snorted, waving a paper in his hand. “I told you not to trust her.” Marsha sat…
Flash Essay: The Comfort of a Stranger
Several years ago, I learned a lesson I’ve never forgotten: sometimes unexpected kindness arrives from the most unlikely places. It happened when I first learned that my dear friend Peter was gravely ill. My husband, Ray, waited two days before telling me about Peter’s diagnosis. I was buried in work with several students on their…
Lessons from the Page: Writing, Coaching, Living (Personal Interview Continued)
Yesterday I wrote about the earlier part of my life—including my husband and family. Today the focus is on my writing life. Again, this topic is inspired by a college essay prompt that one of my students received: interview yourself. Here’s the second part: Tell me about your writing. I began to write when my…
We’re More Than Labels
Today, I did something a little unusual. I was tired and while resting I started mentally listing all the people I knew growing up. I’m from a little Texas town of 7,000, and there were 125 people in my graduating class. Most of those people started with me in first grade and went all the…
Flash Fiction: Lesson from the Scrub Jay
“You could make a living doing that kind of thing,” Mary Jo said as she watched her sister refinish an oak coffee table in the shade of the backyard pecan tree. “I suppose I could, but I’ve never thought about it,” Louise said, running the tack rag gently over the sanded finish. “Maybe I’ll consider…
The View From Here: On Family, Writing, Faith, and the Peace of Enough
When I was younger, I imagined that by the time I reached this stage of life, I’d have quite the list of accomplishments. Surely, I’d be well-traveled, widely read, impressively fit, financially successful, and the proud author of at least three books—all while raising a wonderful family and enjoying a happy marriage. The reality looks…
20 Minutes a Day 