BIG NEWS! (And HEEELLPPPPPP Please!)

This is a different kind of blog post. It’s not about my kids, my dog, or my emotional inner landscape, the one I’m usually trying to work out on these pages. This post is about … My book. If you haven’t heard, I have a book coming out in May, a book I love and…

F50BC98D-6653-4135-B4FC-65385C7AD2B3_1_105_c

It’s Been A While

I went to my old favorite spot today, the hill I always climb when I’m happy or sad or feeling something big. At the top, the woods recede and the air feels cleaner and I can look out on the expanse below and just breathe. I first came to this place when my children were…

IMG_6178

Shatter

It’s summer. My car, with which during the school year I drive the highway so often I could do it in my sleep, stays in the garage. I take long walks instead. Occasionally with my husband, less often with one of my children, even more rarely with the whole family.  We’re at the stage in…

IMG_1340

Summer

I take more photos in the summer.  I tell myself it’s because in summer, my surroundings are more scenic.   Because the days are longer. Because in summer, time is slower. There’s no carpool, no mad scramble to leave the house before 7, to hit the highway exactly by 7:15 to avoid the gridlock that…

IMG_9077

Rainy Day Repast

It’s pouring buckets here today. Is it where you are, too? If you are looking for something to do, won’t you consider hopping over to Writer Unboxed and reading my latest blog post there? And if you get a chance, check out a few of the other posts writers have shared since mine — they…

WU Redirect With Recipe

I wrote a column for Writer Unboxed last week.  In it I remember a good friend and say good-bye.  If you have a moment, please stop by.

img_8916

Merry Merry

It’s crazy how fast this year has gone.  And even crazier how fast Christmas is coming up.  If you, like me, are looking for a few last-minute gifts, here are some suggestions: Beeswax candles from Three Sisters Farms.  We buy a pair or two of tapers every year at the end of the summer. When…

img_8682

A Review! A Book! And A Gratuitous Slobbering Beast Photo!

Happy almost Halloween!  I have all kinds of treats here, and very few tricks, I promise. First, I’m over today at Writer Unboxed, interviewing the talented Bryn Greenwood about her novel All the Ugly and Wonderful Things.  Bryn is the kind of writer who takes my mind, turns it inside out, stretches it, gives it…

img_8406

Alone Again, Naturally

I did my annual hike and cry around the hill today.  My oldest started high school last week (HIGH SCHOOL) but I was prepared, I was ready.  I dropped her off at a friend’s house so they could carpool together, and I may have welled up a little as she walked away, but no real…

Past Time

Here’s something you might not know about me:  There was a time when I could debate scripture with the best of them.  I went to Catholic school for eight years, back when there were actual nuns, tough old biddies who would cut you off at the knees as soon as look at you if you…

harleybook

How to Create Readers

Hi there!  I’m over at Writer Unboxed, talking about a topic that is very dear to my heart — how to create readers and read more yourself.  (Hint:  It has nothing to do with balancing books on your head.)  Please stop by and let me know what you think!  

IMG_4997

Tiptoeing In…

With a gratuitous Slobbering Beast shot (doesn’t he look embarrassed?) and a redirect to the Writer Unboxed site for my essay on how to find a great beta reader.  Please stop by if you get the chance!