Art, Blogging, Books, Education, Photography, Photos, Writing

InspireMe: Where You Find Your Story

The house settled by the Ogle family in the Great Smokey Mountains near Gatlinburg, Tenn. How will you create your place? Where is it located? How often have you traveled there or visited this place in your imagination? Do you miss it when you go? A downtown view of Gatlinburg, Tenn. The truth is that… Continue reading InspireMe: Where You Find Your Story

Art, Blogging, Economy, Life, Literature, Unemployment, Writing

Painted Blue: Beyond the Walmart Aisles

Painting by Brendan O'Connell. Courtesy of http://www.cbs.com. I spent the night in a horse barn. Years ago, I dated a guy who worked with horses. He  built an apartment within a barn of six stallions. "Most of the girls where you come from would never spend the night out here," he told me. Most of… Continue reading Painted Blue: Beyond the Walmart Aisles

Blogging, Economy, Education, Family, Life, Unemployment, Writing

Friday Night Writes: When the Stadium Lights Go Out

One man switches off the lights in the football stadium. No one is left that he sees, but sometimes someone or something stays hidden out of the spotlight. He, she or it is not ready to leave. But, as soon as Josh Harnett got it in The Virgin Suicides he left Kirsten Dunst alone on the… Continue reading Friday Night Writes: When the Stadium Lights Go Out

Blogging, Books, Life, movies, Travel, Writing

In the Coming Weeks

I am back. You: Back from what? I didn't know you were gone. Me: What do you mean you didn't know I was gone? You: You're not the center of the blogosphere. Me: Yes, you're right, but I am back. My husband, John, and I spent the weekend in Gatlinburg, Tenn. We took a break, planned… Continue reading In the Coming Weeks

Blogging, Cooking, Economy, Family, Food, Life, Writing

The Write to Cook: Two Men and the Little Chef

The Write to Cook: Two Men and the Little Chef Mom and Dad both worked hard. Mom was a high school teacher, and Dad worked as an insurance claims adjuster. Most childhood meals were eaten at a restaurant or brought home. I believed Mom could cook if she put her mind to it, but she never showed… Continue reading The Write to Cook: Two Men and the Little Chef

Blogging, Education, Life, Literature, Writing

When We Write Letters, Part VII

Cell phone alarm rings again. You wake up slowly and grab your clothes in the dark. Maybe you forget to check whether clothes match. Going outside, you realize it's raining. You're already behind the time it takes to get to work or to school. You race to the car. Just before you turn into the parking… Continue reading When We Write Letters, Part VII

Blogging, Books, Economy, Education, Writing

Friday Night Writes: Reasons Why We Write

Write what you know. Write what inspires you. Write about what you're interested in. Write about what you're willing to research. Write what you fear. Courtesy of http://twowritingteachers.wordpress.com/2010/09/10/lindsayreyes/ Some bloggers write to share knowledge of publishing and share how-to query. Others blog to write. I have heard the above advice and reasons at different points… Continue reading Friday Night Writes: Reasons Why We Write

Blogging, Friends

When You are Recognized

What is an award or nomination? What does it mean whether you accept or politely turn it down? Whether or not you accept an award, it means someone has recognized your gifts. I want to thank the lovely Vikki Thompson of The View Outside for her nomination of my blog for the Illuminating Blogger Award.… Continue reading When You are Recognized

Blogging, Family, Life, Photography, Photos, Poetry, Writing

Get Lost Sometimes

"Love, I get so lost sometimes. Days pass and this emptiness fills my heart. When I want to run away, I drive off in my car. But whichever way I go I come back to the place you are. … In your eyes, I see the doorway to a thousand churches. In your eyes, the… Continue reading Get Lost Sometimes