New Years Resolutions
As we welcome 2017, I am focused on my word for this year, dreamer. And with that in mind, I have come up with some resolutions to help guide me through the year. My hope is that these ideas will Read more
Fresh Starts
I do love fresh starts and there’s none better than the beginning of a new year. There always seems to be hope and enthusiasm around this time of year. Such eagerness to dig in and make positive changes in our lives. Read more
The Giving Season
It’s that time of year when the search for the perfect gift begins. I can always tell by the number of catalogs that hit my mailbox. As a mother and grandmother, I have my eye out for something special, a Read more
My love for Cameos
I’m not sure when or why I became fascinated with cameos. It could be because they are carved from sea shells and I’ve always loved being close to the ocean. I purchased my first cameo while in Italy, as a Read more
Be an Encourager
“A word of encouragement after failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success” – Anonymous I’d been writing for five years and had four completed manuscripts yet had not sold a single word of fiction. The rejections Read more
Bailey and her Easter money
Over the last month I’ve gotten several emails from readers asking me about my note from last month when I gave the grandkids each $50. It was a last minute idea and that $50 came with two stipulations. 1.They had Read more
Will my children be writers?
One of the questions I am often asked is if any of my children hope to be writers. Each of our children are creative and talented and they could be authors, but none of them have the passion for it. Read more
Family is Everything!
My dad was one of eight children and I grew up with dozens of cousins. Four of us were all born within a few months of each other and have basically been a part of each other’s lives from birth Read more
Adventure Feeds our Soul
I’m not really the adventurous sort. You won’t find me bungee jumping or sky diving any time soon. When I feel the urge to do something daring and courageous I tackle lace knitting! Oh, I’ve ridden motorcycles, climbed mountains, sailed Read more
Sparking Creativity!
I remember when our youngest son was born–our fourth child in five years. What were we thinking? I’d had three years of sleep deprivation and my mother had come to help with the newborn. As I breastfed Dale, the other Read more
I have a small confession to make…
I have a small confession to make. I don’t do well with scary or tense movies. The pounding music, the terrible stress of not knowing what’s going to happen next gets to me. I plug my ears, close my eyes, Read more
5 Ways to Improve Your Writing
One of the most frequent questions I receive is, “how can I become a better writer?” Let me tell you, my path to becoming the author I am today was not simple, fast or easy. I’ve learned a lot of Read more
Are we authors or are we radio personalities?
What many of you don’t know is that I nearly gave up writing for a career in radio. I’d been doing a radio show with my friend Linda Lael Miller every Friday afternoon. We loved it. We had so much Read more
Making it to the Finish Line
I am probably one of the most non-athletic people you’ll probably ever know. It’s a bit disconcerting because my father was a star athlete and state champion boxer and he and my mom were the most amazing dancers you can Read more
Starting Over
A few years back Wayne decided we needed to get away from the dreary winters in Seattle. The rain depressed him and he craved sunshine. I balked. Our children, grandchildren, our friends, my office, were all in Port Orchard. The Read more
The Truth About Romance.
Wayne does not have a romantic bone in his body. One would think after all these years he’d have this romance thing down pat. He tries though, and I’m sure I’ll find a use for that Swiss Army Knife he Read more
My dear aunt betty
News came this morning that my precious 105 year-old, Aunt Betty slipped quietly into the waiting arms of Jesus last night in her sleep. While the news brought immediate sadness and tears, our family has been blessed to have Read more
Taking a leap of faith
My writing career began at our kitchen table with a rented typewriter. Eventually that evolved into my own writing space with a computer and printer and even a small copy machine. I was in business. When our youngest was a Read more
What is Joy.
My word for this year is JOY. I love this word. Happiness so often depends on circumstances but to me joy is what springs up inside that has nothing to do with what’s happening around me. Joy is being able Read more
A look back at 2015
Frank Sinatra’s 100th birthday was this month. One of his big hits was the song, “It Was a Very Good Year.” That’s what 2015 was for us. It’s the year I dived into the convenience of an e-reader and found a Read more
2016 Goals Worksheet
Happy 2016! I’m heading to Florida to meet up with Wayne. I delayed my annual departure to our winter home to welcome our new grandson, Mason Dale Mihai Macomber, who arrived December 30th. (He arrived in time to be a Read more
Merry Christmas!
Tis the season of mistletoe and holly, shopping and hot chocolate and more shopping as we scurry from one holiday event to another. While we’re looking to create a Currier and Ives Christmas what happens more likely resembles a scene Read more
The Reason for the Season
The house is fully decorated now. All six trees have their lights glowing. The Nativity sets are on display throughout the house. Two of my four Christmas teas have taken place already. I’m in the full swing of the holiday Read more