The Prettiest Caterpillar in the World Tastes Like…

“Why are you taking photos of this one? He is for eating.” K.B. stepped back to remove his shadow from over my camera. Lying across a dirt trail near my campsite in southern Africa I was tracking the movements of a large caterpillar. Camera pressed to my face I waited for it to reappear from … More The Prettiest Caterpillar in the World Tastes Like…

Resurrecting the Bare-Bottomed Zebra

Have you ever heard of a “quagga?” What’s black, and white, and red all over? Answers to these questions within my newly published essay at travel website, iExplore! Click here (or the photo above) to join me as I search for these “extinct” zebra, the elusive pygmy falcon, and capture a bit of travel photography … More Resurrecting the Bare-Bottomed Zebra

Is the Muse Blowing Kisses on Your Pencil?

“I believe more in the scissors than I do in the pencil.” ~ Truman Capote (Posted, recently, on the Facebook page of writer and craft guru, Dinty W. Moore.) Hello again, readers! Just thought I might share a new “Manuscript Monday,” and post a little of what’s been happening offline with my work. When I … More Is the Muse Blowing Kisses on Your Pencil?

The Craft of Reading and the Stalking of Dinty W. Moore

As I’m sitting at the cafe this morning, writing my latest Expat Focus column, I keep telling myself “I’m working. I’m working.” I used to tell myself (and others) “I’m writing. I’m writing. I’m writing.” The simple shift in words seems to have finalized a shift in attitude I’ve been trying to maintain, and I … More The Craft of Reading and the Stalking of Dinty W. Moore

There is No Man in the Moon in South Africa?

Calling all South Africans! I have many questions for you today… Can you tell me your favorite constellations and places to view the night sky? I’ve already looked up the observatories online (and am loving the SAAO website), but if I’ve figured out one thing about South Africans, it’s that each of you have great … More There is No Man in the Moon in South Africa?

The Whales at Bientang’s Cave, Hermanus

My column this month for Expat Focus shares with you part of our great Cape Town excursion last year, including a visit to Hermanus. I enjoyed writing the column, as always, and I hope you will have even more enjoyment reading it. Please follow the link below to read the column. The Whales at Bientang’s … More The Whales at Bientang’s Cave, Hermanus

Crocs, Hippos…and Bilharzia?

I just realized I never shared my June column on the Traveling Marla site! Since today is Manuscript Monday, and since I do hope all these South African adventures one day find themselves into a new collection of stories, I hope you don’t mind my sharing my Expat Focus column: Crocodiles, Hippos…And Bilharzia in South … More Crocs, Hippos…and Bilharzia?

There’s No Place Like Home…or “Home” What’s Your New Normal?

When did we become the people who stop in Paris, because we can, because it’s on the way back “home”? And where is “home” anymore? Just how long do you live in a place before it takes up permanent residence your heart? And how long does it take before your new life becomes just another … More There’s No Place Like Home…or “Home” What’s Your New Normal?