Arat Kilo Monument in Addis Ababa

Today’s photo is from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I’ve been writing about our too-short visit to that city, combined with a few small pieces I’ve written about colonialism during my African travels. It weaves colonization, religious fanaticism, and folklore. It is certainly too long already, though not altogether boring. But some days I write all day … More Arat Kilo Monument in Addis Ababa

You’re Reading WHAT!?

I’ll tell you my guilty pleasure when it comes to reading, if you tell me yours… Now that I’m writing full-time, a daily routine of reading, writing, revising and digital upkeep, I really crave unplugging my brain at the end of the day. I suppose if a day of hiking leaves me bruised, blistered and … More You’re Reading WHAT!?

Before and After Room Challenge

I want to give you something: a postcard? a bookmark? a card? perhaps you want me to take a “Flat Stanley” version of you on our next adventure? (Thanks to my nephew for that last idea.) You choose. I’m issuing a Before and After Challenge to my readers to join me in overhauling one room … More Before and After Room Challenge

Dead Body Management

It’s Manuscript Monday, and I’ve been tackling a couple projects I want to finish before the end of the year. But as often happens, my creativity is constantly being challenged by new stimuli. Today I can’t stop thinking about the words “dead body management”. It is a term for the Red Cross currently being used due to … More Dead Body Management

A Poem Forthcoming

Just a brief announcement on this Manuscript Monday that one of my poems has been accepted for publication in the Fall 2014 issue of Pea River Journal. I usually wait until publication date to post my news, but since Pea River Journal is already listing contributors on their site, I thought I would share early … More A Poem Forthcoming

There Was a Little Girl…

Do you have a nursery rhyme or poem, or saying from childhood that still stays with you? In my case, I internalized a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: There was a little girl By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow There was a little girl,             Who had a little curl, Right in the middle of her forehead.             When … More There Was a Little Girl…

Top 5 Reasons Kurt Needs a New Wife

This is a bit of an odd Manuscript Monday, I’ll admit, but the post is a riff off part of the manuscript in which Kurt and I had some tough conversations on what life would be like without children. As it turns out, my husband is much more comfortable in a life without kids, whereas … More Top 5 Reasons Kurt Needs a New Wife

Climbing St. Paul’s Cathedral in London

Welcome to Manuscript Monday, dear readers. Making an appearance late in my manuscript is St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. I climbed this cathedral in May, 2011 with a friend. It was a long climb just to the Whispering Gallery (259 steps) and I wasn’t there long before the fire alarm sounded and we were evacuated.   … More Climbing St. Paul’s Cathedral in London

Chamizal National Memorial and “Persons in Between”

Welcome to Manuscript Monday! Tomorrow, February 4th, will be 40 years since Chamizal become part of the National Park Service (although it wasn’t until 1966 that it became Chamizal National Memorial). The once-disputed boundary lands of El Paso in the United States and Juarez, in Mexico now contain a peace memorial thanks to a treaty … More Chamizal National Memorial and “Persons in Between”

A Man in the Jaws of a Crocodile

There is a writer I follow on Facebook who regularly posts inspiring quotes. I don’t always catch his posts, but on days I’m watching my News Feed, I’m always moved by what he chooses. Recently he posted one that has become a personal favorite. It’s a quote that reflects my perspective on life, and I … More A Man in the Jaws of a Crocodile