A very hard goodbye

My Dad A life of adventure, love and curiosity has come to an end. Ninety-one years of working hard, traveling, raising a family, and learning. Always learning. A farm boy, train-hopper, self-taught electrician/carpenter/roofer/engineer and motorcycle rider. A man of faith acquainted with grief as well as joy. He routinely checked on his neighbours, often lending…… Continue reading A very hard goodbye

Beyond the veil of grief

Our society prizes the young, youthful beauty, supposed innocence, unlined and unmarked faces. But, if you look into an old person’s eyes, if you wait and if you have patience, there beyond the drooping lids, missing eyelashes, unruly brows and crows feet, if you look deeply you’ll find that person, that soul, is still there.…… Continue reading Beyond the veil of grief

Inspiration for Writers

As writers, we may feel that our most productive time is spent getting the words down. But where do we find those words to begin with? And when we are burned out and our well is dry, where can we go for inspiration? Are you a writer first? A mom? A dad? Are you a…… Continue reading Inspiration for Writers

Ten years later

This long weekend marked ten years since I finished treatment for breast cancer. A lot has changed and I am grateful for these bonus years. I am remarried to a wonderful man and my family has grown to include stepchildren, son and daughter-in-laws and many grandchildren. I have a new career as a children’s book…… Continue reading Ten years later

Building community one friendship at a time

Building community starts with being vulnerable enough to invite others into our messy, imperfect, authentic lives. Pushing the mail and homework and clutter to the end of the table to make room for food and conversation. Setting aside expectations and entering into heartfelt, soul stirring relationship. Risking rejection and judgement and offering ourselves up to…… Continue reading Building community one friendship at a time

Sharing special moments

Birthdays can be tricky with kids. Celebrations with family and friends can turn ugly when the other children present don’t yet understand why they aren’t also the recipient of gifts and attention. Recently we attended the birthday of a three-year-old. As she received our gift, tears ran down her four-year-old sister’s face. Our attempts at…… Continue reading Sharing special moments

Investing in our stories

The same spirit that drives a writer to take a hybrid or indie approach to publishing can lead to the decision to take on every facet of publishing single-handedly. Writing, editing, formatting and cover design can be done independently depending on the writer’s abilities but there is an argument to be made for partnering with…… Continue reading Investing in our stories

A Season of Rejuvenation

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Spring has arrived as it does every year and the change of season is cause to celebrate. As I walked around town recently with my daughter and four-year-old granddaughter, (who stopped for a good splash in every puddle), we commented on the new murals painted in store windows. People seemed…… Continue reading A Season of Rejuvenation