Monthly Archives: November 2017

American Writers Museum in Chicago

A visit to the American Writers Museum at 180 N Michigan Avenue in Chicago with a fellow writer is the source of renewed inspiration and energy for writing and reading. The museum, which opened in May 2017, has a variety of exhibits including an entire room devoted to picture books with large displays of coverContinue reading “American Writers Museum in Chicago”

It’s never too late

While visiting former colleagues last week, I saw this quote on the board in 7th grade. I’m a living example of this quote even though I’d never heard it before. Not that I wasn’t proud of my previous accomplishments, but the starting over part speaks loudly to me. I’ve always been a fan of F.Continue reading “It’s never too late”

Look for happiness

I love coffee. It’s magical. Coffee is one of the things that makes me happy. This particular cup (yesterday with a good friend) would have been appreciated for the obvious reasons. But the bubbles formed when milk, yes milk – never cream, was added let me know coffee loves me too. 💕

You can go home again

I was lucky 🍀💚🍀 enough to spend a decade at a great school with fabulous colleagues, the most supportive families, and children that filled my heart every single day. I’ve been gone for 17 months but whenever I return to Chicago, a priority for me is reconnecting with the children who made getting up atContinue reading “You can go home again”

Nature does not hurry

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” – Lao Tzu Words from an ancient Chinese writer and philosopher. These two rocks were found during excavation for the garage we are building. The beauty and uniqueness of each have earned them a place on the shelf where I write. If you look closely at theContinue reading “Nature does not hurry”

“Speak” #Metoo

“He stares at me without talking. He is not as tall as my memories, but still as loathsome.” – from “Speak” The stories that are finally being told, some from several decades ago, are all different and yet somehow the same. A person in power or strength of some kind exerting that dominance over another.Continue reading ““Speak” #Metoo”

A Writer’s Life – a Nanowrimo reflection

I’ve immersed myself in writing over the last year, making connections and friends at conferences, retreats, and social media. My craft has improved along the way, as I have written three picture books and a novel. I’ve learned that revision can be painful but the finished product is better for it. I’ve described it asContinue reading “A Writer’s Life – a Nanowrimo reflection”