Recently, I’ve been asked why I write books for the middle-grade readership, those roughly between the ages of 9-12. My reply is that this age group, spanning the bridge between childhood and young adulthood, represents the betwixt and between phases of life that we all inhabit throughout our lives. We so often find ourselves in
Betwixt and Between…a different kind of B&B Read More »
Please pardon me while I climb up on my soapbox for a moment and speak of something close to my heart: There are those who eschew efforts by humans to lower our impact on climate change by stating that the earth has always gone through major climatic changes, well before the Industrial Age. They point
Cooling the Fever…of Planet Earth Read More »
In my part of the world, June hails the re-blossoming of the Crape Myrtle tree—that arboreal Queen of Summer with the one-hundred-day reign of blooming beauty. Frothy bouquets in a variety of shades of white, pink, purple, and red decorate the branches of these graceful trees. As in many southern towns in the United States,
Long Live the Queen…of summer Read More »
I’ve been asked, recently, to capsulize my writing journey into a short blurb. As is often the case, I begin with the long version, then whittle it down to something more succinct. So…here’s the long story! When it comes to published work, I’m a late bloomer. Although I’ve enjoyed creating stories since I was a
My Circuitous Journey…as a writer Read More »
(April Iris, Author’s Back Garden) As a writer, I find it useful to explore all types of literary
Say It With Seventeen…haiku inspiration Read More »
After receiving all of our Covid vaccinations and boosters, and after dodging the bullet for four years, my husband and I both finally succumbed to that insidious virus, this past week. I can only guess how ill we would have been had we not been fully vaccinated.The good and the bad of us falling ill
In Sickness and in health…a covid challenge Read More »
Although we feel love throughout the year, it’s the month of February that officially celebrates it, crowned mid-month on Valentine’s Day. For me, a celebration of love includes all of its beautiful forms. In addition to Valentines for our romantic partners, I believe in presenting them to family and friends—including pets who prefer edible ones!
A Celebration of Love…in all its forms Read More »
The New Year is upon us, and it is steeped in tradition. From Japan to North Carolina, folks have unique ways of celebrating this new beginning that returns each year like clockwork. Here are a few interesting ones that I have come across, but I am certain there are as many traditions as there are
Happy New Year…around the World Read More »
For my cousin, Linda, forever open to wonderment December 1, 2023 In December, amidst the lights and twinkling glitter, bopping inflated Santas and Grinches, fluttering flags and brightly lit trees adorning our homes and storefronts—lies the still, quiet heart of the season. Silent night, holy night. The deepest, darkest time of the year (in the
Embracing the Mysteries…of Christmas Read More »
Early morning of November first found me removing all vestiges of Halloween from our outdoor decorations. Down came the witch flag, the cool ghost with his fedora and shades, the arched-back black cat, the tiny ghosts lining the walkway, the little ghost flying from the tree next to the street, the witch windsock, the dangling
A Pause…to give thanks Read More »