A slender petal venturing into the world. Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. --Albert Einstein While we are in the last throes of spring in my part of the country, I cannot help but marvel at nature's beauty ("God's handwriting"--Emerson.) As I've written already, lush grasses and colorful wildflowers sweep … Continue reading Nature’s Art
Category: conversational essay
A Long Journey Ends with a Special Memory
I must admit that I have been looking for a shortcut to writing this blog lately. I usually would have already written another post by now, but the last days and weeks have been busy and tiring. I have several writing projects going on right now and am in the midst of checking edits for … Continue reading A Long Journey Ends with a Special Memory
Why We Write
The very reason I write is so that I might not sleepwalk through my entire life. Zadie Smith I have just completed the Pike’s Peak Writer’s Conference in Colorado Springs. No, it was not atop the famous mountain. I am high-altitude and deep drop-offs averse, though admiring the snow-crested Pike’s Peak with my feet firmly … Continue reading Why We Write
Literary Texas: John Graves, Part 2
A limestone ledge on a stream near Hardscrabble, John Graves’ former ranch. “April and May can be magnificent with birdsong and wildflowers and greenery gone crazy, and if good rains come in late August or September, as they often do, early fall can be a sort of verdant second spring before frosts turn red and … Continue reading Literary Texas: John Graves, Part 2
The Importance of Arts ands Crafts
Storyteller by Linda Lucero Fraqua, from my collection—an art depicted within another another art. Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico. “Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven’s sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend, even … Continue reading The Importance of Arts ands Crafts
Literary Texas: John Graves
Texas State University in San Marcos owns an interesting item, for an institution of higher learning, that is. It is an old, maple canoe paddle and is highly valued there. "The paddle, part of the university's Wittliff Collections of papers and artifacts from Southwestern literature, was used by John Graves on a trip down the … Continue reading Literary Texas: John Graves
Opening Doors
Not knowing when the Dawn will come, I open every Door, Or has it Feathers, like a Bird, Or billows, like a Shore— Emily Dickinson I It is a blessing to be associated with the Iota Upsilon Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International, a group of supportive and talented women educators, active and retired, who … Continue reading Opening Doors
Exhortation of the Dawn
Happy Groundhog’s Day! It is always a special day for me. My parents were married on Ground Hog’s Day. I used to tease them about such a romantic choice for the occasion. I suppose Valentine’s Day was out of the question. To each couple their own, I suppose. I decided to take a brief break … Continue reading Exhortation of the Dawn
New Year’s Eve
The Passing of the Year by Robert W. Service My glass is filled, my pipe is lit, My den is all a cosy glow; And snug before the fire I sit, And wait to feel the old year go. I dedicate to solemn thought Amid my too-unthinking days, This sober moment, sadly fraught With much … Continue reading New Year’s Eve
Children and Literature
"Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland Christmas Day is over for another year. So, now is the time when I like to imagine houses, where children of all ages live, filled to the rafters with new, dazzling books sporting velveteen rabbits, talking trains, courageous … Continue reading Children and Literature
Story Mill Ranch 