Several days ago, I was reading an article about practices that help keep our brains young and memory strong as we age. I don’t remember all the practices, no irony intended, but starting a new hobby you’ll stick with was one of them. Knitting was considered particularly good. Among the other practices researchers touted were … Continue reading Social Ties and a Youthful Brain
Tag: family
The Stories We Read and Write
I have completed reading two good books the last couple of weeks, and I want to talk about them in a bit. But first, I want to discuss a couple of the writing projects I'm excited about. I just completed writing Classroom Guides for my two middle-grade fiction books, Ranch Girl and the Orphan Lamb … Continue reading The Stories We Read and Write
Literary Texas: Dorothy Scarborough
I finally finished reading Dorothy Scarborough's The Wind, a novel that caused quite a stir in West Texas when it was published in 1925. I say I finally finished it because I started it months ago and then stopped reading right in the middle. It was not that I had lost interest in the story … Continue reading Literary Texas: Dorothy Scarborough
Checking In
It has been over a month since I have posted on my blog. I used to write four or five blog posts per month, and I hope to get back to doing that before long. I want to continue my Literary Texas series at some time. I love doing it, but the time involved in … Continue reading Checking In
The Road —Finally—Taken
On our way to Tulsa recently, my husband and I experienced serendipity. That is, we had a chance, unexpected occurrence that turned out to be enjoyable and, in our way of thinking, an advantage to our well-being. I love that. What happened? We had to take a detour. Yes, as simple and annoying as that. … Continue reading The Road —Finally—Taken
Amena’s Quest, a Parable
I met Holli Fry at a writers’ conference some months ago and immediately recognized her as one of those people who make you feel cheerful just by being around them. I expect that ability is one of her many gifts. Holli writes children’s books in a genre generally known as Christian fiction and often states … Continue reading Amena’s Quest, a Parable
BOOK RELEASE DAY!
It has finally arrived, the day Pelican Publishing/Arcadia releases my middle grade chapter book, Ranch Girl and the Orphan Lamb Adventure. I want to thank so many of you for your constant encouragement and sincere happiness for me. I especially, of course, thank God. I find writing to be hard work but a true labor … Continue reading BOOK RELEASE DAY!
Happy Boxing Day
Christmas has come and gone for another year, a quiet letdown many of us feel on December 26. I comfort myself at this time every year by remembering it is Boxing Day in England, so the holiday lingers a bit for those of us of a strong English background ( at least that is what … Continue reading Happy Boxing Day
The Poetry of and in November
My November Guest My Sorrow, when she's here with me, Thinks these dark days of autumn rain Are beautiful as days can be; She loves the bare, the withered tree; She walked the sodden pasture lane. Her pleasure will not let me stay. She talks and I am fain to list: She's glad the birds … Continue reading The Poetry of and in November