It’s that time of year, mid-summer, and that means it’s time to edit my gardens, my jewelry, and my writing. So, I’ve been doing some of each. My gardens My native plant garden is blooming and looks great this year! Here are some photos: Other gardens are flourishing as well – our wetland area has…
Hobbies
Less Poetry, Fewer Attempts at Being Published: More Me
It’s been a tough two weeks. While our vacation was nice, I’ve been in a state of stress since arriving home. Why? Well, that is the focus of today’s post. When we arrived at our son’s in Colorado, I got a notification that the publisher and peer feedback on my 12,000+ word chapter for a…
Book Reviews: Some Outstanding and Then, Others
I love to read, but I will only do it voraciously if a book is truly outstanding. This week, I had the pleasure of reading such a book. Historical Fiction I read “The Women” by Kristin Hannah (2024). If you haven’t read this book, I highly recommend it. Set in the years during the Vietnam…
Poetry Friday: Busy Week
I posted some updates on my poetry on Wednesday. I’ve been busy writing some other poems for Summer Swaps, and anything else that inspires me. Beyond that, I’m halfway through writing my chapter for a textbook on teaching with awe. It’s due in August, so I need to be diligent on finishing. Summer has finally…
Poetry Friday: Rain, Rain, Rain
Hello, Poetry Friends! While much of the country has been captured by extreme heat, we have been getting an overabundance of rain. In the last forty-eight hours, our neighbor’s rain gauge has recorded 6.5 inches. I’m ready for some sun! My week has been busy. Monday, I was on the road for much of the…
Poetry Friday: Searching For Light
Many of you warned me about a “crash” following our return home after caring for my dad and traveling to the Caribbean. I figured out that we’ve been away from home for 19 weeks between last June (2024) and mid-March. No wonder we’re tired! Luckily, I regret none of the time away. But this week,…
Poetry Friday: Inspirations from an Irish Poet
I’ve done a lot of reflective thinking lately. About life. About my hobbies. About my writing. And about poetry. I am at a point of change. I realize I need new hobbies and desire to learn something new. I realize that I am more of an essayist than a poet. I love poetry and will…
Poetry Friday: A Mixed Bag
Wow! The end of July and the beginning of August have been busy. We had lots of visitors in July. Two different couples came up for two different weekends mid-month and before that, our boys were here for the Fourth of July holiday. Near the end of the month, we hopped in the car with…
Poetry Friday: It’s Been A Week…Or, Two
A diary-style post Whew! It’s been a week! June itself has whizzed by, creating a “what happened to that month” feeling. I decided to record what happened in a diary-style post today. Earlier this month On June 8th I flew to New York to see my Dad. Many of you read about that visit. I…
It’s Poetry Friday and I’m Busy, Busy, Busy…
I’m off today to go visit my Dad in New York. He’s doing fine but I am taking advantage of being able to spend time with him as often as possible. My husband and I were there in April so it hasn’t been too long between our visits. We’ll go back together in August, again….






