Read Any Good Books Lately?
Read any good books lately? This may be a cliched conversation starter, but I thought it might be fun to start that very conversation right here. Now that I’ve moved to a new community and I’m meeting new people, I’m usually asked what kind of books I write. I find myself stumbling over an answer.…
Read MoreIf Things Can Go Wrong, They Will: Our Cottage Renovation
I’ve promised frequent updates on the renovation of our Victorian era cottage in Chautauqua, New York, and judging from the response to my last newsletter, you’re interested. Unfortunately there hasn’t been much to tell. Our contractor has been hard at work on another house, but there’s been a much more interesting delay. Chautauqua County has…
Read MoreSunday Poetry: “We love to remember the way the soul leaps…”
Welcome to Sunday Poetry. If this is your first visit you can read about the purpose and inspiration of my Sunday poetry blogs here. My husband and I love to sit on our lanai on warm evenings and listen to the frogs sing in the pond in back of our home. To some their croaking may seem…
Read MoreWith the Greatest of Regrets, I Cannot . . .
The New Year is a time for resolutions. I bet you made some, right? Mine were pretty simple. Spend more time exploring my new homes and less time staring at computer screens. Do you think that means less writing? Nah. It just means that I’m going to fill my personal well more frequently, which should…
Read MoreSunday Poetry: “Let silence in like a cat”
Welcome to Sunday Poetry. If this is your first visit you can read about the purpose and inspiration of my Sunday poetry blogs here. Happy New Year friends! Perhaps you’ve already made your New Year’s resolutions, but after reading this poem, New Year Resolve by May Sarton, you may want to add an addendum. And then ask…
Read MoreWinner of Horoscopes for the Dead and Other Good News
I’m delighted to begin 2013 by announcing a contest winner. Wanda, also known as commenter #14 on my Sunday Poetry blogs, just won an autographed copy of Horoscopes for the Dead by Billy Collins, an ongoing contest for the read-poetry-along-with-Emilie crowd. Wanda’s comment: “Emilie I love this weeks poem. It says play! Have fun and…
Read MoreHappy Endings and Beginnings
Southern Exposure is taking a holiday break until Wednesday, January 2nd. In the meantime why not finish 2012 with a bang? Do something you’ve been afraid to try, or haven’t made time for this year while there’s still time. Visit an old friend, or give one a call. Take a long walk with your…
Read MoreSunday Poetry: The fresh truth of children
Welcome to Sunday Poetry. If this is your first visit you can read about the purpose and inspiration of my Sunday poetry blogs here. My Christmas gift to you is this beautiful poem, Noel, by Anne Porter. May her words bring with them poignant memories of the past as well as a reminder of the preciousness of…
Read MoreWe Wish You a Merry Christmas: Booklover Carols Part Five
If you’ve been reading this blog for a couple of years, you are prepared for what comes next. And I don’t mean the end of the world according to the Mayan calendar. You’re reading this, right? No, it’s time for a new and ridiculous Booklover Carol. You’re not prepared? Don’t say we didn’t warn you.…
Read MoreSee What the Wise Men Started?
Our nation is reeling from the horrifying, senseless killing of children in Connecticut this past week. Many of us wonder how such a thing could happen, while at the same time we watch the selfless outpouring of love and support from strangers who feel the the tragedy deep inside. Our sadness is healed in some…
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