What Did We Learn From Our Summer?
For a novelist some ideas have wings. Others sink like a stone. As a novelist I frequently come up with ideas that, after closer examination, are discarded in the “What were you thinking?” circular file. Sometimes the idea might be good for someone more equipped to tackle that subject or setting. Sometimes it might be…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: The Dream of My Life
Proman and I have a special interest in India since our daughter was born there. In his ministry, Proman has also traveled to India and worked with groups who organize the poorest of the poor to struggle for their civil rights and economic justice. One of those organizers is an amazing man by the name…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: Words Have Power
“Your words have power and energy — causing a ripple effect in your body and the world around you. Speak with kindness and generosity.” -GratitudeHabitat.com I’ve learned as an author how important words are in our lives. Not only in books, but in everything we say and write there is a power and energy that…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: Finding Happiness
“I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness — it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” – Brene Brown Lately I’ve found these words to be so true. As we travel from our home in Chautauqua, New York, to our home in Sarasota, Florida, we’re visiting all…
Read MoreHiking Through Life: What’s Your Style?
I just returned from Southern Utah where Proman and I spent ten days hiking in the five spectacular national parks there. We started with an overnight in Las Vegas–what a great place to people watch–and then set off to hike in Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands parks, before returning to Las Vegas early…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: The Forest Man
Are you frustrated and depressed with all the terrible news and suffering in the world? Are you ready for hope and inspiration? I certainly am. I’m desperate for good news about kindness and generosity — which I try to share with you as often here as possible. Recently I found this story about the Forest…
Read MoreGone Hiking
I’m writing this before I discover what Hurricane Irma has in store for Florida, which is clearly going to be life-changing for many people in my home state–and possibly Proman and me. In the meantime we’re taking a long-planned hiking trip to the Utah parks to celebrate Proman’s recent birthday, and I’m practicing what I…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: Coping With Tragedy
“When you go through tragedy, you can either let it destroy you and you become bitter and never let it go, or you can let it make you stronger and let it make you grow…” -Evanescence There has been far too much suffering in our nation these past few weeks with fires raging in the…
Read MoreSix Ways to Nurture Your Creativity
Are you working on a book? A quilt? A new recipe? Do you paint, compose, crochet or knit? If you do, you know that some mornings you wake up and nothing’s there. No ideas, visions, plans, and most of all no energy. It’s time to find ways to nurture your creativity. All creative people (and…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: Harvey’s Heroes
Witnessing the devastation and suffering in Texas has been difficult. The tragic consequences of Hurricane Harvey have reminded me of the terrible destruction of Hurricane Katrina where so many of our friends lived — and where we lived before the storm. I have cried tears for all the many victims of this historic flood, but…
Read More