Libraries and Miracles in Haiti
Or: WHY I LOVE LIBRARIANSTake a look at what one librarian from Pittsburgh is doing to build libraries in Haiti. First of all she is using my books!She is also using the art children create inspired by my books. They will [...]
Plodding into the New Year
I notice on Face Book that most people either couldn't wait to see 2012 end or they hated to see it pass.As for me, I will mostly plod from the old year into the new.But sometimes I will gallop.Or hobble...Or Dance. Sometimes I will let others lead. Take the uphill path with the down.But I will try to make my own fresh prints as often as I can.... try to remember that looking back can be as valuable as moving forward. I will revel in campanionship, sharing with family and friends.I will open those old [...]
Tree Toppers Tell the Story
The title tells a lot about your poem or story or book. It should make your work stand out. It is the first thing a reader or editor or agent will see. It is often the last thing to go on my final draft. A really good title adds something to the work.That Christmas tree topper can say a lot too. It too is often the final adornment on the holiday fir. The crowning touch. When I was a child the honor went to my dad. My own children used to [...]
Traditions: Some Things Don’t Change
Actually some things do change. Now a days I am as likely to go to my laptop and google the Food Network for a recipe as I am to scour my cookbooks and old recipes. Really the options areTHIS: OR THIS:Believe me my files on my desk top (I do have one labeled Recipes) don't look much better. So Google it is.Unless I am baking cookies for the holidays. Then [...]
Henna for the Holidays: The United Nations of Chinle
Who knew Chinle would be such a cosmopolitan place? People from all over the world. And I don't mean just tourists who come from everywhere to see Canyon De Chelly.We are very lucky to have neighbors from Pakistan, Taiwan, Thailand, Jamaica, the Philippines, Nigeria and Kenya, Canada, Belarus not to mention Navajo of course, to name a few. And right now I count 8 returned Peace Corps volunteers from around the world as well.Imagine the food we have at pot lucks! Imagine the potential for sharing customs and cultures. Tuesday evening found me [...]
The Perfect Get-Away: Aqua-Ventura, Portugal
Around about this time of year many of us begin yearning for the perfect get-away. Here is where Steve and I were in Portugal last July with friends Jonny and Vio who provide a unique way to enjoy this country with warm and welcoming hospitality, great food and options to hike, kayak, surf and relax.From sheep to castles, Portugal has it all:And did I mention the food? Surf side, in the home with Jonny and Vio or cafe and restaurant.Here is an excerpt from my writing on their website:Jonathan and Vio [...]