In May I was wrapping up my first year working at a local elementary school, preparing for another year there. On a Friday afternoon, I received an email asking if I would be interested in teaching art at a charter school. This was the school that stood out to me…

I’m coming up on a year of living in Texas. In talking to different people, I am often asked: Why did you move here? It is a valid question since we have no family here in San Antonio. My daughter’s in-laws live near Houston and we have visited them once…

Yesterday marks my fifth year of writing a poem every day in the month of April. When I started in April of 2018, I did it as a Camp NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) project. A couple of years ago I discovered NaPoWriMo — National Poetry Writing Month. This…

It’s February 13th- the day before Valentine’s Day and (here in America) Superbowl Sunday. I would venture to guess that many Americans, at least those not in a relationship, anticipate the Superbowl over Valentine’s Day. Many unattached people complain that Valentine’s Day underscores their being single. Since women seem to…

I recently read Dave Barry’s 2020 Year in Review and had some good laughs. My husband and I have enjoyed his reviews of previous years. Barry pokes fun at politics and celebrity life, among other things. The reviews are nonsensical and yet have some kernels of truth. 2021 was such…

Four years ago I attempted — and succeeded — at something I never thought possible: writing a novel of more than 50,000 words in one month. How did I do it? By having a lot of self-discipline, avoiding social media for 30 days and being somewhat of a recluse at…

15 October 2021 How in awe I am of your writing! I am writing you two centuries beyond your lifetime. It is my oldest daughter’s birthday and like you, she is a strong, independent woman. I often picture you writing by candlelight using ink and parchment. How easy it is…

It’s Banned Books Week. I found that out from a writing prompt book. The reasons for the book bans vary, but racial slurs and sexual content seem to top the list. There are certainly books I would avoid. …

My heart is heavy tonight. I am mourning a couple of people who have recently passed away due to COVID complications. One was vaccinated and the other not. One was immunocompromised and the other not. One was a senior and the other much younger. It’s really important for me to…