Capturing the Beauty in Life: Photography, and Venice
Photography is the beauty of life, captured. – Tara Chisholm Venice In 2003, I received my first SLR camera from my husband as a birthday gift. It was not one…
Great Reads Fiction: To the Bright Edge of the World by Eowyn Ivey
I became a fan of Eowyn Ivey’s fiction after Jessica Vealitzek recommended The Snow Child at GreatNewBooks.org, which also became a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. When I heard about Ivey’s…
A Monarch Butterfly and Its Changing Beauty
HAPPINESS.—A butterfly, which when pursued, seems always just beyond your grasp; but if you sit down quietly, may alight upon you. ~ “A Chapter of Definitions,” Daily Crescent, 1848 June…
Coldplay Lights, Music, and Prague
"See the arrow they shot Trying to tear us apart Take the fire from my belly and the beat from my heart Still I won't let go Still I won't…
10 Tips for Traveling Europe on a Budget
The traveler was active; he went strenuously in search of people, of adventure, of experience. The tourist is passive; he expects interesting things to happen to him. He goes “sight-seeing.” …
10 Favorite Quotes by Madeleine L’Engle
“You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.” – Madeleine L’Engle…
Essentials for Writing a Novel
“Everything you ever wanted – personally and professionally – is 2 or 3 steps beyond your comfort zone.” -Andy Andrews Everyone has a story to tell. I believe that. And…
Create a Stunning Garden: 20 Favorite Flowers to Plant
“My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece” – Claude Monet June gardens at the peak of bloom Gardens, flowers, and nature have long been inspiration for poets, writers, and painters. None…
Why I Still Blog (After 7 Years!)
“It’s none of their business that you have to learn to write. Let them think you were born that way.” – Ernest Hemingway Writing is one of the most wonderful,…