Writing

  • Winter Sleep

    Yesterday, much-loved poet Mary Oliver died of lymphoma. She was 83. As NPR posted in its obituary, “Oliver won many awards for her poems, which often explore the link between nature and the spiritual world; she also won a legion… Continue reading

    Winter Sleep
  • That’s So Pat! 1/17/19

    Hey there! Pat here with some toad-ally exciting news! I’m launching an advice column about life — from toad rage to the DaVinci Toad! Send your questions and I vow to always give Pat answers! My very first question is… Continue reading

    That’s So Pat! 1/17/19
  • The Light Within You

    This Spark and Spitfire post introduces a new regular feature and category — Sparks — thoughts, excerpts, rants, etc. — inspired by my current reading. What purpose does religion serve in our lives? Why does religion still exist in the 21st century?… Continue reading

    The Light Within You
  • Grief Lessens

    Today is the Feast of the Epiphany, a Christian holiday celebrating the revelation of God the Son as a human being in Jesus Christ. It is also the first anniversary of my mother’s death. There’s not much difference between a… Continue reading

    Grief Lessens
  • Ignite 11/16/18

    Let’s raise our glasses this Thanksgiving and say cheers to those of us who give thanks by saying cheers!     Continue reading

    Ignite 11/16/18
  • Election Day Forecast

    A couple of weeks ago, I posted Parts One & Two of “Operation Sharonimo” — the fulfillment of Writing Assignment #1 from my Write Wing companion. Assignment #2 was this: Your local television station has fired its meteorologist and hired you… Continue reading

    Election Day Forecast
  • Operation Sharonimo — Part Two

    “An undercover spy is about to impersonate you in all aspects of your life. Write Instructions.” Yesterday, I posted Part One of “Operation Sharonimo” — created from a writing prompt (above) assigned to me by my faithful Write Wing companion who… Continue reading

    Operation Sharonimo — Part Two
  • Operation Sharonimo — Part One

    “An undercover spy is about to impersonate you in all aspects of your life. Write Instructions.” A couple of weeks ago, as a way of kicking my writing ass, I asked my faithful writing companion and member of my writing… Continue reading

    Operation Sharonimo — Part One
  • Ignite 10/12/18

    To write or not to write. To laugh or not to laugh. Laughing is always easier.   Continue reading

    Ignite 10/12/18
  • A Blackbird’s Song

    Did the song of a blackbird bring comfort to my dying friend? ***** “A blackbird’s song can’t stop disease, but it can offer comfort.” So believes Rachel Clarke, the author of Your Life In My Hands: A Junior Doctor’s Story… Continue reading

    A Blackbird’s Song