Poor Nellie

I recently experienced a case of the Nervous Nellies. It happened at a writer’s conference where I’d signed up to pitch my novel to three agents. Typically, I shine in one-on-one situations. However, I was so tense, I asked each agent if I could read my pitch and each kindly let me. (You’re supposed to have it memorized.) By the... read more

Valsroad 2019 – 2020 Book Club Choices

Just in time to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on April 27, my book club chose our next group of books which are shared below. I found this great quote from www.indiebookstoreday.com which defines the importance of independent bookstores: “Independent bookstores are not just stores, they’re community centers and local anchors run by... read more

An Inspirational Spring

I don’t usually write about spirituality on my blog, but several women have inspired me this spring. One shared her beauty, another shared her life, and the last shared her voice. Mother Nature has been at her finest this spring. The heavy rains brought us an abundance of wildflowers. This attracted millions of Painted Lady butterflies that... read more

Stuck in a River

A few years ago, I wrote about a weird phenomenon called earworm. It’s when a song gets stuck in your head and plays in an endless loop. It seems to effect women more than men and is very irritating. The cure is to “change the channel” so that another song takes its place. The song I’m having trouble with now is one my daughter introduced... read more

Active Kindness

At the beginning of a new year, I try to make a resolution to improve some part of my life. My past resolutions have included the usual: trying to eat healthier or working out more. It’s March and I haven’t made a resolution yet. So I decided to try something simpler, find my word for 2019. My book club read Elizabeth Gilbert’s book “Eat,... read more