Category: creative

The Number One, Must-Have Survivalist Tool

I attended a Preparedness & Survival Expo in August.  One excellent speaker, Jay Blevins, who has been featured on National Geographic Channel’s “Doomsday Preppers,” talked about the 6 foundational aspects of prepping. At the top of the survival list? Having the proper mindset. This means having the will to survive, even when things get downright ugly, insecure and… Continue reading The Number One, Must-Have Survivalist Tool

Writerly Collaboration

I enjoy spending time with people, talking and sharing ideas, laughing, being outdoors, EATING, drinking wine or brew… but by nature, I’m more the lone wolf. My grandmother taught me as a little person how to entertain myself. I have enough reading materials to keep me busy a couple of lifetimes, and enough writing ideas…… Continue reading Writerly Collaboration

Two Weeks to Rites: Story Origins

Writers are often asked where they get their ideas. Actually, no one has ever asked me that – but I’ve had many very nice offers to write various individuals’ stories because their lives have been so interesting. I aspire to be the person who tells a writer that I’m so interesting, my life absolutely must be written about.… Continue reading Two Weeks to Rites: Story Origins

Gerbil Brain, Mental Exhaustion, Backlogged Output

I don’t understand or relate when people say they are “bored.”  Maybe they mean “ennui” – a perfect word for listlessness, compliments of the French.  Now, THAT I have suffered from, a sort of existential dissatisfaction.  But my ennui stems from intellectual overload. My problem is not a lack of interesting things to think about and… Continue reading Gerbil Brain, Mental Exhaustion, Backlogged Output

Man of Steel: Have All the Good Stories Already Been Told?

Last Thursday was my son’s birthday, and he wanted to go see a movie. In a theater, not in our house. I could only dig in my heels slightly when he said he wanted to see “Man of Steel.” After all… it was his birthday, so I had to be a good sport and push down my desire… Continue reading Man of Steel: Have All the Good Stories Already Been Told?

Energy Efficient Appliances… Is it Me?

I am all about taking care of Mother Earth and better stewardship and doing my part. I own an energy-efficient washing machine and dryer. I even received a tax credit for purchasing appliances that were “energy star” or some-such. Joke is on me. And I’m sure I’ve more than spent that credit… on the electric… Continue reading Energy Efficient Appliances… Is it Me?