Just Take the Plunge!

I had my doubts. Was I out of my depth? Was my story interesting? Was it worth spending $25 apiece on a dream? I decided to take the plunge. Swim with the big fish and enter the CBC Nonfiction Contest. I chose to polish up not one, but two stories from years ago. Isn’t it…

Why I Quit my Writing Course

I learned about a spectacular writing course from a friend. While she hadn’t taken it, she felt it might appeal to me. Well, yes, it did! The line—“Is your blog read only by your Mom and five close friends?”—seemed to speak to me personally. The course promised an instant community of hundreds of writers who…

Christmas Busyness…& Cookies!

Lucy has been at my iPad more than I have been lately. Writing my blog has taken a backseat to the hustle- bustle of Christmas shopping and spending time with family and friends.  Plus, it probably wasn’t a wise move to clean the keyboard with a cotton ball soaking wet with alcohol. Rubbing alcohol! Likewise,…

To Everything There Is A Season…

Life is busy. Glancing around my home the other day, I noticed a few things out of place. Two brilliant red hearts still hung from the kitchen ceiling. They were displayed there for Valentine’s Day. Another Valentine’s Day decoration, a heart-shaped bunch of flowers remains in the foyer. A Christmas ornament was found hanging on a plant.…

Her Own Gift!

“Mom, sh#t happens. And, we cope.” Wise words from my daughter, Giselle, the bride-to-be. I planned to write this week-end’s blog post about my shower gift to her. However, time is short. And, so will be this post! Sure, we all hear “sh#t happens” but do you vent and carry on about it? How, life isn’t…

The Birth

Happy Easter! Special treat today…a short, poignant tale written a few years back by my now 90-year-old Mom. The story was written at an Elderhostel on Manitoulin Island. Elderhostel, renamed these days as Road Scholar, is a program that combines travel with learning for seniors.  Please excuse the quality of the photos. They’re from long ago! Here’s…

Top Things I Learned

Things I learned from entering my first writing contest: 1)    I wished I paid more attention to Mrs. McPhee, my grade eight English teacher. No one knew grammar like Mrs. McPhee! 2)    Mistakes can be found even on the fortieth re-read. 3)    It’s good to review the fine print of the rules earlier than the…

Winning Combination

I spun the combination lock again. It must’ve been my tenth attempt. I started to panic. With a towel wrapped around me and dripping wet from the pool, I knew I could be in trouble. My clothing, shoes, purse, phone and car keys were locked inside the locker. And, my sole contact lens! Finally, the…

Resolve to Dream Big!

New Year’s Resolutions. In one year and out the other, right? The only goal I’m making is to keep dreaming big. Life is busy. Work, family and day-to-day life can get into the way of dreams and goals. Dream big anyways. What really do you have to lose? Listen to friends’ advice about what dreams…