Monthly Archives: August 2023

Twilight Dreamily over the roofsThe cold spring rain is falling;Out in the lonely treeA bird is calling, calling. Slowly over the earthThe wings of night are falling;My heart like the bird in the treeIs calling, calling, calling. —Sara Teasdale

I love these words of wisdom from The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, a beloved children’s fantasy published in 1961. They’re from a chapter called, “Castle in the Air:” “You must never feel badly about making mistakes,” explained Reason quietly, … Continue reading →

When you have the attitude and effort, the skill is not far behind.”    Unknown This little gem is jotted down on a handwritten note of mine. The flow of these three ingredients — attitude, effort, and skill — strikes … Continue reading →

Try to be one of the people on whom nothing is lost.”Henry James, from his essay “The Art of Fiction.” Habit blinds us all: We fall into familiar byways without even noticing that it happens and begin to look at … Continue reading →

You should hear every sentence you write as if it was being read aloud or spoken.” Edna Ferber Edna Ferber was a triple threat: She was an American novelist, short story writer and playwright. Her novels included the Pulitzer Prize-winning So … Continue reading →

What can be more restorative and soul-satisfying than seeking out moments of beauty in nature? As writers, we need to refill our creative wells by drinking in the beauty of the world around us. To inspire us, a gathering of … Continue reading →

The Kind Moon I think the moon is very kind      To take such trouble just for me.He came along with me from home      To keep me company. He went as fast as I could run;      I wonder how he crossed the sky?I’m sure … Continue reading →

“I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy planet. The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them. I … Continue reading →

Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is.”   Ernest Hemingway A short story: When the city of Leningrad was laid out in the early 18th century, … Continue reading →

Albert Einstein is believed to have invented the theory of relativity while riding his bicycle. And we all know the story about the apple falling while Newton was relaxing under a tree. Evidence is mounting that taking breaks from mental … Continue reading →