Monthly Archives: June 2024

“If you go by other people’s opinions or predictions, you’ll just end up talking yourself out of something. If you’re running down the track of life thinking that it’s impossible to break life’s records, those thoughts have a funny way … Continue reading →

A short story: Arturo Toscanini was very nearsighted. At the age of 19, he was playing the cello in a small European orchestra. He couldn’t see the music on the stand in front of him, so he had to memorize … Continue reading →

This lovely poem was written by Hilda Conkling when she was 8-years-old: Little Papoose Little papooseSwung high in the branchesHears a song of birds, stars, clouds,Small nests of birds,Small buds of flowers.But he is thinking of his mother with dark … Continue reading →

We’ve all hit our share of jarring moments in our reading life: We’re cruising along in a short story or a novel and then we’re stopped short: We suddenly encounter an awkward word or phrase or a clumsy transition that … Continue reading →

“Someone once asked Somerset Maugham if he wrote on a schedule or only when struck by inspiration. ‘I write only when inspiration strikes,’ he replied. ‘Fortunately it strikes every morning at nine o’clock sharp.’       “That’s a pro.    … Continue reading →

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”   Anne Frank What a gentle, joyful spirit shines through Anne’s words! Today, June 12, is her birthday. She was born in 1929, but … Continue reading →

“Remember to play after every storm.” Mattie Stepanek “There are joys which long to be ours. God sends ten thousand truths, which come about us like birds seeking inlet; but we are shut up to them, and so they bring … Continue reading →

“A writer is someone for whom writing is harder than it is for other people.” Thomas Mann How refreshing and encouraging it is when an accomplished writer freely admits that writing doesn’t come easily to them. The New Yorker magazine once … Continue reading →

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”   Marcel Proust This quote always makes me think of my wonderful family and friends — and how blessed and … Continue reading →

“Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome.”              Samuel Johnson A fascinating fact: George Gershwin conjured up most of his ideas for his marvelous musical compositions by just sitting at the piano and playing. He … Continue reading →