Monthly Archives: August 2026

The difference between ORDINARY and EXTRAORDINARY is that little extra.” Jimmy Johnson “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”T.S. Eliot “The difference between ‘try’ and ‘triumph’ is a little ‘umph’” … Continue reading →

Here, to inspire us all as we relax and recharge, is a meditation on the power of the written word from my cherished copy of One Thousand Beautiful Things, which came to me from my beloved mom, Dorothy: Books “Consider what … Continue reading →

« Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do. » Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Knowing and willing are not enough; we must apply and do. How true these words ring and yet how hard it can … Continue reading →

A tale once told by Dolly Parton, the legendary country singer and songwriter: “Butterflies are colorful and bright and gentle and have no way to harm you. They go about their business and bring others pleasure while doing it, because … Continue reading →

« Modern English, especially written English, is full of bad habits which spread by imitation and which can be avoided if one is willing to take the necessary trouble. If one gets rid of these habits one can think more clearly… »George … Continue reading →

“…the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.” William Hutchison Murray When we’re working on a long-term project, it’s easy to get bogged down and to lose our way. Sometimes we even lose touch with the original creative … Continue reading →

“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.”Robin Williams Whatever you’re working on, you may have hit a rough patch or you may be about to pass into one. When you land in one of … Continue reading →

« A poem should begin in delight and end in wisdom, » the great Robert Frost once said. And here’s a delightfully wise poem of his — all the more amazing because he actually wrote it in July! Stopping by Woods on … Continue reading →

“And do you think,” said the first swallow, “that the other call is not for us too, in its due season? The call of the lush meadow-grass, wet orchards, warm, insect-haunted ponds, of browsing cattle, of hay-making, and all the … Continue reading →

As we move toward the fall and fresh beginnings, you may be polishing some of the work you’re excited about with an eye toward submitting it to journals and contests. With this in mind, here’s some sage advising from an … Continue reading →