The Art of Breathing

Sometimes life is about breathing deeply, enjoying the people who make life worth living, like family at my Aunt Nancy's 80th birthday celebration. And at other times, life is about gasping for air and holding your breath for as long as possible, and lately my lungs have strained from the lack of oxygen. You see, …

Indulge in the Selfish Side of Writing

I write, primarily, for myself: to vent feelings, to process changes, and to make meaning out of everything from monotony to madness. And somewhere along this writer’s journey (which began with a journal at the age of twenty), I envisioned a pot of gold at the end of the self-disclosure rainbow, which I now highly …

Word Gardening…and her words blew over the wall…

We writers often fantasize about our words blowing over the wall of our word gardens we work so hard to cultivate. Beth Reekle’s amazing success with her novel, “The Kissing Booth,” is an incredible example of this, and a real pick me up for any aspiring author. This teen writer decided to craft a book …

Deep Cauldron of Emotions: Lighting the Way through Personal Expression

When we dare to connect with and share our feelings, we light the way for others to do the same. This is the gift of writing and the glory of words. Have you ever read someone’s insights and felt the pouring of warm wax over the candle of understanding hidden within your soul? The writer’s …

Gratitude for my Son, Josiah

This morning gratitude nests in my soul as I remember my son’s entrance into the world 29 years ago. I ponder what possibilities await his life, this magnificent young man who lights up the world with his smile. I also remember the words of wisdom my great-grandma spoke: “The first step your son takes will …

New Year’s Resolutions

Rose Parade, New Year's Resolution, 2013 here I go! I love this time of year! The hustle and bustle of Christmas has passed and a fresh start stretches out before me. I sit cuddled up on the coach watching the Rose Parade and thinking about my New Year's Resolutions. This year my list is sliced …

Criticism: Raven of the Soul

I’d rather be a dove of peace than a raven of criticism. In fact, I often think…there is already so much wrong in the world, why point out the obvious, over and over again? I also wonder at what point personal beliefs end and another’s free will begins? Is there a fine line between standing up …

Edie Kynard: Frazzled, Fearless & Free

Art is a fruit that grows in man, like fruit on a plant, or a child in it’s mother’s womb. - Edie Kynard “Driving along with my Nikon on the seat beside me, I was content with a cup of coffee and scenic views of a foggy morning in St. Augustine. The lake looked surreal …

New Painting: Caged Bird, Sing Me a Song

This post will show you the progression of an acrylic painting of the world. I've included the first and last photo and a bit of the poem, but Elya Filler's post includes a whole lot in between. Visit the post to see the entire process and poem. New Painting: Caged Bird, Sing Me a Song. …