It’s been a busy month. I went to Chicago, helped my son move, did a bunch of book research at the Newberry Library and The Chicago History Museum. And then had the great joy of taking the train home. Chicago to Seattle on the Empire Builder. I loved every minute of the trip. More on that below.

I also got a new author photo taken by my very talented cousin, Robin L. Green. She’s been a professional photographer for years–doing western photography, nature photography, rodeos, and of course, people. Follow her on Facebook–I always love seeing what she’s up … Read more »

Let’s talk.

I keep getting anxious emails from all of you—am I writing, am I going to have a new book out soon, and why is this taking so long?????

All good questions.

I want to be honest with all of you because you are my readers, my dear friends, so here is how it is.

I finished the book last fall. After a bit of a delay, my agent and I decided to part company. I had suspected for sometime that this new shiny book wouldn’t be her cup of tea, and that would be her reaction, so it … Read more »

Part of me wonders–do I post this sort of trivial list when the world is on the fire?–because I don’t want anyone to think I am not scared spitless about the state of things right now. Especially since I’ve been reading a lot of WW1 history lately and the parallels are like blinking billboards with spotlights. But perhaps five things that touch the normal, that place we can all agree upon, are also necessary. The more we can reach out and all find common ground, maybe we can see our differences without the harsh rhetoric.

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Here a pic of … Read more »

It’s inevitable, but I am going to repeat myself. I’ve tried hard not to. I even maintain a list–but the list only works if you update it, which I did last week and discovered I have repeated myself. The Expanse! The Vanished Days! With over 220 Things and counting, it is going to happen.

But happily as much as I keep thinking I’ll run out eventually

, and I always seem to find more. Let’s take a look at this week’s list.

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But for the record, I don’t think updates should count. Do you remember the Thing I … Read more »

Tomorrow (Saturday, Jan 29th) I will be taking over on Instagram for Romanced By the Book. Megan and Marielle are a dynamic duo of romance loving readers who post about books and authors and sponsor read alongs–most recently diving deep into And the Miss Ran Away with the Rake. Drop by and leave a comment

, or make sure to include them in your follows.

They will also be posting a zoom interview with yours truly. Please promise not to horrified of live me. LOL.

Now let’s get to … Read more »

So, I’ve been absent for a bit. From my heart, I’ve missed all of you.

First it was the holidays, and then it was January. And then I had foot surgery. And now, I am finally walking again–hurrah!!–and ready to get back to sending out newsletters once more.

And thank you to everyone who has written in the meantime to politely ask me to get going again. And a special thanks to those who nagged. You know who you are and you are loved. 😉

Coming back here is also out of a sense that we are all struggling as … Read more »

A week to Christmas? Egads! I’d be really panicked if it was a usual year–big dinner to plan. Family arriving from around the country. And getting those last minute gifts done. But this year? Just trying to finish two knitting projects. That’s it.

We all have people we miss seeing

, and at Christmastime, no less, it is harder. But I take a deep breath–one of any number I’ve taken over the last 10 months and remind myself, this shall pass. And on the other side is next year. With high hopes for the blessings of family and friends … Read more »

It’s Friday. No preamble. Let’s just get one with it.

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Are you writing along with me? As we move into Week 3 of journaling the Season, the word this week is Light. I think this is the word for the entire season. Nothing is more valuable right now than light. It brightens the darkness inside and out. What brings light into your heart and home right now?

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While these Christmas cookies aren’t some old family recipe, these Chocolate Crinkles are ones that I love and were always found on the infamous family cookie tree. I can’t find Grandma’s … Read more »

Into December we joyfully proceed. Yes, I am still on last week’s Joy celebration. That doesn’t mean I don’t have a new word for all of us to celebrate.

First off

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, thank you to so many of you who wrote to me to share your lists of Joy. They brought tears to my eyes and lightened my heart. Thank you so much for sharing.

And one quick reminder–don’t forget, I will be on Julia Quinn’s Instagram Live this coming Tuesday, December 8, 2pm Pacific Time. You can get the details here. Hope to … Read more »

Opening one eye after a day of baking, roasting, rolling, snapping, mashing and stirring to offer a better-late-than-never wish of a happy Friday wherever you are. Goodness, I love Thanksgiving. Even pared down pandemic Thanksgiving. Throw together a turkey sandwich and enjoy the following:

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I love picking a word for a week or a month or the year, and trying to find ways to express it in my bullet journal. So I thought for the next four weeks of Advent, I would share with you what I am writing about.

This week I chose Joy, because while it … Read more »