writing
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Embrace the Detour
I love a fabulously well-timed quote. Inspiration arriving in my in-box as I’m editing and working my way to the finish line with my novel. Have you heard this one? “The backstory isn’t a detour – it’s the past pressing in.” -Joyvity Joyvity is a site offering writing tips, one I’d never heard of but Continue reading
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Morning Message
I’m not a poet but I love to dabble, especially when stream-of-consciousness poetry arrives. Almost in an auto-write format. I’ll explain… It doesn’t happen often, but words and phrases…sometimes whole stanzas of poetry command my attention if my dad populated my subconscious overnight. I wish I could summon these bon-mot-moments on demand. Alas, I must Continue reading
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“Pieces of Me”
My dear friend, poet Maggie Watson is a treasure. One of the most unexpected joys in blogging comes from meeting dear ones all around the world. Talented Maggie delights me with good wishes and waves “across the pond” from Scotland and taught me about a treat I’d never heard of – jelly tots. But the Continue reading
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Stole My Heart 💝
Lauren Scott’s beautiful new book, “King Copper – Our Dog’s Life in Poetry” stole my heart. Sadly, one of the common denominators in life is loss. When those I care about – friends, family, clients, former students – reach out and share their grief about losing a pet, there’s often a sense of shame about Continue reading
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Jelly Stains
“What lasts in the reader’s mind is not the phrase but the effect the phrase created: laughter, tears, pain, joy. If the phrase is not affecting the reader, what’s it doing there? Make it do its job or cut it without mercy or remorse.” – Issac Asimov Impact. I believe the Universe nudged me last Continue reading
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Thank You Elliott
“To me, photography is about finding something interesting in an ordinary place. I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”-Elliott Erwitt I took a photo the other day. I was held captive (joking!) while Paul toured a reclaimed wood store. I Continue reading
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Think Small
The other day my dear blogging buddy, Ally Bean commented on my Heart of the Matter blog post, “Apples and Authenticity” – a story about a dear colleague from many years ago who had a knack for prioritizing well, making good work/life balance decisions. Ally’s observation reminded me of a quote I’d long forgotten…yet the Continue reading
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Music Matters
Anthony Neilson is a Scottish writer and actor, and I love a quote attributed to him about the power of music, especially for storytellers: Listen to music to find a way into the story you’re telling. Music is incredibly evocative: find the right piece that reflects the world you’re writing about, and you’re halfway there. Continue reading
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Hand in Hand
I’ve returned to Yeats. William Butler Yeats, that is, because of “The Celtic Twilight” – first published in 1893 yet resonant for me today. A volume that’s comprised of Yeats’ early morning reveries. They speak to me, especially as autumn approaches. Stoking my sense of wonder, my belief in possibilities… Hand in hand. I love Continue reading
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Perspective
I’m a bit of a wayward poet. Writing when the spirit moves me…my practice is unpredictable. This one? It arrived this morning and I’m still working through what it means. Poetry is like that for me – appearing in a flourish. I receive and sometimes share. Making meaning of it – beyond the obvious geometry? Continue reading
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You Are the Universe
I love this quote: You are the universe, expressing itself as a human for a little while. -Eckhart Tolle “You are the universe” is such a powerful phrase. A nudge to take care of ourselves, lest our needs tumult to the bottom of a lengthy to-do list. Tolle’s reminder also speaks to urgency…we are one, Continue reading
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Podcast Friday! Listen to the Children
I’m not sure it’s a good idea to play favorites…but this week’s podcast takes the cake…and that’s saying a lot around here, given that it’s the Friday after the feast-o-rama known as Thanksgiving. I’m so full of pie. I AM pie. But there’s a nice detour ahead. I can’t think of anything better that receiving Continue reading
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Breathe the Air
The influence of the earth and the cadence of the seasons….on my mind today. As much as I’ve maligned the morning darkness over these past few weeks, I’m taking comfort in the normalcy of a pulling in, coming inside, after a long summer of sunshine and nature’s delights. What is it about the approach of Continue reading
“Surviving Sue”, a special story about resiliency and love: Eckhartz Press (paperback) and eBook on Amazon.
Peek Inside “Surviving Sue“
Visit Resources on Atkinson Group Solutions for more.
Podcasts
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Workshops
Chicago Writers Association Speakers Bureau – Writing for Wellness; Navigating Elder Care with Grace & Humor; How to Create a Writing Platform; AI for Caregivers
About Me
Learn about five books that inspired and supported my writing journey by visiting my personalized book review page on Shepherd.
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