Blog
Disappearing
Often, I tell people that I’m going to disappear into the woods. The look on their faces is often one of, “what does that mean?” The answer is along the continuum from simple to complex. I wake and meditate. Listening to R. Carlos Nakai and his Lakota music wraps me...
Reawakening
It's 4:15 a.m. on a Thursday morning, and in a glorious reawakening, I'm back writing at the dinning room table. First time in eight years. George Winston plays the piano; my candlelight dances ever so softly; the coffee in my cup awaits a lift in between strokes on...
The Power of “The Penny”
As I tour the country discussing "The Penny," I am astounded at the reaction to the book and the power of "The Penny,” and not just the book but characters in the book. There are several themes one could describe or delve further into, but it is becoming apparent that...
On Tour with “The Penny”
Thanks to Dianna Stampfler of Promote Michigan, I'm about to embark on tour with "The Penny." After years of working regionally, "The Penny" has exploded into a national treasure. The story resonates with past and present generations, and most recently with the...
Remembering…
Remembering… I have found myself, over the last few months, shrouded in a mysterious melancholy, until I began remembering. Remembering the many connected to my life who have lost theirs. A few months ago, I lost my mentor and friend who enabled me to find not only a...
Monday’s with “The Penny”
Welcome back to Monday's with "The Penny." Getting closer to the book discussion on May 25th at Crooked Tree Art Center, we get more indepth with the book and Frank's foray into Korea. “The neighborhood was abuzz about Korea, and Penny heard every word....
Out on a Ledge: Pantheism
I am finding as I become more courageous with my writing, the revelations often leave me out on a ledge. Discovering one’s true self is never easy and always an adventure. Growing up a devout Catholic, I was aptly named, Thomas. My father anointed me with the name...
Living in a COVID Winter
Mood Swings During the last few months of living in a COVID winter, I have acquainted myself with the rapture of mood swings. One day I’m cooking while sipping wine and singing along with Dean Martin, the next I’m sitting with a warm cup of tea overlooking Lake...
Through a Window of Hope
As I gaze out my window at the calm azure lake bedecked by a shoreline of hillsides and forests, I work hard to exhume a sense of hope. Somewhere in my shadowed soul, I know it is there. At times I feel the pulse; I feel the happiness. But alas, yesterday was another...
Ready for whatever
It's late October, and we are ready for whatever happens over the next few weeks. Between the election and fears of a growing COVID spread, we've accelerated our winter prep by stocking, cleaning, and essentially planning for a long hibernation. And honestly, I'm...
A Long Hiatus
After taking a long hiatus from the blog world, I believe it is time to come back. I have been finishing the final touches of two new novels prior to publication, "The Penny" and "Moving Tables." There's been travel and there's been some camping trips and lots of...
The Angry Man from Downstate
While hoping it wouldn't happen, the angry man from downstate did show his ugly face. I was wine cellaring, busy with my little coven of bottles, when through the window I watched a family walk onto the restaurant patio without masks. Our rule is posted and our young...