Magical Memoir Moments
Keeping the Spark Alive: Spontaneous Combustion
Nothing ignites a routine like a sudden shared vision for adventure. A recent spontaneous trip to Washington, DC, brought back memories of other quick decisions and short trips, starting in Virginia Beach.
BLUSH Turning Two — Means a Bargain for You
This picture was taken in 1961 when I was in seventh grade and 13 years old. Two years ago this week Herald Press chose it for the cover of my memoir. See the subtle differences? When a baby turns two, people cluck their tongues and wish the parents well. “Enjoy the Terrible Twos,” they say….
Continuing the Great Adventure: 1966 – 2015
Two Mennonite college students met as roommates in 1966 and have kept in touch. This year we celebrate our 45th college class reunion and then take up another adventure — to Cuba!
Becoming an Artist: A Lifelong Dream
An old painting, uncovered from The Box in the Basement, reminds me of my deepest desire: to become an artist who keeps learning and teaching.
Beach Day or Beach Week? Which Is Better?
This week’s vacation at Long Beach Island evokes strong memories of my childhood love of swimming. The rarity of a day at a beach or even a swimming pool made it very precious from the anticipation beforehand, to the packing, driving, arriving, splashing, and returning.
The Bedroom Where It All Began: A Truly Magical Memoir Moment
Sometimes a Magical Memoir Moment occurs in less than a second. The way my parents told the story, their first meeting was like that. If either of them had made different choices that fateful day, forty-six people would have very different stories. Or no story at all.
Things My Father Said: A Message from the Grave
They say that eyes are the windows to the soul. My father’s eyes look different to me in the few pictures I have from his last years. The one below gave me shivers when it appeared last week on Facebook. The photo comes from the 1979 Lititz, Pennsylvania, high school yearbook, The Warrian. Daddy’s last…
Community or Solitude: Are You Called By Either? Both?
Together or alone? Good writing benefits from both community and solitude. Sometimes a deep experience of one leads to a craving for the other.
Before the “White Man” — The Longhouse and Other Stories of Shelter
The Longhouse Project and a little-known, long-ago family story have inspired hope that Native-American and European-American healing may some day be possible.
Asking for Your Feedback, Friends: How to Improve a Website
Websites can’t remain static. They need to evolve as technology changes and the purpose of the site evolves. I just changed mine and would love some feedback.