Celebrating spring, writerly style

It took a while, but I finished a draft of a novel! Woot! While it rests–and I gather courage to show it to readers–I am taking advantage of book and literary festivals happening here in New Orleans. Because all writing and no reading makes for a dull me! I recently enjoyed the New Orleans Book…Continue reading Celebrating spring, writerly style

Wintry fun in Wisconsin

We took the train from New Orleans to Chicago, an overall pleasant experience–more spacious than a plane, and less stressful than driving–though we rattled around much more than I remembered, and none of us slept in our coach seats despite the 19-hour trip (plus 5 for a freight-train accident ahead of us). When we finally…Continue reading Wintry fun in Wisconsin

November thoughts

Growing up in Wisconsin, I hated November. Cold grey skies, darkness when I woke and before I got home from school, leafless trees and dead grass without even the quiet beauty of snow. A month of dread for the next four or five months of winter yet to come. Since I’ve moved to New Orleans–and…Continue reading November thoughts

Summer’s over?!

That was fast! I suppose my kids have been back in school for weeks now, but the weather here feels just as summery as ever (if not moreso now that the persistent rain has stopped). We’ve been lucky to have made it past August with no hurricanes (unlike last summer) and none on the immediate…Continue reading Summer’s over?!

Mardi Gras 2022

Some days it’s hard to face the world. It’s a mess out there. Then Mardi Gras comes around, and the parades are rolling and bands are playing and people are gathering, unlike last year. And I remember what makes New Orleans special: not so much “The City that Care Forgot” but the courage and resilience…Continue reading Mardi Gras 2022