It’s Friday, day of the planet Venus, the Roman goddess of love. It’s spring. The weather is gorgeous, at least here in Raleigh. So think of a good adventure to launch, large or small, to celebrate the day and the season. (The beauty bush at the edge of my woodland garden is celebrating.) If you […] Read More

I never heard the term before yesterday, but now I’m completely charmed by the idea. “Godwinks” (on Beliefnet.com) encourage courage. How could they not? If you like this post, please bookmark it on del.icio.us, share it on StumbleUpon, vote for it on Digg. Thanks so much. Read More

On Sunday afternoon, Ruth Sheehan, one of my intrepid sisters-in-law, engaged in a public dance competition at the N.C. State Fairgrounds on behalf of children with special needs and the honor of the newspaper industry. She and her dance partner won! That’s her in the pink sequins, as photographed on my phone by her nine […] Read More

The dancer in pink took action beyond-bold for a good cause on Sunday. More to come on this story tomorrow. If you like this post, please bookmark it on del.icio.us, share it on StumbleUpon, vote for it on Digg. Thanks so much. Read More

Seems like it’s either Pickle Day or Fork Lift Operator Month or some such, every time the calendar page turns over. This month is one we might take notice of: National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Here’s something you can do in observance that is so easy it barely counts as bold. But it’s important: Go […] Read More

“I want their lives to always feel full and purpose-driven. I want to watch them as they continue to sprout new feathers on their wings and as they share their gifts with the world.” From the blog of regular contributor Debbie, who writes about her “four angel daughters.” You have to see the photos of […] Read More

Take some inspiration from street musicians around the world who “Play for Change.” Listen to “Stand By Me.” Click on the big screen-filling picture of Grandpa Elliott in New Orleans. If you like this post, please bookmark it on del.icio.us, share it on StumbleUpon, vote for it on Digg. Thanks so much. Read More

Blogging outdoors in my bathrobe, sitting in my car in our driveway, where reception is better than inside. The air is room-temp, so I’ve left the car door open; birds are happily chirtling in the trees, nice liquid-y sounds. A horse fly madly buzzs against the inside of windshield, trying to get out. Even small […] Read More

Today I’m in the particular swivet known as “Which Should I Work On?”. I’m talking about my own writing, not clients’ projects which follow a more easily-decided schedule. I have two unfinished projects of my own (more than that actually, but two that are extremely timely) and last night at dinner with another novelist I […] Read More

How does one boldly handle irritability that arises for no particular reason or at least has nothing to do with the innocents who cross one’s path? I have an idea that total withholding of the snappishness that longs to surface isn’t good for the relationships. But neither is the full-strength snapping. Intellectually I know that […] Read More