A Desk of One’s Own
I bring marvelous news: I now own my very own writing desk. It might not matter to anyone else, but to a writer, it matters! It matters! As perhaps the finest object I now possess, this writing desks contains within it an entire network of personal history, friendship, and artistry that now provides the literal […]
3 Ways to Restore Creativity
After all this time, I’ve learned a few things about creativity, and I hope this list encourages you. 1. We sometimes limit creativity to mean only one thing (writing a breakout novel, overflowing with wisdom in some area, or feeling inspired to produce something in one category). But creativity, like water, takes many forms. When […]
Loyal to One
My aloof and highly mysterious cat Merlin desperately needs a good brushing. But one can hardly see Merlin much less catch him in one’s arms. He hides. He slinks around. He bathes peacefully and rests soundly on the far side of the room (and often behind something for protection). It’s always a celebration of some […]
Learn from the Younger
When you raise teen girls, at least mine, you learn about skincare and makeup and hair care. You let them advise you—with all their expertise—on everything you need. I’m no longer the wise one in these areas. But I admit, it’s so fun to learn.
The Plumcot
Where You’ll Most Grow
I like thinking about making a decision based on what will help me most grow. Will this new location, job, assignment, opportunity etc. help me grow? Will it not? How will it impact my spiritual life or the growth of my family? Choosing things that help us grow sounds wise to me these days.
Winnow Out
Today I faced two large projects that both overwhelmed me. Both involved too much information that required winnowing. (To winnow out means to blow or sift through something in order to remove the chaff and find what’s essential.) When you winnow, you start with an enormous pile–of words, of things, of thoughts, of tasks. And […]
Your Own Timeline: In Praise of Early Things
Something marvelous and strange happened late yesterday: I decided to check on the plumcot seeds that sat quietly chilling in the refrigerator. I had already sprouted an apricot seed, and I love plums, so I figured I’d try to germinate the hybrid plumcot. But you need patience for this kind of thing. Like six months […]
When a Friend Mails You a Book to Read in Exchange for Your Thoughts
Today I opened my mailbox to find the book Adorning the Dark: Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making by Andrew Peterson. My wonderful and thoughtful friend sent this book after she began to read it. The book made her think of me! She sent it as a gift so I could read […]
Keep Casting Off All that Entangles
Lately, we’ve been cleaning and organizing our pantry, laundry room, and kitchen. I easily spot things we haven’t used in years. I make a neat pile of donations. I also find cans of soup in the recesses of my pantry from nearly a decade ago. Before a new semester begins, it’s time to cast off […]