March 3, 2014, was National Education Association’s Read Across America event, an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on Seuss’ birthday. To quote President Obama, "When parents, educators, librarians, and mentors read with children, they give a gift that will nourish … (continue)
Taking risks
When you take risks, there are times you will succeed and times you will fail. There are no guarantees in life, in love, or in our chosen profession, but without trying we simply exist. How fun would that be? Prey in the Vineyard, the third book in my mystery series, is about an Amish girl who takes the greatest risk of her life by leaving her … (continue)
Potential
According to the dictionary, potential generally refers to a currently unrealized ability to do whatever we want—dance, ski, or maybe master a piece of music. We’ve all heard the phrase “you can do anything you want to do.” I don’t totally believe that we can become anything we want. Could the ugly duckling become a swan if he tried hard enough? … (continue)
The name game
What’s in a name? Why is it so difficult to decide what to call someone? Cliff and I didn’t know if we were having a boy or a girl, but wanted to see the baby before naming it. When red haired, blue-eyed Carla was born, we gave her the middle name Beth, as my mother had requested before she passed away. When our black-haired, black-eyed second … (continue)
Coincidence or luck?
Coincidences are not accidents but signals from the universe, which can guide us toward our true destiny. Those are not my words. They belong to Deepak Chopra. He goes on to say that once you understand the way life really works—the flow of energy, information, and intelligence that directs every moment—then you begin to see the amazing potential … (continue)