• I’m having one of those days. You know, one of THOSE days. A day that starts out decent enough. Easy enough. Just fine. I often go over my plans for the day at the breakfast table. Coffee, the Chicago Tribune, and conversation with my husband. He leaves for work about 9 am and gets home…

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  • Introducing, Literary Mary CHATS!

    As an added feature to my blog, I am going to invite authors and others in the literary field to answer five questions. I will post the results on the last Monday of each month. I am very proud to be kicking off Literary Mary Chats with Terri Reid. Terri Reid lives in the same…

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  • COMING SOON!

    I am in the final stages of publication for my novel, A Stranger’s Child! I’m so excited!!!           I just can’t hide it!!! I’m WRITING! EDITING! FORMATTING! and DESIGNING!             I’ll be attending the Pikes Peak Writers’ Conference in April and plan to arrive WITH MY…

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  • P!NK

    In honor of this SNOW DAY, I’m unpacking a blog I wrote in July, but for some reason, never posted. Enjoy.   Me and 25,000 of my closest Pink fans showed up at Milwaukee Summerfest Sunday, July 2, 2017. Despite rain, eight buck beers, and exorbitant ticket prices, the Marcus Amphitheater was packed—SOLD OUT. No…

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  • Arty New Year

    Arty New Year

    I’m kicking off 2018 with a piece in an art show! My main creative focus is writing, so it’s really exciting for me to spread my artistic wings every now and again. I’ll be part of a special show at the Karnitz Art Gallery, 223 E. State Street, 2nd Floor, in downtown Rockford, Illinois. The…

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  • Rose-Colored Glasses

    If you look for the bad, You will always find it. I’m kicking off the new year wearing rose-colored glasses. I’m choosing to be optimistic, idealistic, and hopeful.             Because if you look for the GOOD, You will always find it. Happy New Year. Adjust your view, makes your choices,…

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  • As Merry a Christmas as Can Be

    It’s not a surprise to say that Christmas is an emotionally charged time for many people. Whether it’s bliss, sorrow, gratitude, guilt, or stress you’re experiencing, it’s most certainly intensified. Christmas is the ELEVEN on the amplifier of holidays. No matter what you are feeling (all of the above?!), please know you are not alone.…

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  • 5 Best Gifts this Season

    The older we get, the harder we are to buy for. With so much discretionary income, zero impulse control, and Amazon, we buy what we want when we want it, leaving gift-givers in the lurch. I’ve collected a list of items for your friends and family who have everything…else. 1. For your pet loving friends:…

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  • Winter Viewing

    I don’t watch a lot of television. I watch too much television. It’s funny, because both of those statements are true. People talk about all their binge-watching and I can’t relate. I don’t watch The Good Doctor, the newest show I’ve heard everyone is watching. I don’t wait with giddy anticipation for the next “season” of…

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  • Want, Need, Wear, Read

    Want, Need, Wear, Read

    Ah, Christmastime… That wonderful season of joy, smiles, and giving. Giving?! You know it. It’s not about the carols and cookies, the cyber sales and Santa, the Hallmark movies and holiday mania. It’s not about the things you want to GET. It’s more about the things you want to GIVE. Wanting to give is one…

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