I have arrived. Of course, I was an hour and a half later than I expected, as I missed a turn and drove almost an hour out of my way, but for those who know of my inability to comprehend directions, this should come as no surprise. None. I barely had time to put away my … Continue reading Day #1: Better Late Than Never
The Mermaid
At Long Last, a Writing Adventure Awaits
A few years ago, a colleague suggested I look into a writing residency. While my intentions are good, it is difficult to follow through on writing each day, especially with long work hours, family, and that pesky social calendar. A residency or retreat offers a writer space and lots of time to get lost in their work. … Continue reading At Long Last, a Writing Adventure Awaits
Thanksgiving…in March
Every day since the first of the year, I open Pandora and listen to George Winston radio. And almost every time, the first song to play is Thanksgiving from his album, December. I usually only listen to George from November to January, his piano playing reminiscent of frost on fallen leaves, the hush of snow, … Continue reading Thanksgiving…in March
50 for 50: A Year Celebrated in Music
On February 14th, I will celebrate 50 years upon this planet. It is amazing to think I have spent 50 years breathing, walking, eating, experiencing, enjoying, laughing, crying, and loving this life. 50. I cannot even begin to explain how excited I am to begin a new decade. If my 50s are anything close to … Continue reading 50 for 50: A Year Celebrated in Music
When you wish upon a…
Mid-January and I’m still answering the usual question. Did you make any resolutions? I wonder at times why we hang such hope on a new year. Why we burden ourselves with resolutions and determinations that will only bring guilt or a sense of failure to our freshly swept doorstep. I confess I used to make … Continue reading When you wish upon a…
A Visit to the Mother
At times, even a Mermaid of the Plains needs to visit the Mother. It had been too long since I felt her salty kisses, listened to her deep, rhythmic voice, and felt her presence wrap around me, pulling me into her great womb. She scolded me for not coming to visit more often. She scattered my … Continue reading A Visit to the Mother
Dos
It’s been two weeks since our whirlwind weekend of back-to-back concerts and I am still stirred by each of the performances. While we hadn’t planned to travel from Wichita to Kansas City on a Friday, then travel from Kansas City to Salina on Saturday (I bought the tickets thinking the concerts were a week a part, … Continue reading Dos
My Adventure into the Great Unsewn
Becoming the consummate housewife was never a priority. Never in my life have I felt the urge to channel June Cleaver or buy a subscription to Good Housekeeping or Better Homes and Gardens. I’m not negating the significance of the domesticated Goddess, as mother and/or female head of household, I’m just stating a true fact about … Continue reading My Adventure into the Great Unsewn
Leaving the City of Comfort
At the end of a commencement speech given at Connecticut College in 1980, Alan Alda said, “At times you have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. You can’t get there by bus, only by hard work and risk and by not quite knowing what you’re doing, … Continue reading Leaving the City of Comfort
Like the Day after Christmas: The End of Basketball Season
For just a few teams, four to be exact, the season has not yet ended. But for me, the squeak of shoes on the court at Koch Arena has faded, the home/away schedule has been taken off the refrigerator, and the courtship of Coach Marshall by bigger, richer programs has begun. Shocker hoops season is … Continue reading Like the Day after Christmas: The End of Basketball Season
Mermaid of the Plains 