Happy Birthday, Kelly

My mother in law turns 91 today. Think about this: she was born in 1924 on a poultry farm in northwest Washington State, the oldest of Myron (Mike) and Dorothy Hawley’s three children. In a time when girls were encouraged to get married asap, Kelly had different ideas. She attended Pacific Lutheran University — making… Read more »

Friend Friday

It’s an honor to host Wendy Shang today; I loved her latest book, How Home Looks Now. We got connected through our mutual editor and though we have yet to meet in real time and space, I know we would click. I mean, she’s a fabulous writer and she loves baseball! What else is there… Read more »

“The fault-finding will find faults even in Paradise.  Love your life.” Henry David Thoreau

Friend Friday

How much fun to host a fellow historic fan today! Please welcome Rob Skead; I know you are going to love his inspirational story.   My father never ceases to amaze me. Several years ago, while doing genealogy research, he discovered that we had an ancestor, Lamberton Clark, who fought in the American Revolution. My… Read more »

Friend Friday

I am beyond thrilled to host debut novelist, Katelyn Detweiler, today. I first met Katelyn over the phone because she works with my amazing agent. It was terrific to finally meet in person a few years back and then I was over the moon to find out she was a writer, too, and had a book coming… Read more »

Friend Friday

I’m as happy as a sheep in a jeep to host Nancy Shaw today. And a certain granddaughter of mine is delighted that there’s a brand new sheep book out! Can’t wait to read it with her. Book ideas can come from anywhere—from a deeply felt experience, from a “what-if” question, from serendipity. The idea… Read more »

Throwback Thursday

Today would’ve been my father-in-law’s 95th birthday. Ted Larson was about the kindest man I have ever met. When I first whispered aloud my dream to be a writer, it was Ted who brought home a spare IBM Selectric (self correcting!) from his office for me. I will never forget that vote of confidence. He… Read more »

Friend Friday

I am delighted to introduce my dear friend, Ann Whitford Paul, to you today. Ann and I go way back — in fact, she knew me long before I was ever published. Her friendship has meant the world to me, and I am also very grateful for her critical eye when it comes to improving… Read more »

Snow Place Like Home for the Holidays

Our first winter at Shangri-Lar and, look at that snow! Last Saturday, we felt like kids, taking pictures, making tracks, throwing snowballs. Day two of snow meant less joy and more work. You can see theaccumulation on Mr. Heron here. What you can’t see is our driveway. We couldn’t see it either until we applied… Read more »