Marie Corelli's 1886 novel Thelma, a Norwegian Princess resulted in a flood of baby girls named Thelma, a name she apparently created. One of those babies was my own mother, born in 1921. My grandmother had told my mother she was named after a book, or a character in a book, that she loved. Curiosity piqued, I began to research books with that title, and learned about an amazing writer. Mocked by … [Read more...]
The Best in Cement Goose Summer Fashion
From my daily walks with Clementine, I see the Fourth Street goose sisters have been going through a monthly metamorphosis. For spring, as I posted earlier, the front porch goose had been dressed in a navy blue frock and bonnet. Then, on the first of June, she’d changed into a summery floral print dress with a fetching straw hat and pink ribbon. At that time, I was sorry … [Read more...]
Another Dressed Goose… and a bit of history
Another goose spotting: After thinking that I'd found all the dressed goose statues in my neighborhood, I found this fowl a block from home, on a Sunday evening walk with Clementine after a windstorm. The pooch wasn't interested in the goose, but I almost tripped on a fallen branch on the sidewalk while gawking. I had to cross the street to take the picture. I believe this beaked angel is plastic, … [Read more...]
This Writer’s New Best Friend
Our family adopted an adorable, energetic one-year old Pembroke Corgi. I have a feeling that training and caring for Clementine will suck up considerable writing time. On the other hand, I'm hoping it will help give my days more structure. One good thing is I'm getting up in the morning much earlier than I have in a long time. This has resulted in my head dropping onto my keyboard about midday, … [Read more...]
Seven Magic Elephants of Creativity ~ Margo LaGattuta
I Vacuum, Therefore I Am: Magic was in the air in a crowded coffeehouse 18 years ago when I first heard poet Margo LaGatutta read. Her poem, “I Vacuum, Therefore I Am,” gave me goose bumps. It was an electric moment. I had just started writing poetry, and, somehow, I knew Margo was bound to be an important person in my life. When the short, round-faced woman, dressed in … [Read more...]