Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been tagged as “Writer’s life in the Ozarks”
As social media networks continue to limit our visibility (unless we buy their ads so they, in turn, will promote our posts/statuses), what’s a writer to do? How do we reach those we care about? Well, there are two things we can do (and yes, you’ve heard this before): blog and build our email lists—engage through our monthly newsletters. Side …
Happy (early) 4th of July, friend! I hope your holiday is safe, fun, and family-filled. We’ve hit a rainy spell in the Ozarks the last few days, but we’re hopeful that it moves on before we celebrate with fireworks this evening. Because of family members’ work schedules, we’ll enjoy our activities tonight instead of on the 4th. We’ll grill a …
Several years ago, we vacationed in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Eureka Springs is one of those rare gems whose beauty is unsurpassed. This quaint town has it all: breathtaking landscapes, striking, Victorian architecture, historic landmarks, arts and craft venues, museums, trolleys, and a host of friendly folks. Since Eureka! means, literally, “I found …
Two of my favorite, feel-good television shows are The Andy Griffith Show and The Waltons. They remind me of small-town America where I grew up. I love the nostalgia, simplicity, and homespun values, yet there’s also the delicious taste of bittersweet. For example—Sheriff Andy Taylor raised little Opie without a mama, but Aunt Bee stood in the gap and made us believe …
I love beautiful plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs. I’m in awe of the people who grow them. My mama is one of those people. She could transplant a brick and bring it back to life. (Well—she can raise a stick from the dead.) Despite the odds, green things thrive under her watchful eye. Gardening’s never been my strong suit, but …
Since bad news is easy to find, I pray your stop here today is a brief respite from the discouraging gunk that would drag you down. Wouldn’t you agree that a little sweetness and light are far more encouraging than those ugly, old dust bunnies in the corner? (You know the joy-stealers I’m talking about—television, the national news, those good …
Hello, friend! Today I wanted to do a little light housekeeping so sit back, relax, and kick your shoes off for a while. After all, wouldn’t you agree that it’s always fun when someone else does the work? Gives us a chance to pause and catch our breath. Whew! First, I wanted to mention my newsletter. If you received yours …
I love this time of year. I always have. While in some ways the season is bittersweet, in other ways, it’s a quiet reminder of beauty yet to come. In a burst of renewed energy, nature sheds her summer cloak in favor of a brief, but vibrant, mantle of color. Although I’ve lived in the Ozarks all my life, God’s …
Years ago, I knew a young woman who struggled with poor self-esteem and body image issues. “Pat” (not her real name) didn’t make friends easily, nor did she often go out. When she did venture out of the comfort zone of her home, it was usually just to run a few quick errands. Rarely, was it because of a social occasion. Pat and I became close for …
I love the word “celebrate.” I love what it represents. It’s a way of marking a special occasion or observing something noteworthy. When I hear celebrate I think happy thoughts. I think holidays, birthdays, wedding receptions, baby showers, anniversaries, team victories, and a host of other things. For some, additional reasons to celebrate might include: a great sale, a prime parking space, a job …
