Should We Write “Real Life” into Our Stories?

Cynthia Herron Writing Leave a Comment

There are dozens of directions I could take with today’s post, but for time’s sake, let’s talk possibility and plausibility. Since this isn’t a writing blog (although I do share thoughts on the process from time to time), I won’t bore you with rights and wrongs. The truth is everyone and their Great Aunt Alice has an idea of what …

Gratitude and Good News

Cynthia Herron Thankfulness Leave a Comment

Oh, my goodness. Life does move in fits and starts. On Wednesday, I shared my recent kitchen blunder. You may remember it involved the perfect meal and my less than perfect timing. As promised, today’s post is Part Two of my little fiasco along with a bit of good news. (Great news, actually. Keep reading!) Long story short—I scalded the …

Pea Accidents Happen

Cynthia Herron Snippets of Life 6 Comments

I know. Do you ever get the feeling that only the crazy, off-beat things happen to you? Well…busy moms, fear not! Have I got a story for you! Just kick back and relax. Please join me now as dish over cyber coffee and trail mix—the healthy kind (with peanuts, cranberries, and oh yeah…butterscotch morsels and white chocolate chips). Today’s blog …

It’s the Little Things

Cynthia Herron Snippets of Life 2 Comments

There will be storms. Yes, there will. After a wild and woolly night, storms are now moving out of the area…at least for a few days. Thankfully, we didn’t sustain much damage over our way, although we did lose the center of my beloved sixteen-year-old plum tree— the same tree that’s withstood countless ice storms, hail, and two major tornadoes. …

The Heart of the Matter

Cynthia Herron Writing Leave a Comment

Think back to your favorite characters in a well-loved movie or novel. What is it that you remember most about them? The way they dressed? How they spoke? Their personality traits—the essence of who they were and what made them unique? Granted, the story was probably the first thing that drew your interest, but without characters there wouldn’t have been a …

Writing Life and the In-Betweens

Cynthia Herron Writing Leave a Comment

As busy mom to a high school senior, the last few weeks have been a flurry of activity. Graduation countdown is officially on! Oh, my goodness. It seems surreal. I’ve shared some of this year’s poignant moments (like this one and this one) with you. And if you’re a newsletter subscriber, you’ve enjoyed a double dose of mama-isms. Recently, darling …

Four Inspirational Thoughts for Your Weekend

Cynthia Herron Positive Thinking Leave a Comment

Life in the Ozarks this time of year is a delicate balance of give and take. We’re well into spring, and with it comes a welcomed respite from the weariness of winter. (Say that one fast. 🙂 ) While the warmer temperatures are wonderful, the mornings are still cool enough for jackets. We relish the sunshine and warmth, but we …

FAITH in Hard Places

Cynthia Herron Encouragement 2 Comments

Oh, great. As I approached my car, I saw it. The dent, scraped paint, and two-inch black mark shone like a beacon beneath the afternoon sun. Someone had hit my driver’s side door, and of course, didn’t bother leaving a note. I’d been in the mall less than two hours. I suspected the culprit was the maroon car with black …

Why Joy Matters

Cynthia Herron Joy 2 Comments

Several years ago I blogged about something that struck a chord with people. The subject? Joy. That’s right. Joy. That simple little word we so often take for granted or we neglect to share because of other priorities. To date, 10 Characteristics of a Joy-Bearer is my most popular blog post since I started blogging five years ago. I couldn’t …

“Warm Fuzzy” Wednesday

Cynthia Herron Encouragement 2 Comments

Mid-week. Wednesday. Ahhh. Doesn’t it feel good? Today I wanted to share a few “warm fuzzies” with you because, if you’re like me, hump day is that one day of the week that reminds us we’re halfway there. Halfway done with the week and halfway to the end of it. Generally, that’s a great feeling. We recap our accomplishments and …