Writer’s Mental Health
Do You Keep Writing? Three Lessons
Every day I hear from writers who tell me how impossible it is to keep going, how they are broken by this ‘business’ and they see no reason to continue. Often this means they see no reason to continue living, since being a writer/creator/artist is so deeply embedded in the soul as the archetype by…
Read MoreWhen The Veils Are Thin
According to the calendar, tomorrow is Samhain/Halloween, but for me, this is the day. Why? Because I woke up with my head filled with the flames of my ancestors, some of whom I know, and a few I don’t. (Calendars are odd. So man-made, regardless of the energies that manifest. ) There are different names…
Read MoreQuiet Grace
This wet and green May morning I’m sitting in a log cabin next to the Bushkill Creek, drinking coffee, dog by my side, My Best Beloved in the chair by the big window, which is filled with the sweet green leaves of spring. It’s raining today, so green is greener, tree trunks are browner, the…
Read MoreWriter’s Block of Ice Breaks Up!
Thank you, everyone, for your support during a dry spell, for encouraging, and listening, and understanding this fragile writer. I’ve learned some things, and I want to pass that on, so let’s talk process. It goes like this: I begin a novel. Oh, the golden glory and silver slide of words from mind to finger to…
Read MoreGlug, horror, attention!
As some of you know I have, with the help of the wonderful team of Bob and Garrett Griffith, created a raised bed vegetable garden. I love it. Veggies, you know? But here’s the problem… Bailey the Rescuepoo wandered out past the garden and was suddenly all muddy, as many short-legged white dogs might be.…
Read MoreWhen we are here… here…look!
As some of you know, I popped off social media a few days ago. I’m a bit conflicted, I admit, and probably in the thrall of withdrawal, if you will. I miss people — and I hope they will find me and reach out. But I’m also much more at peace. I do not need another…
Read MoreFrom Darkness to Light
The ancient Celts believed the new day began at sunset, as do modern pagans, Jews, and some Christians. Similarly, the ancients celebrated the new year on Samhain, October 31. I love this idea. I love the idea that there is a period of dark gestation prior to the actual birth. The ancient new year celebration…
Read MoreWisdom for a Hunger Moon
Here in North America, Indigenous people tell us the name for the full moon in February is the Snow Moon, or the Hunger moon. Yesterday we had what New Jersey folk call a snow storm, and while it was a bit blustery, for this Canadian, 4 inches of snow is hardly a storm. Still, it…
Read MoreHomecoming
This morning I woke up and, after taking the dog out to do his business before the rain started, made up my bed, smoothing the linen cover, plumping the pillows, setting the lavender sachet among the pillows just so. Then I went downstairs and made coffee, and while the water boiled I looked out the…
Read MoreA Subtle But Important Distinction
A man I respect immensely — kind, caring, smart, funny and filled with the sort of humility that’s truly inspiring — told me a story yesterday that I want to share with you. It’s not really his story any more than it’s mine, but it is the sort of story that holds such wonderful wisdom…
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