Japan was on my husband's bucket list, not mine. How long a pane ride? What about the language barrier? Now I'm so in love with Japan (and sumo wrestling!) I'm pushing to go back. What has stayed with me the most is the thoughtfulness of the … [Read more...]
MY TRAIL CAMERA OBSESSION: Tips and Triumphs from Spying on Wildlife
Depending on where you live, a variety of wildlife may be having a convention on your property while you sleep. See for yourself what happens at night and during the day with a trail camera. Strap it to a tree, sit it on a table, be … [Read more...]
SUMO WRESTLING: How I unexpectedly fell in love with an ancient Japanese tradition
I’m not much of a sports fan. I mainly watch the Super Bowl for the ads and halftime show. But when my husband and I were planning our first trip to Japan, to his surprise I suggested we take in sumo wrestling. I saw it as quintessential Japanese … [Read more...]
MASKS FOR LIFE: Wearing a mask is liberating. I’m not saying good-bye for good to mine yet.
It took me a nanosecond to embrace wearing a mask when the pandemic hit. Aside from deterring all airborne infections and reducing the risk to others, it checked these boxes: • No one sees my “phony smile” • No one sees me talking to … [Read more...]
QUICKIE Q&A WITH ACTRESS HOLLY ADAMS: The art of audiobook narrations (and a peek at OPPOSITES ATTACK’s version)
Holly Adams, narrator of Opposites Attack, isn't just a voice actress. She works in contemporary film, easily tackles Shakespeare, teaches how to be a clown, walks on stilts, and more. Earphone and Independent Audiobook Award winner, and Audie … [Read more...]
OPPOSITES ATTACK: THE AUDIOBOOK. A long journey and rebirth
Bonjour! Summer is here and the thrill of new travel odysseys beckon. I’m thrilled to share that my culture clash novel set in the South of France, Opposites Attack, is finally an audiobook. For various reasons, the project kept dying on the vine … [Read more...]
2020: The Ups and Downs, a New Year’s Eve Invitation, and Wedding Photos!
A Year Like No Other How many times in 2020 did you say: “What a year!” I hope you didn't lose a loved one to Covid-19 or meet with financial ruin. Surely, someone reading this has and you have my deepest sympathies. Please keep reading. I have … [Read more...]
Q&A: Jill McCorkle on dolls, dollhouses, tiny objects and what they have to do with writing and life
"I have always loved dolls. And yes, there are still within the love, those that have creeped me out!" - Jill McCorkle Jill McCorkle is a bestselling, award-winning author of unforgettable novels and short stories. She was a … [Read more...]
How My French Work Exchange Journey Led to a New Life and Love
Hotel de Cours de Thomazeau in Castillonnes, France. A few years ago I stumbled on the blog Enjoy Living Abroad and began a vicarious journey through Karen McCann and her husband Rich. In 2004, these intrepid Americans decided to live one year in … [Read more...]
Chapter 1 of Zerk ‘Em and Pull the Push Rods: A Wry Squint at Aviation in the Mid-20th Century
“Something went terribly wrong,” the stranger said. “Katie’s been in the hospital since her operation last month. She wanted me to call you. She’s on a ventilator and can’t speak.” Katie was my father’s widow. After George Weitz died in 1985 at … [Read more...]