Appalachian Blessings

Fall is my favorite time of year. And as I get out and take Thistle for walks, or write with the windows open, I’m definitely seeing signs that it’s right around the corner. Now that it’s September, I thought I’d take a moment to list some of my favorite blessings of...

Sometimes it's not about writing or marketing or promoting. Sometimes it's just about BEING so you can fill the well and have something to say once again. Living life, enjoying family. Hope you get the chance to take time to do the same. [gallery...

I unfortunately missed the 2016 meeting of the French Creek Pioneers, but did get copies of the booklet printed for the occasion along with a reproduction of the original 1916 souvenir booklet. Talk about a literary treasure! There are sections for several of the key...

Thirteen years or so ago I walked into a store looking for a summer skirt. Instead, I found an Ann Taylor evening skirt . . . in my size . . . for $4. So I tried it on just for fun. It fit perfectly. Which means I HAD to buy it in spite of the fact that I had no IDEA...

I try to use the language I grew up with when I write my books. Much of it is distinctive to the mountains I love and some of it, I suppose, is pure Loudin. I found this poster of Appalachian words that includes several of my favorites. I will point out that the...

My five-year-old niece got her ears pierced yesterday. Today is her first day of kindergarten and while school shopping on Sunday, the time seemed right. The lady in charge of piercing did a great job of sneaking up on that first ear, but the second . . . let's just...

At the ministry where I work, we have a community garden maintained by volunteers. Which means I can occasionally swing by on my way home to grab a few tomatoes, cucumbers, or squash to enjoy for supper. Talk about perks! I can't walk into the garden without thinking...

We had a launch party last Thursday and as far as I'm concerned it was as close to perfect as anything can be. In my estimation, it was a rip-roaring success! But what does that mean? Before I was an author, I would have thought a successful launch party would be one...