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Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Goals, Intentions, and Expectations

January 4, 2023 By D'Ann Mateer

Here we stand at the beginning of a new year. And for so many of us, our minds turn to yearly goals. I’ve been thinking a lot about that these past couple of weeks. A few years ago I shifted toward “intentions” instead of “goals.” It helped me be less stressed when life interfered and made my goals if not impossible, at least much more difficult.  But this year, I’ve been reevaluating that a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Faith Tagged With: expectations, goals, intentions, Life, writing

Favorite Christmas Reads

December 21, 2022 By D'Ann Mateer

While I do love a good Hallmark Christmas movie, I have to confess that I love reading Christmas-themed novels and novellas even more. I’ve read some great ones through the years, so I thought I’d spotlight a few in case you need a book to read between now and New Year’s Day!  MOST ANTICPATED:  The book I’ve been most excited to read this season is Susan May Warren’s All I Want for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Reading Tagged With: Christmas Novellas, Christmas novels

Hello, Dolly! (The puppy, not the musical.)

December 7, 2022 By D'Ann Mateer

It’s been a long time coming, but we finally brought our new puppy home the Thursday before Thanksgiving. You might know from some previous mentions here or on social media that this wasn’t my idea. In fact, on social media posts about our puppy, I always include the hashtag #hismidlifecrisis. Because that’s the truth. But he doesn’t ask for much. And he really wanted a dog. And I love him, so I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Family, Pets Tagged With: dog, Dolly, mid life crisis, puppy

Saying Goodbye

November 16, 2022 By D'Ann Mateer

As you read this, we are on our way home from the East Coast, where we’ve traveled twice in the past two weeks.  On Oct. 31 we got word that Jeff’s mother had passed away. While she hadn’t been in great health, the conversation the prior week was about moving her to assisted living, not end of life issues. She lived in Pennsylvania, in a small town a 3 hour drive from any major airport. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: Death, Family

The Berkshires

November 2, 2022 By D'Ann Mateer

While I miss my daughter living near us, one of the advantages of her living in Boston is getting to explore different areas when we visit. This fall, we went to the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts, near the New York border. We hoped to see some fall color and get in a bit of walking and relaxing. We didn’t expect to love this area as much as we did! Although we were a bit late for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Family, History Tagged With: book stores, Boston, Louisa May Alcott, massachusetts, The Bershires, The Orchard House

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