Ever since I met Julie Klassen as a fourteen-year-old, holding out my copy of The Apothecary’s Daughter for her to sign, I have admired her elegant professionalism and, of course, her wonderful way with words. Over the past five years, I have frequented her book signings (promptly devouring each new novel), chatted with her at a church Christmas dinner, and attended her lecture at a Minnesota … [Read more...]
Research with Writing Friends
A few weeks ago, a group of writers from my local chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers took a field trip to break up our usual schedule of monthly meetings inside a conference room—a chance to see and do something different and to get outside on a beautiful Minnesota summer day. This year we went to visit an historic house in Taylors Falls, a fun river town some 30-40 miles north of … [Read more...]
Happy Places
This past week, my sons were both at camp, so my husband planned a getaway for just the two of us. I believe it is the first trip he has planned since our honeymoon. He was enthusiastic about the itinerary and teased me with hints of a few secrets in store for me. (P.S. I really dislike secrets.) We stuffed the car with our stuff (including a camp stove and sleeping bag for one night at a … [Read more...]
July 4th with Family
I apologize--this is my first time being late with a post. We just returned from a long weekend away, visiting family in Illinois over the 4th and the fact that it was my day to post slipped my mind until this morning. So, very quickly, I will just share that we had a lovely time visiting family--family that we see all too rarely: my younger brother and his wife and daughters, as well as aunts, … [Read more...]
Dancing Away the Birthday Blues
Yesterday I “celebrated” my 50th birthday. In the months leading up to the dreaded day, I knew I might be bummed about it, so I decided to plan an evening of “Desserts & Dancing” (two of my favorite things) with some of my friends. I figured, if chocolate and dancing wouldn't chase away the birthday blues, what would? I enjoyed myself, and I think everyone else did, too. My teenage sons even … [Read more...]