Blog

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As a curious observer of life, I blog on writing, marketing, my prairie - anything that interests me in the moment. I like to have conversations with readers, so don’t hesitate to leave a comment. I'll respond.

Making way for new – Prairie & Writing

By Carol / 20 September 2016 /

We lost a grand old willow tree a year ago. Age and weather took their toll, and it finally had to be removed. Though losing the willow with all the associated memories was sad, the…

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The Mystery of a Mystery – M.K. Tod

By Carol / 06 September 2016 /

M.K. Tod wrote and indie-published two successful historical novels set during World War I. Her newest novel Time and Regret – published this month by Lake Union Publishing – stays true to Tod’s historical expertise…

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Language barrier? Don't the Irish speak English?

By Carol / 14 June 2016 /

International travel can be a challenge, especially if you don’t speak the local language or do so minimally. One of the advantages to traveling to Ireland is that they speak English, right? Yes and no.…

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Murals fuel & memorialize Irish conflict

By Carol / 31 May 2016 /

Murals as a form of political, social, and cultural expression rose in importance during “The Troubles” – a 30-year conflict that began in 1968 and divided Northern Ireland. Though The Troubles more or less ended…

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How important is “place” in writing?

By Carol / 24 May 2016 /

My recent trip to Ireland has me thinking again about the importance of place to a writer. Ireland has a rich written history, including literary greats James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and W.B. Yates. Those names…

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How important is staying plugged in?

By Carol / 02 May 2016 /

“Is it plugged in?” That was the first question tech support always asked back when computers were new and I called to find out why the alien on my desk wouldn’t work. Dutifully, I’d untangle…

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Courage – Would you have enough?

By Carol / 27 April 2016 /

Harriet Tubman. Oskar Shindler. Esther. People iconic for their courage and the bold actions they took to save the lives of others, actions that put their own lives at risk. Every time I hear a…

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You just never know

By Carol / 13 April 2016 /

If you just spent four years in college to become a teacher, would you take a secretarial position instead? I did and found myself on a path loaded with unexpected opportunities. After graduating in 1972…

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How important is the frame?

By Carol / 29 March 2016 /

A few years ago, as I walked the Crystal Bridges Art Museum grounds, I spotted a single picture frame set on posts in the middle of a soccer-sized field. Intrigued, I walked out to look…

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Cleaning out, letting go, starting fresh

By Carol / 04 January 2016 /

I ended the old year as I often do – by cleaning out my office. This December gave me an even better opportunity to clean out, though, since my husband and I agreed to tackle…

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