Blog
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.
When I was a little kid growing up in Iowa, we seldom saw Bald Eagles, even though we lived near the Mississippi River. When we did chance to spot one, everyone, children and adults, looked…
Read More“A problem with a piece of writing often clarifies itself if you go for a long walk.” — Helen Dunmore British novelist, poet and children’s author Dunmore shared this bit of wisdom in a list…
Read MoreAre all these sunny, dry days good for us? Only in Iowa would someone even ask that question! I spent last week in California where no one ever questions “yet another day in paradise.” But…
Read MoreEver since I returned from a week in Mexico last winter, a week when I ventured out on the water daily in a sea kayak, I’ve wanted to try kayaking here in Iowa. My interest…
Read MoreDeadlines and ‘shoulds’ were getting to me yesterday, so I headed to the prairie to take a break, hopefully to find a little peace. The prairie welcomed me with bright colors and gentle breezes. A…
Read MoreMy normal tendency is to worry. But the prairie has taught me at least two things: 1) the prairie can take care of itself and 2) my worrying about it accomplishes nothing. So I approached…
Read More“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Chinese proverb We planted a tree this week. A ginkgo. “They’re slow growers,” the nurseryman said. “We…
Read More“It’s so clean here,” Colonel Hill observed as we stood looking out the window of a restaurant many stories above the downtown Des Moines streets. “It could be better,” I responded, spying cans and paper…
Read MoreIt’s spring and love is in the air. Now we’re ready for babies. The Bald Eagles are nesting, so it won’t be long. The Decorah Eagle Cam is operating and if the past is any…
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