Writing about the natural world, life, and dogs.
Such simple words and phrases. They grease for the skids of social interaction and civility. So why is it hard for some people to use them? Or am I just being a crank? Maybe I am. Let me vent a bit. I live next to a national forest. I take interest in what happens there… Continue reading Please, Thank You, You’re Welcome and I’m Sorry
Alrighty! Today I took a nap. I got my procrasticleaning done (vacuuming dog hair off the floors, washing dog blankets, skipping the dusting because I hate dusting even more than vacuuming). I edited photos from this morning's walk with my dogs (some included here). I read some great blog posts. Now what? A long evening… Continue reading Ignore the Rules
[Note: I recently stumbled upon this piece I wrote in 2005. I was living in Washington, just before moving to Idaho, with two female malamutes. I had yet to discover the benefits of dog doors.] My beloved but scruffy 1888 upright piano. My perspective: The music flows easily tonight. I didn’t expect it to. Songs… Continue reading The Piano: Three Perspectives
I don't run every day. Usually my dogs and I run a couple of days in a row, then take a day off. Rarely I'll run three days in a row but leaving Finn home one of those days, which breaks my heart, seeing his sad eyes as Conall and I head out without him.… Continue reading Always Something to See
Euphemism (definition): a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing. Euphemisms matter. I’m a writer. I love words and pay attention to their meaning and use. I’m also a historian. I know how words can be used to shape… Continue reading Call It What It Is
You all know I'm participating in NaNoWriMo this month - National Novel Writing Month. Stating that publicly is, in itself, a calculated risk. One I embrace, because it keeps me honest, and motivated. But taking on risk means simultaneously accepting the possibility of failure, of not reaching one's goal. I was fortunate to grow up… Continue reading Taking Calculated Risks
A few days ago, my friend Dawn R, who was my next door neighbor for part of the two years I spent living in rural central Washington in the mid-80s, wanted to verify my mailing address. She wrote, "Found something that made me think of you." I do love surprises. Today I picked up the… Continue reading Am I That Obvious?
Let the title be your warning! This post is about...scat. Wild scat. Left by wild animals in the wild, in the forest my dogs and I spend much of our time traversing. I first heard the term "scatological material" when a college professor, teaching English history, used it. I've searched for ways to use it… Continue reading Scatological Material, or, Much Ado About Poo
In my last post, musing upon the writing process that seems to work for me, I mentioned having spent years researching before actually writing my first book. I also mentioned my affinity for wolves, and a long-standing desire to write about them, demystify them, somehow change most people's reaction from fear to acceptance. So it… Continue reading Insights II: Research as Part of the Writing Process
Writing, it seems to me, is a lot like running. It comes naturally to almost everyone (assuming an education that includes reading and writing), although abilities - and desires - vary widely and wildly. We're each of us an experiment of one. What helps me as a runner may or may not help you, and… Continue reading Insights: The Writing Process
