Sintra is steeping in castles. The royalty would vacation here. Lord Byron stayed here. The whole town and surrounding hilly countryside is dotted with spires, steeples, and statues. Most folks flock to Pena Palace, the sprawling, multi-colored king-of-the-hill that rises above the rest. It makes the Moorish Castle look like a gnome home, but that’s [...]
Ahhhh… While the rest of the Sintra sight-seeing crowd tromped and bussed over to Pena Palace (more on that later), I found a home of sorts at the Moorish Castle (800-900).
Stories hide in the stones there and I could have spent all three of my Sintra days perched on the steps and rocks of the [...]
I’m literally closing down this computer when I finish this, and hopping on our Whidbey airport shuttle to head to Portugal. Why? A novel I’ve been working on has called me there for months, just a wee bit of time compared to how long this story has been churning in me. Follow my journey right [...]
Barbara Walker is one of those people you want on your side. She’s tough, determined, and not afraid to speak out. We met Barbara when we were considering adoption. We spent several days in Haiti before bringing our children home, and our visits with her there and here leave us awestruck and appreciative. It takes [...]
A novel is one picture, one glimpse of life, with a sky-full of stars tucked inside to discover as you read. I’m reading my novel in progress for the first time. I’m discovering loose ends, meanderings that take me away from the story, and also some gems that dropped in there as I created the [...]
Five and a half years ago, we traveled to Haiti with our son Kaj, then 7, against state-department recommendations, just weeks after the last Haiti coup, to pick up our daughter Sandra and son Jean (now 11 and 8).
Haiti is a country about the size of Maryland (or the Olympic peninsula) with 9 million people. [...]
Monsterous News for MONSTERS ON MACHINES:
Who better to rate monster books than the Monster Librarian! Thank you, Monster Librarian, for including Stinky Stubb, Dirty Dugg, Gorbert, and Melvina, my MONSTERS ON MACHINES on your “Top Picks” list of books you reviewed in 2009–”exceptional examples of compelling writing, creativity, and original illustration or presentation.” Check [...]
Twenty years ago I moved from Minnesota to Whidbey Island and discovered University Bookstore in Seattle. It’s still a favorite stop when we’re in the area, and tomorrow I get to help them celebrate their 110 years.
You’ll be bumping into area authors at every turn, especially in the early afternoon. I hope to be there [...]
No resolutions this year. I’m just choosing Joy. That’s it. Can’t decide what to work on? Choose joy. Making plans for vacation? Choose joy. Simple, huh? We’ll see…
I just finished the first draft of my NaNoWriMo novel! Lots of holes to fill, lots of cutting ahead, but that’s what I love. Revision. Sick, isn’t it? [...]
I’m not the best at letting people know where I can be found, but since it’s the holiday season, it would really be great to be in touch. Here’s what this week looks like:
On Whidbey Island, you’ll find me here and there at various sing-a-longs and concerts. In the Seattle area, you can find me [...]
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