Don’t let the summer slip away. Come to the 49th Lake Odessa Art in the Park this Saturday, Aug. 3 from 9 to 4 p.m. for fun and adventure.
Listen to the podcast episode for authors’ tips on how to make the best of your show at Michigan Arts and Crafts fairs and festivals.
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Check out this fabulous visitor’s guide. I will be in Lake Odessa with my books on Saturday Aug.3 from 9 to 4 pm. during Art in the Park. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to meet the author.
Wishing you a blessed Easter as we move into spring . 
For the first time in years, the only Easter tradition I kept was the Easter Triduum at St. Pat’s Church in Parnell. The strict three day ritual wraps up the Holy Week for Catholics with Easter Sunday.
I skipped the coloring of eggs and baking. I couldn’t resist buying Cadbury chocolate eggs, and peeled the colorful wrap off thinking about the past Lenten season and the near future.
It will be day by day, as it should be anyway as my parents age. I was happy we could get together for Easter. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for them to travel. We enjoyed a delicious meal together: a crown of pork, sauerkraut and dumplings. Al-Bos Cafe provided desserts since no one had the energy to bake anything.
One Czech tradition we kept was making canopy sandwiches aka “chlebicky.” These creations originate in Czech buffets or delis, and they can get pretty elaborate; just ask any Czech. I dusted off the Easter willow whips with ribbons, a tradition that continues to fascinate the Americans.
According to the old customs in villages, teams of boys and young men head out on Easter Monday morning with whips made from willow branches. When the lady of the house opens the door, she gets whipped in
exchange for eggs and shots of brandy.
To be continued on Easter Monday.
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It really doesn’t get any better than this; the sound of waves, sand between my toes, and the warm Gulf breeze in my hair.
The crest on the waves forms white foam as the waves roll toward the shore. I lack nothing on this Ash Wednesday. The ashes were distributed this morning at the Epiphany cathedral after a beautiful homily with a poem written by a Cistercian monk about the love for God. I find peace on the beach and His love is overpowering.
It’s mid February and balmy 75 F degrees.
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Sunsets near Sharky’s Pier in Venice, FL inspire, motivate and calm spectators on the beach as they watch in awe the ever changing evening show. It’s free, every night, and first row seats guaranteed.
After a rainy morning, the February sky cleared up in the afternoon as the waves swelled and rolled over the sand leaving nothing behind, while erasing footsteps.
I finally saw the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico at 6:06 p.m. on the beach in Venice, FL on Friday, Jan. 26. I’ve never been to Florida in January, so this was a magnificent treat even though the first few days were unseasonally cold around 50 degrees. I did Yoga on the Beach with Elin anyway, not wanting to waste any time in what’s known as tropical Paradise.
“Pack some warm clothes,” Maple wrote to me. “It’s too cold for me to go out.”
Then, I found out on the news that Florida had 44 cold days in a row, which is unheard of. Even the flight from Grand Rapids was plagued by nature, snowstorms in the North, and a wall of fog moving inland in the South caused the rerouting of Allegiant flight 544 back to Sarasota. A Big Box purchased on the plane saved us from starvation.
To be continued….
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Writing a new chapter in my life as I take on new responsibilities in 2024. Yoga, treadmill, and meditation help me stay focused and move forward. And of course friends, most of them are far away, some live on the continent, others in Europe, and I have a friend in Adelaide, Australia. But, just the thought that they exist helps.
After the first major snowstorm of the season, we have received a total of 21 inches as of Sunday morning at 9:20 a.m. The lake snow effect has kicked in and we’re getting more snow, as Mom and I get ready for a trip to Florida. It is also my annual writing retreat.
Read your free Taurus Daily Horoscope to discover how the stars will align for you today! Reveal the hidden opportunities coming your way and any obstacles to be prepared for.
— Read on www.tarot.com/daily-horoscope/taurus/2024-01-14
Pictured with GR musician Ray Townsend and Emma Chavent of France at The Masquerade New Year’s Eve Ball at the Water Tower Grill and Smokehouse.
Ray was really awesome; he played both the guitar and saxophone. He also showed us how to do the Moonwalk.
The food was exquisite so was the company. People were dressed up, and dancing.
It was my best New Year’s Eve ever.
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May peace prevail on Earth.
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I logged in a total of 4,448 words since Dec.1 taking the new novel to the finish line. With the NaNoWriMo pressure off, I thought the writing would get easier.
On the contrary I got more distracted by different projects that have nothing to do with my book. “Alright, you better watch out or you’re not going to get it done,” I said to myself.
Now, again I am facing the ominous daily word count number of 1,550 to get the novel done by Dec. 20, just in time for Christmas.
Can I do it? I’ve done it before. I am zoning back into the story using the same tools of discipline and visual storytelling tools.
I have to map out the last part of the book using the scene format, and making it fun with lots of visuals, and stickers.
I love stickers and having some kind of a reward system like a box of chocolates, and or a walk outside. Perhaps a phone call to a friend that I’ve been neglecting.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that I made the magical Czech eggnog with our @Moravian Sons Distillery apple brandy. For more info go to:
Home
I don’t think I‘ve ever tasted anything as good as this holiday concoction.
To be continued…,
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