There are some days when the words won’t come—and that’s okay. It can be because of hard times. It can be because of good times. It can just be. The best cure when the words won’t come is rest. This life we live calls us to daily find a balance […]
Confessions of a Journal Writer
Journal writing entered my life when I received a pastel tie-dye-covered diary for my ninth birthday. The diary came with two dainty little keys, which I guarded with my life, though a sharp pair of shears could have gained anyone entry. That summer, I discovered my aptitude and affection for […]
My Best Writing Advice
Writing as a mother of four is hard. I was recently asked what my best piece of writing advice was and it took me barely one second to decide on what it was: Write consistently. Consistency can be hard to achieve when you have a busy life, but it is […]
This Vale of Tears
During my daily prayer walk, following the Rosary, I pray the Salve Regina and recite: “…to thee [Blessed Mother] do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.” Some people use the word valley within this line, but vale is a fascinating, almost romantic word […]
Cath-Lit Live: Sweet Jesus, Is It June Yet?
“Cath-Lit Live!” features brief interviews with Catholic authors who are releasing new books. Hosted by Catholic author and speaker Amy J. Cattapan, “Cath-Lit Live!” gives viewers a glimpse into the latest Catholic books while getting to know a bit about the author as well. In this episode, Maddie Evans turns […]
Amazon’s Kindle Vella
There is a new kid on Amazon’s block called Kindle Vella. I joined in early in the experimental stage and, so far, I can’t say that it has been the most rewarding experience, but I can’t say that it has been a total flop either. We’re still getting to know […]
Chorus
A poem a day might well keep despair away. I’ve been reading 150 Most Famous Poems published by Poetry House with works by Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Walt Whitman, and many more. What I find so extraordinary is that while reading, I enter a sort of dreamland, […]
Journey On
It amazes me that we humans ever understand each other given our robust ability to mess with syntax, translations, and meaning. Some years back, the kids and I visited my dad in Kansas. My youngest, only about five at the time, was very impressed by something my dad shared with […]
OldEarth Encounter Themes
Recently, I celebrated another year marked on the calendar of my life. I am also considering how best to focus my energy and enlighten my soul, so I look back on my previous accomplishments and peer ahead into exciting new projects. In our vastly changing world, we still follow an […]
A Future I Can Count On
The future bewilders me. I never know what’s next. I should be used to that by now. But no. I make a plan and then watch it swirl into oblivion shortly after my first sip of morning coffee. Since I’m off much of social media, I have more time. So, […]