Writer
My granddaughter, Kaylee, is a spirited little girl and an empath. We kid each other about being “the sentimental ones” in the family. She has bright blue eyes, blonde hair and a very sweet personality. She’s the girl at school who will ask someone who’s sitting alone to join in the fun. She is a gatherer, just like me….
I signed up for a writer’s retreat in Boise Idaho, hosted by Elaine Ambrose. Write By the River boasted a peaceful retreat in a cabin, nestled in the Idaho mountains. I signed up immediately. I was ready to feel like Thoureau, writing in a snug little cabin in…
I was having a conversation with God yesterday morning when He said, “Anne, you are becoming a drama queen.” Naturally I was shocked. I am so not a drama queen. I defended myself, “God, I am not dramatic. I am frustrated. I’m spinning my wheels here. You gave me the idea for a lovely book,…
I’d been moping around complaining that money had been flying out of my account. You’d think I had a money bandit. I mentioned this to my Unity friend, Minister Jeanie Brosius King, and she laughed. “Have you tried the Two Cup Method?” she asked seriously. I’d never heard of it. How were two cups going…
I’m not sure how I happened upon Suzanne Giesmann. I was e-mailing an invoice and Bam! Up popped her website, Messengers of Hope. I was intrigued. I let the invoice simmer while I checked out Suzanne. It seems we are kindred spirits. She gives messages of hope to people who miss their loved…
I often meet people who ask why they haven’t received a sign from their loved one. I don’t have all the answers, but I can offer some advice. First, be aware. Signs can be very subtle. My mom’s sign of a blizzard of white butterflies surrounding my car when I asked…
I’m happy to promote my dear Erma Bombeck friend, Stacey Gustafson. Her (2nd edition) Are You Kidding Still Kidding Me? is hilarious. Stacey is a mom, a wife, a humor writer. I love the stories about her Mom. She can’t get Siri to turn on her oven either. I think we might be related. Here’s…
This story was featured on Purple Clover in March of 2017. I’m missing these two this morning. Those dreaded words, “My mother wants to meet you,” rang in my ears. Dodi was not thrilled that her son, Scott, was dating a divorced woman with two small boys. I hadn’t even met her yet and already…
Grief is a very lonely emotion. I remember going to a family party months after my mom passed away. Everyone was laughing and having a great time. All I could think was that she should have been there with us. I could feel the tears start to sting. Eighteen years later, I still feel she…
Now that I’m a Grandmom, a GiGi actually, I have clear insight into the brain of a three-year old. When my kids were three, I was too exhausted to figure out dinner, let alone child psychology. This letter explains everything you need to know for a happy life with a child. Dear Mommy and Daddy,…
I didn’t really want another dog, but our other Cocker-poodle mix was lonely after our other dog passed away. I talked myself in and out of getting another pet for weeks. I visited pet shelters, checked rescues and sure enough not a single dog called to me. I decided then and there God was telling…