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An October Like No Other

When I was a kid, the best thing about October was the run-up to Halloween. The expectation of a bagful of treats overrode any other considerations. Those with birthdays that month had their happiness doubled by the promise of presents and candy. The weeks leading up to All Hallows' Eve echo with the memory of prior years, sweet chocolate cheers, and little ones announcing their costume choices, mostly homemade or cobbled together from whatever clothing Mom could spare. This year, 2020, feels so much different. [...]

By irvinjgdm|2020-09-30T15:14:06+00:00September 30th, 2020|Essays, Uncategorized|0 Comments

October 2020 Author Of The Month: KATHLEEN AMBRO

I met Kathleen Ambro at a writers' gathering before the pandemic took them all away. She was delightful. We shared information and talked about our writing. I'm always intrigued by the variety of ways we choose to tell our stories. As an author of children's books and of a biographical novel, she has some insights to share with us. As we talked, I knew I wanted to host her on my website because she had a story to share with other writers interested in the [...]

By irvinjgdm|2020-10-08T17:36:31+00:00September 30th, 2020|Author of the Month, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Let’s Dance!

The summer grows hotter. The world roils with the pandemic. I stretch the limits of my housebound sanctuary and, when the mood strikes, I dance. Visiting our grandchildren last weekend, I was struck by the eagerness of my five-year-old grandson to hold a dance party. Cooped inside due to heat and COVID, regular outdoor activities have been curtailed. I understand the need to move, to shake our legs and shake off the anxiety that rides us like a shawl these days. He found his father's [...]

By irvinjgdm|2020-08-01T13:59:52+00:00August 1st, 2020|Essays, inspirational, motivational, philosophical, Uncategorized|0 Comments

2020 August Author of the Month: VALERIE J. COLEMAN

My August author is a dynamo of energy, enthusiasm, and personality. She is multi-talented, writing, editing, publishing, and presenting at conferences, both in person and now in the virtual arena. I can't tell you how pleased I am to introduce this lovely woman to all of you. Please welcome Valerie J. Coleman to the writer's circle for this dog-day month that finds us still hunkering in place and longing to be out and about again. Janet Irvin: Valerie, thank you so much for taking time [...]

By irvinjgdm|2020-08-01T13:59:37+00:00August 1st, 2020|Author of the Month, Featured, Uncategorized|0 Comments

How To Survive and Thrive With Uncertainty

If there's one thing we all know, here in May of 2020, it is that the future is more uncertain than ever. A funny little virus with spikes on its belly has infected the world, overwhelmed our hospitals, and thumbed its nose at our efforts to send it away. Life as we know it has changed. We sequester in place, using time in untimely ways. The rush to sports practices and music lessons, to grocery stores and fast-food restaurants has boiled away. We stare from [...]

By irvinjgdm|2020-04-30T13:44:55+00:00April 30th, 2020|contemplative, emotive, Essays, inspirational, philosophical, Uncategorized|0 Comments