Before we get started, I’d like to introduce you to our two dogs, Jackie and Madison. Sisters. Australian shepherd mixes. Adopted from the animal shelter in 2014. Meet Jackie. She’s the extrovert—expressive, friendly, outgoing. Every visitor is an instant friend. No one’s a stranger. She’s always in the same room as my husband, David. With…
Author: Joan
Getting Back to Something
In the last month I’ve written 1,102 words. Not my usual 3-5k a week. Like many others, I’m finding it hard to write. Except in my journal. I write long entries each night where I complain. Share my anxiety. And then I list the things I’m thankful for. I’ve never hidden the fact that I…
The Tale of Four Queens
When we moved into our home back in June 2015, two majestic Queen Palms stood sentry in the front yard. Next to them was a tiny oak tree, kindly deposited by a bird. Two smaller Queen palms stood tall in the backyard. I’d never owned a house with palm trees and it seemed like a…
Birthday Week
This past week has been filled with emotional memories. Memories of three births, spanning over sixteen years, landing only five days apart. Between February 17 and February 22, all three of my children were born. If they’d stuck with their due dates, the gap would have been more like a month apart, but fate intervened…
Radio Daze
Serving as president of Writers of Kern has opened doors for me (literally). With our Spring Conference coming up in March, our Board embarked on radio advertising to help spread the word. To start the process, I went down to the American General Media office last Thursday and met up with Sales Manager, David McElwain…