Storyteller's Journey

It's Time for Summer Vacation!

It's hard to believe that summer is upon us. As is my custom, I'll be taking a break from blogging until fall. I'll be back on Writ of Whimsy in September. Check out the links below!

Click here to read my recent quarterly newsletter.

Click here for my summer reading list for kids.

Wishing you all a safe and joyous summer. Happy reading!

Whimsical Word of the Week

Quatervois - (n.)

a crossroads; a critical decision or turning point in one's life. Example: The high school graduate was suddenly confronted with the biggest quatervois of his life.

Bibliophile's Corner

Becoming A Gardener

What Reading and Digging Taught Me About Living

by Catie Marron

Goodreads Description:

To make her new house in Connecticut truly feel like home, Catie Marron decided to create a garden. But while she was familiar with landscape design, she had never grown anything. A dedicated reader with a lifelong passion for literature, Marron turned to the library of gardening books she'd collected to glean advice from a variety of writers on gardening and horticultural topics both grand and small...

A delightful blend of informed, personal reflection, and practical advice, Becoming A Gardener explores topics as varied as the composition of dirt, the agricultural wisdom of avid kitchen gardeners George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, the healing power of digging in the soil, and the beauty of finding solace in nature...

My Thoughts:

While my reviews are predominantly of children's books, I do occasionally feature an adult title that I particularly enjoyed; Becoming A Gardener is definitely in that category. Since my husband and I purchased a new house last year, one that also needed work both within our property as well as the structure, I could relate with Ms. Marron's narrative. Additionally, her love of literature - including children's books, which she featured in this book - also resonated. Finally, her passion to create a garden was a subject that I myself am in the midst of doing. All of the above subjects coalesced to be a timely read for me. The fine art included in Becoming a Gardener also made this publication an extraordinary tome. I highly recommend this book to lovers of literature, nature, fine art, and, of course, gardening!

Click here to learn about the author, Catie Marron.

Storyteller's Journey

My Annual Summer Reading List

Once again, it's time to feature my favorite middle grade novels I've read since last fall. Merely select a title, click on it, and read my review. Enjoy!

The following fantastic books are listed in random order:

Alias Anna - by Susan Hood

The Beatryce Prophecy - by Kate DiCamillo

Willodeen - by Katherine Applegate

The Sisters of Straygarden Place - by Hayley Chewins

The Ogress and the Orphans - by Kelly Barnhill

My Own Lightning - by Lauren Wolk

The Last Mapmaker - by Christina Soontornvat

The Leopard Behind the Moon - by Mayonn Paasewe-Valchev

The Edge of Strange Hollow - by Gabrielle K. Byrne

Osmo Unknown and the Eightpenny Woods - 

by Catherynne M. Valente

There's something for everyone on this list; enjoy reading this summer!

Whimsical Word of the Week

Nyctophilia - (n.)

love of darkness or night; finding relaxation or comfort in the darkness.

Example: The vampire, of course, was full of nyctophilia.

Bibliophile's Corner

Little Houses

by Kevin Henkes 

and Laura Dronzek

Flap Copy Description:

The world is so big, and there is so much to know. Do you ever wonder about the shells on the beach? Who once lived in them, and how far they traveled? Do you ever wonder about the ocean? How deep is it at its deepest part? And what sorts of things might be under the water?

A walk on the beach, listening to the sound of the waves as they roll in and out, is a perfect time for wondering about this and that. A walk on the beach, picking up shells that were once little houses, is the perfect time to dream and imagine and to make memories to bring back home.

My Thoughts:

The most recent picture book release of award-winning author Kevin Henkes is stunning! While Mr. Henkes illustrates some of his books, he also collaborates with his partner, Laura Dronzek; Little Houses is one of those collaborations. (I always enjoy reading a collaboration by a couple since my husband and I have also collaborated to create our books.) Both the text and the illustrations are beautiful, making this lovely picture book just the summer read for your young child. I highly recommend Little Houses for children aged three to seven!

Click here to learn about the author, Kevin Henkes.

Click here to learn about fine artist, Laura Dronzek.

Storyteller's Journey

Our Artsy Family!

If you're a writer, or any sort of creative, really, it's essential to have a network of supporters around you for your emotional welfare. I am extremely blessed to have my network be my own family!

My son David is a super special soul. He's not only talented, but he's also compassionate and kind. Speaking, teaching, and writing screenplays are just a few of his interests. He recently embarked on a new business venture; we wish him the best of luck!

Here's a photo of David playing bass guitar - he's quite good. Playing music on Sunday mornings at his church is one way he gives back, as well as counseling young people. (He has his Master's of Divinity.)

Our daughter-in-law, Jessica, has brought joy and energy to our family! She's so sweet, and talented too. She enjoys creating all sorts of art, as well as writing and singing songs. She's such a wonderful life partner for David; we love her!

In addition to her creative talents, she's also an entrepreneur! She's done hair and make-up for celebrities while she and David lived in Southern California. I'm so glad she now has her own salon nearby; I couldn't deal with my hair without her help!

You can find Jessica on Instagram at: @Jessicamakesmepretty.

Her website: www.jessicazbeauty.com

Our second son, Kevin, is a wizard at many things! Not only is he proficient on the piano, he's also a writer - he makes his living at it. Writing commercials, short stories, and video games helps him pay the bills while he works on his own novel.

If that wasn't enough, Kevin has performed improv comedy in Seattle, and recently tried his hand at stand-up in Tucson. He's also a Spanish translator, a shaman, and has his Master's degree in Business. (Pictured in center.)

Our youngest son, Brian, has loved music most of his life. He received his Master's of Music Composition from New York University, and currently performs with his band, Liezer in the NYC area. (Pictured in center.)

While Brian loves performing, he's obsessed with composing minimalist music. He even wrote a piece for my husband, Michael's, 50th birthday celebration  - and had a string quartet perform it!

However, by far my biggest supporter is my husband, fine artist, Michael Lindstrom. He's been blessed to have received many awards for his oil paintings, but it's his heart that truly matters. There are times when I can't even believe that I'm still writing; if not for Michael's encouragement, I'm not sure I would be. 

After all these years of writing full time, and hoping for agent representation, it's become even more clear to me how blessed I am right now. Having the love and support of my family is all I really need.

It was great to have our family together earlier this week for a rare dinner together!

Whimsical Word of the Week

Sonder - (n.)

the realization that each passerby has a life as vivid and complex as your own.

Example: One day while volunteering, the young man had a sonder of the uniqueness of those he'd helped.