If I can't be a dragon-whisperer, can I at least befriend a talking dog?
J.R.R. Tolkien wrote in a letter that “I am not Gandalf, … As far as any character is ‘like me’ it is Faramir — except that I lack what all my characters possess (let the psychoanalysts note!) Courage.”[1] Recently, someone asked me how Tolkien had the gall to consider himself like Faramir, who is wise,... Continue Reading →
I find many things interesting, which can be challenging. An example of the range of my interests is my recent deep dive into three of them: I attended a writer’s conference, a Tolkien conference, and a nature journaling camping trip in May. I loved each event, but if I had to stick to just one... Continue Reading →
The problem with reading a book I’ve never read before is that I can’t guarantee I’m going to finish it. In fact, the last book I tried is a Did Not Finish in my reading journal. So it’s no surprise that I opened my latest library book with a touch of trepidation. I reserved Water... Continue Reading →
I’m currently reading The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu, a 1000-year-old Japanese story generally recognized as the first novel. Thanks to “The easiest way to read more classics," I’m taking my time and reading just twelve pages a day. This means I’ll be reading this book for the next three months (it’s well over... Continue Reading →
In my search for interesting embroidery stitches to use on my felt ornaments, I came across Bead Embroidery Stitch Samples: Motifs by Yasuko Endo & CRK Design*. The images in the book filled me with excitement. Beaded embroidery is exactly what I imagined for my ornaments. Here were some stunning designs of flowers, as well... Continue Reading →
