It took almost a week, but we finished it. The puzzle was a 1000 piece cityscape of Manhattan that was difficult. Our visitors are puzzle people too and we all worked together on this project. It sat on the counter in the kitchen as a focal point. Initially, the frame came together with scattered small groupings
Nick is constantly my teacher. I want to share another valuable lesson he has taught me. Years ago, we noticed that whenever something bad had happened, Nick would say, “Oh well.” It might be when the stack he was creating fell over, or even when he himself fell over. It might be when I was feeding
I really enjoy spending time with the attendees at the MIRCI Conferences. They are women from all over the globe who come together once a year for three days to discuss current issues surrounding women, feminism and motherhood. It is inspiring to be in the presence of such dedicated, intelligent women, to discuss their concerns
Tomorrow I am presenting at the MIRCI (Motherhood Initiative for Research and Community Involvement) conference in Florence, Italy. Today as I reviewed my notes and slides for the presentation titled, “Empowering Mothers of Special Needs Children,” I revisited some of the memories and experiences of my 38-year journey of being Nick’s mom. I am grateful
When I was a young mom, I was not naïve; I knew that life has it ups and downs. I expected a Merry-Go-Round, and got a Roller-Coaster. I thought that my life would go up and down, up and down, in gentle expected cycles of highs and lows. I didn’t anticipate the sudden terrifying plunges,
Castle Bridge in Buncrana, County Donegal is impressive. It has stood crossing the Crana River near its mouth for 300 years this year. Brigid Rose Higgins, local Inishowen artist, has captured the solid strength and serene beauty of the bridge in her recent acrylic painting. It is really beautiful. The Buncrana Castle Bridge has an
Yesterday, after six weeks of working on riding our stationary bike, I rode 26 minutes. At the beginning of January, I was able to ride about 5 minutes. I had worked up to 15 minutes every day after a few weeks, but then I fell off the wagon and didn’t ride for a week. So
There are days when my emotions bubble closer to the surface than other days. Stories that I hear are more poignant. Even if they are reports told on the TV by dispassionate newscasters. These stories prick my heart. This seems especially true when I am already feeling some grief. Just over a month ago, Arden’s
Feeling overwhelmed is common to all of us. Most of us have experienced times and seasons where the circumstances in our lives make it seem impossible for us to get through them gracefully and emotionally intact. Life is hard at times. I love listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing “Count Your Blessings.” This popular hymn
Today being Thanksgiving in the United States, I have been thinking about gratitude. I am grateful for a husband who understands me and treats me with kindness and compassion. I am grateful for forgiveness, not only from Jesus, but from everyone that I know. I am grateful for children who have courage to do what
Announcing that I have finished a book with the working title of “The Fairy Fort.” I am currently pitching it to publishers. Keep checking back to watch the progress of my newest novel.
Here is a quick glimpse of the story.
Sarah Doherty is an 18-year-old living in rural Ireland at the tail end of the Great War. Plagued by severe epilepsy, she is protected by her parents and lives a sheltered, secluded, lonely life. The Fae, local Irish fairies, interfere with her life. She falls forward a century in time through the local fairy fort of standing stones. She had a seizure in 1918 and woke up in 2020. The 21st century world includes life-saving prescriptions, physical comforts and the independence and freedom she seeks. The locals are welcoming and Andy Mclaughlin, a handsome young historian, is intriguing. She doesn’t want to return home.
Then a letter arrives from Boston divulging the story of Sarah and Andy’s lives that are deeply entwined in the previous century. They are not yet in love but as they seek to verify the letter through online resources, they feel a growing obligation to their unborn family and to each other. What would happen to their posterity living in Boston if they don’t return to 1918? Even if they do make it back, her parents can never know what happened to her or that would change everything.
This Young Adult time-travel romance explores the question: Do we have the freedom to make choices or is free will an elaborate illusion?
This is my third book. I love reading time travel romances. I am an advocate for epilepsy awareness because my 43-year-old son has intractable epilepsy. As a genealogist specializing in Irish research, I live part of the year in the village where the story is based. I wrote the book to help young adults understand that difficult situations can change your life. Sometimes miraculously.
