Experiments, Seinfeld and Literature are three of my big favourites in life. Experiments Ask my mother—even as a young girl I loved to experiment. When my aunt and my mom went dancing, my cousin Mickey and I would take all of my mother’s baking supplies and half of what was in the fridge and play … Continue reading On Experiments, Seinfeld and Literature
Okay, Rach. What the heck is NaNo? Sounds like something from Mork and Mindy, doesn’t it? NaNoWrimo Actually it’s my lingo for NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month, traditionally done in November and now also in July. This is NaNoWriMo’s description of itself: National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to creative … Continue reading To NaNo or Not to NaNo, That Is the Question
or Seeing the Unseeable A week ago, I received a gift of teeth--and the gift of perspective. For the first time in my life, I was able to see a part of myself I understood so little about. My mother always insisted I had a big mouth. In fact, more than once she has noted … Continue reading Perspective and The Gift of Teeth
Good question—who is out there in my audience? Until last year I thought I was writing for myself. My writing teacher rolled her eyes (at least that's what I imagine she did. She was on the other side of the screen, so I’ll never know). She said, “A writer does not write for oneself unless … Continue reading Audience: Who Are You Writing For?
I am a creative type. Anyone who knows me understands it’s an understatement when I say, "I’ve been pretty busy." The details of a typical day in “The Life of Rachel” can be rather dizzying. I blame my mother. To me, being productive from morning until I drop my weary head upon my pillow seems … Continue reading “Busy” in the Life of a Creative Person
"Oh grow up!" my mother used to say. And so I did--but I did it my way. I never was very good at following the rules. (The apple didn't fall far from the tree.) Neither are my babies...damn apples! I wonder if she ever wishes she could take those words back? I know I often … Continue reading The Art of Letting Go
I’ve been thinking of rejection a lot lately—and I’ve realized I’m pretty darn good at it! How did this happen? Was I always good at rejection? Is it something to be proud of? I did a bit of research. Experts would agree that North Americans are more or less proficient when it comes to maintaining … Continue reading Rejection 101
Oh, and I've been walking by the river. Maybe that's why I feel so refreshed. Truth be told, I’ve been busy. A good busy. A productive kind of busy. There have been three areas of focus in the months I’ve seemingly vanished. Teaching, house, yard work Writing Pottery Teaching, house, yard work Need I say … Continue reading Where the Heck Have You Been, Rach? Why, I’ve been Studying the Pelicans
There is growth through change. The towering maple tree in my backyard exposes its buds as it thrusts its limbs towards blue skies. It confirms that we are surrounded by growth and that we are always on the cusp of seasonal change. “The only way that we can live, is if we grow. The only way … Continue reading Growth Through Change
In the beginning, there was the written word... Of course, like most writers, I’ve always known that I wanted to a writer. As a little girl, I lived in my mind and lost myself in books. I can still remember the joy of writing my first stories when I was a pupil in the tiny one-room … Continue reading Writing—The Beginning of My Journey