From My Window
Television Spot
KSMQ Producer and writer Donny Rowles emailed me and asked if the station could interview me about my grief books. I agreed. Donny and his camera man were here all morning. I haven’t heard when the interview will air but am eager to see the program. Thanks for interviewing me, Donny!
Doodle Art Workshop
I gave a workshop at 125 Live (the senior center in Rochester) titled “Doodle Art: Comforting, Creative, Fun.” And it was fun. Attendees learned basic doodle art techniques and created a matted picture to take home. There are no mistakes with this artform, and each doodle represents the person’s own personality. This photo shows me with one of my sample doodle art pictures.
Photo by Robin Hoelzle.
Free Grief Healing Resources
I’m Health Projects Chair of the Zumbro Valley Medical Society Alliance (ZVMSA). In 2021 the ZVMSA made my book, Grief Doodling: Bringing Back Your Smiles, its health project. Since then, we have given away 501 grief resources to schools, community organizations, support groups, and health organizations, such as the Children’s Cancer Community. It’s heartwarming to see how excited the recipients are about these resources.
Having a Positive Outlook
I’m a columnist for the Rave Review Book Club’s electronic magazine, “The Pipeline.” I wrote these affirmations for the next issue. The affirmations have broad meaning. Whether you’re a published author or not, keep a diary or a journal, or scribble ideas on scrap paper, the affirmations may resonate with you.
Affirmations for Authors
I write to learn more about myself and the world.
Whether it’s emails, rough drafts, new work, editing or marketing, writing is part of my week.
I explore different genres to widen the scope of my writing.
My favorite genre is the one that feels natural to me.
Every hour, I stop writing, stand up, stretch and take a 15-minute break.
I keep my sense of humor handy.
When negative thoughts come to mind, I counter them with positive ones.
I support other writers and do my best to help them.
To keep my mind sharp, I read regularly and continue to learn.
I eat a balanced diet and drink water to stay hydrated.
Good sleep is necessary for good writing, and I have a bedtime routine that works for me.
I find inspiration in nature.
Writing is my calling and I’m proud of that.
Book Business
Big news! My last book, Grief in Your Words: How Writing Helps You Heal, received the Firebird Book Award (grief category) from Speak Up! Talk Radio. I’m grateful for the recognition and excited to receive this award.
Quote of the Month
Spring is Finally Here!
Minnesota weather has been so crazy these last few months. One day we’d have snow flurries and the next day it would be warm enough to forego a jacket. I’m glad spring is here and know my great grandkids are glad too. This quote says it all: “Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat.” Laura Ingalls Wilder.
