Dear Readers and Friends,
Due to the onset of Carpal Tunnel syndrome, I will not be distributing my Hot News Bulletin. To slow the onset of the syndrome, I’ve cut back on typing and this decision is helping my hand coordination.
Though I won’t be distributing the bulletin, updates will continue to be posted on my blog. Amazon will release my 51st book, Doodle Art Affirmations, in late September. Please watch for it.
Thanks for your understanding and support.
Harriet Hodgson
The cruise of Maine ports was wonderful, but I was sorry to miss Bayport. Due to high winds, the Coast Guard wouldn’t let the American Cruise Line ship anchor there. In case you’re wondering, I ate lobster three times. The lobster roll was the best!
My 51st book, Doodle Art Affirmations: Uplifting Ideas and Images for You, is slated for late September release. Wise Ink Media in Minneapolis is the publisher. This book is for teens and adults. Look for it on Amazon.
I enjoy planning the lobby exhibits at Charter House. The August exhibit is “The Beauty of Glass” and residents are the exhibitors. I included info about the Chihuly glass sculptures at Mayo. The Gonda building sculptures are made of 1,375 glass pieces and weigh 6,000 pounds.
I’m packing for my July cruise of Maine ports and will be using a small, rolling suitcase that I can bring onboard the plane. My plan is to bring few clothes, roll the tops, and fold the slacks.
Robin Krauss, the graphic designer for Doodle Art Affirmations, is working on the layout now. I can hardly wait to see the print-ready version of the manuscript. Wise Ink Media is publishing the book.
Copies of the Doodle Art Sketchbook are almost gone. Order a copy for yourself today or one to give as a gift.
I celebrated my daughter’s birthday with family. The food was great—barbecued pork, corn muffins, salad, mixed berry cobbler—and the company was even better.
From Sad to Glad, published by Centering Corporation, is in its second printing, this time with illustrations by Mike Malbrough. Thank you Centering Corporation and Mike.
Wise Ink is publishing my 51st book, Doodle Art Affirmations: Uplifting Ideas and Images for You.The release date hasn’t been set yet.
Though I’ve traveled the world, I’ve never been to Maine. In May, I’m going on a small ship cruise to Maine ports. I’m excited and looking forward to trying lobster rolls.
Doodle Alphabet: Bringing Joy to Your Days has been officially released. I’m really pleased with it and think you will be, too.
Just finished my 51st book, Doodle Art Affirmations: Uplifting Ideas and Images for You. I chose a dandelion for the cover because of its tenacity.
Amazon will Doodle Art Sketchbook on April 24th. This take-along book fosters mindfulness and calm. If I say so myself, the book is charming. Order your copy today.
According to Wise Ink Media, Doodle Alphabet: Bringing Joy to Your Days will be available in June. It turned out just as I imagined.
I’m working on my 51st book (a total surprise) and making speedy progress. This is such an exciting project, I write in my sleep.
I’ve been invited to appear on The International Book Show, which airs in Europe, Asia, Africa, the US and other countries. Via Zoom, I met with London-based founder and host, Makonnen Sankefa. We discussed the books I want to feature and the recording date. When I know the Facebook air date I’ll let you know.
Wise Ink Media thinks my 50th book, Doodle Alphabet: Bringing Joy to Your Days, may go to press in a month. I’m excited!
According to an email from Amazon, I read 200 Kindle Unlimited books last year. Wow! This number doesn’t include the print books I read.
Wise Ink Media is publishing my 50th book, Doodle Alphabet: Bringing Joy to Your Days. Dave Gray, inventor of the alphabet (12 shapes anyone can make), wrote the beautiful Foreword.
February 13th is my twin grandchildren’s birthday. My granddaughter is the mother of two boys and an independent photographer. My grandson is the fourth family member to become a Mayo Clinic physician. I’m blessed to have the twins in my life.
Still thinking about my 90th birthday party with family members, a wonderful time and memory.
Doodle Art: Inspiring Your Creativity will be released on January 20, 2026. The Rochester Art Center will be selling it in its gift shop.
See the video for Doodle Art on https://youtu.be/QyhZAQz6npY
The Doodle Art Sketchbook, a pocket-size book, spiral bound book, will be available on March 4, 2026.
I finished my 50th book, Doodle Alphabet: Bringing Joy to Your Days. Dave Gray, creator of the visual alphabet (on T-shirt in photo), wrote a Foreword that brought me to tears. Onward to getting it published!
“Portraits of Women,” my series of 18 doodle art pictures, is on display in the Parkside Gallery at Charter House. Four portraits are shown in the above photo. The photo was taken by my talented neighbor Judy Kereakos.
Doodle Art: Inspiring Your Creativity will be released on January 20, 2026.
Remember, books are lasting gifts and preordering guarantees the price. Order now!
I participated in the Handcrafted Bazaar at the First Unitarian Universalist Church in Rochester, MN. My exhibit included framed doodle art, matted doodle art, and unframed work. Six people exclaimed, “Your art is so happy!”
Family members hosted a 90th birthday party for me, a joyous and emotional event. Some family members came all the way from California. My great grandsons were there too. What a joyful time!
Looking forward to November 4th when Spiritual Woman will be released. That day, I’m having a big book launch for women and men at Charter House, with a slide presentation and door prizes.
The contract for my 49th book, Doodle Art Sketchbook: Mindful and Calming, arrived from WriteLife Publishing. I wrote and illustrated the pocket-size book, slated for release at the end of March 2026.
My grandson, Mayo Clinic physician Dr. John P. Welby, married his fiancée, Erin, on August 16th at her home in St. Paul, MN.
Rev. James Earley, my granddaughter’s husband and pastor at Servant’s Community Church in Grand Rapids, MI, married them. Erin and John’s wedding was a celebration of love and family.
This Hot News Bulletin replaces my former newsletter and is geared for quick, easy reading.
I have two books in production, Spiritual Woman: Nurturing Your Soul (November 4, 2025 release) and Doodle Art: Inspiring Your Creativity (January 20, 2026 release).
To preorder visit: www.amazon.com>Spiritual-Woman-Nurturing
To preorder visit: www.amazon.com>Doodle-Art-Inspiring-Your
Mayo Clinic Humanities in Medicine asked me to give a workshop about doodle art and I titled it, “Doodle Art: Relaxing, Revealing and Fun.” No date has been set for the workshop yet.
My teapot collection is complete. Thirty-five teapots are enough!
The holidays are coming quickly and books make wonderful gifts!
I WON!!!
Photo by John Welby, MD.
Winning: A Story of Grief and Renewal is a winner. Though my chances of receiving first prize in the INDIE Books of the Year were slim at best, I won first prize in the grief category. When I read the notification email, I screamed and jumped up and down. More than 2,400 authors submitted their books for consideration. These entries were divided into 55 categories. Each category was narrowed down to 12 finalists. The finalists’ books were sent to individual librarians and booksellers tasked with picking the finalists and I won gold. Receiving this award is one of the highlights of my career.
Television Coverage
KAAL Television in Rochester, MN included a story about me receiving the INDIE Books of the Year Award in a recent newscast. I’m grateful for this coverage and thank the station for it.
Arts and Decorating Committee
Photo by Peg Freel.
Chairing the Arts and Decorating Committee at Charter House is satisfying. I really enjoy being involved in planning exhibits for the lobby display. The displays alternate from individual collections to Participating Art. “Remember This?” was last month’s display, everything from a landline telephone to a wooden butter spoon. The 1912 adding machine received lots of attention. In fact, a visitor asked if it was part of the sidewalk sale and wanted to buy it. She was disappointed when I said, “No. Sorry.”
Part of my job is providing art as needed. The pictures in the Assisted Living dining room had been there for years and Emma Books, Senior Director of Residential Designing, asked for my input. After hours of searching Amazon, I found some prints I thought would work. I donated six of my doodle art pictures (all originals) and Emma ordered the prints. Together, the prints and doodle art will add bursts of color to the dining room.
Grief in Your Words: How Writing Helps You Heal is my last book. Ending my career was a difficult decision, but I want to explore other things: doodle art, travel, book marketing, spending time with my daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren, pictured below. In short, exciting times are ahead.
Grief in Your Words is one of the best books I’ve ever written because I lived it. I literally wrote my way from grief to healing. Authors need reviews, so please post a review of Grief in Your Words or Winning or any of my other books on Amazon. Recommend my books to friends as well. Thanks for your help.
This is also my last printed/emailed newsletter. To get updates on what’s going on in my life visit www.harriethodgson.net and click on the blog tab. The posts will be short, honest, and fun. I hope we stay in touch and you’ll login often.
This quote from professional tennis player Arthur Ashe summarizes my approach to life and I live it every day.
““Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
KSMQ Television Spot
Donny Rowles, a producer with KSMQ Television based in Austin, Minnesota, sent me an advanced copy of the video filmed at Charter House. It’s a thoughtful, compassionate, beautifully edited interview. I don’t know when the interview will air but am glad to have the preview because Charter House doesn’t get KSMQ.
My daughter and granddaughter were asked to contribute photos to the television spot, and they responded quickly. The photos helped with topic transitions in the video. I’m especially glad to have this photo of John and me, taken at the Dartmouth Winter Carnival decades ago. At the time, I didn’t know John would become my husband and we would be married for 63 years.
I am grateful to Donny Rowles and his camera man for this television publicity. KSMQ is affiliated with channel two in the Twin Cities.
Donated Books
Though it’s taken me several years, I was finally able to part with John’s medical school textbooks. Because the books were so old, donating them to Mayo wasn’t an option. John was Medical Director of Northwest Airlines (part of his Mayo Clinic job) and had a fascinating collection of books about the development of flight. I donated his collection to the Charter House library. When I found Dr. Earl Wood’s original report about his ground-breaking research on the G-Suit during World War II, I knew I’d found a gem. I donated the report to the Mayo Clinic Medical Library.
Great Grandson’s Birthday
Judah Earley, my great grandson, celebrated his birthday last month. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan and, as I often do, sent him a gift via Amazon. What was it? Like any boy, Judah loves toy cars. Since he was receiving cars for his birthday, I sent him a track for them. The following photos were taken my Judah’s mother (my granddaughter). In July, I’m flying to Grand Rapids to visit my great grandsons in person. I can hardly wait to see them and the rest of the family.
I’m a lifetime member of the Rave Reviews Book Club. Nonnie Jules, founder and head of RRBC, interviewed me for her program, “Who’s on the Shelf?” She asked me questions about writing, my favorite color, music preferences, RRBC membership, and more. I think the interview went well and look forward to viewing it online.
June is when I find out if my book, Winning: A Story of Grief and Renewal, receives an award from the INDIE Books of the Year. Some 2,500 authors submitted their books for awards. Winning is a finalist in the grief category and it would be awesome to cross the finish line.
“In early June the world of leaf and blade and flowers explodes, and every sunset is different.”
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.
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.
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.
Star Tribune Article
The last few weeks have been exciting. Trey Mewes, a “Star Tribune” journalist based in Rochester, MN, wrote an article about me for the newspaper. Trey spent at least a half hour interviewing me and wrote a Q and A article. The title, “Rochester Author Harriet Hodgson Shares Her Experience with Grief,” begins on the front page of the Variety section and continues inside. I’m grateful for Trey’s time and insightful reporting.
My Book is a Finalist!
Winning: A Story of Grief and Renewal, released last fall, is an INDIES Book of the Year Award Finalist. Though my chances of being the top choice are slim, I’m thrilled to be a finalist. According to the email I received, “To make the shortlist—out of 2,500 entries—is impressive.” The purpose of the awards is to discover, review, and share works from university and independent publishers. According to Award Director, Christopher Nesbit, “The INDIES not only honors outstanding literary achievements but also helps to qualify and connect these exceptional books with librarians and booksellers alike. The top choices in 55 genres will be announced in June.
Television Appearance
To promote my latest book, Grief in Your Words, I was on KTTC Television’s Midwest Access program. Tom Overlie, a television and Rochester icon, interviewed me. During the interview I made several important points. First, when you write you’re expressing feelings in a healthy way. If you can’t write a paragraph, write a sentence. If you can’t write a sentence, write a phrase. If you can’t write a phrase, write one word on the calendar that summarizes your feelings for the day. I’ve expressed my feelings in 11 grief healing books and hope they help many people.
The Last Book
Grief in Your Words: How Writing Helps You Heal is my last book. I am dealing with some serious health issues and have other interests to pursue—writing articles, my Doodle Art, chairing the Arts and Decorating Committee, seeing great grandchildren and, if my plan becomes reality, serving on the Charter House Spiritual Committee. Sure, I’ll miss writing books but have plenty of things to do, and now is the time to do them.
Charter House Apartment Tour
Thanks to the Arts and Decorating Committee for making the apartment tour a huge success. Forty-two residents signed up for the tour and a few signed up via email. The tour ended with pie and coffee for everyone at Charter House. Activities Director Michelle Hoff arranged for the refreshments—lemon, pumpkin, and chocolate pie. Michelle looks a little dangerous with that spray can of whipping cream. Stand back!
Technical Support
My granddaughter, Haley Earley, an independent photographer, designed this newsletter. She also manages my website. Though I can use publishers’ software and crank out manuscripts in record time, I’m not a technical whiz. I would be lost without my granddaughter’s help. She has saved me many times and I’m grateful for her expertise and patience. With two young, rambunctious boys, I don’t know how Haley manages to do all the things she does. In between painting walls and doing a superb job of interior design, Haley is also a minister’s wife. Amazing!
Importance of Grandparents
In this confusing and complex world, I think grandparents are needed more than ever. I’m blessed to be included in the next generation’s lives. This photo was taken at Dad’s birthday dinner. The boys were watching a video with the sound turned off and I narrated it for them. I’m proud to be a great grandma and believe Louisa May Alcott’s quote: Every house needs a grandma in it.
Grandpas are also needed too and, like grandmas, are role models for the next generation. I hope you get to interact with your grandchildren. Zoom can be a decent substitute for in-person visits if you live far away.
In April, I’m giving a workshop at 125 Live (formerly the Senior Center) about doodle art. The title is “Doodle Art: Comforting, Creative, Fun.” Workshop participants will learn doodle art techniques, including stippling, broken line, hatching, cross-hatching, and more. At the end of the workshop, participants will take home a matted doodle art picture. More info about the workshop will be available soon.
Doodle Art
Many people have asked me if I still create doodle art. The answer is a resounding “yes.” If I’m not actually creating art, I’m planning it and even dream about designs in my sleep. My recent work is a blend of folk art and doodle art. Every picture includes something alive—a worm, a bug, a bird, whatever. According to one of my neighbors, this is a Japanese art technique.
Photo by Diane Koon.
Arts and Decorating Committee
Chairing the Arts and Decorating Committee at Charter House is an honor and a joy. The committee members are eager to make Charter House as attractive and colorful as possible. Our recent lobby exhibit, “Timekeeping,” generated daily interest. Twenty-one residents exhibited their unique clocks—antique, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Mid-Century Modern, maritime, and Mickey Mouse, to name a few. More Participating Art displays are planned.
Photo by Leslie Wallenfeldt.
I just found a review of So, You’re Raising Your Grandkids! on the Online Book Club website. Here’s an excerpt from the review.
Hodgson allows us into her world of grandparenting. She has special tips, suggestions, checklists, summaries of her findings, and chapter summaries, all supplied in an informative and encouraging way. I was never overwhelmed while reading this, but rather happy that someone has taken the time to write about the trials and tribulations of grandparenting so thoroughly. It is an all-encompassing book. . . I happily rate this book five out of five stars.
I hired RMA Publicity to get the word out about my 46th book, Grief in Your Words: How Writing Helps You Heal. Owner Rachel Anderson, an experienced book publicist/journalist, developed a campaign for Rochester. She is contacting newspapers, television stations, radio stations, and grief organizations. If the marketing is successful, I will probably wage a state campaign.
Shout My Book is also doing a marvelous job of spreading the word about Grief in Your Words on www.x.com. Every announcement is different.
“Where flowers bloom so does hope.”
Photo by Aaron Burden.
I was honored to have my latest book, Winning, featured on the Rave Reviews Book Club program, “Raters Not Haters.” The Zoom program aired on Saturday, January 27th. Co-hosts Pat Garcia and John Podlaski read their thoughtful reviews. Two things stood out for John—the facts about anticipatory grief and Grief Brain, also called Widow’s Brain.
After the co-hosts read their reviews, I added some personal comments. “You need a few laughs in a book like this,” I said, “so I added funny stories to Winning.” I told the story about falling into an open dishwasher (I didn’t see it) while holding a full basket of laundry, a sign of caregiver fatigue.
John couldn’t believe his eyes. “Hey,” I quipped, “it takes special talent and circumstances to fall into a dishwasher.”
John summarized Winning as “beautiful, inspiring work.” Both co-hosts gave the book five-star reviews. Thanks to John, Pat, and the Rave Reviews Book Club for their support. I’m proud to be a lifetime member of this amazing organization.
Serving as Chair of the Charter House Arts and Decorating Committee keeps me busy, and I enjoy it immensely. I’m using an approach called Participating Art to connect residents to the committee. With this approach, you create art or contribute to it financially or get involved in some way. The February lobby exhibit is called “Timekeeping,” a topic with broad appeal. Twenty residents are exhibiting their clocks, and the exhibit is drawing lots of viewers.
Grief in Your Words will be released on March 12th and has received positive advance reviews. Here’s an excerpt from the book.
You are worthy of self-care. Grief in Your Words is a form of self-care, a book you can write in to guide you through the grief maze, emerge from it, and live the new life that’s waiting for you.
To do this you need to tell your grief story, a story as unique as you are. Your story is yours alone, an agonizing, confusing, stressful story. You may feel like you’ve lost control over life. And maybe you have. But a lack of control is temporary and can be regained. This book is your personal writing plan, one designed just for you. The plan has six steps that move from ideas to action. As your words accumulate, you may see a glimmer of hope. . . Many positive things can result from writing.
Check out my award-winning book, Grief Doodling: Bringing Back Your Smiles. WriteLife publishing asked me to create a doodle for every page. After I finished the doodles, they were too precise, so I threw them out and began again. The next set of doodles was better, with crooked, wonky, lines. The Rochester Post Bulletin published an article about my doodles. The above photo shows me reading the article.
Photo by Kathy Meyer, RN.
Creating art in my studio, which is light and bright, makes me happy. The photo shows a corner of my studio. Every wall is covered with doodle art and that makes me even happier.
Photo of my studio by Kathy Meyer, RN
“Love is Light, that enlightens those who give and receive it . . . Each person has in them a core made up of immense energy and love just waiting to be shared with the world. ”