Dear Readers, Perhaps 2020 can best be described as dichotomous. We can all enumerate the sacrifices we’ve made, but we are also invited to reflect on our many blessings. Despite what has happened to us and our loved ones this year, we are still here, with books to read, food to eat, and a healthier…
Dear Readers, Since it’s December, I’m figuring that about 75% of us have already experienced a “Pandemic Birthday”–a very different kind of birthday since last March when the lockdowns began, and our friends and favorite restaurants were closed to us. My birthday just occurred on December 7, and for many months prior to it, I’d…
Dear Kids and All Readers, On the first of each month, I find a treat in my email inbox. It’s the monthly “Now Playing” program guide from Turner Classic Movies (TCM). I have been a movie buff of Hollywood’s Golden Age films (uh, kids, that’s from the 1930s and ’40s) since I was a…
Dear Readers, A few weeks into the pandemic, there arose an opportunity–blessing, actually–for me to tune in via Zoom to “Friday Reflections” sponsored by San Diego Oasis, an organization that offers classes to those 50 and better for enrichment and lifelong learning. “Friday Reflections” are just that–reflections by the incomparable Peter Bolland, professor of Philosophy…
Hello, All Readers, I recently learned that with 175 million active members on Pinterest, including many teachers, author such as myself should jump on it! I already have a personal page, but watch for a link to my author page soon. The list of pin-worthy topics I’m considering are as follows: The Botanic Hill Detectives…
Hello, Readers! Are you getting as excited as I am about October 20? What’s happening that day??? The release of Book 2, Eucalyptus Street: Green Curse. Below, you will find the latest excerpts. They include one of my favorite chapters, #20, “Lantern in the Churchyard.” I hope you enjoy these! From Chapter 19, “Aunt…
Dear Readers, I am continuing the march through Eucalyptus Street: Green Curse via weekly excerpts in anticipation of the book’s October 20, 2020, release. I hope you enjoy these! From Chapter 17, “Handy Work Above” The group divides up to look for particular images to solve another stanza of the Puzzle Poem. Isabela and the girls…
Dear Readers, more excerpts for you from Eucalyptus Street: Green Curse! So get a clue: Watch for my Botanic Hill Detectives Book 2 to launch on October 20, 2020. From Chapter 15, “The Secret Room” A major discovery has been made, thanks to the group’s hard work deciphering Stanza 3 of the Puzzle Poem.…
Dear Readers, On July 9, I revealed the cover for Eucalyptus Street: Green Curse, Book 2 in my Botanic Hill Detectives Mysteries series. Glad that’s finished! Leading up to the book’s release on October 20, 2020, I plan to share two excerpts in chapter order each Thursday. First, let’s start with the story’s synopsis. (Kids,…
Dear Kids and Other Readers, The current Pandemic has separated many grandparents and grandchildren. Wouldn’t it be fun to bring them together safely in a Zoom Book Club? That’s just what I’m organizing with a local non-profit agency that has a bank of grandparents waiting to interact in this fun online activity. Better yet, they’ll be…
