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Carol S. Mann
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Bits and Pieces
“Think in blue, in green, in starlight, in song, in a blessing, in beauty, in gratitude.”
The World That We Knew by Alice Hoffman
Category Archives: Looking for Inspiration
The Art of the “Acrylic Pour”
It’s sometimes fun to venture out of your comfort zone and try something completely foreign. It may make you uncomfortable. It may even feel risky. On occasion, I take that step away from writing and try a new creative experience. … Continue reading
How do you feel about birthdays?
How do you feel about birthdays? Reactions seem to depend on where you are on the age spectrum. You may be happy about a birthday. You may be happy but feeling a bit depressed. You may be happy but can’t help … Continue reading
Posted in Inspiration, Looking for Inspiration, personal essay, Writing
Tagged age, Aging, Being authentic, birthday cards, birthday milestones, birthday parties, Birthday traditions, birthdays, Feelings about birthdays, Hope, inspiration, Legal ages, Memorable birthdays, Significant birthdays
9 Comments
Be Your Own Hero
In this day and age, I’m looking for anchors, things to hang on to when the seas get rough. You know, quick words of encouragement or inspiration to deal with the political chaos and power struggles occurring in our society, … Continue reading
Posted in blogging, Inspiration, Looking for Inspiration, personal essay, Reading, Writing
Tagged A Gentleman in Moscow, Amor Towles, Anais Nin, beliefs, challenge, core values, courage, courage of your convictions, Encouragement, everyday heroes, heroes, Hope, inspiration, LA Times, personal challenge, personal journeys, principles
4 Comments
Elegant Ladies of the Desert
I live in a valley in the California desert – home of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, R.C. Gorman sunsets, and palm trees. Areas of the valley’s desert may be unspoiled and unpopulated or highly groomed with burgeoning … Continue reading
Posted in Creativity, Finding Ideas: The Creative Process, Inspiration, Looking for Inspiration, poetry, Reading, Writing
Tagged artist Naomi Brown, artist R.C. Gorman, Coachella Valley, Coachella Valley Desert, Coachella Valley Music and Arts festival, desert palms, haiku, nature, nature as inspiration, palm trees, poetry, poetry in nature
2 Comments
Coffee and a Muffin
It was a Tuesday morning. I’d just left my writers’ critique group which meets in our local La Quinta Library, thinking about all the SLJ’s I had to do when I got home. i.e. change the bed, do some wash, … Continue reading
Posted in blogging, Inspiration, Looking for Inspiration, personal essay, Reading, Writing
Tagged air conditioning woes, benefits of having a dog, effects of conversation, La Quinta Library, latte, May is Mental Health Month, Mental Health, muffins, Old Town Coffee, reset our thinking, taking a break, taking care of your mental health, taking time to reset, The Skimm
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When Your Story Setting Chooses You
You may have visited or lived in a place you knew would become a setting for a story you had yet to write. A place that spoke to you in not only a visceral, emotional way, but also in an … Continue reading
Posted in Authors, blogging, Books, Creativity, fiction writing, Finding Ideas: The Creative Process, Inspiration, Looking for Inspiration, Reading, short story, Writing
Tagged Choosing a story setting for your writing, Maid of the Mist, Niagara Falls, short story, story setting, story setting influencing a character, The American Falls, The Canadian Falls, The Horseshoe Falls, writing the short story
9 Comments
When Your Book Gives Back …
It’s always gratifying as an author to receive feedback and validation about your book. I’m speaking of a compliment, an award, a good review, a referral, a speaking engagement, a book signing, recognition by your peers. These are definitely “feel … Continue reading
Posted in blogging, Books, Creativity, Inspiration, Looking for Inspiration, poetry, Reading, Writing
Tagged All Ways A Woman - a collection of original art and poetry, fight or flight, friendship, nybookeditors.com, poetry, poetry for inspiration, poetry to celebrate, poetry to honor, quilting, Rebecca Solnit, supporting a friend, tend-and-befriend, The Mother of All Questions, writing
10 Comments
A Valentine’s Day List
It’s the month of February with Valentine’s Day on its way. What comes to mind? Hearts, flowers, and the iconic god Cupid. Our winged friend arrives with some impressive credentials of which we need to take note. “In classical mythology, Cupid … Continue reading
Posted in Authors, blogging, Books, Inspiration, Looking for Inspiration, poetry, Reading, Writing
Tagged Art, Book - All Ways A Woman, Champagne, Chet Baker, Chocolates, Cupid, feelings, happy, Heart shaped candy, Hearts, Kwesi Brew, Love poetry, Music, poetry, Red Roses, Red Wine, relationships, Romantic Dinner, Sarojini Naidu, Song My Funny Valentine, The Kiss by Gustav Klimt, True love, Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day cards
8 Comments