All Around Us

There is nothing more difficult for a truly creative painter than to paint a rose, because before he can do so he has first to forget all the roses that were ever painted. -- Henri Matisse


The temple bell stops but I still hear the sound coming out of the flowers. -- Basho, 1680

A River Walk

This morning, I walked for twelve miles through Heidelberg and along the river front. In November, I'm walking a marathon with several friends, and we're starting to extend our mileage.


Here's a sample of scenery along the Neckar River. The swans may look placid and graceful, but believe me, you don't want to get these birds angry, or the wrath of all bird-dom will fly upon you!

The Sembach Group

Laurie, Angela, and Chris at The Alte Schmiede Restaurant

Angela, Chris, Norma, and I meet monthly to talk about writing, critique manuscripts, share a meal, and catch up on each other's lives. These women have helped keep me sane since I moved away from my extensive network of friends and fellow writers in Oregon four years ago! Two of the original members, Sondy and Marta, have returned to the US, but we keep in touch via email and blogs.

See Angela's blog for more news of our group. Between us, we write young adult and mid-grade novels, picture books, poetry, humor and travel essays, science fiction, and more. Something for everyone.

*Photo courtesy of Angela Cerrito

Keep Those Eyes Open!

David flew in from Grand Rapids this morning, and is fighting to keep his eyes open just one more hour. He arrived bearing gifts: Rich and Creamy Rainbow Chip Frosting for Danielle (can't find it here) and a pair of Anna's favorite jeans from the States.

Now if I can only find a way to keep him awake a little longer. Jet lag won't be so bad then.

Thinking About the Olympics

NY Times has a brief commentary on Chariots of Fire, a movie based on the true story of two runners competing in the 1924 Olympics. If you've never seen the film, what better time than now? Go rent it tonight! And let me know if you liked it or not.

Murphy Around Town

It's not Murphy Monday yet, but Murphy's been on a photo shoot around our little village and can't wait to show you pictures of his home.

Here's the church at the center of town. To get Murphy to pose in one spot, we bribed him with part of a gelato cone from the eis cafe across the street. Hey, if it works!

Sunflowers Forever

Saw zillions and zillions of these blooms planted at Schiphol Airport outside Amsterdam. It's true--the Dutch certainly do have a way with flowers.

Anne Frank

A Riveting Read

Yesterday, I saw a young girl of about ten following her father down the street. She wasn't paying any attention to where she was going, because she had her nose in a book.

Can I just say -- that was me, quite a few years ago??? Surprised I didn't end up running into stop signs and falling off sidewalks.