Hard to believe another year has passed and a time for memories. As a writer, I think about the humbling experience of having the book Escape from Amsterdam published, telling the story of heroes and heroines who gave their lives to safeguard the innocent during the Nazi reign. There are also other wonderful highlights ofContinue Reading
Special Handmade Ornaments and Their Significance
Oh, the wonder of Christmas. As I decorated our tree this year, it got me thinking about the many ornaments I had collected over the years and what they mean to me. Especially those handcrafted with love by others (some who are no longer with me) that are my prized ornaments year after year. I’dContinue Reading
A Message from Heaven
Not long ago I was sifting through some old craft boxes of cross-stitching products. It was fun remembering the projects I completed which included towels, baby bibs, magnets, ornaments, and many other fun pieces. Several boxes contained diagrams and unstitched cloth. But one of the boxes showed some mice intrusion. I sorted through what wasContinue Reading
Carrying Your House in the Woods
I enjoy experiencing the autumn season by carrying my house in the great outdoors. Now some people would say what does that mean? Especially seeing a picture like this with gear galore. You kind of wonder if this is something you ought to be doing. Carrying on your back sleeping gear, a tent, food, clothes,Continue Reading
Woods Therapy
If you haven’t had a chance to go out and experience the fall colors and savor the crisp air, I encourage you to take a walk in the woods. I’ve had a few opportunities in recent weeks to enjoy the woods and all the colors that haven’t quite come in full yet, but it’s beenContinue Reading
Storms of Life
This has been a week of storms. After having a tranquil hurricane season, the state of Florida on the west coast got pummeled by a near Category 5 hurricane in late September. I have visited the Fort Myers area and was very saddened to see the destruction there where the eye of the storm passedContinue Reading
Welcome Fall
Welcome Fall! It’s hard to believe we’re now in the final season of another year. A season of cool breezes, the aroma of pumpkin spice and apple cider in the air, enjoying the mountains arrayed in color, then leaves falling and days raking. And of course, hikes in the beautiful woods (I usually backpack severalContinue Reading
To Honor the Finish
One hears a great deal about creating, envisioning, working, but one cannot overlook the importance of the finish. Fifteen years ago, I planned for a trip that began when I was a teenager. That is, hiking the entire Appalachian Trail from end to end. Our family would venture to Shenandoah National Park and join someContinue Reading
A Day Never Forgotten
(Reposted) One terrible, nightmarish journey. September 11, 2001. A day wrought in tragedy and death. Can anything good come of it? September 11, 2001, a little after 9 AM. It had become a usual routine for me to do some work before turning on the TODAY show and eating my breakfast around 9 AM. TodayContinue Reading
Jan Hagel Cookies
As part of the online Facebook gathering for the release of Escape from Amsterdam, the author made a Dutch Christmas butter cookie in the shape of diamonds. The delightful cinnamon flavor and pretty decoration with sliced almonds and an egg wash gleam will look great for any occasion. Dutch cookies like this are favorites duringContinue Reading
Birth of a Book – Heroes and Heroines
For the final blog in this series, I honor a hero and heroine of my book, Escape from Amsterdam. As a fiction writer, the main hero and heroine are often working madly to overcome obstacles and trials in their lives while also cultivating their relationship. So it is in Escape from Amsterdam with Helen andContinue Reading
Birth of a Book – the Final Product
For the last few weeks, you’ve been following a series of blogs on the creation of a historical novel set in the turbulent times of World War II. Now we see a book arrive by mail, the completed book that took many months to research and write. As you can tell from the blogs, theContinue Reading