Monday, December 6, 2010

Bright Blooms Are Blossoming in My Creative Garden!


Bright Blooms on a Dreary Day
Photograph by Molly Anderson-Childers

Here's what's blossoming in my creative garden...

In this season of grey skies and chilly nights, it's especially important to keep the soul-fires burning bright.
That's why I picked today as the perfect time to post guest blogger Joy Paley's article about seeking enlightenment in the Nevada desert.  Link to my Guest Starring page to read about Joy Paley's journey in Desert Drive



Nevada Desert Temple with Labyrinth
Photograph by Joy Paley

I recently interviewed folk artist Tina Verduzco for my exclusive Creativity Portal interview series, "Creating a Fun, Fabulous Career in the Arts."  Her story is truly amazing- and check out her art!  You can connect with Tina directly at http://www.casadelunasea.com/ .

Fabulous Folk Art by Tina Verduzco







Monday, October 25, 2010

Remembering Water Fairies, By Tina Verduzco

I slowly shuffled into the cafĂ© and poured myself into a corner booth. I placed my sandy feet on the bench across from me. Swearing under my breath, damn! My feet were already swollen and it wasn’t even 9:00!

Old Dan appeared and wordlessly sat my order down. I chuckled to myself as I poured hot milk into my coffee and stirred in cinnamon from a bottle he placed in front of me. Remembering Old Dan when he was Young Dan. Forty or so years ago, back when his father Old Dan ran this place and Young Dan ran to keep up.

I heard the door open and turned to see three young girls walk in. Breathtaking children I thought. No, not really children but their age was difficult to guess. They wore bikini tops and long flowey hippy skirts. Grains of sand clung to their arms and bangles shimmered and clanged on their wrists. Their long red tresses cascaded down their backs. Sisters it appeared. All alike in willowy stature. The tallest walked to the bar and asked for a glass of water with two lemon slices. Old Dan seemed to be caught up in their intrigue and stumbled to get her request. The other sisters giggled and stole sugar packets from the table.

Water Fairies I thought to myself but shook my head at a silly old woman’s musing. As she finished her water the taller sister reached for a few coins to leave on the table, but Old Dan refused the money and pushed it back into her perfectly formed hand. “It was my pleasure Miss”. She flashed a brilliant and knowing smile as she signaled the others to go. She caught my eye or was it my stunned look of possible recognition? As she floated by she winked at me and lifted up her skirt. In that glaring Florida morning sun I swore I saw not bare feet but a splash of emerald green. A tear slid down my face as I remember a wish I once confided to a water fairy, something about growing old, in a small sea side town.

Author's Note:  If you enjoyed this story, please see my upcoming interview with Tina Verduzco on Creativity Portal, to be published in November.  For more information about Water and Wine Fairies and Tina's artwork, visit http://www.casadelunasea.com/.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

What's Brewing in My Creative Cauldron?

As summer segues into autumn, I've been enraptured by the sights and smells of the changing seasons.  Woodsmoke and rain, falling leaves, thunderstorms, crimson and golden aspen leaves... this is my favorite time of year, I think.  Jack-o-lanterns are already peeking out at me from my neighbor's porches, and it's starting to get cold again at night.  Time to break out the flannel sheets and cozy up...

I am preparing to participate in National Novel Writing Month in November, and will be giving a talk on Monday about plotting your nanonovel.  In other creative news, I'm working on edits for a novella and new interviews for Creativity Portal and Edible San Juan Mountains.  I'm writing a few new stories, expanding my professional blogging services to include creativity consultations, and trying to keep up with my blogs! 

I recently took a day-trip with my man to check out the fall colors, and I got some great photos.  I'll be sharing those with you soon.  I'd love to see your best fall photos!  Share them with me at stealingplums@yahoo.com - I'll publish my favorites on my Guest Starring page!


Stormy Weather...

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

New Poetry Page!

Fabulous news for poetry lovers!  I have decided to add a new feature to Stealing Plums.  My new Poetry page, Taking Dictation From the Muses, just went live today!  I've already posted one poem, "Waxing to Full," and will be adding more content soon. 



If you'd like to see your poetry or prose featured on Stealing Plums, or my sister blog, Addictive Fiction, please send queries to me at stealingplums@yahoo.com.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Chaco Canyon Photos and Poetry Now Online at Words and Images by Cynthia

Chaco Canyon Love Song, a poem originally published in the anthology, Eternal Portraits, is debuting online at Words and Images by Cynthia.  It will be accompanied by several photographs taken during a recent expedition to Chaco Canyon, a few hours south of my home in Durango.  Words and Images by Cynthia is one of my favorite sources for inspiration online, and is published by writer and photographer Cynthia Staples. 

Here's a sneak peek- one of my favorite photos from Chaco Canyon...


Doorways into the Past
Photograph by Molly Anderson-Childers


"Seven Ways to Grow Your Writers' Group" Goes Live!

Great news, readers!  My newest article for Chuck Sambuchino's Guide to Literary Agents blog was published today.  This article is the second piece in a short series on writers' groups I'm creating for this blog.  It's a fantastic resource for writers, and I highly recommend subscribing to this feed. 

My newest article, Seven Ways to Grow Your Writers' Group, outlines seven great strategies for finding new members.  The next piece in this series will cover different aspects of making a group critique session a success.  These articles are inspired by my experiences as the founder and facilitator of Wild Women Writing.

In Other Creative News...

Chuck Sambuchino, writer and editor for Writer's Digest Books, recently released his newest creation, "How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack."  We'll be dishing the dirt about those despicable little devils next month, in an interview for my exclusive Creativity Portal series, "Creating a Fun, Fabulous Career in the Arts."  Stay tuned! 

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

New Interview Online Now at Creativity Portal!

For an in-depth look at the life and career of designer Terri Conrad, please read An Interview with Terri Conrad.  It just went live at Creativity Portal today! 

Readers who visit the Creativity Portal website before September 7th can enter to win the Terri Conrad Designs Giveaway!  Simply email her your answer to this question: "What inspires you, surprises you, and makes your toes wiggle with delight?"  You could win one of three fabulous prizes, designed by Terri herself!  It's all happening at Creativity Portal.


Monday, August 30, 2010

How to Be Your Own Best Muse

This weekend, my newest article, How to Be Your Own Best Muse: 101 Ways to Delight and Inspire Yourself, was published on Creativity Portal.  This is the second article to treat with this subject; the companion piece was published there last month. 

The latest addition to my Multicultural Muses series, it's sure to help you re-charge your creative batteries and feel the juiciness flow...

You can also see some of my freshest new pics of flowers, from a bee's-eye view.  Here's a sneak peek!


What's Blooming In Your Neighborhood?
Photograph by Molly Anderson-Childers

Friday, August 27, 2010

Fab Interview Posted on Persist: The Blog!

I recently connected with the folks at Persist: The Blog, to do an interview.  I had a great time working with Emily on this project, and I'm looking forward to publishing some of Peter Clothier's work here, in the future. 

Stealing Plums: An Interview with Molly Anderson-Childers is an intimate look at the challenges and rewards of a writer's life.  It includes my insights into breaking through creative blocks and feeling inspired every day, and my redefined definition of success.  Enjoy!  May it be the first of many...


What's Blooming in the Garden of My Dreams? 
A Lush, Creative Life!

Photograph by Molly Anderson-Childers

Text off the Page Workshop!

I was recently invited to attend this workshop- it looks like a fabulous creative kick-start for some new projects.  Hope to see you there!

A workshop presented in conjunction with Cities on the Side Exhibition at the Art Library opening Sept 10 with a reception and a poetry reading at 7 PM
Sat., Sept 11 - 9:30-4:30 at the Durango Arts Center
$50. ($45 for DAC members)
Is it writing or is it art? This one-day workshop is for writers and artists interested in working with text off the page. Poet/artists Nance Van Winckel, Renee Rossi and Christy Ferrato challenge the boundaries between writing, music, visual art, installation, and performance art, as they explore the cross-genre application of text. Unique ways to approach this work will be discussed, and there will be several hands-on-activities for participants to explore, investigate and work on their own text off the page creations.
For registration and more information, contact Barb Klema at (970-385-7600) or barbara@barbaratobinklema.com

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Got Brew?

This weekend is rife with foamy, foodie fun!  Check out my newest article, Got Brew? for the skinny.  My blogs for Edible San Juan Mountains seek to tell the story of local foods, one bite at a time. 

This week, I'm reporting on three fabulous events.  Grillin' and Chillin' is Ouray's very own microbrew festival.  With brews, barbecue, and live tunes, this event promises to be a lot of fun.  We're also celebrating Ska Brewing Company's Fifteenth Anniversary Bash and Brewers' Invitational- sure to be a howlin' good time!  And the return of the Iron Horse Chef Cooking Competition graces our Durango Farmers' market Saturday morning.  See Got Brew? for details!

My personal congratulations to the Ska Brew Crew - lip up, fatty!  Here's to fifteen years of great brews and good times!  Stop by Ska World Headquarters Saturday afternoon- they'll be unlocking the vault to unveil a special limited-release Anniversary Ale.  You won't want to miss it!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Guest Starring...Featuring a New Article by Hank Kellner

Check out my Guest Starring page for a new article by writer and photographer extraordinaire, Hank Kellner.  This piece features some of his fabulous photographs to get your pen moving.  Here's a sneak peek at what's in store! 

For a daily dose of photographic inspiration, please visit Hank's blog, English Education.  It's a wonderful resource for writers, artists, educators, and home-schoolers.

Fabulous New Resource for Writers

Persist: The Blog is a wonderful resource for writers and creative thinkers in all fields.  I was recently contacted by Emily and Peter for an interview about my creative work, and I was glad to oblige.  This blog aims to explore the challenges faced by the creative mind in a world of commerce.  It's chock-full of interesting interviews, quotes, tidbits, and resources to amp up your creativity.  

I'll keep you in the loop and let you know when my interview goes live.  Until then, keep creating! 


The Power of Inspiration is In Your Hands
Photograph by Molly Anderson-Childers

Monday, August 2, 2010

New Interview with Jennie Nash Takes Creativity Portal By Storm!

You're in for a treat.  Creativity Portal has recently published my Interview with Jennie Nash!  It was great to reconnect with Jennie- we had so much fun during our last interview that I just couldn't resist the chance to chat with her again.  To view my other contributions and past interviews published on Creativitiy Portal, click here.

Author Jennie Nash released her newest novel, The Threadbare Heart, earlier this summer.  It's an intriguing read, and was released in May by Berkley Books.  I enjoyed her deft handling of tough emotions, and her characters are a delight.  Kudos, Ms. Nash!

Friday, July 30, 2010

New to Guest Starring...An Interview with Photographer Michael A Shapiro

My newest project for Stealing Plums is an Interview with Michael A Shapiro, photographer extraordinaire.  Check out his work online at Michael A Shapiro.  There, you'll find his blog, a gallery of amazing photos to inspire your pen, and updates on current projects. 

I've posted several of his photos to accompany the interview on my Guest Starring page, but here's a sneak preview of one of my favorites...


Paris, 2003
At La Palette

Photograph by Michael A Shapiro

August is the Cruelest Month...

My newest blog post for Edible San Juan Mountains, August is the Cruelest Month, just went live this week!  It's a preview of some fabulous foodie events coming our way in August- The Mesa Verde Country Food, Wine, and Art Festival in Cortez, and the Mushroom and Wine Festival in Durango.  Bon appetit!


First Fruits: Baby Onion from Our Garden
Photograph by Molly Anderson-Childers

Thursday, July 29, 2010

"Story of a Selkie Wife" Published on Addictive Fiction!

Author Jessica Goody was so inspired by one of my Creativity Portal Story-Starters that she penned "Story of a Selkie Wife."  When she emailed the tale to me, I knew it was perfect for my Guest Starring page on my Addictive Fiction blog. 

It's an enchanting summer read- perfect for a rainy afternoon!  For more of Jessica's musings, please visit her blog, Much Magic.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

New Work by Hank Kellner!

Hank Kellner has just submitted the first article in a ten-part series about using photos to inspire writing.  This noted author and photographer is a wonderful addition to my Guest Starring page.  For a daily dose of inspiration, please visit Hank's blog, English Education

Looking for some fabulous photos to inspire your summer scribblings?  You'll find 99 images to write about in Hank Kellner's book, Write What You See.  This book was published by Cottonwood Press, and is available for purchase at Amazon.

Monday, July 26, 2010

How to Be Your Own Best Muse...


What's blooming at Creativity Portal?  A fabulous interview with author Jennie Nash, and a brand new article in my Multicultural Muses series!  Join me this month for an inspiring summer read designed to help your creative juices bubble up.  Feel like The Muses have gone to Bali and left you behind?  Check out my new article, How to Be Your Own Best Muse: 101 Ways to Delight and Inspire Yourself.

For other titles in this series, check out my Multicultural Muses page on Creativity Portal today.  Or see my Author page, to view all of my lush, juicy offerings on the Creativity Portal website.   If you'd like to be interviewed for my exclusive Creativity Portal series, "Creating a Fun, Fabulous Career in the Arts," you can get in touch via email at stealingplums@yahoo.com.

Friday, July 23, 2010

New Article Posted on English Education!

Fabulous news... I've just published an inspirational new article, Irises Blooming in the Garden of Dreams!  This piece is featured on Hank Kellner's blog, English Education, and is geared towards educators who are looking for new ways to inspire students to write using photographic prompts.  I've crafted an article to help teachers get students excited about writing using one of my favorite tools, the writer's notebook.  It also includes one of my photos, shown here, to get your pen moving...



Interested in seeing my words or photos on your site?  Please send an email to stealingplums@yahoo.com for details.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Thinking About Starting A Writers' Group? Seven Questions to Ask Yourself First...

I'm a big fan of Chuck Sambuchino's blog, Guide to Literary Agents.  I find it to be full of useful information, invaluable industry contacts and fabulous resources for writers.

Another reason I'm a fan?  I've been asked to create a short series of articles as a guest blogger!  This sizzling summer series will deal with different aspects of facilitating a writers' group.  The first article in this series,  Seven Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting a Writers' Group, is an informative read based on my experiences with Wild Women Writing, a group I founded in Durango several years ago. 

It's a practical guide to getting started, with some food-for-thought questions to help focus your intent.  Always wanted to create a dynamic writers' group in your community?  This article is a must-read.  Stay tuned!  I'll be updating you here when new articles go live.


Friday, July 16, 2010

Plunge Into Poetry Part II Goes Live!

Penny MacPherson, poet and educator, has contributed a second lesson to her mini-workshop, "Plunge Into Poetry."  You can find it here, on my Addictive Fiction blog.  Thanks for a fabulous contribution, Penny!



Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Fabulous July Interviews Posted on Creativity Portal!

July is a marvelous month for creativity to blossom and bloom.  This month, check out my newest interviews at Creativity Portal for a dose of juicy inspiration.  Writer and photographer Cynthia Staples gives readers an in-depth look into her creative journey in the latest addition to my exclusive interview series, "Creating a Fun, Fabulous Career in the Arts."   My Interview with Cynthia Staples is the perfect summer read!  Cynthia has generously agreed to share some of her wonderful photographs with us here.  For more inspiration, please visit her blog, Words and Images by Cynthia



Boy and Bird
Photograph by Cynthia Staples



Egg
Photograph by Cynthia Staples




Dogwood Blooms
Photograph by Cynthia Staples




Make a Wish...
Photograph by Cynthia Staples


This month, I also interviewed Marge, the Muse of Okay-Now-Let's-Get-Started, for my exclusive Creativity Portal series, "Multicultural Muses."  For the past ten months, this series has focused on interviews with Jill Badonsky's Nine Modern-Day Muses (and a Bodyguard).  It's been an inspiring journey, and I've learned much from my time with them.  Check out my Interview with Marge for a little no-nonsense advice on taking your creative work to the next level.  To find out more about the Modern-Day Muses and Jill's work as a creative coach, please visit her website, The Muse Is In.  Silliness, a-muse-ments, and creative juiciness abound!

Monday, July 5, 2010

A Study in Contrasts

I'm thrilled to announce that my writing and photograhy are being featured on Hank Kellner's blog, English Education.  I recently contributed a photo and essay, A Study in Contrasts, to delight and inspire readers.  Enjoy!

Would you like to see my photos, artwork, and writing on your website?  Too busy to blog?  Need a creative kick in the pants?  I'd love to help- let's connect!  Send me an email to stealingplums@yahoo.com for more information.  I am currently expanding my freelance writing services to include professional blogging; copywriting and editing; ghost-writing; and creativity consultations.  I've taken the leap to live my creative dreams, and I'm loving it!  Want to learn how to do the same?  Get in touch- I can help you along your creative path.


Iris on Fourth Street
Photograph by Molly Anderson-Childers

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Plunge Into Poetry Workshop Posted on Addictive Fiction!

Poets and educators alike will delight in my newest offering at Addictive Fiction.  Penny MacPherson, whom I recently interviewed for my Creativity Portal exclusive series, "Creating a Fun, Fabulous Career in the Arts," will be featured on my new Guest Starring... page. 

"Plunge Into Poetry," MacPherson's online mini-workshop, is an inspirational offering- hopefully the first of many.  To connect with Penny or learn more about her work, please visit Poetry Patch 416.


Wild Rose
Photograph by Molly Anderson-Childers

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Guest Blog by Hank Kellner





Beyond the Window



I cannot see beyond the curtain

That cloaks my window.

But if I could, what would I see?



A field of wheat? A city street?

A cloudless sky? Cars rushing by?



I cannot see beyond the curtain

That cloaks my window

Unless I push aside the flimsy cloth

And look beyond the glass.


-by Elizabeth Guybo



Do you remember a book titled Reflections on a Gift of Watermelon Pickle? First published in 1966, it featured a collection of black and white photos accompanied by poems. Almost immediately, Reflections became popular with teachers of English who found that they could use the photos in the book as a source of inspiration for their high school and junior high school students. Incidentally, the book went through many printings and is still available on the Internet.

Today, many teachers still use photos to encourage not only teenagers, but also adults to create both poetry and prose. Shown here is a poem written by a senior citizen at a workshop I conducted at the Center for Creative Retirement, University of North Carolina, Asheville. Does the photo inspire you? What do you see in the combination of light and shadows? What is the mood of the photo? What might you discover if you could “…see beyond the curtain”?

If you find inspiration in this photo, and if it helps you write either a poem or a paragraph, I’d love to hear from you at hankpix@yahoo.com.

By the way, you’ll find more of my photos posted at Photobucket. Feel free to browse. And do visit my blog at English Education for even more photos and inspiration. Finally, go to the National Writing Project at National Writing Project to read more about using photographs to inspire writing.



Hank Kellner is a Korean War veteran and the author of Write What You See: 99 Photos to Inspire Writing 120p. w/CD. photos. reprods. Web sites. Cottonwood Press, 2009. pap. $24.95. ISBN 978-1-877673-83-2. LC 2008938630. His series of articles on using photos to inspire writing appears at Creativity Portal.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Call for Submissions!

If you're a writer, artist or photographer, and you'd like to see your work published here on my new page, Guest Starring... please send me an email.  You can connect with me at stealingplums@yahoo.com. I'd love to hear from you.

Coming Attractions...
Guest blogs by writer and photographer Cynthia Staples, and photographer and educator Hank Kellner.  Please see Guest Starring... for a sampling of their work.



Thursday, June 24, 2010

Make a Wish...

I'm excited about my upcoming interview with Cynthia Staples, writer and photographer extraordinaire!  It will be posted soon on Creativity Portal.  To whet your appetite, I'm posting another one of her fantastic photos for your visual enjoyment...



May All Your Wishes Come True!
Photograph by Cynthia Staples


Tuesday, June 22, 2010

News From The Studio...

The First Annual Four Corners Pride Festival is coming up this weekend, at Durango's own Rotary Park.  My post about this fun and fabulous event is now online at Edible San Juan Mountains

The print edition of Edible San Juan Mountains is hitting the streets- check out my guides to local CSAs and Farmers' Markets.  It's a great resource for Southwest Colorado foodies that want to find the best local meat, dairy, produce, eggs, honey, and more! 

Life as a freelancer is making me smile, every day.  Is there any bigger thrill than seeing your byline on the masthead?  Or using words like, "masthead" in everyday conversation?  For this writer, life is indeed sweet!



Arco Iris
Photograph by Molly Anderson-Childers

Coming Attractions...

Stay tuned to The Creativity Portal for my hot new interview with writer and photographer Cynthia Staples.  I enjoyed getting to know her, and loved the chance to view her fabulous photographs.  She has generously agreed to share some of her images with us here.  If you'd like to see more of Cynthia's work, please visit her blog at Words and Images by Cynthia.  You can also find more of her amazing photographs online at Photography by Cynthia.  Here's a little taste of her work...more to come!

Boy and Bird
Photograph by Cynthia Staples



Egg
Photograph by Cynthia Staples


Friday, June 18, 2010

New article posted on The Pagan Arts

The Pagan Arts is back from a summer hiatus and going strong!  New posts by Alane Brown and astrology by Jon Deer were posted earlier this week.  Today, my new article went live, so I wanted to write and share the link with my readers: Honoring the Green Man, Honoring the Earth can now be found online at
The Pagan Arts: Music and Craft for a Magickal Life

Hope you'll enjoy my latest creative endeavor- I'll share ways to make your studio a more eco-friendly place, and ideas for creating a sacred arts ritual to honor The Green Man. 

Belly up to the table, and drink deep.  A feast for the soul awaits.



Labyrinth Walk...
Where Will Your Dreams Lead You?

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

New "Who's Your Daddy?" Post Online at Edible San Juan Mountains!

Hot news for readers!  I cooked up another great guest blog for Edible San Juan Mountains this week.  The Sixth Annual "Who's Your Daddy?" Street Festival is a big event in Durango- and this year promises to be better than ever!  What's on the menu?  Live music, local brews, great food, fun and games for the whole family, arts and crafts, and more!

This event is sponsored by Carver Brewing Company, and is a major fundraiser for the Durango Discovery Museum.  Proceeds from this event will be used to fund their children's programs- what a great way to show your support for our community's kids!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Creative Blossoming...



Summertime is always a season of inspiration and lush passionate energy, and creative projects growing wild under the sun.  The weather here has been gorgeous, sunny days and bluebird skies, with flowers coming up everywhere!  We have poppies and columbines in our yard, and a rose bush that's just starting to leaf out.  

It's hard to motivate myself to do anything serious or deadline-related, so I'm spending a lot of my down time chatting with my girlfriends, making sun-tea, walking the dog, taking pictures of spring blooms in our neighborhood, reading trashy novels, and sipping rum drinks!

I've been working on a few new short stories and novels, and have even ventured into the in-between zone of the novella.  Some of them are keepers; others might have to be weeded out but I'll write them anyway and see if they end better than they began, or if I can salvage something good from the wreckage of stiff characters and bad plotlines.  If not, into the compost heap it goes, to make rich soil for other projects in the future. 

How do I know if my latest effort will be a good story or a bad story, when I begin?  I don't.  No one can know- the only way to find out is to write it!  Write them all down, good and bad.  Stories are stories; they must be told.  We are merely the conduit from the heart to a listening ear.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Art Exhibition at Carver Brewing Company!

I'm exhibiting my watercolor and collage locally through June 13th, 2010.  What a treat!  They are being displayed at Carver Brewing Company at 1022 Main Avenue in Durango, Colorado.  To visit their website, please follow this link: Carver Brewing Company.  Stop by, see the show, and support a local artist!


Brand New Interview Posted Online at Creativity Portal

This month, you're in for a treat.  I am pleased to announce my Interview with Penny MacPherson is now online at Creativity Portal.  I enjoyed getting to know this amazing woman, and I'm sure you will too.  Just follow the link to find her story, and some inspiring words about the healing power of creative work.


What Color is Your Inspiration Today?

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

What's Blooming?


I've been up all night, stoking the creative fires.  Lots of new work...some short stories and novellas, including a foray into erotica.  I recently sent out a short erotic story to one of my favorite magazines- I'm hoping to break into this market soon.  Wish me luck, readers!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Yummy New "Edible" Posts


Looking for a sweet way to spend the summer?  Check out my newest posts at Edible San Juan Mountains for hot happenings in Telluride, and get the down-low on Durango's American Craft Beer Week.  Have you hugged your brewer today? 

Monday, May 17, 2010

A Sip of Inspiration



For a juicy sampling of my latest creative wares, please visit The Pagan Arts, Alane Brown's website.  This site is a great resource, offering ritual music and craft for a magickal life.  The Pagan Arts now features my newest article, High Summer in the Garden of Dreams.  Flutter a little closer...slow down...sip...and be refreshed.  May your heart's cup never be empty!



Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Delicious New Guest Blogs At Edible San Juan Mountains

I've been invited to become a guest blogger for Edible San Juan Mountains, and will be reporting on local foodie events in our region.  Check out my blogs at...Edible San Juan Mountains.  Bon appetit!


The First Fruits of Our Garden...
Photograph by Molly Anderson-Childers

Friday, April 30, 2010

Flutterby

Thursday, April 29, 2010

The Empty Well: Keys to Staying Juicy




Fairy Garden
Photograph by Molly Anderson-Childers


New Article on Creativity Portal- Check it out!

I've just published a brand new article on The Creativity Portal, The Empty Well.  This article addresses the importance of taking care of yourself, in order to give your best self to your soul-work.  Inspiring and fresh, it also offers ways to stay juicy during a creative drought.  Enjoy!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

The Green Man: Cherishing the Wild Seed- New Post on The Pagan Arts


Hello! I've just visited Alane Brown's website and found to my delight that my newest post is posted there, deliciously rendered for your artistic delectation. May it fill your cup...




Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Inspired by The Green Man




Portrait of a Lady in Winter: The Green Man’s Tale



And the winter-ladies’ graces

holding hands with certain silence

And mad soliloquies of sudden thunder break and roll, break and roll

Inevitability fades as she listens very closely

To this,

His spun-sugar fantasy

And if she only listens closely he will tell her everything.

Her sweet face smiles and she believes it all

And in its golden castle, her pocket-watch tick-tocks disdainfully

And waiting, ever-waiting as he tells his crazy tale

Again for the audience that is trapped inside his head.

The Green Man listens for the sound of music in an oak-leaf,

New-fallen to the ground,

And singing

Suddenly in the eldritch green witch-light of the coming storm,

He begins to laugh and laugh.


Author's Note: This poem was inspired by The Green Man, who visited me one lonely winter morning and woke me up to spring.  For my companion post to this piece, please see my guest blog post, "The Green Man: Cherishing the Wild Seed," soon to come on The Pagan Arts.

Saturday, April 24, 2010