Earlier this year I discovered Persimmon Tree, an online magazine of the arts by women over sixty. Its publisher says, “Too often older women’s artistic work is ignored or disregarded, and only those few who are already established receive the attention they deserve. Yet many women are at the height of their creative abilities in their later decades and have a great deal to contribute. Persimmon Tree is committed to bringing this wealth of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and art to a broader audience, for the benefit of all.”

Folks are closing in on holiday preparations. Our local writers’ groups have been busy with book signings, and I’ve been working hard to get Dear Folks into area bookstores. I’m humbled by the kind words and encouragement from new and old friends, near and far. Dad would have been flabbergasted at the interest his letters have stirred up, and he would have been proud to see our book so well-received. Thanks to all who have supported this project!

My partner in crime, Carroll Taylor, teamed up with me again yesterday for a book signing at Tiger’s Store and Chinquapin’s Ice Cream and Soda Bar in Hayesville, NC. Sunshine and warmer weather brought out holiday shoppers to browse, chat, and (of course) enjoy sweet treats. I highly recommend their Roadrunner Raspberry ice cream! What fun to meet new people and share our latest books. Here is a link to my books.

I am pleased to announce that I received an honorable mention in Raw Earth Ink's 2024 Northwind Writing Award competition, non-fiction category, for an excerpt from my first book, My Mother’s Keeper: One Family’s Journey through Dementia.

‘Twas a chilly Black Friday in the western North Carolina mountains. My writer friends, Lorraine Bennett and Carroll Taylor, joined me at Hayesville’s Beal Center for a fun day with holiday shoppers. We appreciated the indoor setting and festive colors—and the opportunity to share our latest books with everyone. Details about my new book, Dear Folks: Letters Home 1943-1946 World War II, can be viewed here.

This is not a recipe blog, but I just have to share. The unseasonably warm weather I mentioned last week generated an amazing bumper crop. Small but sweet, these green peppers stuffed beautifully when I tried a variation on a family favorite. It calls for hamburger, rice, chopped onion, tomato soup, and garden herbs. It made much more than would fit inside the little cuties, so I lined the bottom of a casserole dish with half the extra, laid the stuffed delicacies on it, and covered with the rest of the leftover concoction. Topped with more undiluted soup and sprinkled with grated cheese, they turned out beautifully. Yum!