"And so our mothers and grandmothers have, more often than not anonymously, handed on the creative spark, the seed of the flower they themselves never hoped to see: or like a sealed letter they could not plainly read."Alice Walker February is Black History Month. This is a month dedicated to celebrating black excellence! Many bloggers, … Continue reading My Favorite Anthology
Getting outside consistently has proven to be healthy and can aid in feelings of renewal. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to still feel passionate or even enjoy getting outside when it's colder than the tush of a polar bear sitting on a glacier. Nevertheless, getting outside, even at a minimum of 2 hours a week, … Continue reading Preparing for Polar Bear Weather
I originally wrote this article for Arts Help. You can find the original publication HERE. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to raise new challenges, triggering anxiety, stress, and isolation. Societies have adapted to restrictions, creating a new normal; however, many of these creative solutions will not be available as winter arrives, and cold weather prevents outside … Continue reading Crafting, COVID-19, and Mental Health
“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.”Eleanor Roosevelt For almost a year, we have all experienced the few highs and often lows of living in a pandemic. I began Discover with Deanna in September 2020 as a form of coping for myself. There is no doubt I absolutely have had a privileged … Continue reading Beginning Again
“The greatest adventure is what lies ahead.” JRR Tolkein A few years ago, I went on the trip of a lifetime with two of my best friends. We did a camping road trip throughout the New England area and hiked Mt. Washington. Read more about it by clicking here. When planning the trip, we knew we … Continue reading How to Plan a Road Trip on a Budget (Part 1)
This autumn, I went on a lovely hike in the Appalachian mountains of Western Maryland with my best friend Jenna. Mindful of how busy the A.T. can be during the Maryland leaf peak, we hit the trail early in the morning. I left my house at 6:30am...I was ready in less than 15 minutes from … Continue reading Autumn Morning on the Maryland A.T.
Powerful, historical, and intentional. The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes is a novel that made me gasp, cry, and feel hopeful. Published in 2019, the historical fiction novel is one everyone should read. Outstanding examples of feminism, heartwarming character development, and meticulous intentionality behind every word written are just three reasons why "The Giver … Continue reading The Giver of Stars
It is the season of crisp leaves, pumpkin spice everything, and cups of hot cider by the fire. Although the boos and spookiness are finished for 2020, autumn still has much to offer. The vibrant leaves may no longer be on the trees but they still smile underfoot on my hikes. I love autumn, specifically … Continue reading The Best Pumpkin Donut Holes
“Sometimes she heard night-sounds she didn’t know or jumped from lightning too close, but whenever she stumbled, it was the land who caught her. Until at last, at some unclaimed moment, the heart-pain seeped away like water into sand. Still there, but deep. Kya laid her hand upon the breathing, wet earth, and the marsh … Continue reading Where the Crawdads Sing
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented obstacles into many lives. One of the more minor obstacles is the ability to get out of the house and travel. My family's solution has been camping. The outdoors are much safer when it comes to COVID-19 and we are still able to see different surroundings. Campsite Although I … Continue reading Rocky Gap Camping Trip
Discover with Deanna 