As soon as I returned from interviewing Julia Riley, I began reading the murder mystery she wrote. (She has written two, along with six children’s stories—all unpublished and kept in a secret drawer.) Originally, I accosted her because of her prolific needlework. But then, she described her musical history—playing piano, flute, piccolo, and bass flute. …
When we first meet someone, we think, Oh, she has a lovely smile …. a new friend …. how nice! Then, off we go, enjoying her company. Since writing Bright Ideas, though, I ask a new friend questions—and the things I discover astound me! Take, for example, Sandy Strautman. Sandy appeared as a newcomer in our …
Susan Osborn, Ph.D, M.S.W., says, “My writing time is the happiest time of my day.” I’m sure all you creative women out there understand. Whether you make music, crafts, delicious food, or splash paint on canvas, once you are “in the zone,” time evaporates. Creativity = Joy! When Susan wrote Assertiveness Training for Women, her creativity prompted …
In the third grade, Sandra Main’s teacher gave the class an incentive: if a student finished her classwork, she could go into another room where she could listen to classical music while “playing” with art supplies. Little Sandra raced through arithmetic, longing for the inner peace she found at the art table. Feeling an affinity …
One Tuesday, a friend and I had breakfast at Sweetpeas in Auburn. There, right inside the door, was a beautiful display of “girlie” things. That was my introduction to Rebecca Fuller: Avon representative, seamstress, and craftswoman, par excellence! Exploring the glittering treasures was such fun! The price tags were so reasonable (starting at $5.) I …
Robin Orack is Jewish and a believer in Christ. Her creative blending of these two identities results in fascinating challenges. Each year she travels to Israel and volunteers with Bridges for Peace, an organization dedicated to supporting Israel and building relationships between Christians and Jews in Israel and around the world. On solitary walks through the streets …
When my first great-grandchild was born, I told my daughter, Okay. No one remembers their great-grandmother. That means I’m on my way out! Then my two grandsons moved far away—one to Hawaii and one to North Carolina. Their lives took root. What was a great-grandmother to do? Simple! Go there! Lure the children away from their …
Sometimes when I meet a creative senior woman, I don’t know which of her amazing accomplishments to feature first. Terry Wicks is such a woman. Today I’ll tell you about my visit to her park-like property in Penryn, California. Maybe the best way to convey what Terry has accomplished is to tell a bit of …
You never know when and where you’ll find a passion to last a lifetime! About 50 years ago, when Anna Anderson’s young family was living in Australia (where her husband was employed) she went looking for her young daughter, and there she was, being taught how to knit by a local woman. They invited Anna …
Picture this: It’s 1968. A pretty little girl wanders around the Skyview Flea Market, looking for a dirty teddy bear! “The dirtier the better,” Kristen Marquis says. “I thought if the teddy bear was dirty, it must be a valuable antique. That was a clue to the best years of my working life!” Those years, …