My year got off to a slow start and I don’t think that is a bad thing. I have been thinking about what is important to me and what I want to do this year. From watching parts of southern California burn down to reading through a slew of new executive orders—I am also overwhelmed. However, I have hope!
My advice for this new year and political season is to build the circles you need to support you. For me, my circles take many forms—friends, writing peers & students, fellow mothers, even an adult tennis team. I am looking forward to connecting with others through intentional time together.
When my daughters were born in 2015 and 2017—and I became sedentary, isolated, sleep-deprived, and entrenched in an endless, political news cycle—I fell into a state of severe burnout. In my second memoir, which is still a work-in-progress, I am reflecting on and learning from this beautiful and confusing period of early motherhood.
In 2025, I am determined to find more healthful ways through the disconnect. Yes, motherhood still asks a lot of me and, yes, I want to stay active and involved in my country. My circles of connection are my sacred spaces for maintaining strength and happiness in uncertain times.
This newsletters (another circle!) may be changing form or location as the year moves along, but for now I am grateful for your focused attention—a hot commodity these days! I will continue with monthly writing prompts, updates, and ways to connect.
Thanks for being here!
New Publications
This month, I was thrilled to have my poem “October” in the recent issue of Image Journal:
I also had the priviledge o reviewing Todd Davis’ new book Ditch Memory: New and Selected Poems for EcoTheo Review:
Classes & Coaching
Several classes and workshops are coming up this winter and spring with Chuckanut Writers, Hugo House, and Bow Sanctuary. Find more details on my Events page.
The Edison Poetry Series is starting again. Save the dates—I will be posting more info soon on this year’s readers. If you would like to be considered for 2026, please send me a note.
New one-on-one sessions are available through my writing coaching practice. Available to meet online or in-person.
I am an art docent in my grandchildren’s elementary school; it is a wonderful experience. When I stand in front of the children the love washes up to me in waves. Yesterday I did a session with the 1st graders and as I left the building, I noticed I had not thought of the political mess the entire time I was at the school and I felt intoxicated. More of this, please.