Today’s post was going to highlight the Columbia River Cowboy Gathering. But over the weekend, events have transpired. Instead, I’m going to share my town’s predicament. I came home Sunday, Easter Sunday, to the devastation of our roads by a month-long flood. Our land, both in Ferry and Stevens County’s, is swelled not only with…
Let’s face it, Kentucky is known for its horse racing derby every May. Well, move over Thunder Snow and Gunnevera and make room for three of our archers from Indian Country! This year’s Derby is May 6th. The following weekend three of our archers will fly in and shoot for the national title. We have…
NASP sounds like it has to do with outer space. At least that’s what I thought the first time I heard the acronym. NASP––National Archery in the Schools Program––has certifiably nothing to do with space, but gives kids the same kind of rush. When asked if I’d like to become a certified teacher for our…
I am addicted to lichen (like-en). Whenever I see lichen, I have to photograph it. I love its various textures and colors. Its softness and woodsy smell. If you have children or grandchildren who love the outdoors and plant life like I do, this information is for you. Myth Busters Did you know? Lichen is…
The last thing I remember before going under is saying to the nurse, “Please, save my baby!” Tears rolled down both of our faces. When I woke up, I had no idea if my baby was alive or dead. I had no idea if the baby was a boy or girl, in those days we…
I was born white. It’s my heritage. Yet I write main characters from another ethnicity––Native America. My grandmother always told us we were part Indian, but the proof never came. It still hasn’t and probably never will. I never intended to write let alone write books that have the protagonist from a different heritage. I…
While in Santa Fe, NW I discovered Kateri Tekakwitha, (pronounced “ˈɡaderi deɡaˈɡwita”) a Mohawk woman. She is the first Native American woman to be recognized as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. As a friend and I were walking along the streets of Santa Fe before our writer’s conference began, we came across a…
Welcome Chris Gregory! I met Chris at the mall is Spokane one December and got to know him and his writing. He was selling his debut book entitled Buckshot Pie, which is a metaphor for pioneer spirit, tough times, and the bitter-sweet struggle to survive and live off the land. To Chris fiction is more difficult to…
Welcome to Maria Inés, an aboriginal woman who struggles to survive while she reclaims her family, her faith, and her ancestral identity by Anne Schroeder. Today I have the pleasure of introducing award-winning author and Women Writing the West member Anne Schroeder and her novel Maria Inés. I find the Salinan people from the…
When in Santa Fe, New Mexico last month I was browsing local art stores one morning with a friend. I really had nothing in mind. As my gaze swept from rugs to jewelry to pottery, I thought about what I could bring home that was unique to me. I wanted something memorable. Something with a…
Women Writing the West Conferences are inspiring and uplifting. Every year I come back charged and rearing to go. I love to visit with old friends, make new ones, and deepen all relationships with the women and men of our WWW community. This year, the conference was in Santa Fe. I flew into Albuquerque Wednesday…
It was six weeks when I heard back from a publisher about my latest work-in-progress. Waiting to hear back from a publisher tests not only one’s patience but self-esteem, too. While waiting and soaking in my lesson in patience, biting my fingernails, I was hunkered down under my fair tent as rain tumbled down during…
Book signing used to terrify me. After six years of shaking hands, having my picture taken with young readers, reciting my hook until my voice came out hoarse, speaking at libraries, schools and conferences, and week-long events, I have finally concluded three things: A book signing without a speaking gig is like ropin’ a…
This summer has slipped by. But not quick enough for my husband and I to venture into the mountains, climbing to the top of Grizzly Mountain lookout tower. We began the day picking huckleberries with one of our sons and his family. Then we forked away and up the mountain. Here is a photo journal…
I recently wrote a fiction book about the World Famous Suicide Horse Race in Omak, WA––the second full weekend of August. This event is part of the Omak Stampede, but its own entity. I’ve attended the stampede off and on since I was a little girl. But this year I watched the race from a…
End of content
End of content
