4/17/25 – Home again and playing catch-up with my laundry!

Hey there happy reader,

I love to travel, but I love to be home even more! There’s something about sleeping in my own bed that makes me happy. I have more trips planned in the months ahead, but for now, I’m staying put, keeping my head down and writing!

As I mentioned last week, the after effects of my time in Guatemala has truly affected my new novel. 

I’ve given much thought to the connection women have to the earth and moon. It truly matters as I tell this story. From all I have read about those who lived at Stonehenge right before it was abandoned, they were a civilization of spiritual people who believed in community and tradition.

While they didn’t have the tools (written word) to tell their own stories, my imaginings have led me to a simple conclusion. They would have respected the earth as well as the seasons and the bounty they received from the land they lived on. They would have kept time with the moon and its phases; they would have navigated by observing the constellations in the sky.

I’ve gone back to incorporate all of that into my novel and my ancient main character, Maya, is the window into that world. Part of the problem for my modern character, Miriam, is that she isn’t connected to the earth. Until she finds that vital link, she won’t be able to solve the mystery of who ruled Stonehenge and unlock her own future.

My writing exercise (self-imposed!) this spring is to head outside and spend some more time in nature. 

I don’t know if you follow Catherine, Princess of Wales, but she said recently that while recovering from her cancer treatments, she found that being outdoors helped her both mentally and spiritually. I can absolutely understand that, and I’m committed to trying it for myself! I am hopeful that I can do a whole lot of thinking on my planned walks around my neighborhood. I might even stroll along the ocean every now and then as well!