photo of Carol's vision board

Creating Your 2025 Vision Board: Turning Thoughts and Feelings Into Reality

Have you ever heard of a vision board? It’s more than just a collage of inspiring images and words—it’s a powerful tool for manifesting goals and dreams. A vision board serves as a visual representation of what you want to achieve, helping you focus on your intentions and align your actions with your desires. The …

the winter sage

Welcome to the Winter Archetype: A Season of Reflection and Self-Care

Seasons follow a circular sequence, and winter is no exception. This time of year brings stillness, encouraging us to turn inward, reflect, and prepare for new beginnings. While winter may feel quiet and dormant, beneath the surface, life is preparing to bloom. The way we engage with this season can shape our energy, mindset, and …

Honoring Black Excellence: 15 Remarkable African Americans

Black History Month officially began in 1976, and now it is being taken away. To be honest, Black history should be an ongoing pursuit throughout the year. I’ve chosen to share highlights of 15 African Americans—not ranked by level of excellence, because they are ALL excellent! Confronted with adversity and racism, many lived with courage, …

Carol wearing her prism glasses

Prism Glasses

Who knew it could be cool to wear Prism Glasses?  Strangers stop me on the street.  “Hey, where did you get those cool glasses, they are so Steam Punk.”  The first time this happened I asked, “What is Steampunk?”  I would soon to learn that it is a fashion statement of blending fantasy, fiction, and …

Through What Lens Should I Tell the Story?

How deep do I dig into my own experience, in my own voice, when crafting a story? If I go too deep, will the reader disconnect?Take The Fish Dress, where a mother caught in an abusive marriage tries to hold the family together for the sake of the child and in a needy way, the …

When to Tack

An experienced sailor knows what to do when a sudden strong wind hits straight on, threatening to take her off her desired course. Rather than abruptly turning away from the wind, the sailor turns the bow of the boat toward and through the mighty gusts. By doing so, the direction from which the wind blows …

Celebrating Black History Month: HOW FAR HAVE WE COME?

Celebrating Black History Month: HOW FAR HAVE WE COME? The other day I was searching through boxes in my attic for a book. I didn’t find what I was looking for, but an old folded-up newspaper caught my eye. Yellow and tattered on the edges, it was an issue of THE HARTFORD TIMES, dated Tuesday, …

Why Do You Call Me Chocolate Boy? – Lessons Learned

When we moved to Maine in 1989 and my bi-racial son entered 3rd grade, I did not foresee that there would be problems in school, but it wasn’t long before I knew something was wrong. One morning, he hid under the bed covers, crying and saying he hated himself. Finally, he admitted that the kids …

Meet Winter’s Seasonal Archetype

As writers, we use broad character types to show aspects of human nature that follow a pattern over time, place, and circumstance. It is natural to want to apply the same thinking to the seasons: Spring, the Innocent archetype with new beginnings. Summer, the Warrior, ready for empowerment. Autumn, the Transformer, turning obstacles into steppingstones.  …