I wrote more words in 2017 than ever before—two entire manuscripts plus some revisions. Writing hundreds of thousands of words has improved my writing level incredibly. I've needed all that practice. I've learned so much and I'm getting better. It's taken patience and diligence, … [Read more...]
Andrea Brown Literary Agency Writing Workshop
I had a great time at the Big Sur Writing Workshop put on by the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. They did a fantastic job with the conference and I meet some great new people. I loved the one-on-one time with agents and editors. I went down feeling a bit discouraged about … [Read more...]
Classic Chocolate Layer Cake
This is really Doug's cake. He makes it for birthdays with all the love in his heart, which melts mine. It's "The Birthday Cake" around here. Chocolate Layer Cake Cake Ingredients: 2 Milk Chocolate Cake mixes (Betty Crocker brand) If you can't find … [Read more...]
Mary’s Treasures
Closing our Henry Mack shop and blog was bittersweet for me. I loved the connection that Kara and I had with lots of woman who loved our house dresses and came to our blog for inspiration and community. Closing the shop, was the right thing to do; we realized we didn't love … [Read more...]
7 Christmas Books that Capture the True Spirit of Christmas
My kids and I look forward to pulling out the big box of Christmas books every Thanksgiving. Over the years, I have accumulated a much loved collection of stories. I have a few really fun ones about Santa and sledding and snowmen, but the ones we really treasure are the ones that … [Read more...]
Happy 70th Birthday Dad!
With all seven children tucked behind the kitchen wall, my father walked unaware into my family room last month. Heart racing and stifling giggles we waited, finally the moment came to leap out and squeal. The joy and love that hit my dad was tangible. It was a moment of pure … [Read more...]
Does it Spark Joy?
"Men are that they might have joy." 2 Nephi 2:25 I am making a real effort to have more joy in all aspects of my life. Including in my closet... I recently read through the popular book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo. She agrues that … [Read more...]
Ch..ch..ch..changes
Hey Hey, Our site got a serious overhaul! Have you seen it? The training wheels are coming off :) We've expanded the shop and released the new super cozy Sweatshirt House Dress! There are limited stock of PLUS size dresses, too. The Roses are Red and Black Paisley House … [Read more...]
Buttery Dutch Apple Pie
Welcome Fall! I welcome you with the best apple pie in the world. The pie crust on bottom and the sweet crunch on top is a match made in pie heaven. I'm currently debating whether to make another one, since I already consumed the first. So. Good. Butter Crust (my go-to pie … [Read more...]
How to Write a Novel in your “Spare Time”.
ONE. WORD. AT. A. TIME. Like anything else: parenting, fitness, education... It's absolutely amazing what you can accomplish one step at a time. Kara and I have built Henry Mack little by little. Between preschool pick ups and loads of laundry, we have been able to learn and … [Read more...]
