Category Archives: Brenda’s Posts

Winter’s Joys (Really).

It’s March, and there’s only so much complaining you can do about the sleet, the slush and the potholes, so today I’m going to talk about the joys of winter. The snow’s piling up outside my window as I write … Continue reading

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How Cold Was It Where You Were?

How cold was it at your house last weekend? The short, intense cold snap had everyone comparing notes and reminiscing about their personal histories of facing down bitter temperatures, a can-you-top-this competition of sorts, familiar to those of us raised … Continue reading

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My 2022 Stack

I didn’t need socks this year. The bottom drawer of my dresser is jammed so full I struggle to close it sometimes, so Smartwools weren’t on my list. Similarly, I’ve got plenty of scarves, hats, gloves. I didn’t need any … Continue reading

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Best Reads of 2022

As the year rolls toward its close—and with holiday shopping season in high gear—there are many Best Books of 2022 lists being written by book reviewers across the nation. One annual list I find to be particularly well done is … Continue reading

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New England Crime Bake 2022 – History is Mystery

I’m just back from the New England Crime Bake, a three-day conference of crime writers from across the region, and have some highlights and photos to share. This year’s Guest of Honor was William Martin, the master of the historical … Continue reading

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The Poets Say It Best

 On these suddenly truncated days when we strive to convince ourselves winter is not rounding the near corner, I’m comforted by poetry that honors this season of transition and all the metaphors it offers.  Here are some of my favorites, … Continue reading

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Writing Alone and Celebrating Community

I retreated to a lake in York County at the end of August, taking along my computer, comfy clothes and some food. My only job for a couple of days was to write, write some more, and talk about writing … Continue reading

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Roger Angell, Triggerman of Sweet Memories

In August, when we often spend some time Downeast, one of my traditions is to write about talented writers who have a connection to this beautiful part of Maine. The great Roger Angell, who died in May at the age … Continue reading

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Salmon and Peas

I’m writing this on the Fourth of July, a day to think about both the founding and current state of our nation. Dinner will be salmon and peas, a culinary tradition I’ve adopted in adulthood. When I was a child, … Continue reading

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It’s All In The Name

We took a meander up the coast in mid-May hoping to spot warblers, but a weekend of dense fog turned us from birdwatchers to birdlisteners. It was fun all the same. Hiking through a coastal woodland with nature’s music as … Continue reading

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