Tales from the Raven

Certain places sing to the soul, just as is true of books, music and art.  You could say these places are God’s artistic gifts, made just for me.  Or, you.  Which places do the singing depend on who is listening. One of my places is the North Carolina outerbanks, and–I know this is gonna sound crazy–but I like [...]

Those of you who know what a night owl I am are probably choking on you coffee or OJ. Sorry.  I’ll give you a minute. But I’m actually discovering a few morning joys…and it’s nice!  First, there’s the sunrise thing–did you guys know the sun comes up all big and pretty in the morning?  That it [...]

I hear there are people out there who don’t like animals, or have no desire to keep a pet.  I’m even related to a few.  While I’m sure it must be difficult to sleep at night knowing they haven’t got any pitter-pattering or chicken-scratching feet around their home, I’m here to tell them they can [...]

I’ve decided to forgo posting my goals for this year, since so many of them are really just a continuation of past year’s goals with the added caveat: No Excuses. Instead, I’m sending out a happy birthday note to a man who has been my friend these many long years, J. R. R. Tolkien.  Many of [...]

All my life I’ve had wanderlust–and I’m not talking about going to see the biggest ball of twine in Minnesota.  Wonderous as that sight may be, many of the places I long to visit are a little further from home.  I want to breathe the spray of Angel Falls, spend a night at the South Pole Station, take [...]

And any other people on your list who fit that most impossible of all personality types–writer.  Of course, maybe you’re way ahead of the game and have all your holiday shopping bagged, boxed, and under the tree.  But if your situation is a little more like mine and this tree could be your tree– Then here, as [...]

I think this may be the longest I’ve ever neglected my blog–nearly two weeks!  But, at least I have a really, really good excuse.  I got an— !!! No, I can’t say it.  Not even as a joke.  Somebody would be sure to believe me and then word would spread and pretty soon everyone would [...]

Most of you are doing this: Or, some variation thereof.  After all, Thanksgiving is next week and there are menus to write, food to cook, and guests/travel to plan for. I, on the other hand, have been doing this, and this, which is me setting up my winter village and making winter/Christmas crafts.  As I [...]

When people talk about Veterans Day, the image that comes to mind is often something like this: And that’s a beautiful example and a fine tribute.  Today, however, my thoughts are a little closer to home as I think of my Grandpa and my brother, Jake.  I see each of them standing tall and proud in their [...]

I’m going to be trying something new on the blog–sharing projects we do around our little farm and garden.  Let me know if you like it, or if you’re bored to tears.  Preferably in the comments section, though I suppose lobbing a rotten pumpkin my way will also get the message across! This latest project [...]