Nature’s Embrace: A Family Retreat in Broken Bow As I immersed myself in the final edits of Love at The Mayo, I found myself at a crossroads: a five-day family getaway to Broken Bow loomed ahead. Should I sacrifice precious editing time to join Robert and Sadie, our goldendoodle puppy, on the annual Ward/Dausses family vacation? Ultimately, I chose to …
Rohličky are delectable Czech pastries often enjoyed during special occasions and holiday seasons. Their name translates to “little horns” or “crescent rolls” in English, referring to their shape. When rohličky won the poll, I had mixed feelings. This pastry takes two days and requires TLC as you fill each pastry. I messed up a batch last winter, so I was …
(About a four-minute read) My husband and I share a passion for cooking, especially exploring ethnic cuisines. Thanks to friendships with some Afghan families, we’ve tackled dishes like chicken biryani and borani banjan. So, when the opportunity arose to take a Mediterranean cooking class for a date night, we signed up. No messy kitchen to clean, just fun recipes to …
About a five-minute read In June, Tulsa libraries launched their annual summer reading program. Aimed for all ages, the library advocates literacy and learning for kids and adults. I signed up, as motivation to finish books I had started. I have a bad habit of starting but not finishing books. Any readers relate? In my defense, as a writer, I …
(About a two-minute read) Ever participated in a pun off? Robert and I ventured to this inaugural event at Philbrook Museum of Art in June. Robert, a connoisseur of puns—my mother even gifted him a daily pun calendar—was looking forward to this date. In the museum’s South Formal Gardens, we sat on a giant, wrought-iron swing, enjoying the evening under …
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My husband, Robert, has an eclectic taste in music: from Mongolian throat singing, sea shanties, and bard core. A few years ago, he discovered the UK band, The Longest John’s, after their rendition of the classic sea shanty song, “The Wellerman” captured millions of views. Robert even joined their Wellerman community project, recording himself singing the song and submitting his …
About a five minute read I experienced an existential crisis as a child. I didn’t know how to embrace my South Korean ethnicity in a predominantly, Polish-Catholic community in Northern Michigan. A Caucasian family adopted my sister and me from South Korea when I was five years old. There weren’t many Asians in our community, so I stuck out. But all I wanted to do was fit in. …
I took an insightful writer’s craft workshop about finding your voice and tone. We studied a variety of literary examples and given a few exercises. So, if you’re an author, this exercise is for you. Questions to assess your character’s voice: 1. How do they speak? Loquacious and long-winded? Terse and to the point? Cracking jokes? Using idioms and metaphors? …
