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Should I Write a Novel?

Should I Write a Novel?

by MarianBeaman | Mar 5, 2025 | blog, book review, Coming of Age, Literature, Memory, Novel writing, Novel writing, Tips, Uncategorized

When I retired from college teaching, my colleagues gifted me with an illustrated Alice in Wonderland.      Last week when I pulled this book from the shelf, I flipped through the illustrations, focusing on the characters, especially the March Hare. Why?...
February Fun Fax

February Fun Fax

by MarianBeaman | Feb 19, 2025 | blog, Lists, meditation, popular culture, Reflection, Uncategorized

In January 2025 I didn’t make New Year’s resolutions. At least not consciously. Last month I thought, “I’ll just do what I have been doing, but maybe try to do it better”—blogging, Pilates, making meals, keeping up with friends and gardening. This year (I’m thinking...
Oh My Gosh, the Wash!

Oh My Gosh, the Wash!

by MarianBeaman | Feb 5, 2025 | blog, Literature, Mennonite Lore, Nostalgia, Quotations, Tips

How well I remember the sensation of the twin rubber rollers on the wringer of Mom’s white enamel washing machine pressing down hard on my young flesh from hand to lower arm—my screams—then Mom’s quick thrust, disengaging my arm from the wringer.     When I...
Stitching Memories: Fabric Art

Stitching Memories: Fabric Art

by MarianBeaman | Jan 22, 2025 | blog, Cliff Beaman artist, Family / Nostalgia, meditation, Memory, Mennonite Lore, Quotations, Romance, Uncategorized

From January to June 1967, creating my wedding gown kept me in stitches. Before my August  wedding date, I was thrilled to first find a pattern, purchase fabric, and then fashion a white peau de soie dress on a budget. My roommates in the little bungalow on Middleton...
Breakthrough: Broken and Healing

Breakthrough: Broken and Healing

by MarianBeaman | Jan 8, 2025 | blog, Education, Family / Nostalgia, Gratitude, meditation, Tips, Uncategorized

Breakthrough “What a gorgeous day to take a walk,” I exclaimed to Barbara, my walking partner for years as we ambled down the streets of our neighborhood. “Yes, and isn’t it great: 65 degrees in December, and we don’t have to wear jackets” was her reply. We both pride...
Rebecca Chats with Marian on Tea, Toast, and Trivia

Rebecca Chats with Marian on Tea, Toast, and Trivia

by MarianBeaman | Dec 11, 2024 | blog, Coming of Age, Education, Family / Nostalgia, Mennonite History, Mennonite Lore, Quotations, Tips, Uncategorized

Welcome to Tea Toast & Trivia   Soon you’ll hear Rebecca’ s voice: “I’m your host, Rebecca Budd. I am a Blogger, Photographer, Traveler.  Above all, I’m a life-long learner.” But first, an introduction.   Rebecca and her husband...
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