by MarianBeaman | Feb 25, 2026 | blog, book review, Cliff Beaman artist, Family / Nostalgia, Memory, neighborhood, Novel writing, Quotations, Uncategorized
January and February this year have been cold, at least for Florida. Our usual temps alternate from 45 in the morning to 65 or 70 degrees mid-afternoon. This winter has been an exception: 20 days freezing (or below) in January and at least one near-freezing day in...
by MarianBeaman | Feb 11, 2026 | blog, book review, Conflict, Family / Nostalgia, Literature, meditation, Novel writing, Recipes, Tips, Uncategorized
“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” So says cartoonist Charles M. Schulz. Advertisers use Valentine’s Day to promote cards, chocolates, candlelight and roses–even expensive jewelry. Today, Valentine’s Day is...
by MarianBeaman | Jan 28, 2026 | blog, book review, Cliff Beaman artist, Family / Nostalgia, Literature, Mennonite Lore, Novel writing, Novel writing, Quotations, Uncategorized
One Way to Stay Sane The author of Cherry Cola Book Club remarks, “Going to the library to check out my novels has always been my great escape. I get to explore someone else’s mind for a while. It’s a very sane exercise.” 219 Of course, you can find great...
by MarianBeaman | Nov 12, 2025 | blog, book review, Conflict, Memory, popular culture, Quotations, Uncategorized
What’s Too Hot to Handle? The horror of books ablaze in a library. That’s what! Susan Orleans’ The Library Book (2018) is a portmanteau of story, true crime, and riveting journalism Before the Great Fire of April 1986, the Central Library of Los...
by MarianBeaman | Oct 15, 2025 | blog, book review, Literature, Novel writing, Novel writing, Quotations, Travel, Uncategorized
How Do You Travel? I wonder how you enjoy traveling these days. Maybe you travel by car, boat, or plane. But you can also open books, a simple and inexpensive way to experience other times and places. Ipso-presto you are there! During October, I’ve traveled to...
by MarianBeaman | Aug 6, 2025 | blog, book review, Cliff Beaman artist, Family / Nostalgia, Memory, Nostalgia, Quotations, Romance, Tips
August 5, 1967: How I Learned What it Means to Obey The summer Cliff and I got married I served as a secretary in the office of Pastor Deane Ballard at Calvary Presbyterian Church. As our wedding day approached, I got to choose the wording of our marriage vows....
