by MarianBeaman | Jun 17, 2026 | Award, blog, book review, Coming of Age, Education, Lists, Literature, Novel writing, Novel writing, Quotations, Tips, Uncategorized
My book reviews are getting shorter and shorter. Why is that? you ask. One reason could be this—-I review every book I read. I think ir’s a good idea to condense my reviews. I hope it’s good for you too, dear reader. Here are a few book...
by MarianBeaman | May 20, 2026 | blog, Cliff Beaman artist, Family / Nostalgia, Memory, Tips, Travel, Uncategorized
“The business of life is the acquisition of memories. In the end, that’s all there is.” Carson pontificating to Mrs. Hughes, Downton Abbey Where we traveled in mid-April 2026 The Balkans are the former Yugoslavia, with leaders in its history like Tito...
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 | Nov 26, 2025 | blog, Family / Nostalgia, Memory, Quotations, Tips, Uncategorized
Do you think about the past? About the future? I write memoir, so I think a lot about the past. But my stories are made from my journey away from the past as well as my return to it. So, you see, I go back and forth in time as I write. But what about the present?...
by MarianBeaman | Oct 29, 2025 | blog, Education, Family / Nostalgia, meditation, Nostalgia, popular culture, Recipes, Tips, Uncategorized
HOW I BEGAN Along with the recipe, I set the can of lentil soup can on the counter. It was certainly visible! I’d be sure to see it and use it as a starter for making a quick batch of stomach-warming soup as the weather turned cooler in October. Right?...
by MarianBeaman | Oct 1, 2025 | blog, Education, Family / Nostalgia, Mennonite History, Mennonite Lore, neighborhood, Quotations, Tips, Uncategorized
What Help Looks like What Sparked the Inspiration for this Blog Post? Apparently out of nowhere, this rectangular item from the “olden days” appeared in one of my bedroom dresser drawers. It has probably been there for a long time, but I haven’t noticed it . ....
