Our Sago Palm Saga: Thank Goodness for Change

by MarianBeaman | Apr 30, 2025 | Family / Nostalgia, Gratitude, meditation, Mennonite History, Mennonite Lore, Tips, Tree surgery, Uncategorized

The story of our sexy sago palm created a lot of buzz. This showy palm, a native of Japan, stretched forth its fruitful fronds for years on our patio. Then, it up and died. Well, almost! What happened: Late last year, I was hoping to report to you the second flowering...

How’s That Marriage Memoir Coming Along?

by MarianBeaman | Feb 8, 2023 | blog, book review, Cliff Beaman artist, Family / Nostalgia, Literature, Quotations, Tips, Uncategorized

My press-proof copy of My Checkered Life arrived January 31, 2023. It was thrilling to open the package. I found some errors in the press proof, so I submitted a revised version. If all proceeds as I hope, my print book will be available end of...

What is Your Window View Today? Wordless Wednesday

by MarianBeaman | Jan 26, 2022 | blog, Literature, meditation, Quotations, Reflection

Limited time, Pre-Valentine Offer for you or a loved one: Mennonite Daughter (see below) Enjoy the love story, Mennonite Daughter: The Story of a Plain Girl Kindle, in full color:...

How Riding a Train is like Memoir Writing

by MarianBeaman | Jan 19, 2022 | blog, Coming of Age, Memory, Mennonite History, Mennonite Lore, Quotations, Travel, Uncategorized

Trains take me back to grade school, evoking the fondest of memories, like this one. My friend Wayne and I paused in our play in the woods during summer vacation. We waited for the dusty, black engine to emerge from the heat haze around the feed mill on the edge of...