A Tree Tale Told . . . by Another Maureen

Apr 18, 2023 | Divining, the blog

These past eight weeks, as I have been doing readings of and interviews for my new book Divining, a Memoir in Trees, I’ve been surprised by how many people have been eager to share their own tree stories. One of those people was writer Maureen Shaughnessy. This...

One Woman, One Day, and the Fate of Many Trees

Apr 11, 2023 | Divining, the blog

I recently had the opportunity to interview Superwoman Vikki Munroe. On normal weekdays, Vikki is the owner of and professional coach with Opening Doors Coaching. Which, in my personal experience, involves more than a superpower or two. The story of Vikki acquiring...

The Wonderful Book Party and the White Birches that Grew from It

Apr 4, 2023 | Divining, the blog

Recently, a trio of dear friends, with help from a fourth, threw a book reception for Divining, A Memoir in Trees. The Venue The setup of the room at the community center was so unexpectedly beautiful, I gasped when I walked through the door. Afternoon sunlight...

Of Trees and Grandparents’ Day in NC

Mar 28, 2023 | Divining, the blog

I’m currently blogging from North Carolina. I was given the opportunity to spend a week with my two oldest grandchildren while they are on spring break. And their parents and younger brother are not. What adventures we’re having! Grandparents Day The day...

Ghosts of the River

Mar 20, 2023 | Divining, the blog

This photo of an American sycamore was shot yesterday, the last day of winter, 2023. I was between the two Sunday events of taking my mom to church and walking with a friend. Making the drive from Plymouth to Oak Park, I was listening to “The Problem with...

My Dad, March 13th, and the Fir Tree

Mar 14, 2023 | Divining, the blog

I awoke just before 3:00 this morning and lay in the dark, wondering what had roused me out of a very deep sleep. Today marked the second anniversary of my dad’s death. And as had happened last year, I awoke at the time of his death. 2:54 a.m. Last year I...