A Grandaughter

What are you most excited about for the future? Our older son Alex and his wife Nicole are going to have a baby girl in early November. This will be our first grandchild so it’s a very big deal for me. My husband and I had two sons. They are still the best of friends … Continue reading A Grandaughter →

Despondency Sets In: US Political Situation Seems So Dire

In front of US Supreme Court after immunity decision announced My husband Rick and I used to like to talk about politics and current events. This is one of the things that attracted me to him when we first met back in 1986 and then got married in 1988. However, the political situation now in … Continue reading Despondency Sets In: US Political Situation Seems So Dire →

Ubeda: Spain’s Hidden Gem for Cultural and Historical Marvels

Ubeda is a mountaintop city in the province of Jaen, in the region of Andalucía, in southeastern Spain. Unlike Granada, also in Andalucía, Ubeda is definitely off the beaten path for tourists. Even so, it is well worth a visit as there are several interesting sites to see. Every year since my husband and I … Continue reading Ubeda: Spain’s Hidden Gem for Cultural and Historical Marvels →

Torn Between Worlds: Compelling Novel for Teenage Girls and Young Women Immigrants

I recently decided to have the cover of my first novel redesigned to attract its intended audience: teenage girls, especially Hispanic ones as well as any other young women immigrants living in the United States. The theme of trying to adjust to a new culture would be relevant to a wide variety of young adult … Continue reading Torn Between Worlds: Compelling Novel for Teenage Girls and Young Women Immigrants →

Reviews of My New Poetry Book

https://www.amazon.com/Poetry-Troubled-Times-Nancy-Blodgett/dp/B0D5DD793P/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1TV7R8D8DYLPU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sVgiWxK0cFSYsl0BuV80RNLQAcYTc7I40AF6qv4L7EddU1CIhCk36V4_QCgiK8c3YFl-A1X64xajJz9TZuYTqwmEZGM66DOjkIGJgLc0gbvFyATe_IHwolV34Q6ssxy1uoVifn4SVRYMM1pM-9bO3OHmvsyWwf0KD--DEzStxxqXSjKcOX7rl4aAKAUA-sOfxFCDZdWBG9RWvy4Dvvg5EhbGdr-y07Lf6D6SNE4TUk0.GZY14nQQzSPIUW_kKV1nb9ZE7mxuWP5vdyHxkNbNLII&dib_tag=se&keywords=Poetry+for+troubled+times&qid=1718797759&s=books&sprefix=poetry+for+troubled+times%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C222&sr=1-1 Review by Canadian author Darlene Foster, appearing on Goodreads and Amazon This is a short collection of poems on various topics and issues that reflect the difficulties, and joys, of navigating through life in our current times. As in all collections of poetry, some spoke to me more than others. The poems I liked … Continue reading Reviews of My New Poetry Book →

Darlene Foster on Books and Such

Are you in search of an interesting new book for your child or grandchild? If so, read on about Darlene Foster’s latest novel, set in Scotland’s Arran Island. Teri Pollen has kindly featured Amanda in Scotland: The Standing Stones on her blog, Books and Such, along with her awesome review and an excerpt to … … Continue reading Darlene Foster on Books and Such →

For People in Abusive Relationships

Photo by Sam Moghadam Khamseh on Unsplash The most important message I can impart is I understand I understand why you don't speak When you disagree He might yell or walk away She might try to punish you It's all so unpredictable I understand why you say nothing when criticized He might scream She might … Continue reading For People in Abusive Relationships →

Poetry for Troubled Times

New Book Cover During the pandemic, Russia’s war on Ukraine began, and this inspired me to write about the horror of war. Political strife in the US was also on my mind when working on this book. Ongoing environmental catastrophes in the last few years also sparked my interest in writing poems. Growing old is … Continue reading Poetry for Troubled Times →

50th High School Reunion: A Reminder of Our Mortality

New Trier West class reunion site I am really looking forward to this August, when I plan to attend my 50th high school reunion at New Trier West High School in Northfield, Illinois. I went to the 10 year reunion and the 30th reunion too. But what makes this one so special is that it … Continue reading 50th High School Reunion: A Reminder of Our Mortality →

Say I Love You

Write about a time when you didn't take action but wish you had. What would you do differently? The last time I talked to my best friend on the phone, when we were saying goodbye, I thought about telling her I loved her but I didn't. We weren't in the habit of doing that even … Continue reading Say I Love You →