October 23, 2010
by Valya
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I mentioned meeting the amazing sculptor Margot MacMahon at a Chicago Literary Hall of Fame event earlier this year. She impressed me with her insight into raising children and making time for Art. I have to admit that I didn’t … Continue reading
April 20, 2010
by Valya
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Conclave: A Journal of Character is printed and available on Amazon.com; the kitchen at Casa del Lobos is finished; I’ve finalized the plans for the Conclave Release Party (see next post); the kids performed in their first Ukrainian dancing performance; … Continue reading
September 7, 2009
by Valya
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September is here, and summer is ending in the northern hemisphere. I’m not sad to see it go, being a lover of Autumn and all that comes with the falling leaves and breezes whispering winter psalms. It’s the perfect time … Continue reading
May 27, 2009
by Valya
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I’ve always been fascinated with literary and artistic groups and movements, individual writers and artists who come together to make art, united by their vision. Magic can happen when creative people join their energy and intention. Groups such as the … Continue reading
May 23, 2009
by Valya
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I’m writing from the dome room of our hotel in Palma on the island of Mallorca. This is the kind of thing I will miss about living in Europe. Today we spent most of the day exploring, strolling down the … Continue reading
March 11, 2009
by Valya
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As part of our time in Frankfurt, Germany, we’re trying to travel as much as possible. This was easier during our first stay here, when we had but one child. Now, with three children under six, it’s more complicated. Not … Continue reading
February 2, 2009
by Valya
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In the days when the Ancients had a more intimate relationship with the Earth, this time of year marked the beginning of Spring. The Celts called this day Imbolc, Gaelic for “in the belly.” After an arduous Winter, people needed … Continue reading
January 23, 2009
by Valya
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Speculative Coffee: Coffee that exists on the threshold between this world and the liminal realms; coffee that encourages speculation, invokes the Muses, and inspires travelers. The art of crafting speculative coffee is a form of literary coffea alchemy, requiring an … Continue reading
January 12, 2009
by Valya
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We began our visit home to Chicago by flying into subzero temps and snow on the ground, and we returned to snow on the ground in Frankfurt during a particularly icy cold European winter. It seems there’s no escaping the … Continue reading
August 8, 2008
by Valya
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Last night, in the middle of a phone conference for our final round of submissions for Conclave: A Journal of Character, my friend and managing editor S. brought up the subject of enthusiasm, specifically in reference to Eckhart Tolle’s discussion … Continue reading