Myanmar continues to face immense challenges as the civil war drags on, with military crackdowns and armed resistance throughout the country. Inflation and power cuts exacerbate the hardship, yet here in Yangon, life seems to continue as usual with bustling shopping malls and full restaurants creating a surreal vibe. I was happy to visit 50th…
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September Inspiration I’m thrilled to share this month’s creative “threads” with you. By diving into different cultural and artistic traditions, I uncover fresh insights that I hope will add depth to my storytelling. I hope you find some inspiration along the way! Sacred Sapphires If you were born in September, sapphire is your special…
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I am captivated by the intricate designs of medieval illuminated manuscripts and the vibrant patterns of Burmese tapestries. These art forms, though rooted in different cultures, reveal striking similarities in their symbolic depth and meticulous craftsmanship. As an author, I find inspiration in these connections, weaving narratives that bridge past and present, East and West.…
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Empress Catherine the Great’s crown, created in 1762 for her coronation, features an impressive 4,936 diamonds, 75 pearls, and a large, crimson spinel – sitting like a massive cherry atop a priceless sundae. This jewel was the inspiration for the ruby in my book – The Worth of a Ruby. Historically, rubies and spinel were…
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They both run from May to October! Most Thursday afternoons, you’ll find me at my local Snohomish Farmer’s Market, not just shopping, but engaging in a vibrant community. Here, I connect with farmers, artisans, and fellow food enthusiasts, all united by our shared love for fresh, local produce. Local markets are not just a way…
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April 27th – National Independent Bookstore Day! Here in Snohomish County, we really love our local bookstores and celebrate for a week! April 20th – 27th. Five participating shops will be hosting special events and promotions. I’m excited to be signing books at two different locations. Please stop by and say hello! Main Street Books…
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It’s the season for snowdrops peeking up from winter soil – harbingers of warmer weather to come. My family loves to pin down the year’s travel plans around now – purchasing plane tickets and making hotel bookings. In April, my husband and daughter will visit family in Belgrade, Serbia while I stay home for a…
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Last November, I experienced one of the finest moments of my life! Launching a book is like birthing a child. The story grows within one’s private heart and then is out in the world for all to see. Hello! My dear friend, artist Karen Guzak, offered her fantastic studio, a historic former church, and videographer AJ…
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Myanmar Zodiac Painting from Ancient Bagan Unlike Western astrology, the Myanmar astrology system has only eight signs. Known as Mahabote, this zodiac employs eight signs in a seven-day week, with each sign representing its own day, cardinal direction, planet (celestial body) and animal. Ancient Buddhist monks created the system using observations of the skies…
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Shan State is a beautiful part of Myanmar with deep red earth and forested mountain tops receding in the distance into various shades of indigo blue. I had a picturesque, yet occasionally terrifying, experience traveling by rail from Pwin Oo Lwin to Hsipaw, crossing the deep gorge on a narrow, teetering wooden bridge that seemed…
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