Beth Camp's Blog

IWSG October 1 question - What is the most favorite thing you have written, published or not? And why?I still remember working my way through college, sitting in a class of 60 students, excited to begin. I was the only woman. The professor scanned the class and stopped, pointing at me. "Why are you here, taking the opportunity to learn away from a man who will be the head of a household?"I was

Leonard Cohen's songsare poems distilled in music, meditations shaped by quietthat simplifies meaningdown to the edge of understanding.His dark, slow voice,relentless, asks us to accept some unspoken truth that we already know and acknowledgein the rasp at the back of our throats,at the tears forming in our eyes:Unrelenting, universal understandingof

 Sunday began like any other day of the week. Quiet. Uneventful. Until we ended up in the Emergency Room at midnight. We waited for two hours to learn another two hours would pass before seeing a doctor. So we went home, and in the morning, Allen was better. We just celebrated our 50th anniversary on Friday, but this ER visit seems like a harbinger of things to come, despite doctor

 Summer has truly begun with a blast of hot days up past 90F. We stay cool in our cozy apartment with a high of 70F, first floor, and haven't turned on the air conditioning (yet). This morning, I'll be visiting a dear friend, bringing her a collection of quilting projects to share. Over the years, I've enjoyed taking classes and learning new skills (sashiko, hand-turned applique). 

 You know how it is when an old photograph pops up, and suddenly, you're remembering something from decades ago. That happened this week when I spotted a picture of Fats Domino.He played just the piano at a small high school dance back in 1961. I was a senior, thrilled to 'bop' to his energetic rock and roll, all of us motivated by his music and his enthusiastic smile. I knew he lived in New

First Wednesday of the month means time to post a response to The Insecure Writer’s Support Group’s monthly Blog Hop. Here's the June 4 question: What were some books that impacted you as a child or young adult?Books were an escape for me. I could fall into a book and ignore all else around me -- even meal time. Libraries were quiet. Each shelf beckoned. Once I could check books out, I started

Mid-week, and this May morning brings intermittant sun and rain-darkened clouds, switching between sun and shadow, much like me. Since learning Allen has Parkinson's disease, I feel optimistic (maybe he'll remain in the early stages for a long time), and then those darker thoughts come. I try to write and yet end up stepping away from my current project. That goal of writing 300 words a day, 4K a

If I could sleep sitting up on the overnight train to Abu Simbel along the Nile River in Egypt, would I? Or climb beneath a pyramid, tons of stone above me? Or sail around the Horn, walk the same path with penguins skirting the sandy rocks, or stand in awe before Van Gogh's self portrait in Paris, tour groups passing at breakneck speed around me?Yes, I have done these things and more. I have not

Today's challenge question is: What fantasy character would you like to fight, go on a quest with, or have a beer/glass of wine with?If I were twelve, this question would be easy. I'd love to sail on a pirate ship in the 19th Century, smell the sweet, free scent of the sea, and search for treasure. The reality? Cramped quarters, no showers, hit or miss food, and no computer for writing.At

 Recently, I read an article. Can't find it now, but the underlying message stayed with me: Consider what you have. What do you treasure? What do you use most? And, why are you keeping the rest? I looked around in the clutter of my office and three bookcases, I began to sort them out. Surprisingly, I just didn't need, read or plan to read many books. So, a few bags later, and they're