Jan Morrill's Blog

Almost exactly a year ago, I wrote another post about my awkwardness in a gym fitness class I attend at University Hospital Fitness Center: Flight of the Flamingo – Or Not. In yesterday’s class, I once again laughed at myself … Continue reading →

I like how my friend, Linda Austin distinguishes between sympathy and empathy in her post, Sympathy vs. Empathy and the Importance of Memoir. I’ve often thought our empathy “muscle” is weakening because we don’t use it enough. I also believe … Continue reading →

Today, I’m sad that Charlie Kirk, a young man who was a father and a husband, was shot and killed solely because someone didn’t like what he said. I edited out the second half of that sentence because as of … Continue reading →

My friend and fellow author, Kathleen Rodgers, posted an insightful review of The Magical Red Kimono on her blog last night. After receiving and reading her copy of my book, she told me she was going to post a review … Continue reading →

The Magical Red Kimono tells the story of Sachi and Jubie, two little girls who discover that magic can happen when they embrace their differences. Inspired by characters from Jan Morrill’s historical fiction, The Red Kimono, The Magical Red Kimono features Sachi … Continue reading →

Tomorrow, April 24, is Release Day for my first children’s book, The Magical Red Kimono. An author waiting for a book release is like a child waiting for Santa to come on Christmas Eve! How to pass the time, how … Continue reading →

I’m sad. I’m in shock. I’m disappointed. I’m fearful. I’ve set aside a long blog post that spilled much of what I’m feeling today because: So, I’ve been reflecting on gaman, the Japanese philosophy of endurance. How am I going … Continue reading →

This must be Day 6 or 7. The facts that I’ve lost count and have not had time to blog demonstrates the fullness and richness of the days I’ve spent in Tuscany. Remember back on Day 1, I talked about … Continue reading →

We’ve been so busy the last couple of days I haven’t gotten much writing done. As beautiful as Tuscany is, this is after all, a writers’ retreat. So, the writing I have done in the last two days has been … Continue reading →

I’ve been very fortunate to have traveled to many beautiful places around the world in my life. One of the things I’ve regretted is that I didn’t keep a journal of my travels. Of course, I haven’t forgotten the sites … Continue reading →