Clearing the way for the PNQ!

I have been clearing my calendar to allow time to write the article for the Pacific Northwest Quarterly. During the two month hiatus (July & August) of Whatcom Writers and Publishers, I'll also be taking time off from writing the newsletter, "Writers' Block" and have cancelled meetings for The Best Seller's Book club here in Lynden and the Julia Cameron writing workshop on Saturday evenings. Writing for the PNQ is a serious business in that the article will be reviewed by a panel of historians at the UW, including Editor, Prof. John Findlay. My writing of late has been light, such as newsletter and little pieces for the writing workshop. Now I will have no "I'm too busy" excuses and am determined to write SOMETHING every day. I'm thinking that a commitment to blog daily and confirm the writing will help to keep me on track. So I hereby make the commitment, beginning on Monday, June 28th (which is, coincidentally, my 65th birthday..a good time to make the change and the commitment.)

Inquiring Mind says "yes!"

Good news to report! On June 3rd, in Moses Lake, WA, I auditioned for Humanities Washington to become a speaker for the Inquiring Mind program. On June 14th, I received notification that I had been accepted and will be sent for training and orientation in Seattle on August 2nd. This is a wonderful opportunity to be paid to travel throughout the state and give programs about my favorite subject..Phoebe Goodell Judson. Many thanks are owed to John Findlay, Professor of History at University of Washington, who gave me a glowing recommendation and a beautifully written letter for my audition folder. I am now working on creating an actual historic character, Cornelia Mahler, for a "Living History" portrayal. Cornelia appears on page 267 of the paperback version of Phoebe's book (although not named)and this is, I think, one of the most dramatic stories in the book. Family genealogist, Carolyn Stone, and I are seeking living descendants of Cornelia Mahler to find out more about her. The new Inquiring Mind Speakers List (open to schools, libraries, museums and other non-profits) will be effective September first and I will begin my career as a professional historian/lecturer for the State of Washington. Wish me luck and lots of wonderful, adventure-filled bookings!