Well, this escalated quickly! In less than a week, I decided to self-publish Ghost Stories for the Brokenhearted, formatted, edited, created a cover, and submitted the whole dang thing. I set up the publication date for October 1st because I truly didn't expect to be done with all of the work so soon. I was … Continue reading I did a thing
Author: Nicole Ford Thomas
Victory Garden
About six months ago, I decided to overhaul my life. I'm at the midway point, nearing retirement (a.k.a. my kids are almost out of the house) and I'm looking to find ways to define the second half of my life in a relevant way. So, naturally, I went the natural route. We began planning a … Continue reading Victory Garden
A Study in Belligerence
What. In the hell. Is going on? I mean that by way of expressing my astonishment at the state of the world, as well as by enthusiastic greeting. I actually googled "Is blogging dead?" and all of the responses said "Of course, not, silly! People are still making bujillions through slapping up a ton of … Continue reading A Study in Belligerence
Crafting a Better World
The strange times surrounding Covid-19 have simmered down in Ohio, giving way to our New Normal, which is a lot like the Old Normal, but with masks and less personal bubble violations. Kyle's work schedule is still chaotic, and will be until (unless?) people feel safe to fly again. All this time, though, we have … Continue reading Crafting a Better World
The Creation of Quill Cottage
When I was a kid, I cleared out my closet of all clothes, toys, shoes, etc. In fact, rather than use my closet for its purpose, I lined the floor with blankets, rigged a flashlight to hang down from the bar, and dragged a huge box of my dad's old comic books from the 70s … Continue reading The Creation of Quill Cottage
Feathering the Nest
What strange times we're in. Some folks can't wait for things to go back to the way they were before Covid-19 and others hope this is a catalyst for worldwide change. As for us, I'd like to live in a world where I can go out without being required to wear a mask. But I … Continue reading Feathering the Nest
Quill Cottage Quarantine
It's been two weeks of social distancing in Ohio and tonight at midnight marks the beginning of another two weeks of mandatory shelter-in-place. At Quill Cottage, it has been business as usual. These are the benefits of being hermits during the winter months. It seems that boredom is setting in for those who have been … Continue reading Quill Cottage Quarantine
All Paws on Deck
The last thaw has passed and we are happily snow-free. For the moment, anyway. It's Ohio. We know the threat of snowfall only really leaves us in June. But the weather has warmed enough to start putting things into motion and we're in full swing with garden planning. Our vegetable garden will be a learning … Continue reading All Paws on Deck
A Warm Welcome
For the last few weeks, we've had a weird recurring weather pattern. On Wednesday, we would get dumped on with snow and ice as the temperatures dipped into the teens. Thursday through Saturday, we would close the curtains and barricade everything, relying on hygge to get us through without the sun. Then, Sunday would finally … Continue reading A Warm Welcome
Half-Baked Ideas
This I know to be true: In an agricultural lifestyle, the winter is spent planning for the spring. The spring, in turn, is spent planning for the winter. Summer and fall are for preparing for winter and go by in a blur of activity. When you don't have the previous year of planning to fall … Continue reading Half-Baked Ideas
