Muriel reflects on the diary of North Carolina Yeoman, The Diary of Basil Armstrong Thomasson (1853-1862), and learns about gratitude and blessings when expectations fall short.

Muriel combines her observations of a Bold Jumping Spider at an art show with unpredictable weather, sharing with other artists the struggles of a windy day and nature's unexpected events to inspire creativity and perseverance.

Muriel tracks the Pee Dee Wildcats' Civil War movements, researching the backstory of one family and a father who never returned for her new writing project.

Photo credit: Muriel’s personal photo

Muriel explored what creature might have made this sand path. A sequel to observations made in her childhood home. An imaginative exploration of what could be living in a faltering foundation.

Muriel’s observation of the deteriorating house gradually becomes less a symbol of abandonment and more a reflection of memories and the natural world.

Muriel’s trip to Picture Rock National Lakeshore carried symbolic meaning, like a pine tree’s roots stretching to the mainland for nourishment and stability.

Muriel shares her experience at the M & M Author Fest in Menomonee, Michigan, on the shores of Green Bay, where supportive book lovers showed up for the event.

Kristin Hannah’s historical fiction novel, The Women, based on real-life events, tells a story of sisterhood, love, loss, and resilience during and after the Vietnam War.

Muriel writes about the power of conversation and mentorship to young people while exhibiting her work at art festivals this summer.

Muriel shares the connections and stories she experienced while participating in the Art at the Park in Appleton, Wisconsin, this past weekend.

After two weeks away from her studio, Muriel shares her discomfort and the challenges of leaving and returning. The benefits of time away can spark creativity.

Muriel visits the Olson Homestead in Cushing, Maine, sharing her experience at the home made famous in Wyeth’s painting, “Christina’s World.”

After watching the movie Remarkably Bright Creatures twice and reading the book, Muriel blogs about her comparisons, without giving any spoilers.

Muriel discovers a four-foot Foxglove grown from a scattering of wildflower seeds and learns more about the beautiful bloom.

Breakfast on the farm, a 111-year-old four-generation family farm, great food, appreciating hospitality, hard work, dedication, and ice cream to celebrate Wisconsin Dairy Month.

Muriel shares a personal connection at the intersection of art and literature, between Christina Baker Kline’s novel A Piece of the World and Andrew Wyeth’s painting Christina’s World.

Muriel witnessed a congregation of swallowtails on damp sand. After learning its meaning, she created a puddling station.

The final stretch of completing a book: things to consider when self-publishing, be aware of the void that may occur at the end, and focus on the goal of getting books to your readers. Image provided by Magnific (formerly Freepik)

Muriel shares her personal reflection on attending a community concert by the West Shore Chorale at UW-Green Bay’s Marinette Campus, in support of peace and unity.

Every season can be creative. This time of year, Muriel shares that acquiring sustainable compost from a community recycling center kickstarts their garden inspirations.