Muriel reviewed Home Before Morning by Lynda Van Devanter, a nurse’s experience in Vietnam, her healing, and dedication to helping others through the Vietnam Veterans of America Women’s Project.

Muriel shares a book review of The Weight of Silence, written by Heather Gaudenkauf, and discusses how the author’s narrative style effectively creates a suspenseful journey in this powerful story.

A few reasons we enjoyed the historical SS Badger on the Great Lakes' marine highway system to Ludington, Michigan.

Building a short story from memories of her grandparents, when her grandfather worked with a prisoner road crew at Camp 48. Photo credit: Floral City, Images of America, Arcadia Publishing.

The scene of a foggy morning relates to Muriel’s state of mind, between the completion of one project and the start of another. She also looks into self-help to improve this situation.

Lynne M. Kolze encourages us to write letters in her book, Please Write. Muriel writes a review of Kolze’s exploration and discussion of handwritten letters historically, emotionally, and therapeutically in an award-winning nonfiction book.

Muriel describes their experience at the Ridges to Rivers Book Festival in Viroqua, WI. They also visited the 1913 Kickapoo Orchard for a long-sought heritage apple tree.

A visit to Airlie Gardens sparks creativity with Muriel’s artwork. The azalea blooms’ colors and shapes become a muse to transform nature into small paintings.

Immersing herself in historical sites helps Muriel bring authenticity to her story and characters, sparking creativity in her writing journey.

The frozen landscape conveys beauty and appreciation during an ice storm but also signals a delayed spring.

While writing a hippie-inspired story, Muriel explores the cultural context to help her tell the story without falling into preconceived ideas. Artwork "Designed by Freepik”

Muriel discusses how Frida Kahlo’s symbolism influenced her artwork, crafting a tribute to this iconic artist to celebrate Women’s History Month.

Muriel shares the community of people who worked tirelessly to preserve the African American history of Etna Turpentine Camp, in the now completed outdoor exhibit at the Withlacoochee Visitor Center.

A personal story about a nostalgic influence in Muriel’s new artwork (still in progress) entitled “Still Standing” reflects memories and resilience of her grandfather’s windmill.

Spending time in the woods promotes well-being, health benefits, and mental clarity. Cross-country skiing connects us to nature as we reflect on snowy trails.

A winter example of how nature becomes a work of art, transforming a rain chain into linear sculpture one ripple at a time.

Art and Books Studio presents another look behind the scenes in the business of art. Muriel writes about her framing experience and discusses the importance of self-compassion.

Muriel discusses her most recent painting, “Daily Baguette.” An example of storytelling in her art is to show how the viewer can interpret the narrative differently.

With temperatures of negative fourteen degrees in Wisconsin, Muriel shares the benefits of winter.

Muriel shares thoughts about how dark times affect us; tapping into creativity can often be challenging.