Lady detectives

About half of the books I’ve read and the TV shows I’ve watched in the past decade could be described as cozy historical series mysteries. It’s comforting to revisit familiar characters over and over. Often inserted into the chapters are descriptions of clothing ensembles and shoes, jewelry and guns inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

The Subject Was Meadowview

Originally published Nov 11, 2008 Jim and Toni and I went to the 2nd play in our subscription series at Illinois Theatre Center this week—”The Subject Was Roses.” Great acting in a family drama about the blame game. ITC is a unique small suburban Equity theater that has been in their town for 30+ years, headed […]

Early adventures in web publishing

My first job after college was as a Stagebill theater program editor and between drafts I had some down time for my own projects. I discovered girls mystery collectors’ forums and online auctions and decided to make my own website about Nancy Drew and other girls’ mysteries. So I looked at the source code of […]

Vintage craft kits

Our collection of holiday ornaments, like all of our possessions, are the combined hand-me-downs of my family, Jim’s family, and things we have acquired in our two decades (!) together. Among my favorites are the Santa and Mrs. Claus that I believe came from my Grandma Judy.