I am so excited about this book, what it supports, and how it came together. The stories are wonderful and the cover is so beautiful! You know you want to pick that right off of the shelf! A closer look at the back cover: Open the door and unlock the secrets in eleven short stories […]
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Interview with Faun Jackson and Cover Reveal for Secrets and Doors
I had the privilege of speaking to Faun Jackson with Faund Images Photography about the cover design for the new Secrets and Doors Anthology, available at Crimson Edge Publishing. Jackson has a lot of passion about art and books so cover design is a perfect fit for her. Check out this cover and make sure […]
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Winter Harvest Casserole
I have more exciting news coming soon, but for today, I thought I would share a recipe. We love food at our house and I just joined a recipe swap group which I am really excited about. Today was Bountiful Baskets Day (Co-op fruit and veggies) so I looked at what we had and tried […]
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Myths About Marijuana
After watching 60 minutes and many other shows on the issues now taking placing in Colorado after the legalization of Marijuana I thought about the article that my Mother once wrote about the issue. So intelligent and wise-here is a guest post from my mom. Thanks Lucy! Drug use in America continues to increase among pre-teens, […]
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In Honor Of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
Today is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. It has been quite a year for law enforcement officers and unfortunately the negativity is continuing. We are currently on pace to lose an average of 1 officer per day in 2015. It’s sickening and we need to make big changes. In honor of the 118 officers lost in […]
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Cowboy Christmas
Cowboy Christmas ‘Twas the night before Christmas and in our small town For Christmas Eve groceries-there are none to be found All citizens are celebrating at the town hall In looking around-I’m related to them all It’s a family affair to celebrate this day But wait, an outsider who showed them the way? They came […]
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Dear Me
Dear Much Older, Much Wiser Me: If the advice I am often given and the articles I am reading are correct, then you are looking back on our life and wishing you would have done at least a few things differently. You are wishing you would have let more things go. You would have let […]
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Heroes
I have been watching the news of Michael Brown and the Ferguson Police Department for the past two days. I have seen so much hatred. I then pull up social media and find so much of the same on the feed. I thought of remaining quiet, but I can’t. Where does this hatred for all […]
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The (hi)Story of My Tattoo
I didn’t think I would ever have a tattoo. The very thought scared me. Once I planned to get one and pulled my sisters along for support only to leave the tattoo parlor without a tattoo while my support system each left with one. I just wasn’t ready. But then….my mom died and the thought […]
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A New Life
I participated in the Utah Fantasy Authors Halloween Story Challenge. Please go check out my story and support the other authors involved as well! Story Located Here!!! The New LifeBy: MeriAnn BoxallToday, I’m going to die. At least, stop living the way I’ve known it. I’m not sure how… Posted by MeriAnn Ellett Boxall on Friday, […]
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From Relay Race to Real Life
This last weekend I participated in a relay running event here in Park City. I along with my 6 teammates (yes 6-in a world of 6 man relay teams-we run with 7) we ran just under 67 miles. This was my first relay race and was an incredible experience. There are so many things that […]
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Learning Life Lessons In Good Clothes
I am a self-proclaimed life long learner. Not just because I love education and believe in it, but also because I continuously make mistakes and it’s either get up and learn or lay on the floor and waste away. Sometimes literally. I fall a lot. I learned a pretty big lesson this last week though […]
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The Muscle
This post is about a muscle. Not that muscle…..get your mind out of the gutter! A muscle. One that I found on the back of my leg. I told my husband about it-to which he asked if I was going to “book” about it. I realized then…I may be a “Facebook Offender”. Do I post […]
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Salsa By The Two’s
I won’t ever be a food blogger, but I have learned a lot about cooking and I really enjoy it. There are a few recipes that I always get a request for, so I thought I would share a few. This is my fresh Salsa. It’s fantastic. My favorite. I have worked on this recipe […]
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Celebrating the Family
I remember fondly the family traditions that we did with my parents when we were younger-many I still do with my own family. Last year we were moving and busy and stressed. Our Anniversary came and my husband and I didn’t get the opportunity to go and celebrate just the two of us, but refusing […]
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My ALS Ice Bucket Challenge: In Poem Form
I recently completed the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. In my own form, I did via Poem. (I am much better behind the camera-but hey) Check out my video here: If you haven’t seen these two videos, they also come highly recommended and I speak of them in my poem: Pete Frates: And Anthony Carbajal: In closing […]
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The Looks
When I was younger, I wasn’t afraid of very much. I often found myself on stage dancing freestyle to the intermission music in plays and Christmas programs. I wanted to dance, and was encouraged and allowed by my parents to express myself. As a mother now, I wonder if my parents ever had moments of […]
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A Few Steps in a Walk Across America
I have a few traits that seem to be pretty well-known by those in my closest circle. Sometimes I am teased and bring people into things that they may or may not have wanted to do. But sometimes…I become a part of something really, really cool. Example A: I would do almost anything for anyone, […]
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Just a Drop of Juicy Gossip
It seems as if I have seen the side affects of gossip my entire life. Maybe it was the small town, maybe we are just interesting. Recently, I saw this again and I find myself compelled to speak out. I am far from perfect, and know that I too make mistakes, but hope that I […]
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Getting Older-In a Swimming Suit
Each morning when I look in the mirror, my body begins singing back to me. I know I use a lot of music-but I love it. Set the mood: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTqGzpnolLk&sns=em At about 50 seconds is when it really begins: “A little bit softer now, A little bit softer now.” You know the part. Usually I, […]
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A Review: Eleanor by Johnny Worthen
I have previously reviewed another one of Johnny Worthen’s books, and decided to try another. I received a review copy of Eleanor and it didn’t take me very long to read it. Eleanor is magical. She is so easy to connect to that I felt engrossed in the book right from the beginning. She comes […]
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PITCHARAMA
Title: The Heart Song Author: MeriAnn Boxall Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Word Count: 87,000 Synopsis: After 400 years, Hania, a Golem, is the last of her kind. She is alone and hiding from her painful past. She meets Caleb, a runaway from New York City, and is forced to look at the world from an […]
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Sacrifices Made for the Unsupportive
I’m frustrated. So, I have some stats I want to throw out there. These are close, maybe not 100% but close and represent annual rates in the United States: -An average of 35,000 people are killed in traffic accidents -An average of 17,000 people die from illegal drug overdoses -An average of 16,000 people are […]
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A Review: Copper Descent by Angela Hartley
I just finished reading Copper Descent by Angela Hartley. It was a local story that has ties to my own community so it made me feel connected to the story from the very get go. Angela is able to take a story about Angels and Devils and weave in Native American Folklore while still keeping […]
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Thank You For Your Service
We were eating breakfast at The Hub in Heber City. My daughter saw a table of four Military men eating and asked if she could say hello. I told her “sure” and said, “Go tell them, thank you for your service.” She approached the table and said “Thank you for my service.” They smiled and said […]
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The Sacrifice
I had a few compliments from friends that outweighed some recent expressed concerns from others about the way I am raising my kids. I admit, my kids may be a little spoiled. Not so much with things, but with my time and attention. Not every minute of every day is filled with fun and games […]
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Mischievous Mom Moments
Many things took place within the space of two weeks. I lost my mother, Mother’s day, and her birthday (Happy Birthday Today Mom). I don’t want to mope, so instead, I thought I would share some humorous thoughts that I learned about my mom after her passing, that I really wish I could call and […]
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A Day With An Angel
A Day With An Angel I pick up the phone and dial your number On this special day I always remember I wish you would pick up the end of the line So I could tell you how grateful I am that you’re mine But all I have left of you now Are the memories […]
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A Strong Woman
This Past weekend I had the honor of watching my sister Graduate from college. I am so very proud of her and her accomplishment. It was amazing to see her cross that stage and to watch the eyes of her children glimmer with pride. I wrote this poem for her when her daughter was born […]
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A Review: Beatrysel by Johnny Worthen
I don’t usually read horror or thriller type books, but because I know Johnny, I had to give it a try. It took me a little while to get into it. Probably because it isn’t usually my style, but once I did. I really enjoyed it. It’s creepy, intense and full of twists and turns. […]
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Awkward
Let’s set the mood here with this one. I want you to watch this amazing video by the 2 Cellos. Think back to the “good ole’ days” and sing along if you know the words, only this time, insert the word “Awkward” every time you usually say “Thunder”. Mood set-for some of my greatest Mom […]
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Social Media: Moments Lost? Or not… Pros and Cons Discussed
I have been learning so much about social media, and the many platforms. In doing so I have also been reflecting on my personal life and the impact that social media has had on me. I thought of some of my life’s biggest moments: wedding, birth of my children, loss of my mother; and some […]
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I’m Art Inspired
This amazing art deserves a back story. I once had a job that I loved (but I love what I’m doing more-trust me). I worked with some of the very best people and I was able to help kids. For me, there really wasn’t anything better. Limiting information, my dad provided a great opportunity for […]
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Writing (Pitch) Contests From a New Twit
I recently discovered this medium called “Twitter”. I know, I am way behind the times, but I always told myself a) I am not a Twit, and b) I don’t have that much to say. However, remember that writing conference that I recently attended? In my moments of being brave and all that I could be […]
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Black Hawk Down
Yesterday, I had the stomach flu. I found myself slicing bananas for sidekicks lunch, hunched over because that is the only way I felt relief and feeling like every slice of the banana was like a slice through my very soul. Over-dramatic? Yes. Real. Yes, yes, yes! Today, I think I might live. A friend […]
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God Don’t Make No Mistakes
My daughter was born with a cleft lip. When I found out, I was terrified. It was the unknown and the concern for her happiness, not just her health that kept my heart in my throat for months. I am embarrassed to admit that I found myself asking, “Why her? Why me? Why us?” It […]
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10 Tips for a Great Interview
Following up on last weeks 10 Tips for a Great Resume post, here are a few more tips to helping you land the job of your dreams. 1-From Head to Toe, It all Will Show. You must look the part, from your head to your feet. This includes your hair style and your shoes. Yes, […]
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10 Tips for a Great Resume
A new topic to the blog, but something I wanted to share. In the last month I have had three friends contact me for help with their resume, and I found myself giving some consistent feedback. It made me think that maybe this would be useful information for anyone writing a resume that really wants […]
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A Review: One Boy, No Water
One Boy, No Water is the first book in the Niuhi Shark Saga by Lehua Parker. The only negative to reading One Boy, No Water was that I read it during the winter and it left me longing for warm sun, sandy beaches and shaved ice. Zader is a young Hawaiian Boy that is allergic […]
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A Little Thing Called Love
I had to scrape the ice off of my own windshield yesterday. I haven’t had to do that in years. Not because I am not capable, but because I am married to a man who always does it for me. When I say always, I mean always. I have a garage now so it isn’t as […]
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ABC’s and 123’s for my Children
As a second installment to my at home ABC’s, the framework for so much in learning. I created the ABC’s and 123’s for my Children. Always be you Believe in yourself Create your own luck Dream big Everyone has good in them, but if they aren’t good for you, love them from afar Family first […]
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My Motherhood ABC’s and 123’s
We are in preschool mode at our house. Seeing the ABC’s as the framework for so much, I started thinking about how they can guide me too. From my Children to me, my Motherhood ABC’s. Always be my friend. I know you are my mom, but be my friend too Be there for me. No […]
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My Six Pack Abs
Health and well-being have always been important to me. I have been very active most of my life-until I had children. Then I found myself chasing them as my main form of exercise (which is a lot for our active family). I attempted to get back into the swing of things the other day. It […]
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The Uneventful Shower
As a stay at home mom, every shower must be scheduled. (It’s even worse for a working mom-as there is that time factor). A few things must take place before said shower can occur: Kids must be fed Baby cannot be crying Everything must be safe and securely in place with “no no” areas, promptly […]
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A Review: Kiss of Fire
Kiss of Fire by Rebecca Ethington was recently recommended to me in the online book club: Bring Your Own Book Club (Do Join If You Like to Read). Plus, she is local, so I thought I would give it a try and I am so very glad that I did. Joclyn is magical. In many ways, […]
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5 Reasons To Go To A Writing Conference
I was incredibly nervous to attend my first Writing Conference. I was going to be in the presence of many amazing and accomplished authors, not to mention my competition. It was a little overwhelming for me. I decided to do it anyway. My goals: learn a lot, approach at least one person and talk about […]
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An Olympic Sized Lesson
This is really a guest post by my girl one, but she is a little too small to type on her own just yet. We love the Olympics at our house. After watching one evening my four year old came up with an idea. An idea of Epic Proportions. “Let’s have our own Olympics!” Yes, […]
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10 Things I Learned From My Dad
My Dad is a pretty amazing man. He helped me to become the person I am today. The more I look at life, the more I realize that my Dad is a pretty smart man too. Here are just a few life lessons that I learned from my Dad. 10–Puddles are made to jump in. […]
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It’s a Physical Thing
I recently had a conversation with a dear friend of mine, that is really sticking with me. This amazing woman, and truly she is, just became a grandma. How great is that? It’s wonderful and fulfilling and something that she has always wanted, but something isn’t right. Her baby, and her grand-baby are thousands of […]