by Pat McCaw | Jul 13, 2018 | Pat's Chat
The day began when I poked the teenagers early in the morning with a promise for a day filled with adventure. They were skeptical, grumpy, and tired – but I asked for trust and optimism! Triggered by a morning post on Facebook showing a waterfall tour through Iowa, I...
by Pat McCaw | May 18, 2018 | Pat's Chat, short story
This short story was written in response to a writing prompt about “story endings”. The challenge was either and open ending or plot twist. I have no clue why my fingertips led me down a dark path, but this story contains violence and a couple swear words....
by Pat McCaw | May 1, 2018 | book review, Pat's Chat, Uncategorized
A novel in verse was a foreign term to me not long ago, but now that they are on my radar – I am in love. A novel in verse takes poetry and wraps it into a novel. It is shorter and easier to read for reluctant readers, but carries the same power of a novel....
by Pat McCaw | Apr 24, 2018 | Pat's Chat
I’m getting older – obviously. But, I didn’t feel my age until recently. I’m 46 years old and but still convinced I can climb trees and do a cartwheel in the green grass – if I felt like it. But recently my body reminded me it has changed. During a...
by Pat McCaw | Apr 4, 2018 | Pat's Chat, picture books
Picture books can save the world . . . I’m sure of it. I addressed this topic focusing only on anxiety in Pat’s Chat – May 2017, but it’s worth revisiting in more depth. Picture books are not just a sweet, innocent source of entertainment for children, but they...
by Pat McCaw | Mar 17, 2018 | Pat's Chat, Uncategorized
PURA VIDA! It means “pure life” and is the motto of Costa Rica. My family recently returned from a Spring Break vacation to the region where the landscapes are filled with diversity of animal and plant life and a welcoming culture. When traveling, I try to do more...
