by Pat McCaw | Sep 28, 2018 | Pat's Chat, safety, Uncategorized
My daughters along with 35 other family and friends had the privilege of attending Jai Johnson’s self defense class last night. It was an evening that inspired hope and confidence to reverse the role as victim and to take back control. I’m going to share...
by Pat McCaw | Sep 15, 2018 | Pat's Chat, Writing tips
Dialogue fills our world as we chat with family and friends. Often we recognize excitement, sorrow, or frustration in the spoken words or the tone of a voice. Dialogue plays an essential role in giving depth to writing. “Yo, dude, snag me a Butterbeer while...
by Pat McCaw | Sep 2, 2018 | parenting, Pat's Chat
I live in rural Iowa where people still hold the door open for you, strangers wave from their passing car, and there is a sense of peace in the Heartland. When a college girl gets kidnapped and killed in a rural town only minutes away, and then a twelve-year-old boy...
by Pat McCaw | Aug 24, 2018 | Pat's Chat
So – it could be a midlife crisis? I am inching up on 50, and the thought makes me barf. The kids are back to school and they apparently grew up overnight. Today a freshman – tomorrow college visits. Where did these ten pounds come from? Goodbye...
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....
