100-Plus Villages in Italy

I invited Anthony Scaravilli, a photoartist, to the Fall Word Lovers retreat because I remembered visiting his gallery in Little Italy and enjoying the bicycles he often used as centerpieces for his images.  We became acquainted because he has lots and lots of design-enhanced photos that he wants to put into a book, and I get to write the words!  Check out the photos that we will become immersed in at Scaravilli Design. He took this photo while in Lakeside.

Giving it All, and At Peace With It

Joan and Dan Barris took a big chance when they purchased the Idlewyld Bed and Breakfast in Lakeside a number of years ago.  The place was a dump, but they saw it as more than a rundown rooming house.  Today, the house is lit up like a beacon at night--and it should be, it's so beautiful.  Faith and hard work and determination and the ability to turn off that voice that says "I can't" made the Idlewyld a dream come true. We love that front porch.

WOW Photography

I can't say enough about Pat Washington's photos.  I know she likes to write, but her photos exude talent. She seems to catch the world at just the right moment. November Sky on her Slices of Life blog is beautiful.

Vibrant Wind Dancers

Those of you who have been to Word Lovers know my friend Mary often co-hosts the weekends. Artist, writer, dancer, and all-around creative person, Mary's energy is catchy.  Wanna dance? You can always join Mary's dance troupe, Vibrant Wind Dancers and explore what your body can do with Middle Eastern dancing. If you want to get moving with Mary, contact me at claudia.taller@yahoo.com.

Create-a-Way with Wendy Fedan

Wendy Fedan exemplifies creativity. Check out http://wfedan.wordpress.com/ to see what she's up to. As artist and Mom, she explores all options, and Julia Cameron would be honored to know Wendy is open to possibility because of her and all those other creatives out there putting out work about how to let your God connection take over.