Taking the first few micro-steps toward certification as a therapeutic riding instructor, I’ve bumped up against a hint of the same frustration I felt with corporate America (three Fortune 100s and a pair of Fortune 500s way down on the resume page). By decree of the national certifying organization (not by fiat of the particular barn where I’m in training), riding lesson plans are supposed to adhere to SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound). Example: In the course of a one-hour lesson, the student will ride a serpentine pattern of five cones at … Continue reading →

We have abruptly entered my favorite time of year–autumn. Maryland might still get some hot days, but those are likely to be outliers now that we have less sunlight. Nights are down in the fifities or cooler for the foreseeable, which suits me Just Fine. As reliably as I lose energy and mood in summer, I get it back in the fall, and I’ve pondered why this should be. Maybe I store up enough Vitamin D by the end of summer to feel a little better? Maybe I sleep better in cooler nights. Maybe the … Continue reading →

For today only (Friday, Sept. 6), The Trouble with Dukes, book one in the Windham Brides series, is a kindle daily ebook deal discounted to $1.99. The other major retailers appear to be matching that price, and the ordering links are here. And if you already have Hamish and Megan’s happily ever after… Just wait, there’s more! For the entire month of September, three other Regency romance titles are discounted to $2.99: My One and Only Duke (Rogues to Riches book one, aka Quinn and Jane), When A Duchess Days I Do (Rogues to Riches … Continue reading →