The theme of my life for the last several months has been about becoming brave. My life has become less about protecting myself, and more about how my life can bless others. Sometimes, the things I have done have cost me. But for the most part, they have helped my heart and my courage to grow. Here are some lessons I've learned on the way.

I know that sunflowers think their job is to propagate their species by creating seeds. But today? It was to teach me that even when we've been hammered by life, and everything seems wretched, and we are broken all over the ground, we can still be beautiful.

"I want it said of me by those who knew me best, that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow." - Abraham Lincoln

"It's your road, and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you." - Rumi

"We cannot teach people anything; we can only help them discover it within themselves." - Galileo Galilei

Daisies and chicks with wisdom to share.

For me, the kitchen is the most special room in the house. It's a place for adventure - not drudgery, but discovery, sharing and showing off with friends, trying new ideas.

Translating imaginary people into the real world can require quite a bit of research. My hope is that while I entertain, my story makes a difference. My current novel is set in San Francisco, Edmonton, and Mumbai. Here's a sneak preview...

"Spring will come and so will happiness. Hold on. Life will get warmer." - Anita Kizzan

Knitting is a lot of things. And as much as I love it, to me, knitting is more than just a craft--knitting for someone IS love.

"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a man, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx
 Our "currently reading" list.