When I look at this darling picture from 1974 or 1975, I am reminded that I come from The Sisterhood of Quietly Strong Women. My mom, Joann,… Read more “Sisters”
Author: Carleen Matts-Behrends
Ditches, Diet Coke, and Dad
The glorious sun and the open road beckoned me with their siren song that fateful April Sunday afternoon. Just hours before, I had stood before the congregation… Read more “Ditches, Diet Coke, and Dad”
Life According to the Trees
If you want to experience wild beauty, you can find it in a region of northern Minnesota known as the Iron Range. Every season has a magnificence… Read more “Life According to the Trees”
The Exposition Part of the Story
I was That Girl when it came to gym class. Don’t get too jealous. I didn’t say I was an It Girl. I was THAT girl. You… Read more “The Exposition Part of the Story”
How Does Your Garden Grow
A couple of years ago, I had a “funeral” for someone who was (is) still living. Okay, fine—it wasn’t really a funeral, per say, but more of… Read more “How Does Your Garden Grow”
Peace on the Water
My father, Morris. As a character, he’s a writer’s dream. He had incredible gifts and incredible flaws. Golden moments and dark complications. Laughter and rage. Robust health… Read more “Peace on the Water”
Lady in Red
It was July of 1989, the summer before the start of what I had been anticipating my whole life—my senior year at Virginia High School. There was a… Read more “Lady in Red”
A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words
So I’m starting this Grand Adventure wondering just what is inside my brain that is dying to introduce itself to the world. It’s kind of exciting, actually—like… Read more “A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words”
If This Paddle Could Talk
Here is the latest addition to the deck glamper (where I like to sit and write in the summer months)—my big brother Cedric’s canoe paddle. I should… Read more “If This Paddle Could Talk”
And Away She Goes…
Life is short. Buy the shoes. So I was sitting in a professional development workshop the other day, learning about the Design Cycle from an incredible graphic… Read more “And Away She Goes…”