This Week, June 15, 2025

Five Things of Interest

Jun 15, 2025

Calling all fantasy writers and fans! Join Brooke Wonders, acclaimed fantasy author and Associate Professor of Creative Writing at UNI, for a FREE worldbuilding workshop at the Waterloo Public Library!

Through writing prompts and guided exercises, you'll craft the fantastical world of your dreams, whether you're working on a novel or just exploring your imagination.

📍 Where: Waterloo Public Library, Upstairs Conference Room
📅 When: Tuesday, June 17 | 🕑 2:00–3:30 PM
🎟️ Cost: Absolutely FREE!

Don't miss this magical opportunity to learn from a pro! Bring your notebook, your imagination, and your love for all things fantasy.

2) The More of Moreness

The more time I spend in the garden, the more I notice what needs tending.
The more I write, the more joy I find in the promise of editing.
The more I paint, the more I challenge myself to capture light and composition.

There’s a wonderful moreness that unfolds when how you spend your time aligns with what you truly love doing. It feels like a fresh discovery, perhaps I’m just a slow student of life.

For years, I’ve lived by the shoulds. But when I follow joy, the shoulds fade.
And in their place? A delightful abundance.

A moreness that fills every space.

3) Let There Be Cake

This week has overflowed with breathtakingly beautiful summer days.

Sharing a little haven of tranquility and peace with you.

I'm not sure how I managed it, but there is EXACTLY one piece of chocolate cake left for Prince Charming.

4) Just Under the Wire

On a terriffically hot day this week, and right before thunderstorms stripped all the blooms, I made it to Grimm’s Peony Farm. They will reopen in July for daylilly season.

I tried to do some plein air painting, but the heat and the biting flies made it impossible to get more than a few tentative marks on paper. I had much better luck taking pictures to use as a reference later.

This stunning farm, just east of Olewine, is worth two trips. The scenic drive through Amish country makes the journey as delightful as the destination.

I also snagged a just-right top for my kerosene lamp at Pine Grove Shoes and More, just outside Hazelton.

5) Stepping Out

This week marked the grand (and slightly secretive) debut of Lynn’s Corner Bistro — a chic little nook tucked into the garden that’s now officially the go-to spot for writing, painting, and light eavesdropping on bees.

It all began this spring when my ever-clever friend Lynn whispered an idea: “Why not turn that sleepy corner into your own artistic retreat?” Naturally, I took her up on it, and naturally, I waited until Prince Charming was out gallivanting to stealthily string lights and set up the bistro table. (Some missions call for stealth.)

Then I told PC he needed to don “formal summer attire” for a surprise. Judging by his slightly pained smile, he was either dazzled… or deeply confused. Either way, he showed up. That’s love.

To top off the occasion, our fairy god-friend Wendy appeared with a magical gift: the garden witch of my dreams — a sprinkler with sass and mystery.

Now, all she needs is a name. And this, dear readers, is where your mischief-making skills are required...

What should we name the garden witch?

The Enquirer: Illustrated Essays

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