Ireland — jade green hills, fierce winds, and neighborhood pubs — is alive with the sound of Gaelic music and modern music, too. Last May my husband, Hoyt, and I visited all sorts of pubs to hear the tunes, tap our toes, and lift a pint, bar-hopping around Dublin, Galway, Doolin, Dingle, … [Read more…]
On June 17, 2015, a Google Alert came to my Inbox that included a link to The North Africa Post article: “Religious Leaders Discuss in Brussels ‘Living together and disagreeing well.’” Yay. A plea for civil discourse! It turns out that 15 religious leaders from major religions met in Brussels, Belgium, in June this year … [Read more…]
On today’s anniversary of 9/11, this is my tribute to the victims, their families and friends, the citizens of the USA and every nation around the world where people value peace, understanding, and human dignity. As a gesture of spreading beauty today, I offer these photos of flowers I’ve seen around … [Read more…]
Phenomena known as mind-control or brainwashing have been written about by psychologists, sociologists, and many other “ists.” Now it’s my turn. Note: This post was written in 2015, about one year before I published my memoir, Undertow, about my cult experience. My name is Charlene, and I am a former … [Read more…]
In Turkey 2011, my husband, Hoyt, and I stopped in the town of Kas, a charming fishing village on the Mediterranean Sea. Yes, I know I’m spoiled. Writing in Kas, Turkey Kas was an idyllic spot to land in, muse, rest, and write. Seafood was yumeeee. We were on the … [Read more…]