I have been quite busy these last few months working with my colleagues at Upijata Arts Company trying to secure funding and asking for donations for our programs located on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Our goals are to nurture the younger community members who are consistently exposed to obstacles that have a negative effect on their hopes for a bright future. Skyrocketing suicide rates, poverty, generational and historical traumas contribute to a sense of hopelessness and despair. We are trying to change that by nurturing their sense of self and self-worth through the arts. Studies have shown that creative expression can lead to improved mental health and well-being. We offer several programs including visual arts, performing arts, dance, martial arts, and traditional arts that reflect the beauty and resilience of Indigenous culture.

Currently we are trying to purchase a building  from tribal members so that we can expand our outreach within the community. . The building will require some restoration and upgrades. We also need supplies and/or gift cards to help sustain our efforts. As back-to-school shopping commences please consider a few extra boxes of crayons or pencils.  or paper products. Resources are quite limited on the reservation. Gift cards to Home Depot or other outlets would certainly help. Children are our future leaders. Let’s help them by offering them the tools they need to believe in themselves and others. For more information please visit The website. is below Donations can be sent to

PO Box 101 Batesland SD 57716.     605-519-5109  upijataarts@gmail.com

www.upijataartscompany.org

WOPILA  (Thank you)  to everyone !

Hi Everyone:

It’s been a busy few weeks and I am working on several new projects at the same time. My goals include continued research into scams and providing hints and tips for protecting yourself and loved ones from the never ending threats to personal security.

I have two writing projects I am working on, one fiction and one non-fiction and both are being juggled weekly. I am venturing outside of my comfort zone and submitting some of my work for publication in various platforms.

Last, but not least, I am considering expanding my posts to include book reviews, creative challenges faced by authors, and upcoming events and classes. In the meantime I hope everyone has a safe summer. Stay tuned for more updates soon !

Got a scam story to tell? Need help with a fraud situation? Don’t know where to turn  to or who to trust for advice? The Federal Trade Commission wants to hear from you. You don’t have to wait till March 6-12 to ask questions. They’re available for assistance whenever you’d like. Don’t wait – investigate with those who are in the know.

It has been a busy spring. I’ve been working on my poetry book and updating info for my ongoing classes including a new course I’ll be teaching in the fall on how to create a recipe book with or without a computer. In order to keep material and ideas fresh and interesting it is helpful to look back on what I have learned from my students. Each class experience provides valuable insights into the learning/teaching process, and I am grateful to all of my students for their feedback and participation.

I am very excited to be working closely with Upijata Arts (http://Upijataartscompany.org ) this year to assist them in reaching their goals of working with children on Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Please see prior posts on this wonderful organization and consider a donation of any kind to help them nurture and encourage creativity in young children. I’ll be posting updates along the way.

Last, but not least, I appreciate everyone who supports and encourages my work both on and offline. Here’s to a safe and happy summer season for everyone!

A new year is fast approaching, and I’ve already booked several dates for classes and lectures throughout 2023. I will be teaching Hands-Only CPR, Lucid Dreaming:Another Altered State of Mind, An Attitude of Gratitude Journal Writing, an updated scam prevention lecture, and a how-to make your own recipe book class featuring delectable treats and meals. Stay tuned for dates and times once I receive confirmations. In the meantime, feel free to browse through prior posts.

In addition to teaching, I have several writing projects in the works that require a different mindset for each one. From poetry to a memoir to a potential mystery based on true facts, the words and ideas are swirling and making their way onto paper and into notebooks.

I would like to thank everyone who stays in touch and reads my posts here and on Facebook. I appreciate each and every one of you. Please enjoy the holidays and stay safe. Looking forward to updating you in 2023!

Many readers are mesmerized by the words of others. Writing is a solitary and often times frustrating endeavor. In today’s techno world not only do writers have to be concerned with plagiarism and copyright infringement issues, but they also are being targeted by scammers and hackers looking to capitalize on the sheer joy of an author finishing their first novel or a seasoned writer hoping to celebrate the sale of a beloved manuscript they’ve worked on for years. Fake contracts, empty promises, and illegal transactions are now unsolved mysteries waiting to be unraveled while the careers, hopes, and dreams of many aspiring scribes are being jeopardized by unscrupulous cons.

Fortunately, there is a dedicated group of people who are helping to spread awareness of scams geared towards writers of all mediums – blogs, articles, short stories etc. As someone who has experienced potential issues of copyright infringement, I am very grateful for people like Victoria Strauss and her staff whose efforts provide writers like myself a place to learn and grow and safeguard our valuable written works. Please visit the very informative Writer Beware website and blogs to stay informed and thanks to everyone for all you do to keep writers safe and aware!

https://www.writerbeware.com

https://www.writerbeware.blog

I always get comfortable before reading one of R.L. “Pete” Peterson’s stories – feet up, a fresh cup of tea or coffee at my side, and a big smile on my face because I know I’m about to embark on a journey wrapped in words so carefully crafted that I’ll soon forget where I am. Pete Peterson is a prolific, award-winning author whose stories have made me laugh, cry, and ponder life’s wonders and sorrows. I am thrilled to announce his new novella, “Leave the Night to God” will be available in the fall from Regal House Publishing and has been chosen as a finalist for their Petrichor Prize. Pete has a multitude of projects in the works, and I highly recommend a visit to his website to learn more about this master storyteller and craftsman so put your feet up, get comfortable, and enjoy the ride.  Website info https://www.rlpetepeterson.com

I am proud to announce another collaboration with the curators of the Bridgeport History Center to highlight the many contributions my Mom, Colleen J. Bartram, made to the city of Bridgeport. Despite poverty and health issues she danced her way into people’s hearts and continued her stellar career as an international acrobat and entertainer. I was thrilled to write her biography which is available on Amazon and am looking forward to working with others who cherish the memories of times gone by.