Saturday, May 31, 2008

Screenwriting Weekend: What I Learned That Still Shapes My Writing Today

I'm gone all weekend at a Screenwriter's workshop.

http://www.austinscreenwriters.org/spring2008trottier.html

The Austin Screenwriter's group flew in screenwriter and author - David Trottier.

http://www.keepwriting.com/davet.htm

I happen to own a copy of his book, Screenwriter's Bible. I had purchased my own copy about a year ago when I was attending a Hollywood screenwriter's class at ACC.

Great book, and great guy! We'll be returning tomorrow to wrap up the workshop.

After today's events, I had time to dash home to share dinner with my family --- Tonight one of our local screenwriter's is hosting a wine and cheese party. A chance to network with fellow writers, producers, and actors. Always fun!

See ya'll Monday same time, same place!

Looking Back on My Screenwriting Journey

One of the highlights of that weekend was having the opportunity not only to attend David Trottier's workshop, but also to speak with him personally. Our Austin Screenwriters Association had flown him in from Los Angeles to teach the workshop, and as an aspiring screenwriter at the time, I was eager to learn from someone whose book, The Screenwriter's Bible, had already become one of my favorite writing resources.

During the workshop, I had the chance to query him about a screenplay I was writing. Although that screenplay was never completed for the screen, I haven't given up on the story. In fact, I hope to turn it into a novel one day. It has nothing to do with homesteading or my Miles Away survival series. Instead, it's a story centered around elderly people being given another chance at life—a project that has remained close to my heart over the years.

Before attending the workshop, I had also taken several screenwriting classes through Austin Community College, where I studied the fundamentals of writing for film. Looking back, I don't see myself pursuing screenwriting professionally, but I don't consider that time wasted. Quite the opposite.

Many of the lessons I learned in screenwriting continue to influence the way I write fiction today.

Screenwriting teaches writers to:

Begin a scene as late as possible.
End scenes with a reason to keep turning the page.
Keep dialogue natural and purposeful.
Show rather than tell whenever possible.
Keep the story moving forward.

Those same principles have helped me write novels, and I believe they've made me a stronger storyteller overall. Even though my path eventually led to publishing books instead of writing screenplays, I'm grateful for every class, workshop, and conversation along the way.

Sometimes the skills we learn for one dream become the foundation for another.

7 Things That Would Happen in the First 24 Hours After an EMP

MOM'S PIONEER LIVING HANDBOOK

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Growing But Thirsty: How Our Texas Container Garden Thrived in 100-Degree Heat

How Our Container Garden Thrived Through a Hot Texas Spring

Originally published May 28, 2008 • Updated July 2026

One of the things I love most about gardening is watching how quickly everything changes.

Back in the spring of 2008, I found myself making my morning rounds with a camera in hand, amazed that almost every day another vegetable had appeared or another flower had opened. Looking back through these photos nearly twenty years later reminds me that some of the simplest gardening memories are often the most rewarding.

These weren't raised beds or an expensive garden setup. Most of our vegetables were growing in containers, proving that you don't need acres of land to enjoy fresh produce.

Every Morning Brought Something New

One of my favorite parts of gardening has always been that first walk outside each morning.

The cleome flowers stretched a little taller.

The cucumber vines reached farther across their supports.

Tiny peppers seemed to appear overnight.

Some mornings I'd discover the first blossoms. Other mornings I'd find vegetables that had been too small to notice the day before.

It's one of the many reasons gardening teaches patience. Nature moves at its own pace but somehow surprises you every single day.

Cleome Plant

I'm still amazed at how fast everything is growing. Every morning I check the pots and the vegetables have grown, or another plant has bloomed.

Tomatoes are thriving

Amazingly, we've had very little pest problems in the garden.

Cucumbers are starting to appear.

Container Gardening Worked Surprisingly Well

Our vegetables were growing almost entirely in containers.

Among the plants that did especially well were:

Bell peppers
Cucumbers
Cherry tomatoes
Herbs
Flowers that attracted pollinators

Container gardening offered several advantages:

Better control over soil quality
Easier watering
Fewer weeds
Easy access for harvesting
Perfect for patios and small yards

Even today, I continue recommending container gardening for anyone just getting started.

The bell peppers are really taking off...

Surprisingly Few Garden Pests

One thing that stands out as I look back through these photos is how few pest problems we experienced.

I believe there were several reasons:

Healthy soil helped produce vigorous plants.
We had plenty of beneficial insects visiting the garden.
Flowers such as cleome attracted pollinators and other helpful insects.
Regular watering reduced stress on the plants, making them less susceptible to damage.

No garden is completely pest-free, but healthy plants are often much better equipped to handle occasional insect pressure.

The Biggest Challenge Was Heat

Late May in Central Texas can already feel like the middle of summer.

Many days climbed into the 90s, with a few reaching nearly 100 degrees.

The biggest concern wasn't insects.

It was simply keeping everything watered.

My daughter Pamela deserves much of the credit for that year's garden. She faithfully watered the containers every day without complaint, keeping the vegetables healthy during one of our hottest stretches of weather.

Container gardens dry out much faster than plants growing in the ground, so consistent watering made all the difference.

Don't Forget About Yourself

After spending time working in the heat, we always appreciated having the backyard pool waiting for us.

Fortunately, that year the pool required very little maintenance. A single algaecide treatment earlier in the spring kept the water crystal clear throughout the season, and for once the nearby trees cooperated by not dropping endless seeds into the water.

Texas summers can be demanding, so don't forget that gardeners need to stay cool, hydrated, and take care of themselves too.

Every day we've been in the 90's - with some days reaching 100. It's been nice, the pool has been refreshing, but we really really need the rain. Pamela has been patiently watering the plants every single day without complaint. I'm giving her credit for keeping the garden green and healthy.

We've had little problems maintaining the pool. I've only had to treat the pool with algaecide in April. So far, so good. Even the trees are behaving themselves (not dropping those pesky seeds) -- as you can see, CRYSTAL CLEAR!

Looking Back

When I first shared these photos in 2008, I was simply documenting another day in the garden.

Now, years later, I see something more.

Those containers taught us that you don't need a large homestead to grow food. You don't need expensive equipment. You simply need good soil, sunshine, regular watering, and a willingness to learn.

Some of my favorite gardening memories weren't about record harvests.

They were about walking outside each morning to discover what nature had accomplished overnight.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Time Travel: A 100-Degree Day on an 1800s Texas Farm

A 100-Degree Day on an 1800s Texas Farm: How People Stayed Cool Without Air Conditioning

Originally published May 23, 2008 • Updated July 2026

Editor's Update: For more than ten years, I volunteered at a Central Texas living history farm, demonstrating everyday pioneer life for school children and visitors. One of the questions we were asked most often during the summer months was, "How did people survive before air conditioning?" On this particular day, the temperature reached 100°F with a 104-degree heat index, giving us a genuine taste of what 19th-century Texans experienced.

Well, as most of you know, I work the farm on Friday's. We had more than 300 visitors. All I can say is that today was another beautiful sunny day, but HOT. Camp Mabry said we hit 100 degrees with a 104 heat index.

Antique Spinning Wheel at the Bell House, Pioneer Farms

What does one do when there's no air conditioning in the 1800's?

Head for the porch!

I found an old book in the parlor, smoothed out my apron, and planted myself in the rocking chair. The breeze took care of the rest...

Book almost 150 years old, with timeless advice

The book I read today is called, Portraits and Principles - written in the 1890's by several authors... What a gem!

Book preface: Life to each of us is an ever-changing panorama. The sights of yesterday are old, the scenes of today are swiftly passing, and the pictures of tomorrow will be new.

I have always been fascinated by very old books. The writer's who've passed on, remain alive within the pages. As I was reading this book today, the author mentioned the difference between good books, statuesque books (for appearances) and books that BREATHE. I would have to agree that there IS a difference!

When I was managing a writer's forum several years ago, I had to read hundreds of short story submissions for our contests. We had people from all backgrounds participating - housewives, policemen, military, lawyers, teachers, etc.

The stories that touched us the most were heartfelt. We weren't impressed with big words, fancy rhetoric or eloquent stories, but rather down-to-earth, sit at my table and here -- have a cup of coffee and would you like some sugar with that?

This is what the book, Portraits and Principles was getting at. Deep, heartfelt and honest writing from each author about life's experiences and how to live a decent and honest life.

Many of the topics touched were:

Working hard
Common sense
Giving
Mother's role
Honesty
Integrity
Keeping your word
Modesty
What is success
Saving money
Gambling
Idle hands

It is really miraculous if you think about it. Opening a book and discovering that it BREATHES.

German Farm, Austin Texas

Red Barn, Pioneer Farms

WHEN THERE'S NO AIR CONDITIONING - Keeping Your Cool

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Pioneer Living: A Day in the Life of an 1800s Texas Farm

Pamela standing by the Homestead

Updated July 2026: During my years volunteering at a Central Texas living history farm, one of my favorite experiences was welcoming school groups for hands-on pioneer days. Instead of simply reading about history, these students stepped into the shoes of an 1800s farm family for an entire day. Watching them discover how much work went into everyday life remains one of my favorite memories.

Why Hands-On History Matters

Today's children rarely experience these skills:

cooking over wood
hauling wood
hand washing dishes
preparing meals from scratch
growing food
caring for livestock

What Pioneer Children Did Every Day

gathering eggs
feeding chickens
collecting firewood
carrying water
tending gardens
helping cook meals
washing dishes
sewing
caring for younger siblings

Wow, today was a busy day!!

And boy was it hot on the farm! Yesterday, our temps were higher than I had thought. We hit 101 degrees. Today, I think we hit 100 even. Big puffy white clouds lazily crawling across a deep blue sky.

So picture my day...

Spending the morning stuffing a woodstove with firewood so I could cook a pot of chicken stew. We had a school group arriving to spend the entire day with us. This was their field trip. A group of gifted & talented 8th graders that were going to get a taste of history. Fortunately they were split into two groups and sent to two homes to work the farm.

My group consisted of 13 boys and girls and 1 very young teacher. They arrived with smiles (and to my relief) lots of enthusiasm! Not wanting to deprive them the experience of farm living, we (Valerie and I) showed them how to garden, pull weeds, collect firewood, chop onions, peel potatoes, grate carrots, dice celery, bake biscuits, churn butter, pop popcorn, wash dishes, and feed the chickens and pigs!

Cooking chicken stew over wood burning stove

The kids (and teacher) all agreed that today's experiences had really put into perspective the hard work involved in keeping a farm running.

Students at the farm churning butter

Everyone took their turn cooking, cleaning, churning the butter and lending a helping hand. They kids even had time to play some 1800 games and walk on the stilts. The chicken stew turned out being the best ever!

I would have to say that my faith in our generation of children was restored after today. This was an awesome group of kids and they were so helpful and earnest about everything. Although we worked our tails off today, it was very rewarding, and I know that these kids left the farm today with memories that will last them a lifetime. They also told us that this was the best field trip they ever had!

Washing dishes was hard work in the 1800's, but strangely I enjoyed it

Time to fill the cast iron pots and boil the water. Dishes, and more dishes to do...

How to Wash Dishes Without Running Water (And Still Keep a Kitchen Going)

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Is it Summer Already? How to Keep a Container Garden Alive During Extreme Texas Heat

Updated July 2026

One thing every Texas gardener learns sooner or later is that summer can arrive much earlier than the calendar says. Looking back at these photos from May 2008, we were already flirting with 100-degree temperatures. My container vegetable garden was growing beautifully—but it also taught me one important lesson: plants growing in pots need much more attention during extreme heat than vegetables planted in the ground.

Why Container Gardens Dry Out So Quickly

Pots heat up faster.
Soil volume is smaller.
Roots can't reach deeper moisture.
Wind dries containers quickly.
Dark-colored pots absorb even more heat.

Signs Your Vegetables Need Water

Wilted leaves
Dry soil
Dropping blossoms
Small fruit
Slow growth

My Texas Summer Watering Routine

Water early in the morning.
Check containers again in late afternoon during heat waves.
Mulch helps.
Grouping containers together reduces evaporation.
Partial afternoon shade can help certain vegetables.

Today is a sweltering 98 degrees! The curse of having a potted veggie garden--everything is thirsty all the time! If I skip a day, the leaves are wilted. Probably due to the Texas heat. It's very unforgiving. The pool has been evaporating too (current pool temp 82 degrees.)

Whether I like it or not, I'll have to drag the hose this afternoon and fill it back up. I didn't realize how low our water got until I turned on the pump and the pool started choking (for lack of water in the filter.)

The Malabar spinach is finally leafing up! I was beginning to wonder there for awhile.

Tomatoes are blooming like crazy...

Large tomatoes growing in pot

So far, three large tomatoes in the other pot (don't ask me which variety, as I forgot.) Umm, I just realized I said a rhyme...

Chili peppers

Lots and lots of chili and jalapeno peppers! (We like these chopped up on sardines and crackers -eaten outdoors of course!)

Bell Peppers

Bell Peppers! I hope I grow a bunch. They are expensive in the grocery stores! (practically cost as much as meat.) Have you seen the prices of carrots???!

Cucumbers are hanging in there. No sign of fruit yet. I still haven't planted the rest of my seeds. How is everyone else's garden doing?

Gardening in Texas isn't always easy, but it's rewarding. Every summer teaches a few new lessons. Some years it's insects. Other years it's drought. In 2008, it was simply learning that container gardens become thirsty much faster than I expected. Thankfully, a little extra watering kept everything growing until harvest time.

Building My Texas Garden Tunnel: Cattle Panels, Raised Beds & Shade Cloth

WHEN THERE'S NO AIR CONDITIONING - Keeping Your Cool

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Wrapping Up the Week: Family Fishing Memories from a Texas Weekend

Alan caught the big fish of the day - BASS!

Updated July 2026

Sometimes the best family memories aren't the big vacations or expensive outings—they're the simple weekends spent outdoors. Looking back through old photos, I came across this one of Alan proudly holding the biggest bass of the day. It reminded me that fishing was never really about how many fish we caught. It was about slowing down, spending time together, and making memories.

Fishing teaches patience

Not every cast produces a fish.

Sometimes the fish steal your bait five times in a row!

That happens to everyone.

Outdoor memories don't cost much

fishing
picnic
potluck
laughter
grilling
swimming

Saturday night, a group of us went fishing again and had a potluck. I fished myself and gave up after the 5th time losing my bait. The fish were hungry and stealing our worms left and right. I caught a small perch and handed my pole over to one of the kids.

The kids fished off the pier. Pamela stood too close to the edge and fell into the pond!

Today, Sunday, we decided to relax by the pool and fire up the grill. I cooked boneless chicken thighs and chicken breasts that had been marinating in Budweiser and mesquite barbecue sauce. YUM!

All in all, it's been a busy week.

Looking back, I don't remember how many fish we caught that summer. I remember the conversations on the pier, the laughter when the fish stole our bait, the splash when Pamela unexpectedly went swimming, and Alan's smile holding that bass. Those are the moments that stay with us long after the fishing poles have been put away.

Fishing in Walnut Creek

Friday, May 16, 2008

Back in Time: Behind the Scenes at a Texas Living History Farm

Sewing and weaving at the Bell House

Updated July 2026

For more than ten years, I volunteered at a Central Texas living history farm where visitors could experience what everyday life was like during the 1800s. Every Friday was different. Some days I cooked over a wood stove, other days I demonstrated hand sewing, worked in the general store, interpreted historic homes, or helped tend the gardens. Looking back through these photos reminds me how much history comes alive when you can actually step inside it.

Why Living History Matters

One of the reasons I loved volunteering on the farm was watching history become real for children.

Reading about pioneer life in a textbook is one thing.

Watching biscuits bake in a wood stove...

Listening to the spinning wheel...

Trying hand sewing...

Walking through an 1800s kitchen...

Those experiences stay with people far longer than facts memorized for a test.

One little boy summed it up perfectly when I asked whether he'd like living in the 1800s.

After looking around the kitchen for a moment he replied,

"Nope! I like my video games...and there's no Coca-Cola!"

His honest answer still makes me smile.

Children often have a way of reminding us just how dramatically everyday life has changed over the past century.

Lately, I've been spending most of my Friday's working the farm and doing tours. I switch around a lot on the farm, working where needed --- whether it's the main Bell House, Homestead, or German farm.

Sometimes I'll assist in the general store.

By the way, we are expecting teepees for the Tonkawa site... I've already volunteered to do some of their interpretation... Their history is very interesting.

Treadle Sewing Machine at the Bell House

If I'm not cooking, I'll be catching up on my sewing. My favorite and most relaxing thing to do is HANDSEWING. Currently I have been sewing miniature pantaloons for Barbies and selling these with pioneer dresses and aprons. I've completely sold out on my online stores, but the batch I've just finished are intended for the general store at the farm.

The rooms I spent most of my time in today were the kitchen and the adjacent "sewing" room, with the various looms and spinning wheels.

Roomy foyer at the Bell House

Fine dining at the Bell House - Pioneer Farms

This is by far the most elegant home on the farm, although most will say they prefer hanging out at the homestead.

Bell House had elegant furniture

Every room has a fireplace. I can only imagine how much firewood it would take to keep this home warm. We go through plenty just to keep the woodstove running.

Fireplace Bell house bedroom

Sewing in the Bell House

Pamela's working on pantaloons for her own doll. Girls her age (back in the 1800's) have been sewing for a long time. Girls started sewing with a needle and thread when they were old enough to hold a needle.

Overlooking the barn from the Bell House

Front Porch - Bell House - Pioneer Farms

Overlooking the farm from the Bell house

Elegant sitting room at the Bell House

Bell House

Trying to get the garden going...

Gardening at Pioneer Farms - Austin Texas

I had three watermelons planted at the farm... So far, they are looking healthy! Oh I hope we have a good crop this year!

Always fun baking from the wood stove, had many cookies from there!

The heart of the home... I probably should have packed up my baking goods and fired up the stove today. It was the coolest day this week - 79 degrees. PERFECT day for slaving over a hot woodstove!

We had several school kids arrive on tours and I always get a kick out of their questions. I always ask them if they would like living in the 1800's... I could probably write a book from all the answers I've gotten.

This week, a young boy of about 10-years-old, answered my question about whether he'd like living in the 1800's... He looked around the kitchen and said matter of factly, "NOPE! I like my video games!" Then his eyes swept around the kitchen again and replied, "and there's no Coca Cola!"...

I often wonder about the generation we are raising today...

Kitchen from the 1800's

May Festival: Music, History & Family Fun at Pioneer Farms

Thursday, May 15, 2008

McKinney Falls State Park: Trails, Waterfalls & Volcano in Texas

McKinney Falls state Park, Texas

Updated July 2026

McKinney Falls State Park has remained one of our favorite day trips from the Austin area. Located less than 30 minutes from our home, it's the kind of place we find ourselves returning to again and again. Looking back through these photos from 2008 reminds me just how much there is to discover—from waterfalls and ancient volcanic rock to fossils, wildlife, fishing, and quiet trails shaded by towering cypress trees.

Walking Across an Ancient Volcano

One of the things that makes McKinney Falls State Park so unique is that you're actually walking across the remnants of an ancient volcano.

The waterfalls flow over rocks that were formed by the Pilot Knob volcanic field, a series of volcanoes that erupted roughly 80 million years ago, during the Late Cretaceous Period. At that time, much of Central Texas was covered by a shallow inland sea, and volcanic activity beneath the ocean helped create the unusual rock formations that visitors see today.

While the volcanoes have been extinct for millions of years, the hardened basalt and other volcanic rocks remain. These dark volcanic rocks are much less common in Central Texas, where limestone is the dominant landscape. That's one reason McKinney Falls looks so different from many other Texas parks. As Onion Creek has slowly carved its way through both volcanic rock and limestone over countless centuries, it created the beautiful waterfalls, pools, and sculpted rock ledges that make the park such a popular destination.

As we explored the creek, it was fascinating to think that beneath our feet lay the remains of an ancient volcanic landscape that existed long before people—or even dinosaurs had disappeared from the Earth.

Knowing that this area was once covered by an ancient sea made me pay closer attention to every rock beneath my feet. Between the volcanic formations, fossils, and unusual limestone, McKinney Falls feels as much like an outdoor geology museum as it does a state park.

On the spur, we decided to head for McKinney Falls state park. Might as well, as we wanted to get our money's worth on our state park pass. Also, McKinney Fall's happens to be practically in our backyard (less than 30 minutes away.)

Pilot Knob Volcano Lava

I hope you enjoy these photo's as much as I have. I tried to capture the beauty of this amazing area. The rock formations you see are molten lava rock from the Pilot Knob volcano - long ago extinct, but active thousands of years ago. (At least, we hope it's extinct. It rests near the Balcones Fault zone.)

overlooking Onion Creek

I'm no geologist by any stretch of the imagination, so bear with me. I'm also no photographer either, so just pretend you are seeing the park through my eyes, as imperfect as they are.

I found the thousands of puddles interesting in their own right. This one in particular showed me the simple beauty of nature and how life tends to grow and thrive under any circumstances.

McKinney Falls State Park is worth the visit

I kept my eyes glued to the ground, as we found flint and lots of interesting rocks and pebbles. Without a doubt, fossils and many other treasures are to be found... Alan and I have decided it's time to invest in a good metal detector to take on our trips...

Fishing at McKinney Falls

numerous water falls at the state park

There are several falls in the park. This one was located at the Homestead trail.

Stopping to smell the "roses"...

large trees at the park

The area consists of Bald Cypress trees, Sycamores and Pecan Trees... until you move further inland from the creek. Then there are various cedars, mesquite, etc. -- sort of like West Texas meets up with South Texas...

Cypress Tree

I found this tree stump fascinating. It was lying on its side and we marveled at how the pebbles filled its belly. (We had walked a long primitive trail past the falls along Onion Creek and found this stump.)

Indian Overhead - must see the visitor center!

Pamela, digging for sea shells. This area used to be home to the prehistoric reptile - Mosasaur - an entire skeleton had been found, along with various fossils, showing the area to have been a part of the shallow sea.

The Indian overhead was breathtakingly beautiful. Reminded me of our prior visit in Cedar Park to the Indian overhead that we had visited on CAVE DAY.

One of my favorite spots at the park - The Indian Overhead

It was a cool retreat from the warm sunshine and 80+ degrees...

Trees growing above the overhead

Plenty of shaded hiking trails at McKinney Falls

I gave up on capturing the height and width of this tree... Reminded me of those California Redwoods... well, at least a baby one.... (click to enlarge)

Spotting deer at the Texas state park

We saw white-tailed deer, Armadillo's, baby snakes, and dark scurrying shadows within the woods...

Struck by lightning?

Resting on the trails

McKinney Falls has beautiful hiking trails

trying our hand at fishing

Time to cast those lines...

This hole leads down into Onion Creek and where the falls are spilling... SPOOKY - not a place to slip and fall into!

These falls were located on the other side of the park, and where we decided to fish...

Someone caught a tree!

I couldn't help but notice that this was a favorite fishing spot. If you could see this tree with your own eyes, you'd realize that SEVERAL people had cast their lines WAY HIGH into the sky to snag these branches... Can you count how many bobbers and lures are in this tree? Now it looks like a Christmas tree...