Writer’s Block?
Even if you are the most prolific writer in the world, you will one day likely experience the dreaded phenomenon known as “Writer’s Block!” It’s like a demon that appears suddenly from nowhere, grabs you by the brain and won’t let you go. Scary? Yes, but worry not. There is a cure! [Read more…]
Oct 6, 2007
Writer’s Block, Anyone?
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Oct 4, 2007
Romance of the U.P. Recalled in “A Tree Grows in Trout Creek”
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Ancient Ojibwa burial grounds, Northern Lights, and the life of an iron miner’s family are looked at through the eyes of a spirited, sometimes somber girl searching out her wishes and dreams. Poignant and funny, A Tree Grows in Trout Creek celebrates the mystery and miracles of growing up as it follows a small town family through times of laughter, tears, and triumph.
Oct 2, 2007
Memories for Sale: Finders! Keepers!
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Want to take a trip to the past, find your favorite memories? Rediscover the fun and adventure you shared with your family and friends a few—or many—years ago? Since I am an author of memoirs, actually two books of memoirs, The Wishing Years and A Tree Grows in Trout Creek, recollecting my life stories is what I do just about every day. Weekdays, I write from my office in Michigan, the stories of my and my family and friends’ youthful experiences.
Oct 1, 2007
Chicago Tribune Gives High Ratings to Upper Peninsula Pasties!
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Just received this great bit of Upper Peninsula of Michigan (Yooper) hot breaking news from an old pal from Stambaugh High School, Carole Frighetto Stewart. She writes in regard to Tim Jones’ Chicago Tribune news article in yesterday’s paper: The Top of the Lake, A ride through Yooper land, from Menominee to the bridge: [Read more…]
Sep 28, 2007
The Author Couldn’t Be Happier!
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Ah, the writing life is wonderful! Going to the post office has become my major source of entertainment since Wildwood Press sent out the pre-publication discount flier for my new book, A Tree Grows in Trout Creek. Why is the post office so exciting and fun? Well, for one thing, we are receiving book orders by the dozens and, along with those orders, many Yoopers (people who live, or once lived, above the Mackinac Bridge in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan) are writing their expressions of excitement over the new book’s forthcoming arrival. Congratulations and best wishes are the theme of each day.
But, even more important [Read more…]
Sep 26, 2007
Start Writing Your Memoirs Today!
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The writing of my memoirs now fills two increasingly popular books of collected stories about growing up in Michigan’s rugged, isolated, and enchanting Upper Peninsula. My first book, The Wishing Years, was published in 1995. The second book, A Tree Grows in Trout Creek, is in production now and will be available for shipping in three to four weeks. The first book became popular with people of all ages. The second book is bringing back second-time buyers—an author’s dream come true!
How did I start? I began by reading, immersing myself [Read more…]
Sep 24, 2007
A Tale of Two Cities (& a Village)
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In August 2000, The Detroit Free Press praised the small Upper Peninsula of Michigan governments of two cities and one village for consolidating into one larger entity. On July 1, 2000, the cities of Stambaugh and Iron River and the village of Mineral Hills founded a new city called Iron River, Michigan.
Seeking a common good, wrote the Press, the three municipalities, “…put aside hometown loyalties and became one…”
Sep 23, 2007
Polish Home Cooking Recipes!
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Kapusta
(Polish: Stewed Sauerkraut with Mushrooms)
Ingredients:
1 oz. dried mushrooms or ¼ lb. fresh mushrooms
1 large onion, diced
2-1/2 T. butter or shortening
1-1/2 lbs. sauerkraut, rinsed & drained
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Sep 22, 2007
New! Danish & Dessert Recipes!
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Thank you to Phyllis Nielsen Krzynski for submitting the following recipes from her family recipe file. The Danish Ebleskiver is a dessert that her mother made before her. Phyllis makes this dessert and the apple and coconut bars for all of their family’s special occasions. Now you can enjoy them too!
Ebleskiver
(Danish: Dessert)
Ingredients:
2 c. buttermilk
2 c. flour
3 eggs
[Read more…]
Sep 22, 2007
Recipe Search!
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I’m looking for the following kinds of recipes:
• Ethnic recipes!
• 1940’s, 50’s or 60’s recipes!
• Your favorite family recipes from any era!
Do you have a favorite recipe that you’d like to share? If so, send it to me and I’ll post it (with your name) on the website. It could even end up being published in my next book!
Send your recipe by email to: cjohnson@umich.edu
(Recipes may be handwritten or typed. Either way is fine!)