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Caution: Mermaid Crossing
This blog (including pages of interest as an author/speaker/workshop presenter)
is a companion to my upcoming collection of essays titled,
Caution: Mermaid Crossing, Voyages of a Motherless Daughter - Passing through a sea of adversity,
she overcomes a life unimaginable by crossing into the world of ethereal beauty and mermaid magic.
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My Nine and a Half Lives
I can’t help but ask the higher power, the gods, or the departed why I’m still orbiting with our Mother Earth. What makes one soul...
Valerie Anne Burns
Feb 27, 2020
Not Everyone Had a Place to Be on Christmas
The holidays are an intimate occasion, which can bring joy and connection to most, but at times, laced with stress and/or loneliness....
Valerie Anne Burns
Dec 28, 2019
The Bells of Italy Continue to Ring
It is the bells of Italy that stays with me as if absorbed in my body since returning home the end of October from my month-long...
Valerie Anne Burns
Dec 11, 2019
"Gulf Stream Awakening" out-loud
Instead of a written blog this month, below you'll find a literary reading with Out Loud Santa Barbara (sponsored by Arts Fund) where I...
Valerie Anne Burns
Nov 18, 2019
Written Word Manifesting in Real Time
Photo of me in Florence at age 19 Writing essay after essay without ever thinking it would become a book has finally brought me to a...
Valerie Anne Burns
Sep 20, 2019
A Valium and A Cookie
The photo above depicts my sentiments most pointedly after discovering that three weeks of writing work was lost. I received the red edit...
Valerie Anne Burns
Aug 10, 2019
Encouraged and Discouraged
Dualities of Life Ah, the dualities of life: Encouraged/Discouraged, Sad/Happy, Peaceful/Anxious, Healthy/Unwell,...
Valerie Anne Burns
Jul 8, 2019
Blooming Surprises
So far March has brought a breath of fresh air to my door twice--Blooming gifts to thank me for gestures that come, for the most part,...
Valerie Anne Burns
Mar 11, 2019
A Mermaid's Revision
After several months, and several distractions demanding attention, I've completed the revision of my book, "Caution: Mermaid Crossing"....
Valerie Anne Burns
Jan 23, 2019
Gulf Stream Awakening" out-loud
Instead of a written blog this month, below you'll find a literary reading with Out Loud Santa Barbara (sponsored by Arts Fund) where I...
Valerie Anne Burns
Nov 19, 2018
Holy Crap, Did I Glimpse Into the Abyss?
Sometimes the mighty do fall. It doesn't mean we've fallen forever. A friend said to me, "You're so strong, you'll get on the other side...
Valerie Anne Burns
Oct 11, 2018
Mermaid in Mexico
Written in honor and in gratitude for Send Me On Vacation During my 'runaway retreat' in the redwoods of northern California the end of...
Valerie Anne Burns
Aug 27, 2018
Runaway Retreat
Since my manuscript was taunting me and I couldn't seem to get a footing to launch into the daunting revision notes from my editor, I...
Valerie Anne Burns
Jul 7, 2018
My Manuscript is Taunting Me
There it sits. After years of work and literally blood sweat and tears, (including gallons of fluid post-surgeries) I have a draft. A...
Valerie Anne Burns
Jun 5, 2018
Off Kilter, On Track
"Off Kilter On Track" Written for Daughters Against Breast Cancer - www.daughtersagainstbc.org Finally blessed with a steady rain storm...
Valerie Anne Burns
Apr 30, 2018
Off Kilter, On Track
"Off Kilter On Track" Written for Daughters Against Breast Cancer - www.daughtersagainstbc.org Finally blessed with a steady rain storm...
Valerie Anne Burns
Apr 30, 2018
Stories Of Us - Santa Barbara Project
"This is a story of a warrior, a survivor, and an outstanding community member. Valerie Burns has written an unflinching book about her...
Valerie Anne Burns
Apr 13, 2018
What Mysteries and Meanings Are in a Last Name?
My last name of Burns passed from dad, his father before him and so on is of Scottish heritage. I carry the Scottish name and history....
Valerie Anne Burns
Mar 8, 2018
Am I Crazy?
It's entirely possible that I'm a little crazy; perhaps even driven to that place. This should not be confused with being referred to as,...
Valerie Anne Burns
Jan 22, 2018
Holiday Firestorm
The familiar holiday decorations are up in downtown Santa Barbara, but their glow has been dimmed not only from smoke and ash, but a...
Valerie Anne Burns
Dec 19, 2017
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