Hiya, I’m Kathy Martens, author, podcaster, writing consultant, artist, connoisseur of play. Glad you stopped by my digital pen monkey home.
I know we’re just getting acquainted and all, but here’s something fun you can celebrate with me: My memoir won two awards!
Finalist in both the Next Generation Indie Book Awards and
the National Indie Excellence Awards
Born Again, Again
That time I fell down a rabbit hole and spent twenty-two years as a Bible thumping, tongue speaking, Gospel preaching Born Again Christian. And then I woke up.
Check it out HERE.
“BORN AGAIN, AGAIN by Kathy Martens will resonate with readers. At some point almost everyone must make a decision to reject God or to interact with God. And many people experience detours in life that have nothing to do with religion. This author’s memoir shares life lessons along with her story.
Her ability to write as an impartial observer is admirable. She approaches the writing with maturity, making for an engaging book. The reader will enjoy the family photos included. BORN AGAIN, AGAIN is a great addition to the body of books appealing to seekers.”
~Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards
So friend, how ya holdin’ up these days? I know, right? It’s been kinda like we’ve wandered into a closet full of stabby things.
Have you managed to remain a believer in the basic goodness of humanity? Sometimes it’s like trying to get hold of a tomato seed, that damn hope can be a slippery little bugger. But believe we must, because:
We are our only hope.
And how’s the creativity coming along?
Yeah, I hear ya. Tough to get the the ol’ saddle flapper into the chair some days. Tough to grab the pen, the brush, the tap shoes and make art just because that’s what you were born to do.
Specially when it feels like, what’s the point? How can this possibly help?
Well, we both know the truth.
Art helps.
And it matters. Because by some crazy-ass magic it binds wounds and connects hearts. We gotta do it despite the feelings of futility. Despite our fears and self-doubt.
For me, writing’s the super glue. It’s got a way of sticking all the little scattered pieces of my innards back together when I discombobulate.
Okay, so sometimes only whiskey works. (Not super practical on the regular, but I’ll admit, it’s been a nice rainy-day friend from time to time.)
Today though, how about a little playtime? That always helps. Like, hangin’ out here with me for a bit.
Take a breath, grab a cuppa, read some words. Have a laugh. Be inspired. And know you’re not alone.
Got some kerbobbled noggin knockers messing with your mojo? Need a little brow dab? A reminder of who you are? I have some words to share with you. Stories to bring some bright to your day.
Spoiler alert: The end of our current story? Love wins. Cuz Love is better.
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Love is better. And other thoughts.
This is where you can find some of my articles, fun stories, and antidotes to depression and anxiety. Browse HERE by category, or just click at random below. Happy reading 🙂
Saying Goodbye to the Big Easy
When my hubby and I were considering a move to New Orleans, my daughter (who had moved there several years prior) said to me, “If you embrace New Orleans, New Orleans will embrace you.” We’ve always been up for a challenge, so we packed up our world and struck out on our adventure.
Ten months later, I let her know we wouldn’t be staying.
On Turning Fifty. Two.
“My fifties are going to be my best decade…” (pumps pompoms, does a high jump kick, lands in the splits, sun glinting off teeth)
Riding the Train They Call the City of New Orleans
“New Orleans?”
Blink, blink.
“Why the heck would you ever wanna move there?”
Many friends and family just shook their heads at our news.
Then we loaded up the truck and we moved to the Big EeeeZZZ! Nawlins that is…sweat that pools, lots of bars…
Wuuuv… Twooooo Wuuuuv.
Thirty-one years. Sixty-two percent of my life have I spent with this guy…so far. And yes, still in love.
Crook-Necking Squash and Tomato
Call me sappy and mushy. Call me idealistic and Pollyanna-like. Call me hopelessly optimistic and simple minded-like. I still think that Love is what it’s all about, Alfie.
Happy is Now.
Today, sitting outside, sipping a beer with my lover was all the therapy I needed.
If you get lost in your head and forget to breathe like I do, here’s a little story for you.
Please enjoy. And breathe.
Throwing in the Towel
Having finished my memoir I’m diving into learning more about the slowly diminishing genre of the short story. Here is a recent shorty that you might enjoy… just a handful of paragraphs, but fun. Happy reading! 🙂
Perfectionism: The Enemy of Done.
An opportune moment.
An old friend emails you a sweet hey-howdy, wassup, here’s-what’s-new-with-me email. You read the lovely missive. Love bomb goes off in your chest, but…
Three quadrillion things on your Should-Do list.
The Straightening of Crooked Things
A fascinating look at heavy machinery; man and nature; destruction and creation.
Ginormous Blessings Come in Wee Little Boxes
A re-post… In honor of my sweet momma. Happy Departure Day ~ I miss you with all my heart.
Pet the Monkey
Noooooooooooooo, don’t go there you nasty pants. I’m not talking about that. If you don’t know what we’re talking about…well, don’t ask.
Today I had an apostrophe. I made friends with my monkey.
T’was the Nightmare Before Christmas,
…when all through the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. Or a ballerina. Or an Ironman, a Captain America, nor a Thor. Nothing hits the empty nester like a Holloween without your kids. Even all grown up ones. I would have given my left…ovary for my kids to come crashing in, …
A Sticky Note
Now I don’t believe that God is in any way mean, punitive or prone to schadenfreude, but he/she/it certainly had a good laugh on me a few days ago…
You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Bucket
A few months ago I sat by the river and had a lovely lunch with one of my dearest, most funnest, supremely wisest and wackiest of friends, She never fails to bring some otherworldly perspective that brings out the very best in me.
