Early in 2020, I entered my third book, Change: Our Ever-Present Companion, Reflections from the Red Kayak, in the 28th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards. Although the book did not win, it received the highest marks for structure, organization, cover design, voice and writing style, among other things. Below is the judge’s commentary. I […]
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Reflections from the Red Kayak “Not until we are lost, do we find ourselves again” Henry David Thoreau Author I intended to write this piece about being uprooted a while ago. But I didn’t. Why? Because I have allowed the tumultuous, external events of the year to cloud my focus. How about you? Henry David
“If rivers come out of their icy prison thus bright and immortal, shall not I too resume my spring life with joy and hope?” Journal, 29 February 1852 -Henry David Thoreau From his journal entry on leap year day, 1852, Henry David Thoreau brings us wisdom for today. The frozen river melts to become clear, flowing water,
Be the Flowing Water… Read More »
“Not until we are lost, do we find ourselves again” –Henry David Thoreau Many of us are familiar with Henry David Thoreau for his infamous publication, Walden and his deliberate intention to live in the woods. More than a woodsman, however, he was also an avid paddler who lived near the confluence of the Concord, Sudbury
One eighth of an inch… Read More »
As I reflected on 2019 and thoughts I wanted to share, I found this saying in one of my morning meditation books – “Each person’s life is like the pattern of a mosaic. Each thing that happens to you is like one tiny stone in the mosaic, and each tiny stone fits into the perfected
Greetings of the Season! Read More »
“And the world cannot be discovered by a journey of miles, no matter how long, but only by a spiritual journey, a journey of one inch, very arduous and humbling and joyful, by which we arrive at the ground at our own feet and learn to be at home.” Wendell Berry, The Unforeseen Wilderness: Kentucky’s
Yet having struggled for a lifetime with letting the needs of others define me, I’ve come to understand that without the healthiest form of self-love, putting another before you can result in damaging self-sacrifice… Mark Nepo, The Book of Awakening Greetings from the Red Kayak Institute (RKI)! We wish you a healthy and fulfilling 2019.
Recovery on…and off…the water Read More »
The Boulder Junction Public Library Invites You to a Book Talk with Author and Red Kayak Institute Founder, Mary Anne Smrz Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at 7:00 pmAt the Boulder Junction Community Center5392 Park Street Mary Anne Smrz is an avid kayaker who uses insights gained on the water to enrich her own life and
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Greetings for the new year! I wish you all the best of health, prosperity and positive change in your life in 2018! I am excited to let you know that my newest book, Change: Our Ever-Present Companion is now complete and ready for purchase. It is a collection of essays from many of my paddling adventures over the
Reflections – A New Year Read More »
I have always been fascinated by red-winged blackbirds when I have been paddling through the inlets and coves on many Wisconsin lakes. How they swoop around in the marshes and then land on a tiny strand of reed. The unsuspecting reed sways back and forth, adjusting to the weight of this surprise visitor and it
Lessons from the Red-Winged Blackbird Read More »
