Muriel rediscovers connections from her research that are being brought to light again once the study and publication are complete, thanks to those who were a part of the research.

Muriel’s recent “winter read” is Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson. In her book review, she writes about Charmaine Wilkerson’s gift to tell a beautiful story in “Now and Then,” which reveals secrets and heritage, in meaning and symbolism of a family recipe.

Muriel unravels emotions of longing and loss in Song of Jaybird. She encourages others to explore these themes by reading Song of Jaybird and invites them to share their insight.

Muriel writes about Happenstance Factual Encounters which developed in the course of her writing and researching Song of Jaybird. She shares interesting tidbits which influenced or confirmed her story development. The author sites a few examples of her inspiration she happened upon while writing her novel about Debt Peonage of Black Laborers in Turpentine Camps at the turn of the twentieth century.

In her third part of the resolution, Muriel blogs about distractions and taking control of time. She references The Artist’s Way- A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity and Claude Monet’s Magpie.

Muriel shares how quickly her goals were replaced this week with distractions, which interrupt creativity.

Muriel writes a play on the word resolution, and how different meanings of resolution apply to Art and Book Studio. She likes to use the word goals instead, planning smaller increments of time, and shares a list from Good Housekeeping.

Muriel often writes about unexpected gifts that bring her joy and often spark an idea in her art and writing. In this blog, she shares about such an occasion.

Muriel has a tradition of creating handmade Christmas Cards made of construction paper artwork and incorporating family photos. She shares why she continues this tradition and what it means to keep this connection with friends and family.

Muriel describes her experience at a book signing event sponsored by Floral City Heritage Days. Her new book, Song of Jaybird, is a historical fiction about Black Labor in Debt Peonage at Etna turpentine camp, which is significant to African American history.

Now that Song of Jaybird is published, Muriel shares her marketing helps and consistency in keeping a schedule for managing her business Art and Books Studio.

Muriel ask the question, Do you have one of those days when you experience the grown-up version of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie? She shares her day of urgent request preceding another.

Muriel read another book about the French model and artist Victorine Meurent written by Drema Drudge. Her blog describes a few meaningful points about Victorine.

Muriel shares the process of Song of Jaybird, the emotions of getting her new book to print, and what comes next. Are you a reader of historical fiction?

Muriel receives a fantastic birthday gift from Creativeworksofheart, a miniature version of her studio in 1:12 scale.

Muriel shares an excerpt from her new book, Song of Jaybird, featuring the harvest of heart of palm when Delia encourages the woodsmen to live off the land instead of buying from the company store.

Muriel writes about the impact of color on artists and scientists, which has influenced the perception of how a few selected artists illustrate the use of color in their paintings.

Muriel has researched bonded labor for her book Song of Jaybird and writes of the further practice of peonage in modern times.