Blog - Laurie Martin-Gardner

Of Magnolias and Museums: Uncovering the Past at Pope’s Tavern

February 2023 Spring has not yet arrived in northwest Alabama. Not officially anyway. But Southern weather abides by no rules but its own with little regard to seasons and scientific patterns. So, it surprises no one that the towering magnolia tucked into the corner of Seminary Street and Hermitage Drive in Florence, Alabama is already unfurling its smooth pink and white petals. They flutter gently in the breeze – a breeze that one day blows warm with the threat of looming, long summer days and the next with gnawing cold as winter desperately tries to hold on just a

May 2, 2023

Poem – Mythscapes: Desire

I have long loved the work of mythologist Joseph Campbell. The sheer magnitude of his knowledge is almost unfathomable, and his mastery of the English language was equally incredible. His works have influenced my own in many ways, including now in my poetry. I recently came across a quote by Mr. Campbell that I just could not get out of my head: “Myths are public dreams.Dreams are private myths.” – Joseph Campbell “Dreams are private myths.” That line really resonated with me. How many times have you found yourself staring at the ceiling, creating impossible scenarios in your mind on

March 27, 2023

The Best Laid Plans

It seems that every time I attempt to begin this blog in earnest, something happens to sidetrack my plans. It feels almost personal at this point. But I am determined to build this into something special. Currently, I am recovering from a complete hysterectomy that I had on February 27th. The entire process, despite a rather annoying setback, happened quite quickly. Plans were already beginning to be put into place after my very first appointment. Without going into too many gory details, suffice it to say that I’ve been living with some significant issues for many years now. My entire

March 26, 2023

An Introduction (of sorts)

Summer 1988 Somewhere among the rolling hills of rural northwest Alabama, a little girl lies on a tattered blanket staring up at the sky. To her left an expanse of evergreen trees sway ever so slightly in the hot summer breeze, filling the air with its crisp scent and the gentle sound of rustling pine needles. Towering above her on the right, the ancient house with its long faded white paint and battered façade casts its long shadow over her. Ah, it must have been glorious in its prime with its long porches and rough black columns. But those days

January 24, 2023

Hi, I’m Laurie! Welcome to my new blog! I’m just getting started, but soon this will be the place for updates on my ever-growing list of projects, sneak peeks, interesting articles on a host of topics, and fun glimpses into my extraordinarily crazy life. Thank you for joining me on this adventure!

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Books

Gentle Melancholy
To Touch the Moon
The Hidden Goddess
Memories of Fire
Pagan Portals: Lilith
Pantheon: The Greeks
Other Works