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Health & Fitness

Caledonia Meets Author: Kate Dickinson

A new blog on fashion tips, author quips and quick wit from a caledonia writer looking to meet her community in a new way.



Hey there Cali!

That’s what how I affectionately refer to my adopted home here in Caledonia. For all of you who are as obsessed with Southern California as me, you’ll understand. The reason for my new blog is my newfound passion for writing. It all began one night, just a few short months ago as I was memorizing the back of my eyelids. I dreamt about a story of loss from the perspective of a child. It was so vivid, that I woke up and had to write it down. Having been a hospice nurse for over 4 years was clearly a factor, as I’ve watched families, and children grieve at the loss of a loved one. I know from experience that when it comes to books on these subjects, the children’s book market is very lacking. I felt I had to do something about it.

That morning, I took out a pen and paper – you know, the old-school method – just like I did when I was a kid. I wrote down what I saw, then called and told my whole family what happened. They listened excitedly as I explained how I was going to write a book for children, especially the youngest ones, whose emotions are often overlooked during the death of a loved one. Explaining to everyone what I wanted to do was strangely more difficult than coming up with the idea to begin with. I soon realized that storytelling was not the same as being a skilled writer, and I began to learn about the process.

Who am I? Just a girl with a dream… and a few guilty pleasures! Like chicken nuggets, peanut butter and anything with caffeine. Then, there’s the many Caledonia fish fries each week. Ok, now I’m just rambling. Seriously, though… I was raised in the OC of Wisconsin (yes, another California reference), where I stayed through high school. I attended North Central University, in Minneapolis, MN, and graduated in 2001 with a degree in music. When I moved back my hometown, I married and played piano for my church, teaching children in my community and continued my education in nursing, having been in the industry now since 2004. I am currently back in school pursuing my Nurse Practitioner license.

I love to tell stories, and have been told I have a sharp wit and have an endless appreciation for wild imagination. I find inspiration in time spent with people I love most, and with my first love, music.

As I’ve added author to my acquired (and growing) skills, I have written several short stories, including “Superhero Kid… in Training,” and the story that inspired me to start writing, “The Best Tree Ever,” a story about a young boy and the loss of his favorite tree. I am in the process of writing a new story about an extra-ordinary bunny and it’s best friend.

I have begin writing on Patch because after years of living in this great community, I wanted to feel more a part of it. Hopefully, I can come to know more of you and get your feedback.

My goal for this blog is to not only have an outlet to talk about my stories, but also have fun discussing fashion, puppies and confessions of local bakery raids. My hope is that you find some amusement and a little serenity in what I write here on the Patch.

See you next week!

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