Callie J. Smith

author

Tag: cycling

Creative Breaks: A Summer in Photos

Aug 6, 2025

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by

Callie J. Smith

in spirituality and creativity

Though I wrote a lot this summer, I also needed time to reflect on that writing and to not even think about that writing. I’m sure many parts of life – creative and otherwise – are like that. It helps to take breaks. This summer, two of my best “break” activities were morning bike rides…
On Memories and Acts of Care

Jul 2, 2025

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by

Callie J. Smith

in grief and memory, hope and imagination

“It’s the memories of care that strike me in a different, deeper place.” – from “On Memories and Acts of Care” I’m pleased to share “On Memories and Acts of Care,” which was awarded the 2025 Award of Merit (Best in Book) prize in The Polk Street Review 2025. Watch the Youtube reading below or keep…
On Birch Branches and Everyday Reminders

Oct 8, 2024

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by

Callie J. Smith

in hope and imagination

A birch tree reaches out over the White River at a point very near my favorite bike trail. A clear view of it opens up from the hilltop north of an interstate bridge. From there I see many branches of many trees, but the birch’s vivid white bark often catches my attention. I first noticed…
To Practice Change

Mar 1, 2023

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by

Callie J. Smith

in hope and imagination

I’ve been looking ahead, daydreaming about blossoms on trees, and fresh starts, and new things. They sound beautiful. Newness means change, though, and I’ve had a complicated relationship with change. Perhaps many of us have in recent years as the pace of it seems to have picked up. Change can bring about great good, but…
Thoughts and Readings, Part 2 (Kat’s Dreams)

Jan 25, 2023

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by

Callie J. Smith

in hope and imagination, spirituality and creativity

Thanks, again, to RM Media for this video opportunity (part 2 of 3) to talk about paying attention and about my new book, Kat’s Dreams. Video Transcript: Smith: As a clergy person, I’ve gotten into the habit of paying attention to the spiritual aspects of how we live and breathe and move through this world.…
The Beauty of Rest

Jun 13, 2022

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by

Callie J. Smith

in spirituality and creativity

“Look!” His brakes screeched as the bike came to a stop. I caught up and slowed to a stop behind him. My friend pointed to the side of the trail. “Do you know what these are?” I looked down. “Mayapples?” “Mayapples. You know they’re native to Indiana?” I nodded. With that, he dove into a…

About the author

Callie J. Smith writes about women who, like her, are finding themselves. Her stories and essays explore everyday things like hope, creativity, and grief.