The Author

Chara is the amazingly gorgeous Author in Residence at Toad Hall. She is a dreamer, a maker, and a sarcastinator. She has many fabulous qualities, but humility is her best one. She was born in Texas and currently hales from the state of Colorado. However, her heart belongs to the coasts of Maine where she spent her childhood. She loves her family (even her younger brother), her friends, and her black lab, Staedtler. She also loves her imaginary pet elephant and someday plans to have a real one, but currently her father refuses to allow any more pets in the house. When she is not making sassy commentary on life, Chara enjoys reading, watching movies across all genres, and writing.

Chara fought against writing in school, but eventually learned to embrace it as a means of creating wonderfully ridiculous stories full of magic and cheesy romance that would make Hallmark blush. Many of her early manuscripts were lost in a fire she may, or may not, have started herself (her study of true crime has taught her that a backyard fire pit is useful for burning evidence). In spite of this act of mercy on the world’s behalf, Chara still has some early works which she intends to polish and submit for potential publishing. Of course, the irony is that any publisher willing to print Chara’s works likely ought to have their head examined and may not be truly qualified to be a publisher.

With a myriad of interests ranging from Blue’s Clues (the Steve years) to history, from Star Wars to fashion design, from playing the piano to true crime, Chara considers herself to be a quirky anomaly. She wanted to be an artist when she grew up, then she wanted to be a writer, then she decided to never grow up at all. Now, she is still determined against growing up, but should that become unavoidable, Chara wants to be one of everything. After all, life has too much to offer to limit oneself to only one pursuit. This philosophy has met its share of opposition from the so called “real world,” but since Chara doesn’t live there anyway, she continues to follow where her interests lead.

Why Toad Hall?

There are so many new interests just waiting to be discovered, but what does one do with the souvenirs of previous interests? Where does one send the postcards from the fabulous lands one has visited vicariously through research? How does one store the specimens gathered in study? Where does one display the works collected from talent all over the world wide web? Where will there ever be a conversation long enough to share all that one has learned and experienced? The answers to these questions come in the form of Toad Hall.

For those not immediately familiar with it, the name Toad Hall comes from the wonderful story “The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Graham. Mr. Toad is the owner of the old house, which bears the name of Toad Hall, and he is a splendid fellow. He is friendly and passionate about life. He chases the next pursuit with gusto and style, though not with any sticktoitiveness. It is a mark on dear Toady’s character that he never finishes what he begins and often this is due to the unwillingness to overcome the obstacles that all beginners face.

Though she usually commits herself to things a bit more than Toad, Chara relates to having multiple interests and the desire to experience all that the wide world has to offer. In the spirit of that desire, and in honor of Mr. Toad, Chara created Toad Hall. She is pleased to have a place to share all of her hobbies and interests with others who may appreciate them. It is a rare occurrence in her life, but Chara has found a few kindred spirits here and there. It is possible that there just might be a few more who will be delighted to have a place like Toad Hall. It is also possible they will feel as if they have fallen down the rabbit hole, but that is another blog altogether.

Visiting Toad Hall

While most blogs have a consistent theme or subject matter, Toad Hall does not. Or, if it does, then the common thread is simply life. At any given moment, you are likely to find items on movies or a current political issue, or perhaps a series of sketches Chara finally feels brave enough to share with the world. From time to time there might be a post by a guest blogger. One day might feature a Question and Answer post to discuss things that people have asked Chara. She knows everything, so she gets asked a lot of questions.

It is a possibility that this particular style of blog will not be to your taste. Chara knows she cannot please everyone, but she is hopeful that you will at least keep it in mind for someone who will enjoy it. Likely candidates will be those of your acquaintance who can be described by certain terms including, but not limited to, a bit odd, whimsical, a fan boy/girl, having a morbid sense of humor, smart, or witty. Whoever they are, they are welcome to visit Toad Hall anytime.