Moonberry Lake
The place you’ve always longed for.
Stories that invite you home.
Are you looking for A Moment With Martha from her column in the morning newspaper?
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I’m Holly Varni. I’m thrilled to introduce you to the fictional town and world of Moonberry Lake. Tucked away in the beautiful North Woods of Minnesota, Moonberry Lake reminds you of a simpler time, yet the struggles and drama revealed will feel similar to today. You’ll hopefully find something familiar in the quirky characters that speak to you and make you smile.
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Listen to my podcast, Moments from Moonberry Lake. This is where you’ll find all the Moments with Martha! Click one of the titles below to listen to the most recent episodes. Or, click the “More Stories” button below to view all the episodes.
From the Blog
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Recent Articles
Seeing my future self… A Christmas Carol moment
I was sitting at a Castings Crown concert with my thirteen year old son, completely mesmerized by what was in front of me and it had nothing to do with the musicians. Don't get me wrong, the concert was wonderful. As fans of the group, we have attended one of...
Where you go, I go…
I married a man from the West Coast who loves the ocean. I use the word “love” but even that seems to be an understatement. He has a spiritual connection to the water. It’s as if the life force of the ocean is connected to his own wellbeing. I do not feel that way....
Betty Boop gets hitched
This last weekend, Betty Boop got hitched. Some of you may remember her from "Betty Boop's "Pizzazz" Fizzles Mine." https://www.hollyvarni.com/betty-boops-pizzazz-fizzles-mine/ Walking down the aisle, she looked stunning in her layers of lace and sparkle. Her hair...
Who said it would be easy?
Hanging above the kitchen sink when I was growing up, right smack in between two windows that looked out to the backyard, was a small plaque with the words, “God forbid, life should be easy!” The quote was from Alan Alda. My parents loved the actor, the TV show...
Hang on, it’s going to be a wild & crazy ride
Anyone that goes through a personal crisis in their life will inevitably come out the other side speaking the same truth—I learned who my real friends are. We’ve all heard it. There are those that come in your hour of need and those that flee. This discovery comes...
The “After” of Breast Cancer: Chick with the silicone chest
This year has been one of growth for me. Not that I was stagnant in a pubescent stage or anything, but there are times in life where difficult circumstances propel you forward a few steps on the evolution of who you are as a person. One of those growth enhancing...
Breath of snow
I imagine it’s a snowy day in Moonberry Lake and the good townsfolk are nestled in their homes trying to stay warm by drinking hot liquids and wearing an extra layer of clothing. The temperature sometimes warms up to above zero, as this winter has broken records as...
Da Vinci’s Golden Cup
Have you heard the story about the golden cup in Leonardo Da Vinci’s, The Last Supper? The enormous painting that measures 15 x 29 feet and covers an entire wall, depicts the evening before Christ was betrayed by one of his disciples. If you don’t know that story...
The Gift of a Griswald Memory
Each of us has certain memories from our childhood that stick more than others. When I think back to the holiday season when I was growing up, the first image that comes to mind are my parents in our front yard putting up lights. It’s an understatement to say that...
Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Moonberry Lake “Bread is the basic sustenance of every culture in the world, and I’m trying to connect with that primal need that we all share. The act of creating and baking bread can be a very meditative act. It centers your spirit in the present moment,” said...
She responded, “I am blessed…”
A dear friend of mine, who is a regular topic of discussion on my blog, is someone I refer to as "Southern Belle". I've written of her charm and syrupy sweetness, her expectation for always being proper (said with a heavy lilt) and down home hospitality that could...
My life as a Hallmark Movie
Boy meets girl. Boy and girl feel a spark but an obstacle stands between them. Boy can't stop thinking about girl. Boy and girl keep running into one another. Boy and girl spend time solving the problem. Boy and girl fall in love and live happily ever after. I am a...