My previous post about the zipper that ate the panties, dubbed by SJ as “jumpsuit jail,” garnered some really enthusiastic comments on Friday and I really do appreciate reader friends reaching out to share their enjoyment of something I wrote. I think we could all use a laugh, particularly these days, and I was happy … Continue reading A funny thing
Category: Education
The Librarians and the fight for free speech
It isn’t often that I anticipate a film’s release as much as I’ve looked forward to the opening of The Librarians. This documentary, which made its debut at Sundance, presents the fight against censorship and book banning, as fought by librarians. Opening at select theaters domestically, as well as in Ireland and the UK, as … Continue reading The Librarians and the fight for free speech
Shutting the door on society – a visit to Emily Dickinson’s home
After decades of regret for missing the opportunity to tour the Dickinson family property in Amherst, I’ve finally made my way to the home of one of our country’s finest poets. I honestly don’t know what took me so long to get there, but I really enjoyed the time spent walking the rooms and grounds … Continue reading Shutting the door on society – a visit to Emily Dickinson’s home
Another peek into the annex – Ruth Franklin’s The Many Lives of Anne Frank
It’s been about 80 years since Anne Frank died, yet her brief life remains an inspiration to people around the globe. While her assertion that “In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart,” at times rings as nothing but naively innocent, her ability to hold onto to this optimistic … Continue reading Another peek into the annex – Ruth Franklin’s The Many Lives of Anne Frank
My last desktop calendar
Earlier this month, my new desktop calendar was delivered. Yes, I still appreciate a paper calendar on my desk at work. There’s a wonderful ritual, to me, in tearing off the sullied top page and enjoying a fresh start each month. Disposing of the doodles, notes and reminders to reveal a clean slate, always leaves … Continue reading My last desktop calendar
Starting the school year off with a bang
Just another day in America yet, somehow, since it’s the day before my students return to their classrooms after summer break, the latest school shooting in the United States is hitting me hard. Why do we tolerate this? Why do we allow our government to do nothing? Why have we given organizations like the NRA … Continue reading Starting the school year off with a bang
Read this: The Rent Collector
Over the years there have been a number of YA books that captured me completely and for eternity. Off the top of my head, I immediately think of The Book Thief, What the Night Sings and Free Lunch. Interestingly enough, each of these books relates a story of a young person or family struggling under … Continue reading Read this: The Rent Collector






