Category: girlhood

O Captain! My Captain

I’m no army brat, so the term captain isn’t one I use with any frequency. Which is probably why I took note of the fact that I did indeed use the word twice in a single evening recently. Both were in the “proper noun” category, meaning a place and a person, (of sorts) and both … Continue reading O Captain! My Captain →

Being comfortable in the skin you’re in

(I considered placing a warning here for male readers, but that would be a disservice to any guys who may appreciate skincare. Like my son.) How do you care for your body’s biggest organ?* Do you moisturize? Exfoliate? Tone? Protect it from the sun? Or maybe you’re low maintenance and just allow it to breathe? … Continue reading Being comfortable in the skin you’re in →

Finding your voice to Speak and Shout

Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak, originally published in 1999, is one of those books that has stayed with me since I first read it many years ago. This YA novel relates the story of a high school freshman, Melinda, who is ostracized by her peers because she calls the police while at a party during the … Continue reading Finding your voice to Speak and Shout →

When foreign is familiar

I travel as much as I can. It’s more important to me than  new furniture, a 2000 square foot house, a fancy car or piece of jewelry. It’s what I need to do on many levels and I’ve arranged my financial life so I can get on a plane or train, or even a bus, … Continue reading When foreign is familiar →

Telling the story of A Fire, a Phonebook Page and Finding My Father

I’m finally sobering up after a night that was intoxicatingly special. Friday night I was one of 6 storytellers at a public event held at the Linda Auditorium. The occasion was a celebration of the 8th anniversary of our local take on the Moth Story Hour, The Front Parlor Series, which occurs monthly in two … Continue reading Telling the story of A Fire, a Phonebook Page and Finding My Father →