Thoughts, experiences and adventures from a resident of DelSo aka Delaware Avenue South in Albany, N.Y.
It seems like versions of this song have been popping up in my life recently. While the original version by Screaming Jay Hawkins is a classic, no doubt, the versions I prefer are a bit less campy. Think Nina Simone or this wonderful, modern version by She and Him which is featured on my newest … Continue reading I put a spell on you
As I’ve learned (and shared), dating is not for the faint of heart, friends. It can be exhilarating and crushing - sometimes in rapid succession. I guess, we all make our choices as to how to proceed when we seek to add a special person to our lives. Maybe you’ve become frustrated or discouraged by … Continue reading Words for the lovelorn & dating weary
Mid decade birthdays tend to be significant to me. They’re the ones that most often prompt me to pause, evaluate, and reflect upon where I am and where I want to be. As my “double nickels” birthday approaches, I find myself needing to catalog (Ha, a librarian joke) some thoughts and lessons learned recently. It’s … Continue reading Thoughts on turning 55
Thursday was the first day of school for students in my district for the 2021-22 academic year. I prepared for my homeroom of 6th graders on Wednesday, carefully arranging their agenda books, printed schedules and student ids on their socially distanced desks. I was keen to be as organized as possible in hopes to create … Continue reading Child care
There were seven of them in my wedding dress - alternating from satin to tulle to netting, with an outer layer of sequined and beaded lace appliqués. I insisted that the buttons up my spine be functional, not just decorative, and the loops which they are designed to slip into make it a garment impossible … Continue reading Layers
This week I’ll begin my 27th year teaching. If you factor in my own years as a student, I’ve spent 45+ years of my life greeting September by returning to school. That’s a long time. Despite all those decades of experience, a new school year always comes with a combination of excitement and dread. Each … Continue reading Summer school(ed)
Friday night I slept in an air conditioned bedroom with a pond view. Last night’s sleep, when it finally came, was under a heavier quilt than I’ve used in months and with windows open wide. While there are still more hot days and humid nights to come, summer is definitely waning. The sunrises are later … Continue reading Summer blues
