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
Category: Observations
Words for the lovelorn & dating weary
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
F Words
Some occasions just demand an F word- or maybe even 55 of them. While I’m enjoying a birthday which promises to be filled with friends, family and tacos, feel free to take in the array of F words which have all been used to describe me in my years on Earth. They may not all … Continue reading F Words
Thoughts on turning 55
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
Child care
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
Layers
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
Summer school(ed)
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)






