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

Coming in for a (bumpy) landing

Arriving back at home from an extended vacation comes with a lot of mixed emotions. While there is excitement to be reunited with one’s beloved people and pets, as well as the comfort of one’s own home, there are other more complicated feelings. Knowing that after months of planning and anticipation, the big trip is … Continue reading Coming in for a (bumpy) landing

Recent realizations and impressions

We can all agree that travel is life changing, can’t we? Observing, and even participating in, life in locations away from home can be the impetus to expand one’s understanding of humankind and settings beyond our own. When I’m traveling alone, I often find myself taking mental notes of things I find interesting or enlightening. … Continue reading Recent realizations and impressions

Fussing and fighting

There’s no escaping the reach of American politics these days and flying thousands of miles away is not sufficient distance to feel removed. It’s a crazy time and, during our time in Italy, one of the first questions we’ve gotten, delivered in the most hesitant and polite manner, is wtf is going on in America? … Continue reading Fussing and fighting

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

Writer’s tears

I’ve mentioned before that I often find myself weepy when I’m in Ireland. If you know me at all, you’re aware that’s atypical of me. I’m not known to be a crier. On the occasions that I do get teary, it’s likely to be about children and animals, not songs or physical gestures. Last week, though, … Continue reading Writer’s tears