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 →

The rich are different – Meghan Markle’s baby shower and the college admissions scandal.

Do you think the wealthy live like you? There have been a couple of news items recently that, to me, have very much demonstrated a fundamental difference between those who are financially rich and those who are not. First example? Meghan Markle’s recent baby shower in NYC, an occasion which seemed to truly piss people … Continue reading The rich are different – Meghan Markle’s baby shower and the college admissions scandal. →

The miseducation of Megyn Kelly

Last spring I ran a half marathon in NYC, kind of a bucket list item if I were to have such a thing. I originally registered for the race because a childhood friend brought it to my attention and it sounded fun. Anything to go to NYC, you know? It wasn’t the cheapest half I’ve … Continue reading The miseducation of Megyn Kelly →

When Pollyanna met Polly

The summer after I moved into the house I currently live in, my neighbor, knowing that I would be seeking a position as a school librarian, offered to introduce me to someone who might be able to help. He offered to take me for a ride to go meet a woman who purportedly had some … Continue reading When Pollyanna met Polly →

Albany XXX

What’s up with that title, right? Is it porn? Extra large? Nope...Roman numerals - thirty, as in thirty years since I first moved to Albany. In August of 1988 I was 21. I moved here knowing not a single person, other than Mary Panza who I was lucky enough to meet when her roommate tried … Continue reading Albany XXX →

Reflections on Summer 2018

My travels have taken me new places and I am so appreciative of the memories I made and the food I ate and the wine I drank and the friends I hugged. Cape Cod without children is like shared custody following the end of a marriage/relationship - a dirty little secret in all the best … Continue reading Reflections on Summer 2018 →