Stream of Covid consciousness

This crisis is starting to feel like it’s been going on for a long time. The colors of the construction paper window rainbows are fading. The city without people looks beautiful in a stark sort of way. We live in a pretty place. Wearing a mask suffocates me, yet another reason medical personnel deserve all of … Continue reading Stream of Covid consciousness

Painterly thoughts

It’s been just about exactly twenty-one years since I last painted the upstairs bathroom. I’m not always so clear with years and dates, but this one is easy to remember because I was pregnant with my second son. My water broke as I raced to get the newly renovated third floor of our house prepared … Continue reading Painterly thoughts

Memories of the 2020 Pandemic

Even when the skies are grey and intermittently spitting some combination of rain and snow, one must believe that the sun will come out again and shine. It just has to. One day we’ll reflect back on these times and what we learned from the unimagined challenges of today. I wonder how we’ll be different. … Continue reading Memories of the 2020 Pandemic

Where to stay in NYC?

Over the years I’ve stayed in a lot of hotels in New York City. Most of them have been perfectly fine, especially since I’ve only required accommodations for a single night or maybe two. There have been a couple that I won’t book again - The Empire across from Lincoln Center comes immediately to mind. … Continue reading Where to stay in NYC?

Recuperation under the watchful eyes of a Labrador nurse

Being a patient is not really my thing. I’m not sure if that comes from growing up without the presence of an overly indulgent parent or simply being uncomfortable with too much personal attention, but either way, I prefer to be alone when I’m not feeling 100%. Meniscus surgery recovery has been remarkably undramatic. The … Continue reading Recuperation under the watchful eyes of a Labrador nurse

The cost of Free Lunch

Monday, YALSA, the young adult librarian services arm of the American Library Association, awarded the 2020 nonfiction award to Rex Ogle’s Free Lunch a small book that left a huge impact on this reader. The memoir tells the story of Rex’s first semester of sixth grade in Texas. He’s just entered middle school, a milestone for which … Continue reading The cost of Free Lunch

Weepy in the light of the full moon

Generally, I’m not much of a cryer. I’m not boasting when I say that. Trust me when I say there are moments when I wish for little more than a sob session to release the emotions that at times well up inside me and practically beg to get out. Honestly, tears would be welcome. But, … Continue reading Weepy in the light of the full moon