Upon Losing my Friend… [raw]

Friendships are messy like a big, tangled ball of yarn without end. They start out like kismet: two people sharing this moment, this space for a reason. For many reasons, perhaps. Similarities like love of literature, but more so the same literature. Philosophies about writing and expression, but it goes beyond teaching writing or thinking...

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#BoostMyBio : Pitch Wars 2018

 Hi Everyone! I’m entering Pitch Wars competition for the second year. While I was not chosen to be a mentee last year, the competition was so beneficial in surrounding me with a writing community and teaching me some writerly tips that I use continually! And gifs-- the power of using gifs (a skill I mastered...

Book Love: This Summer’s Promise 2018

For a teacher, summer always holds such promise. The possibilities are endless. I try to cram  as much me-time in as I can. This generally includes travel, beach days, pool time, home projects, and the best part, writing and reading every single day. Normally, I don’t read for pleasure much during the school year because...

Just Journey

Travel is among my most cherished hobbies. I literally to work all year in order to travel. And, always in the back of my mind, thoughts toil about the next adventure ahead. See my latest destinations including a return trip to Chicago featuring the best new restaurant in the culinary scene and my top ten...

2017: In-the-books official

HAPPY 2018, Everyone! Have fun making memories!

#PimpMyBio : Pitch Wars Contestant Blog Hop

Hi Everyone! I’m entering Brenda Drake’s Pitch Wars competition for the first time-- looking for a mentor to work with who will help make my MS shine. Bring on the critiques, really! I want it to sparkle. https://media.giphy.com/media/Sq3tXvzzp51Ic/giphy.gif First, I hate talking about myself. It makes me oddly uncomfortable, but writing about myself is naturally...

2017 Summer Reading: This Summer’s Promise

Ah! It’s summer. I can read. It’s sounds awful to say (and hear) but I don’t read much for pleasure during the school year. It’s difficult enough juggling reading for school, teaching, writing curriculum, planning, grading, writing for me, house stuff, family stuff-- life. Every once in awhile, I’ll indulge myself but only when I...

Do Not Disturb: I’m an Alligator

When one passion needs to make room for another, one of my mantras is "something's got to give." This has been a very busy school year. More importantly, I've been working on the BUSINESS of writing -- not my strong suit, something I've written about before if you've been following. I've been writing for so many years,...

From Chaos to Calm

A rare gift for any family with “adulting” children, we spent two whole months together. Timing really is everything. My eldest, Ryan, living and working as a chef in Chicago, took two months between jobs to spend at home for the holidays. At the same time, my younger two (one a senior at college, the...