A coping mechanism that began in 2021:
At the height of the pandemic, uncertainty filled the air. We searched for ways to cope, to connect, and to hold onto hope. For me, that came in the form of a … Continue reading >>
Are we really doing small talk wrong?
The ads on Instagram for coaching people in conversation so you don't sound "weak"—i.g. never ask “how’s it going” or “what’s new”—make me wonder if I'm … Continue reading >>
The music was worse than the dentist:
Recently, I spent a half-hour doing Kegel exercises at the dentist, not to distract myself from the cleaning, but from the awful music. This wasn’t soothing … Continue reading >>
Fictional characters and impressionable kids
Author Jamie Cat Callan mused on Instagram that when you were a child you likely had favorite character in a book. Maybe you embraced a secret identity. … Continue reading >>
No more chaos, I'm exhausted:
Confession: I lettered this February’s chalkboard early because I felt compelled to take January’s off the porch before the month even ended. January’s message was … Continue reading >>
Author’s note: This post was first published in 2011. I’m revisiting it after learning that Gee Gee Rosell, the owner of Buxton Village Books, has passed away. She left a lasting impression on me … Continue reading >>