Music as Fuel—and Substance

I swear, the right music is like rocket fuel for my brain. I wonder if everyone works better to music, or if I’m just wired this way. I’m not much for new music (which, at 53, maybe isn’t saying much), but today I worked nearly six hours without a break because I loved every song … Continue reading Music as Fuel—and Substance →

Still here.

Today was one of those days, and it has carried over into the night. I’m exhausted, physically and mentally. My limbs feel like they’re filled with wet sand, my brain like it’s running on wine and stress. But before I let the day end, I’m here to say it: I’m still here. Late last year, … Continue reading Still here. →

What Do You Love About Where You Live?

That’s easy — the sunrise. I was never an early riser, but since moving to this little fishing town in Spain, I find myself up before the sun. Every day, I watch the sky put on a show as the sun makes its way through it — from oranges and golds to purples and reds, … Continue reading What Do You Love About Where You Live? →

Keeping My Chin High (Even When My Neck Disagrees)

Today was my first full day back at work after the week I’ve had. A meeting, three students, and more coffee than should be legal. My coach reminded me not to let the rough parts outweigh the good ones, so I’m keeping my chin high, or at least as high as my back and neck … Continue reading Keeping My Chin High (Even When My Neck Disagrees) →

A Short One …

First things first — thanks. Thank you to everyone who has read one of my posts, whether you stumbled on it instead of cat videos or you got here on purpose. And a really big thank you to my six subscribers! That little number going up gives me Cinnabon frosting feels: warm, happy, and kicking … Continue reading A Short One … →

Today, I Need to Write About My Mom.

I miss my mom. My mom was extraordinary. That’s not just daughter-talk; it’s fact. If you’d only met her at the very end, you might not have known it — but her life could have been a novel. She survived more than most people do in three lifetimes. Abuse, neglect, violence — and still, when … Continue reading Today, I Need to Write About My Mom. →

Authenticity Over Perfection: The Power of Being Real

So, today’s WordPress prompt hit me a bit differently: What change, big or small, would you like your blog to make in the world? I’ll be honest: I’ve been stuck for a while. Lately, it’s been hard to lean into the positivity I usually try to write about. I’ve had some tough moments and emotionally, … Continue reading Authenticity Over Perfection: The Power of Being Real →

The Most Expensive Meal I’ve Ever Had — And Why I’d Do It Again

The WordPress prompt was too good to pass up today: “What’s the most you’ve ever spent on a meal — and was it worth it?” And this one was easy to answer. Not because I remember the final bill (I absolutely don’t), but because I’ll never forget how it felt and I wanted to sit … Continue reading The Most Expensive Meal I’ve Ever Had — And Why I’d Do It Again →

These shoes weren’t meant for walking … apparently.

Some things you keep wearing long after they’ve stopped fitting the world’s idea of what’s “appropriate.” For me, it’s a pair of flip-flops. I fell again today. Same pair of flip-flops, same week, same downward momentum. I’ve always been a jeans-and-t-shirt-and-flip-flops kind of gal. I’ve built my life around comfort. Back when I was working … Continue reading These shoes weren’t meant for walking … apparently. →

O Captain, My Captain

Lately I’ve noticed a pattern: the later I write, the worse my posts read the next day. By midnight, my brain is full of static. I stop looking at my writing with a critical eye, and it shows. So today, I went back through every single post I’ve written so far. Thankfully, the list is … Continue reading O Captain, My Captain →