The Mirror

On my bathroom mirror there is a blue index card, taped up with regular old invisible tape. The card itself hasn’t faded, but you can see the marks where the tape has been peeled off and stuck back down, because I’ve moved it from mirror to mirror, or sometimes pressed it to another card when … Continue reading The Mirror →

Another One of Those Weeks

Lord, what I wouldn’t give for just a few weeks of mundane problems. The kind of “everyday annoyances” that don’t feel like they’re going to change the entire course of your life. I try to keep perspective. I look at the world and see people suffering in ways I can’t even imagine, and compared to … Continue reading Another One of Those Weeks →

What happens next?

Well, it happened—I missed a day of posting. Some days you have to just turn it all off for your own well-being, and yesterday was that day. I was overwhelmed this weekend. Between email misunderstandings, rent stress, and the isolation that comes with moving to another country alone, it all just caught up with me. … Continue reading What happens next? →

From “Ew, Shrimp” to Paella Night: My Spanish Food Glow-Up

When I first got here, I couldn’t peel a shrimp. Wouldn’t. Couldn’t. Too gross. Little antennae, little eyes, absolutely not. I ordered them, sure, but only if someone else did the dirty work. Fast forward, and now I’m the one in the kitchen elbow-deep in mussels, scrubbing shells like it’s the most normal thing in … Continue reading From “Ew, Shrimp” to Paella Night: My Spanish Food Glow-Up →

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) →

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 →