Previous The primitive campground is a flat, grassy oval, bordered by weathered railroad ties. Picnic tables dot the space, each sheltered by crescent-shaped windbreaks, their curved structures a half-hearted attempt to tame the elements. While the idea of a solitary night under the stars tugs at me, the growing scatter of tents being pitched byContinue reading “Meeting Kent (Book Part 28)”
Category Archives: Writings
The Will to Build
I want you to start your own blog. I’d like to hear your gripes, groans, and successes. I’d be so invested! Think about it, okay? From the couch, I can turn off the lamp and switch on the overhead canned lights with a single tap on my phone. Such a smart, good house I have.Continue reading “The Will to Build”
Workin’ on a Dream
When the drill’s battery runs out of juice, you know it’s been a productive day of playhouse building. We’re on the home stretch now, with the next step being the gable at the roof’s pitch. Before calling it a night at dusk, I opened Merlin, my bird-call identifier, hoping to identify the owl hooting nearby.Continue reading “Workin’ on a Dream”
Admit One: The Funhouse of Politics
I dislike how politics has become a game of taking sides—a relentless us versus them mindset that clings to our brains like a terrified skier gripping the tow rope, never pausing to consider whether letting go might be the wiser choice. Us versus them is dangerous. It erodes our shared humanity, replacing connection with divisionContinue reading “Admit One: The Funhouse of Politics”
Parking Malarkey
I gave up trying to lend a napkin as a landing pad to a baby daddy longlegs crawling across the bed. I have more important things to do, like writing. Instead, I ushered him toward Dave’s side, though now I’m wondering what’s stopping him from inching his way back to mine. Anyway, onto more pressingContinue reading “Parking Malarkey”
Slip Slidin’ Away
There’s something oddly joyful about watching beer-bellied grown men kicking their feet and bouncing happily on an inner tube. The unlimited snow tubing session at Ober Mountain gave me hours of people-watching entertainment, especially observing the crew tasked with keeping us big, clueless animals in check. They scanned our tickets, enforced the “no sitting orContinue reading “Slip Slidin’ Away”
Amnesia Adventures
Our day started at WonderWorks, the upside-down building filled with interactive exhibits like a climbing wall, a bubble room, and much more. Evelyn was thrilled, and her excitement was contagious. Last night, I had a strange dream. Two of my twentysomething, fun, and very cool female clients were at my home. It felt oddly flattering,Continue reading “Amnesia Adventures”
Tennessee Whiskey
“You’re in Tennessee, drink like it.” The billboard, spotted by Dave from the driver’s seat, yanked me out of my progress note writing. I couldn’t help but chuckle. Thanks, Urban Hiker and Hippies & Cowboys IPA, for the laugh. From Highway 40, Dave also pointed out a golden globe towering over downtown Knoxville. A quickContinue reading “Tennessee Whiskey”
Hit the Road, Jac
The frantic power walk from room to room, the housecleaner-level organization and sparkle, the overthinking about what to pack—I forgot how frazzled I get before a vacation. And this is just a mini three-day trip! Would you be my sounding board? Here’s the current list of what I’ve packed: three pairs of thick socks, threeContinue reading “Hit the Road, Jac”
Two Sleeps Til Dolly
With TikTok shutting down, I’m on a mad dash to download and copy all the recipes I’ve saved. It feels like the early 2000s on Black Friday when herds of people squeezed and trampled each other for a toaster. Only now am I snagging ideas for fermentation. Actually, more than ideas. Just a few minutesContinue reading “Two Sleeps Til Dolly”