This week a decade ago, I adopted Rue, my husky-shepherd-malamute fluffer doggo. It’s mostly because of my mentor, Erin Murphy, but also very much my mother-in-law’s fault. And it’s a wonderful origin story. Throughout the years we’ve worked together, Erin showed me pictures of her dogs, who are adorable and I also got a… Read more »
Find Joy in the Little Things
Sometimes you find joy in the little things. A ring my grandmother wore and received from her father, my great-grandfather, made of silver and with a jade stone, has been a treasured keepsake and a ring I wear every day. Years ago, I looked down at my hand and realized I wasn’t wearing it and… Read more »
What Could Have Been
In 2021, I grew fascinated with the idea of childhood and how childhood has been viewed throughout history. It came from reading a college textbook about children’s and young adult literature. In the first chapter, a set of questions were posed for students to consider as they worked through the entire book. I got stuck… Read more »
It Isn’t Pretty, But It’s Mine
Alas, the smell of summer is over. What was a spicy heat coming off the dirt, leaves, and floating through the air in wildfire smoke is now moisture, dank piles of wet grass, and growing layers of moss on every available surface. It’s the fastest switch between seasons I’ve seen in a while. Climate change…. Read more »
Why the Art of Observing?
My morning ritual begins with a timed run around my local elementary school track, usually at the same time as other runners, other dog owners, and the grounds crew for the school district. But on amazing days, I have the track all to myself. The first mile is mostly mental sticky wickets: me realizing how… Read more »