Being a Recovering People-Pleaser

A memory popped up in my Facebook feed the other day about Asteria receiving honorable mention in The New York Book Festival. It seems like only yesterday, and yet a lifetime ago. The world has changed so much … as have I. For one thing, I no longer struggle with the disease to please, thank God. Being a people-pleaser is … Read More

In a Forgotten World

It’s suicide prevention week. I know, it’s a tough subject. One that most people would rather not discuss. But it’s becoming an epidemic in this country. As a teacher, my heart breaks when I hear that a former student has taken their life. And it’s happening more often. The question is, why? Numerous studies correlate excess social media exposure and … Read More

A Different Way

In the South, whenever we get together you can bet food’s involved. Whether it’s meeting colleagues after work, social functions, or a night out on the town, any time a handful of friends meet, food is at the center of the affair. For someone who swore off sugar and processed carbs three years ago, it can be daunting. Not because … Read More

Just Write the D*mn Story!

Writing is a process, one that is multi-faceted and complex. Some writers love the beginning stages of creating a story. They have a million ideas that never make it to the page. Others love getting that first draft down, writing like they’ll be shot at dawn if they don’t get the thing on paper. Others love to revise, layer, create … Read More

Outside My Comfort Zone

I was raised in an era where photos were taken with an honest-to-God camera, film and all. Filters were for furnaces, family videos were only for rich people, a brand was for putting on cows, and selfies sounded like something that should be done in the privacy of your own room. It’s not that I’m reaching the octogenarian stage of … Read More

Oh, Good Lord–Coconut Brown Butter Short Bread Cookies

Most of you know that I’ve sworn off sugar. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, but let’s be honest, sometimes a girl just needs a cookie! When I volunteered to make sweet treats for a retirement reception, I figured it was time to look for something unique and original that sugar-loving people could enjoy as well. (Finding desserts that … Read More