I’ve always believed that writing is my passion, but teaching is my calling. Writing fills a part of me that few things ever will, but my purpose in this life is to empower each child to realize that their voice matters, that they have gifts and talents, and that they are essential to this world. It’s an incredible responsibility, one … Read More
The Age of Accountability
Traditionally, the age of eighteen marks the threshold of adulthood. It’s a time when the reins of childhood are loosened, and responsibility shifts entirely, giving young adults the freedom to carve their own paths. It’s when we stand and face the weight of our choices–when we realize that every action and every decision can become a burden we alone bear. … Read More
The Magic of Creativity
In the enchanting realm of words, imagination dances with possibility. Creativity transforms mere sentences into magic. If there’s one truth that weaves through great storytelling, it’s the power of imagination. It transcends the ordinary, breathing life into characters and worlds that linger in the reader’s mind. Creating is the deepest form of intelligence. And I love it. I love putting … Read More
Creatively Standing Alone
Over the years, I’ve discovered most creatives feel like a round peg in a world of square holes. We’re the ones that chase rabbits in meetings trying to improve systems that have been in place for years. We’re the outliers who are challenged by the idea of a “status quo.” We’d rather fail trying to be extraordinary than succeed in … Read More
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
WWW- Black Plate Quiche
I love quiche. It’s an easy meal that can be eaten any time, and it freezes easily, so on harried days, it’s a great home-cooked-frozen dinner. 🙂 They are super easy to make, and the possible varieties are endless. Most smart-carb recipes call for crustless quiche, but honestly, the crust is one of my favorite parts. I’ve tried almond flour … Read More
The Power of Purging
If you follow me on social media, you may have noticed a post or two about my newsletter trials and tribulations. Long story short, I didn’t send newsletters during the pandemic, and because of that, most of my followers had become “inactive.” When I overrode those protocols to reach out to readers on the original list, my mail service sent … Read More
Easy Peasy Raspberry Jam
One of the things I love about summer is all the fresh fruits and veggies. Of course, I try to eat more veggies than fruit (because too much sugar turns me into a gremlin, where I eat everything in sight), but one fruit I can’t pass up is raspberries. Only 5 grams of sugar per cup, these little gems are … Read More
Recovering from the Pandemic
This past year has been one for the record books, especially for teachers. Scrambling to create virtual classrooms on the fly while dealing with food and technology disparities for our low socio-economic kiddos was, at times, overwhelming. Prolonged stress had left me burned out and bone-weary. Nothing, not even writing, could pull me from that infernal sense of detachment. My … Read More