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

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

Black Plate–Moussaka

Welcome to the Wilder Way Wednesday posts. I haven’t posted one of these in a while, and so we’ll need to review. About five or six years ago, I was at my heaviest weight … at least, I’m pretty sure it was my heaviest. I have no idea how much I actually weighed because I hadn’t been on a scale … Read More

Understanding Accountability

The dark events of this past week were so horrific that most people I know shy away from even discussing it. But I can’t ignore what happened–it feels disingenuous and wrong. Like most Americans, my heart broke as I watched an animalistic mob invade the seat of our democracy, the very symbol that countless brave men and women have died … Read More

2021- The Year of Resilience

If you’ve been following me, you know I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I focus on one aspect of life I’d like to nurture and grow. I choose a catchphrase that embodies the concept. It becomes a mantra of sorts, creating a common theme that runs throughout the twelve months and shapes my experiences. If you’re into jumping down … Read More

The Danger of Ignorance

Last week, sweet Lucy, my fifteen-year-old pup, developed a limp that turned into her hobbling around on three paws. I called the vet, but they were booked, and so I contacted a clinic recommended by a friend that took walk-ins. A half an hour later and one town over, we pulled up to the little cement building. I’d been told … Read More

A Writer’s Guide to Self-Care

It’s no secret that creatives are more at risk for depression, but for writers, it can be especially tough. Our craft is a solitary endeavor, spending hours in front of a keyboard. For those prone to feelings of loneliness, the isolation, the lack of sunlight and human interaction that writing often brings, can plunge them into the dark waters of … Read More

Life is Hope

Suicide. Most people shy away from the subject. It’s difficult, and uncomfortable, and leaves us facing our own mortality. We’d rather smile, nod our heads and switch the conversation to something safe and mundane–like redecorating our bathroom or go on and on about how we’re looking forward to spring. It’s a way to stick our head in the proverbial sand, … Read More