It’s a symptom of trauma. Do you think you know who an addict is? Think again. Our society generally pegs people with mental health issues as being guilty of some kind of moral failure, particularly if your issues include addiction. You lack self-control. You don’t trust God enough with your problems. You are too lazyContinue reading “Addiction is Not a Moral Failing”
Category Archives: life
We’re at the “Find Out” Part in the “F*ck Around” Game
Nice white boys always win. My husband and I had to go to court yesterday. In the ongoing saga of dealing with the consequences of my neighbor’s grandson shooting a bullet through my house, the case was heard. It turns out that the boys were shooting at a dilapidated playhouse in the backyard. Our houseContinue reading “We’re at the “Find Out” Part in the “F*ck Around” Game”
2023 Said, “Hold My Beer!”
Will 2024 be better? This should be a year of new beginnings. That is what we all desire as we flip that calendar to January, right? A fresh start. Setting lofty goals to achieve great things. But 2023 was rough, y’all. I merely survived, so I’ll count that as a win. It started with aContinue reading “2023 Said, “Hold My Beer!””
Guns Have More Rights than Women in the United States
That’s not hyperbole. Let’s start with a couple of stories: Despite a cautiously protective upbringing, your twelve-year-old daughter develops a confluence of problems, and you don’t know why. Defiant, distant, and melancholy, she has morphed from the beautiful, joyful, obedient good girl you thought you had into this: a stranger. Instead of trying to figureContinue reading “Guns Have More Rights than Women in the United States”
The Joy of Visiting a Bookstore
It’s self-care. There it is. I see it! The glow of the lights of the local Barnes & Noble that are so warm and inviting, waiting to embrace me for a spell. I park my car. It’s after dark, but this is a great time to visit. It seems less crowded. Yes, crowds do makeContinue reading “The Joy of Visiting a Bookstore”
What Smells Like Skunk?
Has my olfactory system betrayed me? Wandering the streets of Downtown Chicago after dark with friends, I suddenly catch a whiff of a familiar, yet unpleasant smell. “Why does it smell like skunk? Are there really skunks in the city?” I queried. (In my defense, we legit saw a red fox hanging out by theContinue reading “What Smells Like Skunk?”
Run the Mile You’re In
My new mantra for life as I learn to live in the present. A wise running coach once taught his marathoners that when the run gets tough, just run the mile you’re in. It’s such a simple metaphor for life, right? I mean, how much time do we spend ruminating about the past while simultaneouslyContinue reading “Run the Mile You’re In”
It’s 8:30 on a Friday Night. Do You Know Where Your Jesus Freaks Are?
A sad tale of witnessing. My daughter has just parked the car. We found a great spot next to the cart return at the grocery store. I’ve taught my girls a series of lessons in grocery shopping, and parking location is one of them. We step out into the cold, damp Virginia night air asContinue reading “It’s 8:30 on a Friday Night. Do You Know Where Your Jesus Freaks Are?”
Quotable Quotes for $200, Alex!
Gloria Steinem edition I do love a good memoir, and I recently picked up a great one. Not only did I gain the perspective of a celebrated feminist, but also what it means to foster change by listening to others and gaining empathy. Plus I found a gem of a quote like this one: WhenContinue reading “Quotable Quotes for $200, Alex!”
Quotable Quotes for $100 Please, Alex!
Einstein edition This is one of my favorite quotes: “All religions, arts, and sciences are branches of the same tree.” Albert Einstein At the heart of humanity, we all have this deep craving to understand our world. We have so many questions that need answers, like why do bad things happen? Why do good thingsContinue reading “Quotable Quotes for $100 Please, Alex!”
Anne the Vegan 