Wow. I just learned that my essay--the one which shares its title with this very blog--has been nominated by Literary Mama for Best American Essays! I'm really kind of speechless. Thrilled and speechless. I hear you already, universe. I'm listening hard. And I'm writing.
Tag: Uncategorized
Of Fruitcake and Family
The fruitcake is all gone, and I ate most of it myself. I hadn't *really* meant to horde it, despite my cheeky threats to do exactly that. No, I planned to share it with the kids and Paul, to slice it off and offer it to friends dropping by over the holidays. Except that we … Continue reading Of Fruitcake and Family
What’s it Worth?
I am sitting on the couch, watching (my boyfriend) Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations, watching him drool over cassoulet and blood sausage and foie gras prepared six different ways to Sunday, and it's making me feel snacky. I really want some cheese. More specifically, I either want hunks of extra sharp New York cheddar on Triscuits … Continue reading What’s it Worth?
Brown Food
I've been trying to cook through the last of the CSA bounty and tonight there was still the matter of one sad, slightly browning head of cabbage in the crisper drawer. I really like cabbage, but the common green kind--the kind you think of when making corned beef and cabbage or sauerkraut--is not my favorite. … Continue reading Brown Food
Turning & Returning
It's been more than a year since my last post, and now we are deep into Autumn, the landscape having changed from greens to golds to mud brown, the temperature steadily dropping. The outdoor cats are coming in and seeking out laps and baseboard heaters. I think of November as a turning month--the hinge between … Continue reading Turning & Returning
VCCA, Day 12: Last Day Blues
I'm going home tomorrow. Feeling sad but also very excited to see P and the kids. It's been hard being away for so long. I feel the need to wrap this residency experience up in a neat little package of words, but at the same time resist doing that because there has been nothing neat … Continue reading VCCA, Day 12: Last Day Blues
VCCA, Day 8: Post-Reading High
Last night I read from my work--poems and a small essay--for the other fellows. It felt friendly and convivial and I had a really great time doing it! One of the best readings I've given in a long time. I'm really glad I overcame the reticence I was initially feeling. It's good, especially, to get … Continue reading VCCA, Day 8: Post-Reading High
VCCA: One Week Down
One week down and I have 530 new words to show for it. Only 530 words. Okay, that's not exactly accurate. I have pages and pages of freewriting, but only a small number of crafted paragraphs that could, maybe, lead to something larger. Here I am, second guessing myself again. In my bravado about dumping … Continue reading VCCA: One Week Down
VCCA, Day 5: Talking & Listening
More rain today, so I decided to stay at the fellows residence and read after breakfast. As so often happens at places like this, though, I had the opportunity to chat with a another fellow, and so ditched that plan and spent the morning in lovely conversation. As I suspected, my need for solitude is … Continue reading VCCA, Day 5: Talking & Listening
VCCA, Day 4: There. I said it.
I don't have to write a traditional narrative. I don't want to write a traditional narrative. I am not going to write a traditional narrative. This was my mid-morning realization/revelation. There are several reasons why, and I've detailed them a bit already. Basically it comes down to this: there are folks I would hurt if … Continue reading VCCA, Day 4: There. I said it.
Sheila squillante 