Lately, I’ve been spending copious amounts of time in the kitchen. Whether this is out of compulsion, intrigue, or survival, I don’t know. But what
Laughter is my drug of choice. If you’re asking me, I’d say that where you can find humor, you can also find a shred of joy. That makes sense, right?
I now stand over the anvil of writing sweating, eyes open, hammering away at the sword of words. I heat it in the coals of passion, tinker with the hammer of revision, and cool it in the waters of reflection. I still have a long while to go as I improve my work, but in this case, the journey is just as important as the goal. I am fervent in this business now that I can look beside me and see that writing was my ally all along, not some chore forced upon me by the evolution of man.
A gratitude letter to Lilly detailing some of the greatest events that happened this last year and celebrating the friendship that made it all possible.
Lilly, You caught me just in time with your letter. Just in time to soothe my anxieties about the upcoming holidays, cease with my planning for a few moments, and reflect on the reason that we’re having these celebrations at all.
I have so much to be thankful for. My health, my friends and family, and my potential future are all reasons I wake up in the morning and smile. I think a lot of people these days, especially our age, find it hard to see the silver linings in things. Being thankful can be a hard barrier to overcome when people think the world is out to get them. I wish them success in finding true happiness, or at the very least contentment. For me at least, I try to look to the bright side even in times of paralyzing darkness. I thank my loved ones and the Lord for this life. It is a good one.
I was 12 when we moved to the farm. New England is full of old brick buildings, colorful treescapes, and an air that smells of fresh rain and apple pies. These are the things I thought of; not the unmarked mass graves, unknown cave systems under our homes, nor the spirits that walk them.
Pregnancy is hard. When you hear women joke about their “tapeworms,” usually it’s a lighthearted way of describing a rather cumbersome reality – feeling like all the energy, motivation, and nourishment is being literally zapped right out of your body. Now factor in raising an infant and working full time. Suddenly, things seem more grim.
