New Year’s Eve is like an overtired child having a meltdown in a public place. It wants what it can never have. It arches its back and screams in a way that makes bystanders turn away in disgust and pity. Although this night seems to promise Gatsbyesque reveling in an evening dressed in sparkles and bubbles, most people report a rather disappointing history with the turn of the year celebration. The key is to get hold of the situation before it gets hold of you. First of all, if you haven’t made a plan yet, you’re screwed. It’s New Year’s Eve! But perhaps it’s not too late if you follow my basic directions and trouble-shooting tips below.
susanlilleypoet
Poet, teacher, mama, friend, wanderer, celebrator of life.
Counting on One Hand
I always used to pride myself on being the kind of person who does not attract trouble. My three brothers were in hot water routinely for things I got away with, clean […]
The Kondo Project: A Sordid Tale of Decluttering
OR How I Slew the Nostalgia Dragon with Joy Sparking All Around! By Susan Lilley For at least four years, I have planned to “clean out my closet” during the summer. The […]
Gratitude: The Beauty and Solace of WORK
By Susan Lilley Lately I’ve been doing a lot of bragging on Facebook and Instagram about former students doing stellar things, like performing on Broadway or publishing in top-tier magazines. But the […]
Sad farewell to a beautiful soul and a wondrous voice—The Gloria Sirens honor Ilyse Kusnetz
by Susan Lilley The work of some poets is so intertwined with their authentic presence in the world that we can only marvel at the way their truth comes at us like […]
Caution: Graduation Season Ahead
By Susan Lilley Graduation Season: a primer for parents whose kids are headed to (loud intake of breath) college. Originally published in Parentwin.com These days, kids “graduate” a lot. Cap and gown ceremonies […]
The Language of Water
Originally posted on L.E.A.P:
At the end of August, as the slight chill of Autumn drifts through open windows in the early morning, we pack up dogs, food, books…
We love it when women are BEST
One of our own here at The Gloria Sirens blog collective is making us super-proud today! The marvelous poet Katie Riegel is a nominee for a Best of the Net literary award. […]
Love Stories and Madding Crowds
Thomas Hardy, D.H. Lawrence, and Feminist Romantics . . . Like Me By Susan Lilley As I sat in a dark movie theater the other night watching the newest version of Thomas […]
The Lusty Month of May
By Susan Lilley “Tra la! It’s May! The lusty month of May—that lovely month when everyone goes blissfully astray . . . .” What do your thoughts turn to when spring […]