I hate cleaning. No, that’s not accurate. It doesn’t occur to me to clean. There are so many other more entertaining things to do. Do I vacuum or read a book? The answer is […]
How to Clean a Cauldron
A Note to My Grown Children on My Conversation with a Former Nanny on a Long Train Ride in England
At the end of about fifteen minutes of pleasant chatting, which turned out to be good conversation about babies and their development (and of course we chatted about my grandchildren), I said something that stopped the former nanny in her tracks. “I’ve never heard anyone say that before, ever. People always talk about how they miss their children being young. They never say _____ [what I just said].” I said, “Did I just say that? Well, I guess I did.”
How Not to Lose Heart: Sustaining Mental Health in the Writing Life | Led by Britt Tisdale, LMHC
At every level, writers face disappointment, rejection, and failure. Developing wellness practices to manage challenges like envy and comparison, imposter syndrome, addiction, social media rumination, and work/life balance makes all the difference.
I Had a Moment
A Mother’s Firsthand Experience of Protesting With Hands Off
by Jess Gilman
Before the protest, I had a moment. A moment where, as I was getting ready, I felt overwhelmed with fear—for our country, for my family, for my friends. I ugly cried before pulling myself together, enlisting my son Emerson’s help to make a sign, and heading out to try to make a difference.
Empowering Voices: Diane Masiello’s New Blog Launch
Twelve years ago, The Gloria Sirens formed to elevate women’s voices in literature. Inspired by VIDA’s gender counts in publishing, the group became a supportive platform for women writers to experiment and connect. Diane Masiello, a dedicated contributor, is now launching her own blog, Every Grace and Blessing, to share her unique Catholic insights.
Trivia Night is Not Trivial If it Makes You Happy
My friend Suzanne Heagy competed in Trivia Night in her new town last night. Her group won second place. She used to play trivia in her old town. I was jealous (in […]
Comfort and Joy
I’m thinking about this because I know, this year, a lot of people are in at least psychological, if not physical and/or economic distress. Many are depressed and fearful about the future of the world, our nation, and their families. And I think it’s fitting that I write this on Christmas Day because it is my faith, honestly, that allows me to feel calm in times of global and national upset.
How to Stay Hopeful on Election Day
I am at peace this election eve, friends. I wish more people felt the same. I have faith in the citizens of our country. And I know our country is already great […]
Milton and Me
Writing this post two days after Hurricane Milton passed within 50 miles of my home, I am struck by how absolutely exhausted I am. I have done some level of physical activity–putting […]
Break The Screen (Time)
I can no longer invest time or attention in the products of corporations that have intentionally done potentially irreparable damage to not only my children, but their entire generation.
The Gloria Sirens 