Part 1—Day 2 of the Teachers’ Walkout Note: I am a substitute teacher who works part-time in Monongalia and Preston counties. I’m also writing a book about the recent shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. This book Read more…
I imagine the number of people watching This Is Us after tonight’s Super Bowl LII will be record breaking. I will be among them. SPOILER ALERT!!! In fact, I specifically hooked up my cable box today for just that reason. Read more…
As we bid the last 365 days goodbye, I keep thinking that 2017 reads like one gigantic, above-the-fold headline, complete with a star-studded Hollywood cast. One woman after another—Taylor Swift, Ashley Judd, Angelina Jolie, Rosanna Arquette, and Salma Hayek, to Read more…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — One month later, John has a new set of wheels. The motorized wheelchair, a gift from a local woman who knows exactly how essential such a chair is, has given John back his freedom. I met John Read more…
Television shoots aren’t what you think. I enjoy doing them, because they’re about books—and anything to do with reading is sexy, right? But they are far from glamorous. I can’t recall how many I’ve done now—for Dateline, 48 Hours, 20/20, Read more…
I love farmer’s markets. They remind me of the rich, dark earth I played in as a child. There, every spring, I would help my mother dig long, somewhat straight rows in the garden, drop in tiny seeds, cover them Read more…
You sustain me. Whether it’s macadamia nuts and honey from Hawaii; cranberry skin care from Maine; gift cards from Texas, Maryland, and beyond; or a homemade meal and a handwritten card, your love lifts me up and gives me strength. Read more…
Yesterday was a first: someone tried to steal my car. Thankfully, they only stole my car keys. I was at the pool and alone in the locker room, blow drying my hair, when a woman walked out of a bathroom Read more…
As I watched some of the inauguration online, I began thinking about the last few months. Boy, have they been busy! Especially for some people, like the Trump supporter who emailed me recently, calling me a snowflake. Google helped me Read more…
I begin 2017 like many people, looking back at the year before. Or, in this case, the month before. December was not easy. Aside from being the anniversary of my sister’s death, there was so much tension and turmoil following Read more…