I’m headed to South Africa and Botswana in a week, and while I’ve been packing for this three-week-long research trip, I’m realizing that my biggest worry is what I will bring with me to read! I don’t like e-books, so I am planning to bring actual physical copies of books, but I also have to... Continue Reading →
It has been a rough week at my house, for several reasons, many of which I won't write about. But yesterday a lot of emotions overflowed when I received a letter from my piano teacher, Kris Davis, the one who guided me through my adolescent years. More accurately, I received a letter from her husband.... Continue Reading →
My top reads of 2018 include six books (well, eight of you count the three Kristin Lavransdatter books separately). I wanted to have a top ten or a top five, but this is how it turned out. Becoming (2018) by Michelle Obama Milk and Honey (2014) by Rupi Kaur The Star Side Of Bird Hill (2015) by Naomi... Continue Reading →
I experienced a few firsts on Christmas Eve. First Number One I read A Christmas Carol (1843) by Charles Dickens for the very first time. I had never read it because I kept telling myself that I already know the story, so what is the point? I have images of Donald Duck, Goofy, and Mickey Mouse... Continue Reading →
When I was in ninth grade, a boy grabbed me, pulled me into a dark doorway, pushed me against the wall, pushed himself against me, and made me kiss him. He shoved his tongue into my mouth and it tasted like Dr. Pepper. I didn't drink Dr. Pepper for 20 years after that. That was... Continue Reading →
I've read Rebecca (1938) by Daphne Du Maurier. It is a great book of suspense. I read it as part of the BBC book list that I was reading from when I started this blog. (I should get back to that.) I'm not sure why, but I stopped there with Du Maurier. I didn't think, "That... Continue Reading →
I’ve had a stressful and unhappy year. My oldest daughter barely survived seventh grade. There were enough tears to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and there were many nights spent worrying over her. There were also many evenings of stressing over homework and grades and friends and boys and teachers and clothes and gym class.... Continue Reading →
“A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what it’s for.” –Laurel Clark (astronaut killed in Columbia accident) I marched with a group of 200 men and women on Saturday in one of the sister marches to the Women’s March on Washington. I know there are many who did not think this was “appropriate”... Continue Reading →
I recently tried to read Corduroy Mansions, the first book in a series by Alexander McCall Smith. As you may recall, I love Smith's work. But after starting, and then stopping, this book, I realized something. I love the series featuring Isabel Dalhousie. And I love Precious Ramotswe of The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency.... Continue Reading →
My good friend Britney Mills has compiled a collection of stories about motherhood that is now available on Amazon. And my story is in it! The Motherhood Trek: Stories of the Smiles, Tears, and Surprises of Being a Mother Check out the full book: https://www.amazon.com/Motherhood-Trek-Stories-smiles-surprised-ebook/dp/B01N0DLCVS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479698893&sr=8-1&keywords=the+motherhood+trek Here is my personal story that appears in the book. Post-Partum... Continue Reading →
The Bookshelf of Emily J. 