Category Archives: Uncategorized

I am on sabbatical. These are words of luscious luxury, words every academic yearns to say.  My first sabbatical was in 2009, and ever since I have measured my life in seven-year increments.  It’s divine. I don’t mind gloating.  Not … Continue reading →

At the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, we saw 18 performances in 8 days.  There was no room for writing.  Lots of inspiration though. Hunger, a play by Brit Chris Bush, was superb.  A black woman and a white woman who work … Continue reading →

I’m in Glasgow, Scotland, in a trendy hotel called CitizenM.  Our room is tiny—only as wide as a king bed, with an enclosed shower/toilet combo next to the door, a tiny sink just outside.  But the common areas are chic … Continue reading →

Tinkering with already-written stuff Making notes Crossing out/deleting notes Trying to remember what notes mean Rereading a critique Thinking about a character and feeling stuck Napping while thinking about said character Journaling about writing Blogging about writing Tomorrow Bob and … Continue reading →

At MOMA today (Museum of Modern Art), a few pieces moved me. A Monet I don’t know if I’ve ever seen called “Agapanthus,” a word I’ve never heard. Dorothea Lange and other black and white photos of ordinary people. Harlem … Continue reading →

Five or six colorful saris appeared in my family when I was four.  I have no idea where they came from, maybe from one of my dad’s graduate students.  We did all sorts of things with them, but they didn’t … Continue reading →

I’m committing to writing on this blog a few times a week for the summer.  After that, we’ll see.  I have been writing a lot, but since I’m trying to publish, I don’t post, because blogging counts as published in … Continue reading →

On my 41st birthday, she made me dinner, got a beautiful cake with buttercream frosting, and gathered people around to sing to me.  My husband was working out of town and I had a new baby and an almost four-year-old.  … Continue reading →

And yet.  But.  These qualifiers that intrude.  I am enjoying the time at home, and yet.  I know I am lucky to have a paycheck and work from home, while so many others have lost their jobs.  But.  I feel … Continue reading →

I feel a little possessive of X.  Probably left over from learning how to spell my name, and noticing that few others had X’s in their names.  Then the fun of spelling backwards. Ecila Xonk (say it out loud) Orred … Continue reading →