Some of you might recognize the clip art I placed above these words, but I’m guessing not everyone reading this has the same reaction to seeing the American flag. In some locations, this symbol stands for one set of values where in other situations, people use it to support the exactly opposite ideals. In my…
Author: caritagardiner
299. Why (True) Generosity is Tricky for Me
The photo above doesn’t have anything to do with my topic for today. It’s a photo I took at my school; I think it’s pretty. I’ve been thinking about what it means to be truly generous. I love giving gifts, especially ones that people don’t expect and that don’t align with any recognized gift-giving event….
298. Why Preach Peace
I write my posts ahead of when they go live, and when I saw that this piece would become available on the twenty-third anniversary of one of the worst days in American/human history, I decided I’d write about the importance of teaching/ preaching/ leading people to seek peace. On my campus, one thoughtful, enterprising student…
297. Why Teach Digital Wellness
A year ago, the school where I work instituted a new rule saying that people couldn’t use their phones in communal spaces (dining hall, chapel, auditorium, class). When teachers find students on their devices in these places, we’re supposed to take their phones away, bring them to the deans’ office, and allow students to retrieve…
296. Why Take Breaks
Somebody took the above photo of my husband last spring at our school’s farm. When he was lounging in the grass, he had probably recently completed an hour or two of outdoor labor with the kids whose afternoon activity brings our school a significant percentage of its produce. My husband (Hi, CIO!) is very good…
295. Why Search Your Virtual Couch
Like many people, I get excited when I find a few dollars in the pockets of pants or jackets I haven’t worn in a while even though I know the money was mine to begin with. The proverbial place to find spare change is in one’s couch cushions, but the sofa you see above is…
294. Why “We”
Last year on my anniversary, I began my post with a photo from my wedding. Our anniversary is two days from when this post goes live, and for this year’s photo, I thought I’d go even further back in time. The picture above, just for funsies, is from an engagement party my family threw for…
NetGalley Review of Wicked Serve
title: Wicked Serve author: Grace Reilly publisher: Avon publication date: August 13, 2024 pages: 448 peppers: 3-4 (on this scale) warnings: spousal/child abuse violence trauma alcohol abuse anxiety injury – hospitalization summary: Volleyball-playing, college sophomore Izzy never thought she’d see Nik again after their summer fling because she goes to school in Boston and he’s the…
NetGalley Review of Let’s Call a Truce
title: Let’s Call a Truce author: Amy Buchanan publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin publication date: January 14, 2025 pages: 336 peppers: 3 (on this scale) warnings: parental, violent death (off-page, before story) parental abandonment alcohol summary: Widow Juliana is excited to prove herself in her job in HR after her years staying home with her young daughters, but…
293. Why “I Love That for You”
At a fancy restaurant on another recent trip, my bonus father, who doesn’t like mushrooms, asked for regular butter instead of the truffle-infused butter that was offered to us. The waiter actually responded to the request with, “This butter is really delicious.” Why would the waiter think his palate was the one that got to…