The photo above has nothing to do with today’s post, but isn’t Tuukka a majestic boy? Last week’s post got me thinking about the category of words and phrases I don’t like, which got me thinking about “just.” I first became aware that nothing good ever follows this four-letter word when we lived in the…
Author: caritagardiner
151. Why Not “At Least”
I found the photo above on @sarcasm_only’s Instagram page and appreciate not only the kid’s great expression, but also the fact that this happens to me all the time. Usually, I think about how I deserve a snack break after three or four minutes of work. I might not be getting much work done, but…
150. Why Play Yente
The screenshot above isn’t a live link because I’m not that technologically advanced, but here are three actual links to sites that will allow you to listen to the relevant podcast, How Do You Write? (episode 268): iTunes Generic podcast location Youtube If you’ve been reading my blog since the summer, you know how ebullient I…
149. Why I Love and Hate Spirit Week
At Hotchkiss, we take five days to gear and psych up to play our rival school Taft in most sports (never water polo, as Taft doesn’t have a pool, or cross country, a team that has its New England championship on the same day). We call it Spirit Week. During the days leading to the…
148. Why Blush
I took the photo above from Jamie Brenner’s website shortly after I finished her novel, Blush. Some of you who’ve read it might argue that I’m going off-script again because it’s not a traditional romance novel, but as I’ve asserted, my website, my rules. Plus, this novel creates three romance plots in one. Double bonus. Brenner’s…
147. Why I Love Hosting
You can buy the glittery invitation I took a screenshot of at iStock.com. Of course, I chose it for its glitter. As an introvert and someone who’s incredibly lucky to live where there’s plenty of outdoor space, I didn’t suffer through the “safer at home” and “really, stay home” phases of the pandemic as many…
146. Why the Worst is the Best
The photo above shows a moment from the twenty-seventh annual Hotchkiss Swimathon, which donates 100% of its proceeds to Special Olympics Connecticut, helping athletes have access to pools, coaches, etc. If you haven’t already donated, you can do so on this link. (In case you’re wondering, I’m one of the people holding the banner, CIO…
145. Why Use Gift Certificates Today
My instinct when I get a gift certificate is to save it for something special. I’m writing today to try to encourage you (and myself) to resist that impulse. Let’s enjoy whatever the presents are as soon as we get them. The photo above shows some of the gift certificates we have in our house,…
144. Why Helen Hoang
I took the photos above and below from Helen Hoang’s website. Many people who aren’t avid readers of romance novels complain that romance is (1) poorly written, (2) always the same, and (3) normative. I dare you to read Hoang’s books and maintain any of those wrong beliefs. First, her writing sparkles (and you know…
143. Why Take Fresh Starts
The image above comes from an article about using Windows 10 Features, which is funny because I’m writing on my school-issued Mac. Still, I like the image of peeling away something that looks ominous to be able to see something new and desirable behind it. As you know, I’m a teacher. Every fall, my job…