What follows may appear to be a simple, mundane story about liquid hand soap, but don’t be fooled. For at its heart, this is a tale of darkness and failure that speaks to the sudsy, bubbling, ever-changing, uncontainable nature of the inner self. My inner self, in particular. Bear with me. Once upon a couple … More Cascading Failure
I had quite an inspiring week at work, and by that I mean it was filled with great struggle and strife and pain, which inspired me to write my very first song. I’m a bit afraid to post this little ditty, though. At first I thought I was afraid of getting fired if the wrong person … More Song of My Week
I’ve been a bit MIA around these parts, I know, and I started to worry that y’all might think my losing streak had come to an end. O my friends, wonder no longer, for I assure you that is not the case. This past week I’ve journeyed far down into the depths of the ocean … More New Depths of Losing
When I saw this tag sticking out of a houseplant at Lowe’s the other day, I was struck with deep, immediate jealousy. Why didn’t I come with instructions like this? I’ve spent the better part of 43 years of trial and error figuring out exactly what I need to succeed. Some Cliffs Notes sure would’ve … More What I Need to Succeed
Ah, 2016. I feel guilty admitting this, but on a personal level, I’ve got no beef with you. This was my first year since 2011 with no hospitalizations. My family and friends and pets all survived the year. My husband and stepson and I went on some great trips and adventures, spent lots of just-as-wonderful … More 2016, in Collage Form
Sometimes when I’m at work enduring a painfully long, aimless meeting, I think that this whole stable, responsible, grown-up lifestyle is keeping me from experiencing a life of complete joy and fulfillment. Like every other working stiff, I look forward to 5:30, can’t wait to make it to the weekend, and daydream about retirement. I fantasize about … More Frittering Away My Days
There was a time in my early adulthood when I prided myself on my ability to resist all the salespeople and marketers and advertisers of the world. I’d picture them around a gleaming conference table, all smug in their three-piece suits, plotting sinister ways to trick me into buying crap I don’t need. Every time … More Succumbing to Shopping
Like every one of you, I’ve lived through some dark and dismal days. Along the way, I’ve collected quite an assortment of coping mechanisms to see me through. One of the key pieces of equipment in my personal Toolbox of Sanity is language. Time and again, words have been there for me. Over the years, … More No Language in our Lungs
We are living in dark, confusing times. Regardless of our individual perspectives and opinions, I think in the last 18 months or so, we’ve all felt some heightened uncertainty and fearfulness about the future. Because there’s a menace out there, and it’s a real, tangible, imminent threat to all that we, as Americans, hold dear. … More The Edge of Destruction
I’ll spare you all the whys and wherefores, but suffice it to say that things have been stressful in my department at work lately. I’ve been pondering what I can do to make things better, but mine is a position of responsibility without any actual authority or power. I have no control over salaries, budgets, … More Failing to Inspire
Maria Linn 