Dueling Worlds

Nobody told me it was going to be like this… Regular Working World: One in which I plod through, day to day, nodding and smiling in support towards colleagues and students and the occasional administrator. I teach, I answer questions, I grade papers, I question myself, I re-grade some papers, I teach some more, I … Continue reading →

When Writing Truly Became My Therapy

I’ve been stagnant here, and for that—as well as my lack of participation in the blogging community—I’m sorry. I’d a single writing goal over the summer, and that was to FINALLY finish my horror novel, that beast that’s been keeping my mind and soul occupied when other things should have been. I’d promised myself it … Continue reading →

The Curse of Being Broke

There’s a curse that this particular Jennings girl suffers. Because my sisters are wealthy (and I’ll explain what I mean by that in a bit), the curse hasn’t affected them much as of late. People keep vanishing from my life, and it’s not necessarily within my control. Old loves, new friends and acquaintances, that sort … Continue reading →

I don’t need your idiom.

***** Every morning, right upon waking, I have a little routine. I check my fingertips, especially the fingernails. I know what you’re thinking. It’s peculiar. No, wait. That’s not what you’re thinking — You’re thinking it’s flat-out weird. I’m weird. But don’t we all have our own little rituals upon waking? Mine can’t be the … Continue reading →

We Knew What We Didn’t Want To Know

The dorm room was smothering in the Georgia heat. It was about the size of the average truck trailer and undoubtedly just as hot. Outdated wooden furniture. Twin beds on each side. Just enough room to sit or lie there and cook. A fan would do nothing but blow hot, muggy air around, but at … Continue reading →

Horror Movies Reminding Me I’m Not Dead Yet

(WARNING: Significant plot spoilers for A Cure for Wellness & Get Out)   The pop culture gods are fucking with me right now. They often do anyway, but I’m not laughing at their message anymore. I’m watching; I’m paying close attention. I’m panicking. Lately, I’ve been questioning my own health, my own midlife crisis, desperate … Continue reading →

Too Much Too Soon

This time of year means stress upon stress. This time of year can take it the hell back. So many things happening all around that I can’t concentrate, can’t think about what comes next or how to get through it. My grandfather always said that things can only get better after they hit the breaking point (how … Continue reading →

Ulcerous

Socrates hit it with his “Envy is the ulcer of the soul.” Oh, ENVY, that green-eyed dickster, keeps popping up like a horrid party guest during times when I really don’t feel it, don’t want it, don’t need it around.  I’ve a friend who always reminds me that for every person you’re envious of, there are … Continue reading →

How to Experience Hell Without Really Trying

  I realize I haven’t written much lately. I’d partially expected as much since school started up again, post-Christmas. The department continues to have a lot of inanity going on thanks to the truly stupid decisions made by the morons-elect in public office (the crazies in the House are once again honing in on abortion right … Continue reading →

It’s Never Been About Beauty

***** I’m six. It’s blustery out with a wind chill sharp enough to give me a cold. I don’t know all of what’s happening all day as everything is coated in a grey haze. The little boy with the bright orange Chef Boyardee stained mouth and grubby Greedo sweatshirt is in front of me in … Continue reading →