She approached me as I stood shivering by the car. “Ma’am, can you give me a ride home? I’ll pay you. I just live near Maryland Market.” There are two types of people in Steubenville: the Townies who talk with some variation on an Appalachian accent, and the Frannies who talk with whatever accent they learned in the places they used to live, before they came here to attend Franciscan University. I was a Franny when I came here, and... Read more
I apologize for the sparse posting, my friends. My veteran readers know that this happens every February. Every February, I fall into a slump. In many ways, this is the easiest slump in years. The anxiety level remains relatively low. But it’s February, so “relatively low” doesn’t mean very much. The insomnia is much better than usual as well, but it’s February, so “much better than usual” doesn’t mean “fixed.” And with that state of mind and body comes... Read more
It started out with scrolling on my phone, catching up on local news. There were three horrific crimes in the headlines, and I can’t get them off of my mind. My heart started racing when I saw a by-line with the surname of the Lost Girl. I have been waiting in dread to for news about her and those children ever since 2023. But of course, this wasn’t her or her children; it was another child with the same... Read more
It was the most anxious of days. There is so much to be anxious about. If you are fortunate enough not to be American right now, I can’t describe the stress. I felt like I was in a dream for days. I’ve had trouble getting to sleep again– and when I wake up, I’m in a panic. It’s exhausting. In this mental state I kept putting off chores, until the compost bucket in the kitchen was nearly overflowing with coffee... Read more
It rained all day. It rained, and I was relieved. It ought to be snowing, but I’m glad for a thaw. A long, long stretch of uninterrupted snow doesn’t do wonders for my sanity, which is never very good. Last winter was only freezing for about two weeks, and this winter we’ve had at least six freezing weeks. Maybe we’ll have a few more. When I went out to get Adrienne from school, it was pouring down. Her hoodie... Read more
I opened my door at the end of the world. Everything is happening so fast. Every time we turn around, there’s something else to react to. My dear friend across the country keeps sending me messages about the immigration raids. The neighborhood is full of families who can’t find their fathers. They don’t care if you’re a criminal, and they don’t care if they’ve got the right person; they just seem to want to fill their trucks. Her... Read more
The cross is to carry. The cross is to lift high so the martyr can see it through the flames. To die to self upon, daily, as many times as it takes. The cross is to contemplate. To help each other bear. To lighten for one another when we can. The cross is to pray that God let it pass from you, but that the Father’s will be done. To trace on the forehead at baptism, and at Confirmation,... Read more
It seems I have to remind people that empathy is not a sin. In case you’ve been living under a rock this week, get back under it, because I’m going to talk about a situation involving President Trump. On Monday, we had the inauguration of Donald Trump, and I’ve made my opinion quite clear about Trump. This isn’t about him. It’s about the woman who preached a sermon to him, Bishop Mariann Budde– or rather, it’s about the reaction to... Read more
I drove out to the overlook at Fernwood State Forest, not feeling too well. Adrienne was with me. We listened to the radio and chatted, casually, as we so often do now. I wish someone had told me sooner that when you stop being a homeschooling mother, you don’t stop being a mother. In fact, it’s easier to be a mother, because you’re not a drill sergeant constantly wielding a math book. You just have to be a mom.... Read more
I’m not going to watch the inauguration. I don’t see why anyone would. We all know what’s going to happen. The inauguration will be attended by the richest men in the world. Zuckerberg, Bezos, and Musk will be honored guests. Other CEOs will be there. Right wing populist demagogues from all around the world will be there. Cardinal Dolan, who never met a rich and powerful politician he didn’t want to curry favor with, will be there. Franklin Graham,... Read more
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