We have been told that technology is supposed to make things easier. But sometimes it doesn’t. Take, for instance, the issue of holiday returns, a pretty common activity. In previous years, the process typically went something like this: Fill out return form. Use provided mailing label and package item. Mail it back. Receive refund or credit for new item. This year, however, it went like … Continue reading What happened to all the helpfulness?

So happy to see you! Mom is still working on her book, so I’ve been asked to provide a puppy update–or “pupdate,” if you will–about the routine I’ve developed since my last visit in September. Can’t believe I’m already five months old! In the morning, I like to find a sunbeam in which I can do my own style of yoga. Downward dog is my … Continue reading Hello Again, Human Friends

Welcome to Election Week, where there are big questions to be answered! In the meantime, here are a few tiny and random ones. Please feel free to answer any or all of the following: What is your favorite (Halloween or otherwise) candy of all time? What is something you’re watching on tv right now? What is one food or drink you’ve recently discovered and would … Continue reading Just Wondering

Hi everyone: (My mom Cynthia is busy working on a book right now, so she said I could take this post.) I’ve had a great time over the past few weeks teaching my family how we should do things. And in addition to the usual snuggles and puppy toy requirements, I have some other ideas. For example, here I am playing Grab The Water Bowl … Continue reading A Little Something Different

Here at Chicks, we talk a lot about books—particularly mystery, obviously—but it’s been a minute since we’ve discussed film. It’s on my mind since I’m currently teaching a course that explores the rise and influence of film noir (which has of course adapted numerous crime novels for the screen, so perhaps it’s not that far from our usual beat). We’ll sidestep the whole is-it-a-genre-or-a-style scholarly … Continue reading a slight swerve

With the Olympic Games starting soon, the excitement is palpable. Athletes coming together from around the globe is an amazing thing–conceptually, emotionally, and logistically. And even though the main goal is competition, so many other aspects can be marvelous to witness. The races, matches, and events themselves can be thrilling to watch, of course. The demonstration of talent and determination can be impressive and inspirational. … Continue reading Olympics Week is Here!

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about difficult long-term projects: how much endurance they require, how there are points where the desired outcome seems impossible, and how giving up may actually seem like the logical (and more attractive) option. For example, in my teaching job, it has been necessary to produce scholarship. Here’s how that process has tended to go. Have jolt of awareness that … Continue reading a marathon, not a sprint

Dear Kit Maker: Just found this picture in my photos and had a minute of confusion. Then it all came flooding back… Ah yes, the Great Cape Kit Conundrum. Initially, when I saw this at the store, I thought: hey, a cape kit seems like a cool idea! It could come in handy for costumes! (The kids seemed to have endless opportunities for dressing up … Continue reading Just a Friendly Note (kit edition)

The day of the total eclipse has arrived! It has been suggested that eclipses affect us psychologically: the moments of darkness can be deeply unsettling but thrilling–and enhance our sense of being human/connected to others. I have been registering varying levels of interest both online and offline, ranging from great enthusiasm to shrugs. One news channel has had a countdown clock going for days while … Continue reading It’s Here…

The sequel to In Good Company, a previous compilation of quotes, follows…many of these offer advice that could apply to more than writing! There is no perfect time to write.  There’s only now. ~ Barbara Kingsolver You fail only if you stop writing. ~ Ray Bradbury Actually, every time we begin, we wonder how we did it before. Each time is a new journey with … Continue reading In Good Company Again

Let’s begin by establishing that I am a person who wonders about things quite a lot. My husband, who is much calmer than I am in practically every way (unless he’s watching sports), has helped me realize that not everyone has the need to question, like, everything. It’s useful in some ways–I believe that being curious about something is a genuine path to discovery. And … Continue reading Just wondering. Again.

Mysteries happen all the time. Even to mild-mannered college professors. At work. (This is a true story.) After class one day, I went to my office to catch up on some grading. On the floor in the hallway, there was a small, saucer-shaped pod with what looked like a puddle of oil underneath. I yelped at the sight of it, and my neighboring colleague came … Continue reading Mysteries Everywhere