In October of 2008, on the heels of bankruptcy, divorce, and the untimely death of the family cat, Rosie, my kids and I set a goal of drawing one hundred cat pictures (some of Rosie, some of my friends’ cats, some of my friends as cats). I still draw cats, among other things, and share my writing here on The Rosie Pages blog. I hope my writing makes you laugh, cry, or cry ‘til you laugh. You might also find a few good book recommendations. Thank you for coming along with me!
The Art of Herding Cats: How I Survived the Teenage Years without Losing My Mind
When my kids were little, I'd go to parent-teacher conferences or chaperone a field trip and think, my kids, are angels compared to most of these yahoos. As a high school teacher, I'd see my students getting into trouble or making bad choices and pat myself on the back. Clearly, I had cracked the code on this parenting thing. Naturally, my kids would be model teenagers because I was a model parent. Boy, was I wrong.
The Beauty of Middle Age
Well, it happened. I’ve reached that inevitable crossroads between passing for someone sort of hip and vaguely young to looking like a middle-aged suburban mom on her way to Target.
Please Stop Talking
If I acknowledge that life is unfair and depressing and lonely, will my kids believe me when I tell them it is also exhilarating and joyful and full of beauty?
Survivor 101
As part of their Writers at Home initiative, The Cabin asked me to write about my quarantine experience. I ended up writing Survivor 101 about my love of survivor and Flo Rida, and how they helped me survive quarantine without alcohol.
Second Act
I have been a teacher for twenty years. I have great friends and a sweet husband to hang out with in old age, but I can’t help but wonder, once my kids are grown —what’s next for me?
Five Keys to Post-Divorce Happiness
It took me a few a few years, but gradually I gave up on finding the meaning of life in the divorce memoirs I read and instead realized how little I actually had in common with any of the women writing them, aside from the very small part about getting divorced.
Shelf Life: My Latest Book Recommendations
I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted a Shelf Life list. I read quite a bit, but often, I don’t feel strongly enough about a book to recommend it. Which is all the more reason I am so excited to present you with the fruits of my reading labor from the last six months.