renée a. schuls-jacobson
When Your Freezer Breaks
So our refrigerator broke down. More specifically, our freezer stopped freezing. The ice cream could not be saved. Neither could the meat. Not much else to do but write about it. And tweet….
Those Who Can't Teach: Guest Post by Tamara Lunardo
Tamara Lunardo is my guest blogger today. Where I sometimes get mired in the details, Tarama is a big picture kind of girl. Tamara’s writing is as fresh, edgy and vibrant as she is. Gentle and compassionate, Tamara (pronounced Ta-MAH-ra) is a wonderful read. Note: Just don’t mispronounce her name or call her Tammy or she’ll punch you in the throat. Here is her teacher memory….
Who's the "Derpy-est" One of All?
When I can’t find the right word on the word-shelf to fit my mood or predicament, I often just make one up. Today’s word is “derpy.” What the heck is that?…
A Piece of the Action
We are always searching for the next big thing: the good stuff. Well, back in the 1970s when early talk-show host, Mike Douglas, was around, he really had an eye for the next big thing. He knew how to give his audience a piece of the action. Just look at Thor here. He’s positively thrilling. Also, here’s a picture of me when I last performed Muscle Rock with Thor at Aladin’s Hotel in 2005. I guess I was looking for a little satisfaction….
To Get Up or to Zzzzzzzz
Monkey started 7th grade this year. I hear him moving around starting at 6:20 AM, and I stick my pillow over my head. Unlike my parents who stayed in bed, confident in my organizational abilities — or never really ever considered whether I had everything I needed or not — I feel totally guilty for staying in bed. …
Yo tengo el gato los pantelones! Guest Post by Tyler Tarver
I am so lucky to have Tyler Tarver as a guest blogger today. Tyler’s awesome blog is called “chaos meets capitalization.” I wish I thought of that, but that would imply my brain would work like Tyler’s and Tyler’s brain does not work like mine. In fact, Tyler Tarver’s brain does not work like anyone else’s brain. Which might be why I like him so much. He thinks in metaphors. And colors. And he raps. And he teaches. And he is a published author….
In the Middle of October
This week I used a photo of an autumn day to inspire an memoir piece — in under 300 words….
The Day Monsieur Said Non
In 11th grade, I needed three stellar recommendations that I could send off with my college applications. I felt confident that I would receive solid letters from two of my former English teachers, but then I was kinda stuck. I decided to ask my French teacher. He said no….
The Terrible, Beautiful Tattoo
showed up without a plan, just a little design I had scribbled on a scrap of paper. I asked a few questions about the needles. “Lady,” said the man at the counter, “we ain’t interested in spreadin’ diseases.” Jed, the newest apprentice, was available. I agreed. Jed would be fine. What did I know? I wanted a tattoo….