renée a. schuls-jacobson
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….
Whoa, What Are You Doing?
After my post went up at I Survived The Mean Girls, I learned that Anderson Cooper had run a television special devoted to bullying awareness and prevention called “Bullying: It Stops Here.” I just learned that the program will re-air on Friday, October 14. …
Buzz Champion: Guest Post by Kelly K.
My guest blogger today is Kelly K. She has, like, a zillion blogs. Just kidding. Sort of. But seriously, she writes a lot. In real life, Kelly K. has been beyond helpful to me. When I had my meltdown this past summer, Kelly K. was there. She is an amazing “fryber” (my made-up word for a cyber friend) and a fearless writer who is devoted to expressing herself in as many ways as possible. Check out her story about a favorite math teacher. …
I'm Confessing My Sins Today
It is hard to admit this, but I wasn’t always the nicest girl.
At one time in my life, I cared a lot about being popular. I cared so much that sometimes I ridiculed and teased other people. Or I stood by silently while others were teased. And I did nothing. These are the things about which I am now deeply ashamed. Sins for which I have tried to atone. Today, I’m telling it straight. It isn’t always pretty….
The Book Is Closed. Or Is it?
When I was a little girl, a Sunday School teacher told me that on Rosh Hashanah, G-d opened a big book that had everyone’s names in it, young and old. He explained how between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, G-d would decide who would live and who would die in the upcoming year. And how. Which was a pretty scary concept. …
What Not To Read When Your Child's Fish Tank Has Ich
We are great with houseplants and lawn maintenance. My husband can grow a mean tomato. But pets? Not so much….
Ode to Werner Barth: Guest Post by Larry Hehn
Larry Hehn is my special guest blogger today. He is the brains behind Christian in the Rough, and I feel honored to be the Jewish girl he lets hang around the joint. Larry encourages people to find fun in the middle of dysfunction, action at the end of distraction, and grace at the end of disgrace. Every time Larry posts something I learn something new. I really wish I knew him in real life….
Unintentional Galloping
When I was in middle school, I took horseback riding lessons from folks who lived in a broken down old house but who took fantastic care of their horses. I was a quick study and easily learned how to get my horse to respond. I learned to give the appropriate kicks to get him to trot, to jump over logs, banks and ditches. I learned to canter, my favorite stride. After a while, I begged my instructor to teach me how to gallop. I was sure I was ready; she disagreed….