@RASJacobson
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….
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 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. …
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. …
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….
If You Think I Take Grammar Seriously, You Should See Me On Rosh Hashanah
Today, I am sitting in temple for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. I’ll be thinking about the wrongs that I have committed this year and praying for forgiveness. I assume I have hurt people this year. I am pretty positive that I ticked someone off. Because sometimes I say stupid stuff. But I am working on it. Every year….
The Day Flannery O'Connor Screwed Me
Someone really smart once said, “Kids seldom misquote; in fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn’t have said.” That person might actually have been sitting in my classroom the day I taught Flannery O’Connor’s short story “A Good Man is Hard to Find” to a bunch of 11th graders….
Kite Drowning at Deb Bryan's Today
I am guest posting at Deborah Bryan’s place today. She’s The Monster in Your Closet. Come read me there!…