I began attending Diane Zinna’s Grief Writing Sundays in the early stages of writing my memoir, An Obesity of Grief, and her portals, as well as the writing shared by others, helped me recognize grief’s impact in other areas of my life beyond my husband’s death. The piece I contributed to Diane’s new book, Letting … Continue reading “Letting Grief Speak” is out in the world!
I hate mice. Wait, that’s not really true. I don’t hate hate them. They have a right to exist. Just not in my house. I think it’s more accurate to say, mice creep me out. They’re quiet and quick and oh-so-dirty (cue shudder). A few weeks ago, Jim had to “escort” five of them across … Continue reading Afraid and Fearless
When my first grandchild, Claire, was born, my heart was full of so many strong emotions that it took a few weeks to parse out and understand them all. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to share her with others. Then when I saw her other grandmother holding her and gushing all those same … Continue reading Crying in an Elevator Holding a Tiny Jesus
"My participation in diet culture was not only time-consuming, but mind-consuming"
For 41 years I’ve met March 25 with feelings of varying degrees of “This day sucks.” Some years I put my fingers in my ears and try to tune it all out. Some years I sprinkle “blood” on my doorstop and hope it passes over me.
Way (and I’m talking WAY) back in my serious weight-loss days (2005-2009), I belonged to a fabulous (and eclectic) online group on the Weight Watchers website for people who wanted to lose 100 pounds, give or take. There, I met (and am still friends with) people who challenged everything I thought about weight standards, body … Continue reading Salad Dressing & A Beard (I’ll connect the dots)
When I started writing An Obesity of Grief in 2008, I had no direction, only a vague idea of the story I wanted to tell. I became frustrated when, after two years of writing, I still hadn’t identified a unifying theme, so I put it away, went to graduate school, and didn’t pick it up … Continue reading Introducing: Two-Hour Memoir Mentorship
I’ve been pinching myself all week (and not sleeping well) as my book, An Obesity of Grief: A Journey from Traumatic Loss to Undying Love, is now in production mode. Edits are complete, and now we’re deciding on a cover design. Help us decide by clicking on this link: Koehler Books Cover Poll. (I promise … Continue reading Cover Design Poll! (and an excerpt)
"With all the partisan bitching and divisive news cycles, reading memoir helps me feel like I'm part of something more significant."
This is the only audio I have of Bruce. A BIG thank you to the late Bob Jones, Jasper High School choir director and a dear friend of Bruce's, for sending this to Carlene in 2000. If you have any audio or video of Bruce that you can share, please let me know. You can … Continue reading Oklahoma! practice, 1977
Lynn Haraldson, Author and Writing Mentor 