how to make the world a better place – by jess

* Ed note: I try really hard to keep things clean around here. I know it’s a family show, after all, and the language should therefore be family friendly. Sometimes, however, a girl’s just gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. And today, this girl’s just gotta curse.  I tried to write this post using … Continue reading »

i love being my own autistic self

~ * So I’ve had a bit of a problem. You see, my friend, Landon Bryce, the author of ThAutcast and its wildly popular accompanying Facebook page, wrote a little book. I call it ‘little’ only because it’s short – and a very quick read. But believe me when I tell you, that it’s actually … Continue reading »

thanksgiving – and the little things that aren’t little at all

. So grateful for one of the best Thanksgivings ever, thanks to my Aunt Marilyn, Uncle Julie, Grandma and cousin Adam. Being in a place where BOTH of my children are not just welcome and loved but celebrated is more than enough to make this Mama thankful. And spinach squares to boot. What more could … Continue reading »

hurt is not betrayal

~ I don’t why this moment should feel any different. From the outside at least, it’s identical to countless others. We’re in a booth, tucked into a back corner of the Ninety-Nine, one in a chain of family restaurants that dot the map here in Massachusetts. We’re in the corner because we’ve requested, as we … Continue reading »

out loud

~ It’s bedtime. Brooke and I lie side by side on her bed. Daddy and Katie are gone, having already performed their roles in the elaborate evening dance. The fish tank gurgles its soothing lullaby. The sparkly lava lamp throws its soft light into the room – pink, then purple, then blue, then green. Brooke is … Continue reading »

sum of the parts

~ My entire life, it’s been a source of embarrassment. When I was a kid, I would make up stories to explain. I’d pretend I’d fallen off my bike – skinned my knees and landed on my elbows. I’d say it was a ‘gymnastics thing’ – ya know, from the bars. I’d bandage my knees … Continue reading »

we shall be free

Ed note: I’m somewhat fearful about hitting publish on this post. I hope that if you disagree with what I have to say here, that you will respond thoughtfully and afford me the respect that I promise in return. I know this is a touchy subject, but it is also one about which I feel … Continue reading »