Random Awesomeness

We Try So Hard

Two weeks ago I shared Lynne Twist’s quote about feeling like enough is never enough. I threw energy out into the universe, and in that mysterious way the universe works, it sent something back to me. Last week a wonderful article by Jamie Varon fell into my lap. It asked me to forgive myself for the shame…

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Paper Flower Mania!

You may have heard that I’m getting married! In fact, the big day is less than a month away!!!!!!!!!!! (That’s right, bring on the exclamation points!). I’ve been obsessed with wedding planning. It’s true. As a result, I haven’t been consistent with this blog in the past six months, for which I apologize. The wedding is my…

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Help Support The KISS Initiative

Did you know that kids, and even infants, have strokes? A few weeks ago, my friend (and VCFA peep) Lauren, contacted me about a project she was developing. May is pediatric stroke awareness month and she needed a logo to help raise awareness. I jumped on board right away, because I, like many, had no idea…

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Do You Ever Think About the Universe, Mr. Trout?

Last night I saw the children’s movie The Box Trolls, which is an Academy Award nominee for Best Animated Film this year. The Box Trolls is absolutely glorious, not to mention fun and beautifully made. I highly suggest it. But what I really wanted to share with you is this small moment from the end credits. Don’t worry, there are no…

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Why Books Are Important

Your work is important. What you have to say will change people’s lives. The following video about how the Harry Potter Series affected one reader has been circling the internet. If you’re a writer and you haven’t seen it yet … you must. Just watch it. Books change lives.

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Word Crimes

I’ve spent the last week neck-deep in revisions and in a coffee-induced state of mania. It’s exciting to be on deadline, but also a little nerve wracking. Realizing I might go crazy and turn into Jack Nicholson from The Shining, my fiance was kind enough to force me to take a break. “There’s a hilarious new Weird…

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The VCFA Universe

One of the things I love about attending the Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA) is the school’s traditions. We name our classes and have class-name “reveal” ceremonies. We  decorate the portraits that hang on campus with silly kidlit references. There’s even a costume party themed in honor of the graduating class, and more. I…

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National Book Award Nominations 2011

The National Book Award Nominations were just posted and I’m super excited to congratulate VCFA faculty member Franny Billingsley for her nomination of Chime. I had the privileged of having my writing workshopped by Franny at the winter VCFA residency and she was brilliant and insightful! Not to mention the fabulousness of Chime itself (which…

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