Life is so funny. All my life mom has told me the story of how when she was a new grad Occupational Therapist working at the University of Kansas Hospital, her and her coworkers would always go across the street to a little dive bar to dance and have a few drinks after work. On… Continue reading Little Dive Bar
The Limits and Strengths of the WPA Missouri Slave Narratives
Until the late 1930s, the narratives of former slaves living in Missouri were unheard. As many slaves were illiterate, documenting their experiences was commonly impossible. Due to the predominance of illiteracy, oral histories of former slaves were collected by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1936 through a series of interviews with former slaves. As… Continue reading The Limits and Strengths of the WPA Missouri Slave Narratives
Charity and Sylvia: An “Open Secret” in Nineteenth-Century America
In honor of Pride month, I decided to post a few book reviews for those interested in LGBTQ history. In my first semester of graduate school, I took a gender theory class which changed my perspective on so many aspects of queer history and gender studies. By sharing these book reviews and some analysis, my… Continue reading Charity and Sylvia: An “Open Secret” in Nineteenth-Century America
A Victorian-Era Gem with a Chilling History: Ghosts, Secret Tunnels, and Bootleg Liquor in Eureka Springs, Arkansas- A Weekend Getaway Guide
Tucked away in the Ozark Mountains rests one of my absolute favorite cities. Not only is the city rich in history, but virtually every building in the historic district has been restored and bask in their Victorian-era elegance. There is no place that I feel so at home, so at peace, or so incredibly happy… Continue reading A Victorian-Era Gem with a Chilling History: Ghosts, Secret Tunnels, and Bootleg Liquor in Eureka Springs, Arkansas- A Weekend Getaway Guide
Women in Ancient Rome: Discrimination, Double Standards, and Agency
Historically, women have been discriminated against and have held lower social positions than their male counterpoints. This is no exception in Ancient Rome as women were both exploited and molested at the hands of their husbands and even their parents. Due to the belief that women were weak and “light-minded”, Roman laws were put in… Continue reading Women in Ancient Rome: Discrimination, Double Standards, and Agency
The BEST Chicken and Broccoli Rice
Guys- my son and I just threw this together tonight and OMG it was amazing and so easy! Here’s what we did. What you’ll need.. One pack boneless, skinless chicken thighs (6-8 thighs) One family size can of Cream of Chicken soup One regular size can of Cream of Mushroom soup Half a regular size… Continue reading The BEST Chicken and Broccoli Rice
Living Through Trauma: You’re not crazy, you’re just grieving.
I will always share my story and posts like this. I think it is so important to realize that PTSD is not just a product of military service but civilians suffer from it, too. Including me. You’re not alone, you’re not crazy, and it does get better. ⚠️⚠️ I want to warn you, this is… Continue reading Living Through Trauma: You’re not crazy, you’re just grieving.
Humbling Experience #2 for the year
⚠️ I had another humbling experience I thought I’d share... I was feeling defeated today. This week, actually. All the sudden my long term plans seem so out of focus and the near future feels extremely overwhelming- to the point that I was questioning in a big way, what I was doing and if this… Continue reading Humbling Experience #2 for the year
Flashback to Richmond:Appreciating the Chimborazo hospital site.
I wrote the below post one year ago during a research trip to Washington D.C. and Richmond, VA studying Civil War medicine. This memory popped up today on my Facebook memories and I figured it was worth the share. I am so passionate about what I do. God has truly blessed me with the best… Continue reading Flashback to Richmond:Appreciating the Chimborazo hospital site.
Today, I had a humbling Experience…
Today, I had a very humbling experience that I thought I would share... This weekend my family and I went to the opening of a restaurant in which the owner- who happened to be a celebrity- was present. People lined up around the block to get wrist bands to meet her, see the ribbon cutting,… Continue reading Today, I had a humbling Experience…
“Follow your heart, follow HIS signs- everything else is noise.”
Four years ago, I stood in front of this fireplace. I stood in awe of the brickwork that had remained intact since 1733, the musty smell, the history of the family who had lived there that I left feeling like I knew, the goosebumps, the energy. It was majestic. Today, scrolling through Instagram, seeing that… Continue reading “Follow your heart, follow HIS signs- everything else is noise.”
#bepreparednotscared
Our shoes. That’s what I thought about before we walked out the door this morning. Not “do they match my outfit?” “Did he pick out ones that matched his shirt?” Or “Did he tie them?” Today it was “I can't run in these.” And if I can’t run, I can’t protect my son. At least… Continue reading #bepreparednotscared
Only a Picture
Sitting here I’m frozen in your warm, steady glance, For eyes so tender and sweet they hold me here in a sinister trance, I never thought it possible that I’d ever see you again, Left with only a memory and what could have been, Caught in this moment my body sits stagnant here, Taking… Continue reading Only a Picture
Can’t Breathe
The funny thing is I know you’re too far gone, I realize there will never be an “us” again for we have both moved on, But somehow I keep placing myself here, taking my heart back to that time, Gazing at a picture that brings up emotions I can’t find words to define, Keep… Continue reading Can’t Breathe