welcome!
I didn’t know that if you want to write, you must follow your desire to write. And that your writing will help you unravel the knots in your heart. I didn’t know that you could write simply to take care of yourself, even if you have no desire to publish your work. I didn’t know that if you want to become a writer, eventually you’ll learn through writing-and only through writing-all you need to know about your craft. And that while you’re learning, you’re engaging in soul-satisfying, deeply nurturing labor. I didn’t know that if you want to write and don’t, because you don’t feel worthy enough or able enough, not writing will eventually begin to erase who you are.
Louise De Salvo
when i started this blog in 2010, this page was originally a lighthearted tribute to my high school english teacher, mrs. pierce—mostly because i imagined how horrified she’d be by my writing. now that she’s no longer with us, it feels strange to keep that reference.
over the years, i’ve written about her influence on my writing, and you can read more about that here. i couldn’t bring myself to remove her from this page entirely because, in many ways, i don’t think i would have started this blog without her impact.
at some point in 2023, i stopped capitalizing in my writing—just for fun. it felt right, like a tiny rebellion that made everything feel a little more me. so if you’re wondering, no, it’s not a typo. just a stylistic choice that stuck.
if you’re new here and want to get to know me better, i recommend starting with my 100 things i love series. it’s an honest, ever-growing collection of things that bring me joy. (and if you’re more of a “things i don’t love” person, i’ve got that covered, too.)
100 things i love series:
100 Things I Love
100 More Things I Love
100 Even More Things I Love
100 Even, Even More Things I Love
100 Things I Love – Part Five
100 Things I Love – Part Six
100 Things I Love – Part Seven
prefer a little ranting?
100 Things I Don’t Love
100 Even More Things I Don’t Love
100 Things I Do Not Love – Part Three
my readers are the most devoted, thoughtful, and supportive group of people i could ever hope for, and i’m incredibly grateful for the community we’ve built here. it’s a place of honesty and connection, and i’d love for you to be part of it.
as i’ve grown as a writer, i’ve come to value the relationships formed through this space just as much as the writing itself. the conversations, the shared experiences—those are what make this blog feel like home.
posts you may like
i used to write a lot about john hughes when i was at the peak of my perimenopause (see above photo). many of my longtime readers will remember that phase—either with shock and horror, or with a bit of nostalgia. you can find most of those posts here (and thank you for sticking it out with me during that time).
i still love john hughes movies, by the way. i just don’t write about them as much anymore.
i’ve scrubbed the blog of the screenplay. let’s just pretend it never happened.
i also curate a few monthly series:
screw it, i’m eating tater tots
here’s how we can stay connected:
social media isn’t really my thing, so the best way to stay in touch is right here on the blog.
you can also listen to my old podcast episodes [here].
i love music and creating playlists. i’ve put together a playlist with all the songs i’ve shared on the blog, and you can find it on both spotify and apple music.
i’m so glad you’ve found your way to my little corner of the internet. this space has been a labor of love since 2010, and i truly appreciate you taking the time to read and get to know me better. i hope this blog feels like a warm, welcoming place—like a book you can’t put down and want to keep coming back to.
xoxo,
kari
A Grace Full Life 