Earlier today I was stretching after my walk. Stretching has become an essential and frequent activity now, at multiple times during the day. Including, but not limited to, before even getting out of bed. I’ve found it necessary to “cat/cow” myself awake every morning. Why do I feel so stiff after sleeping on a memory … Continue reading Adventures in Perimenopause: Where Did That Bruise Come From?
Author: gretchenmulroy
Sing It Anyway
I used to be afraid of teenagers. That was before I knew any. It was also before I was a mom. But honestly, even when I first became a mom, I was still a little afraid of teenagers. My favorite author, Fredrik Backman’s newest novel, My Friends, begins like this: “Louisa is a teenager, the … Continue reading Sing It Anyway
The Paradox
The weight of the world Is in the weight of words What are the words worth? The weight of the whole? The depth of your soul? Truth be told Words that are bold Words that are weaponized To have and to hold My church your church no church My body your body no body Is … Continue reading The Paradox
Those Who Wander
I have the worst sense of direction in our family. This is not news to most people. This summer we took a family vacation to Quebec City. It was Oldest Daughter’s birthday and we rented e-bikes for a day on L’ile d’Orleans. We had the bikes for four hours, and we all listened to the … Continue reading Those Who Wander
Do Something
Many teens will vote for the first time this election: Parents play important role When my oldest daughter turned 18, I pulled a total mom move – I registered her and her friends to vote at her birthday party before they scattered off to college. With my laptop open to the crowd, I asked them … Continue reading Do Something
For a Limited Time
I put these brownies in the back of my car when they were still slightly warm from the oven. Along with a knife, my favorite brownie spatula, aluminum foil and a large Tupperware container. I couldn’t cut them before leaving the house because, well, you must know what a mess they turn into when you … Continue reading For a Limited Time
Stages
StagesI’ve done a lot of self-reflection over the last year. I’ve questioned whether or not I would sharethis story. But I am a writer and astoryteller at heart, and I guess the time just feels right.Last spring, on April 7, 2023 I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer-invasive ductal carcinoma, a tumor of almost … Continue reading Stages
There’s Only This
It was 12:25 am and I was sitting in a line of cars in a quiet neighborhood. I was driving the carpool home, waiting for the kids to come out from their cast party. They’d just performed their closing show of the high school version of RENT, their fifth show in nine days. Half the … Continue reading There’s Only This
Holding it Together
I could see a rip in the jacket. Two rips, actually, maybe an inch long. It was a popped seam on the back of the right sleeve. I zeroed in on it when he turned on stage. I was only sitting four rows back in the audience and I was probably the only one who … Continue reading Holding it Together
She Said, Speak Now
Disappearing words Unoccupied shelves Dissipating passion All concerns deserted or abandoned Vacant stares Where once there was fire Desire For truth For stories and voices Who dares Speak Out of Darkness Who dares Speak For perspectives fading into obscurity For all the fading colors The Bluest Eye(s) and the Color(s) Purple and Beyond Magenta and … Continue reading She Said, Speak Now
Gretchen L. Mulroy 