January 20, 2012

Today the real me browsed in a second-hand book store, sipped on gourmet root beer, and found the perfect red- and blue- striped espadrilles in a magazine ad.

January 17, 2012

For the first time this week, my husband smiles with his eyes. I will have to bake more sugar-free chocolate cupcakes.

January 12, 2012

We took the wreath down from the front door and unwound the burgundy garland from the terrace railing, but the uneven stack of Christmas cards will remain on the living room bookcase.

January 10, 2012

Primary results from my home state of New Hampshire pour in over Texas Public Radio. Tomorrow, Granite State diners and shopping malls will echo, bereft of the incessant handshaking and forced smiles.

January 9, 2012

A brown catnip mouse, completely spent, lies next to our cat, who reluctantly nods off in my husband's favorite soft chair.

January 6, 2012

Cedar fever: everywhere I look, the headache follows.
Seated above my left eyebrow, it mocks my every attempt at writing.

January 5, 2012

Ghost-white refrigerator, covered with yellowed newspaper clippings and souvenir magnets, hums monotonously as I lose the battle to stay awake and write one more article.