Author Archives: andi

Facebook alerted me to the fact that six years ago, I posted this: “Am thinking that someday my mornings won’t be structured around the demands of children, dogs, horses, and guinea pigs. That instead I will be free to make coffee and turn directly to a book. And that a part of future me willContinue reading “It Gets Better”

I’ve dedicated a new site to my great-grandfather’s diary: arrowheadsupthehill.net. Would love to see you all there! Here’s the About: Thanks for stopping by. Half of one of my bookshelves is taken up by journals written three-quarters of a century ago by my great-grandfather, Jesse Brewer. He writes about daily life in a small MassachusettsContinue reading “Diary Project Moved!”

(Must admit, that last written line gave me pause…) (Also, every page has a quote at the bottom, printed as part of the book. Did he read these and find inspiration/solace/intent? Who knows?) ToDay is the Birthday of ___________ Fair and clear wind SoW by W. Went up on the hill and did some choresContinue reading “January 3 Sunday, 1943”

(Note from my mom: “Actually, they would be the diaries of your great-grandfather.  It gets very confusing with the names. Jesse Brewer’s father was David Brewer, Jesse named his first son David. David Brewer named his first son Jesse. Phew! David Brewer came to America to set up a game preserve for Eben Jordan inContinue reading “January 2 Saturday, 1943”

(A journal entry from this day in 1943 by my great-uncle, Jesse Brewer.) [Italics indicate deciphering issues. All structure, grammar, and verbiage is as close as I can tell.] (edited to add my mom’s notes: “Bud would be Aunt Jessie’s husband..Pic was the nickname of my mom, your grandmother..Eric would have been 1 yr old,Continue reading “January 1 Friday, 1943”

Boxing Day. I love Boxing Day. Being done with Christmas is a huge relief and I feel like I can finally enjoy the holiday. Which doesn’t quite jive with my determination to restart the healthy eating thing, but that’s life for you. I’m sitting in a very chilly ski lodge. But when I say skiContinue reading “Know Thyself”

The last time I felt warm was in August. I was sitting on the porch, in the shade, the cats in asymmetrical puddles at my feet, and we were all simply oppressed by the heat. We were dying of it. We were melting. And we didn’t even appreciate it. Since then, I’ve been cold. MyContinue reading “I have been cold forever and there is no end in sight.”

I have a love/hate relationship with snow days. Yes, it’s nice to get a break from the morning rush, the forgotten karate bag, the school drop-off line. It’s nice to have the time to do the breakfast dishes before dinner dishes are created. It’s nice to have a third cup of coffee at my kitchenContinue reading “Wintry Mix”

New Year’s Resolutions. Because everyone else is doing it.