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Jessica J
I used to feel ridiculous calling myself a writer, but I’ve gotten used to it.
Recent Activity
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At this time last year, I was teaching a high-school class called “Dreams and Nightmares: Literature of the Sublime and the Uncanny”. The first book we read was The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. Although some of my... Continue reading
I have a Conscious Clothing wrap skirt that has transformed my wardrobe. T-shirt. Leggings. Wrap skirt. Instant outfit.
Toggle Commented Jan 11, 2013 on Sponsor Giveaway: Conscious Clothing at Pink Coyote
1 reply
“I’m visiting neighbors today because I’d like to share the good news from the collected works of Jacques Lacan.” “Good morning. I’m wondering if I might offer you this copy of On the Origin of Species. I’d also be delighted... Continue reading
Posted Oct 4, 2012 at Pepita
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Galaxies, Galaxies! by Gail Gibbons Reviewed by Frances Jernigan-Clayton I checked this book out of the library because I thought it would be a cool book about galaxies, and now I know that it is. Our solar system is in... Continue reading
Posted Jun 20, 2012 at Pepita
Dear House Speaker Bolger, First, I’d like to tell you how flattered I am that the Michigan House of Representatives has taken an interest in my uterus. It’s really sweet to know that you’re dedicated to protecting my womb and... Continue reading
My daughter, who is five, knows where babies come from. She knows what menstruation is. She knows the word “vagina” and we do not use any cute euphemisms for that part of her body. My daughter sees my naked body... Continue reading
My daughter, who is five, knows where babies come from. She knows what menstruation is. She knows the word “vagina” and we do not use any cute euphemisms for that part of her body. My daughter sees my naked body... Continue reading
Posted Mar 24, 2012 at Pepita
Here’s the thing about women: They are, by their very nature, loose. While men are like tempered steel—hard, unchanging, complete, perfect—women are in a constant state of flux. They are fluid, unfinished, always becoming. They are permeable, designed to be... Continue reading
FRANCES: Mom’s just being sarcastic, Aunt Rachel. RACHEL: What does “sarcastic” mean? FRANCES: Sarcastic is when you don’t really mean what you say, like, if I said, “You’re my favorite aunt,” that would be sarcastic. RACHEL: I get it now.... Continue reading
Posted Feb 22, 2012 at Pepita
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“Your chaotic present is someone else’s nostalgic past.”—Jamie Martin, Mindset for Moms My house is a mess. I don’t mean that my spice rack is no longer alphabetized. I don’t mean that I need to re-fan the magazines on the... Continue reading
Posted Feb 4, 2012 at Pepita
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When it comes to parenting hacks, I find that about 1 in 10 works with my kid. The snack shelf is one of our rare success stories. Here it is in all its nutrient-rich glory: You’re looking at pretty, easy-to-open... Continue reading
Posted Feb 3, 2012 at Pepita
Jessica J has shared their blog Widdershins Consulting
Jan 4, 2012
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Sunday night, over supper, Ted, Frances, and I passed around the family journal and made some new year’s affirmations. The idea was to list three things we like about each other and ourselves, in the hopes that this practice might... Continue reading
Posted Jan 3, 2012 at Pepita
Jessica J is now following Alex Soojung-Kim Pang
Jan 3, 2012
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Saint Nicholas saint nicholas day is december 6th. He throo bags of gold throo the windoe. One landed in a grls stocing. We hang stocings today. Crismis in Mexico In mexico they yoos poinsettias to decurat ther homes. They hang... Continue reading
Posted Dec 20, 2011 at Pepita
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Here’s the gift I best remember from last Christmas: Two jars of pickled quails’ eggs that my sister gave me. I also remember—with longing—the orange Bundt cake she made for our grandma and the ceviche she gave our dad. If... Continue reading
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You want to give beautiful, one-of-a-kind handmade gifts. Of course you do. But maybe you’re insanely busy this season, or just not feeling crafty. Etsy to the rescue! I’ll be posting some more handmade ideas soon, but today I’m introducing... Continue reading
A couple of years ago, Frances and I made scented bath salts to give as Christmas gifts. Frances chose the essential oils and mixed them up with the sea salt. I packaged the finished product in hand-stamped glassine envelopes, and... Continue reading
Creative fulfillment Adult conversation A spa day New slippers More time with my family More time to myself More friends More time with my friends Rewarding work Apple brandy Moonstone earrings Physical fitness Peace of mind More time for writing... Continue reading
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Frances’s birthday is in July, but her school likes to make sure that everybody has a special day during the school term. Frances’s honorary birthday fell on November 4, and since her class has been studying Día de Muertos, she... Continue reading
Posted Nov 4, 2011 at Pepita
Yes, Frances created the artwork in the last photo, and, yes, that is a sad ghost. Please be assured that this will be going into storage for future Halloweens.
Toggle Commented Oct 28, 2011 on Frances’s DIY Ghost Decorations at Pepita
1 reply
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It’s not too late to decorate for Halloween! All you need to adorn your walls with scary ghosts is a few household supplies and Frances’s handy, four-step guide. Step 1 Draw a ghost on paper. Step 2 Use scissors to... Continue reading
Posted Oct 28, 2011 at Pepita
Long, long ago—when there was still such a thing as a giant Marshall Field’s in the heart of Chicago—a gal at the Laura Mercier counter convinced me that chemical exfoliation was meaningless without physical exfoliation. I have come to believe... Continue reading