I bought this book as research for my newest manuscript, and I loved it. Braiding Sweetgrass is a mix of indigenous teachings, lore, science, and memoir essays that hooked me in the first pages and kept me enthralled through the whole book. While the chapters specifically about the scientific experiments around sweetgrass are detailed, the… Continue reading Review: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Author: Jess
Amateur historian, mythology enthusiast, writer, reader, sarcastic weirdo, cancer survivor. Author of Defying Shadows: For Witches and Pagans Battling Cancer and Chronic Illness.
I Know This Place
It occurred to me when I parked this afternoon that I’ve been coming to this office just shy of 7 years. Seven. Years. My first time was the day before Thanksgiving, 2019, when I found out I’d have to have chemo. Today I’m in for labs (oncology vampires are the BEST vampires!! They consistently steal… Continue reading I Know This Place
25
TRIGGER WARNING - 9/11 IMAGERY I'm not sure how a quarter century has gone by. A whole generation. I had a whole post planned for today, but I just don't have it in me. I have memories and sadness at the state of the country today, especially with the juxtaposition of the ridiculous RNC garbage… Continue reading 25
Lean Persistence
After a hot, dry summer we have one persistent morning glory blooming today. Usually that corner of the house is overflowing: the morning glories are generally a menace in late summer that take over the entire back garden and completely overwhelm poor Clem Clematis and our single, brave Salvia plant that never thrives in that… Continue reading Lean Persistence
Review: Be Your Own Bestie by Misha Brown
I borrowed this one from the local library as research for my own second book, and loved it so much I wanted to review it, too. If you aren't one of Misha Brown's millions of followers on social media, you're missing out on one of the mouthiest, sassiest, most positive and compassionate people on the… Continue reading Review: Be Your Own Bestie by Misha Brown
Watering Spiders
I can’t remember the last time it rained here. Not a sad three drip drizzle, but real, all day, soaking rain. It was sometime in July, and we’ve had a total in the past thirty days of 3.57 inches in my area. August is usually dry and brown as we transition into the harvest season,… Continue reading Watering Spiders
Unexpectedly Ranty, Oops
fAngus is tired of my bullshit. I finished the first draft of my next CCB book two days ago. As of the end of today I'm on vacation for a whole glorious week. No deadlines, no work, no obligations, just fun reading and naps in the hammock and no schedules. We won't be leaving our… Continue reading Unexpectedly Ranty, Oops
Up for Air
I spent some time at the cabin this week with Grandma and Sarah. We didn't melt, but it was close. I had just enough rest to feel motivated to work on unpacking and organizing the house more (yay, and sorry SK for the upcoming extra work fun assignments chores um, energy?), and I managed to… Continue reading Up for Air
Six
Yesterday was six years since my last day of radiation, which signaled the change from "active" treatment and the beginning of survivorship. A few events have happened since then. Surgery for port removal. Started Tamoxifen, which started all sorts of fun side effects. Started therapy (still in therapy). Adopted Minerva (yay!) Online dating adventures during… Continue reading Six
Miscellaneous Admin
As a bit of domestic maintenance, did you know I also have a Substack? Today's post is: https://jessicasettergren.substack.com/p/book-2-is-coming. Join it if you're looking for an admittedly not always regularly scheduled newsletter focused on my author announcements and writing updates. Sunday is the Summer Solstice: if you celebrate, may your day be gentle and lovely and… Continue reading Miscellaneous Admin
