Bucket List

The Middle Ages are often when people start thinking about the things they still want to do before they die. Some start Bucket Lists: things to do and places to go before “kicking the bucket.”Tasks include anything from learning to ride a bike to traveling to remote...
Grace Cottage

Grace Cottage

One of the worst things about living anywhere is needing urgent medical care; one of the best things about Living in Place is receiving that care at Grace Cottage Hospital.Last Saturday, I twisted my ankle at mile four of a twelve-mile hike and refused to allow a...

The Importance of Reading Carefully

I goofed on Friday Fun when I didn’t read the question carefully, seeing only the headline, What One Book Would You Recommend? I didn’t see the fine print: it was supposed to be one book about writing. I can heartily endorse Bird By Bird and If You Want To Write,...
Working in Place

Working in Place

I didn’t set out to be a freelancer, but Working In Place developed from Living In Place.I intended to teach literature at a rural, liberal arts college during the school year and write fiction during the summer. Marriage and motherhood were not part of the picture,...
Cucumbers, My Vegetable Love

Cucumbers, My Vegetable Love

It’s clear Andrew Marvell never grew cucumbers in Vermont: the 17th-century metaphysical poet wrote, My vegetable love should grow/Vaster than empires and more slow.*We hedged our bets with the cucumbers last spring by planting extra seeds on account of the...