Random Thoughts
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Something I Learned In High School
I sat down to clean my desk. Instead, I wrote about orchestra bullies, trash‑can acrobatics, unexpected courage, and the lessons that stuck with me for decades. Come see how I got from Point A to… whatever this is.
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Gym & Other Struggles
The post highlights the deep connection between exercise and mental well-being, and the ongoing effort to reclaim that balance.
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Odds & Ends
Hello! It’s me again. Beth. The Big Blue Mess. You know, the writer? (hah) Author? (HAH!) Rando with a keyboard and an internet connection, too much free time, and too much caffeine? (Ooh, that’s about right.) Anyway, you know—me. Well, it’s Sunday, and rather than doing the things I should be doing, I’m casting about…
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Flex Appeal
Poking around on my blog reminds me that I like writing. Weird, right? Anyway, I since I have some free time today, I decided “What the heck, I should write something that isn’t a ‘Hey guys, join the walk!’” (We have plenty of time for that.) And annoy David, who is truly the hero of…
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Finding Connection: Stories from a Museum Visit
Your Random Story from the Week Earlier this week I found myself sitting on a bench during the middle of the day at a natural history museum in Waco, Texas beneath the ever-watchful eye? empty orbs? of Stan, the replica T-Rex. I’d met the woman next to me briefly years before and figured catching up…
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My Roots
Real Talk at a Sonic Anna and I were discussing the Big Blue Mess – its roots and how it’s changed (grown? devolved?) over the decades. It was one of those Sonic fueled heart-to-hearts – the kind you have with a friend. At least I feel the chat was at a Sonic, because that feels…
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This Ol’ Wagon
My counselor moved to a new practice last month. I don’t know if you’ve ever tried to find a counselor – one you connect with, but it’s a right PITA as you navigate counseling styles and personality fits. But through no small effort, and a couple of whoopsies, I finally found my person – someone…
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That’s a Wrap: 2024
As you may recall, I threatened all of you (just yesterday) with an end-of-year wrap-up and I’m here to deliver! Here’s the list of the ups and downs of a mess (of any color). I’ll throw in some stories along the way. February: I revamped the blog Truth – the jury is still out for…
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I’ll Tell Ya A Story
A quick glance at the calendar will tell you a few things: Y’know what, I’m not going to do that (yet). We’ve got four more weeks until the walk, and I have plenty of time to bide. Instead, I’ll tell ya a little story – something unrelated to the fundraiser. Then, in the comments, I’ll…
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Storytelling, Burdens & Grief
So, you may have noticed (or not, it’s ok) that I went out, changed the look of my blog, announced it, and then let it sit. Is anyone really surprised by this? Yeah, me either. It’s kind of on point for my spotty writing over the last eight years. But today I decided to take…
The Big Blue Mess 