Rants
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If You Give a Beth A Platform
In 1985 Laura Numeroff wrote a delightful children’s book titled If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. For those unfamiliar, the story follows the chain of events after a mouse has been given. It’s pretty dang cute and of course, because it’s me, foreshadows what’s about to happen to you in this post. Fair warning…
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A Story of an Oaf and A Silly Woman
To tell this story, I need to share some background – a prologue, if you will – that tells you a little bit about me and a little bit about someone else. Details that may assist you in understanding why I later might refer to someone as an “oaf” “clod” “buffoon” or even a “bombastic…
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Writing
Huzzah! Another post about “writing”! Ok, ok, ok, I know, I get it, but hear me out… yes, it’s about writing again, but, but, but, but… this time it’s a different angle. Huh?? Yeah! That’s right! Do I have your attention now? No? Still feeling like clicking on something else? Hmph. I gave my best.…
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Poking Bears: Please Tell Me What I Believe
When it comes to topics for posts, I tend to steer away from certain subjects. Posting about work, while arguably cathartic, can also be a career-limiting opportunity. Calling people out and using their full names while on a rant can result in your Jr. High bully contacting you and asking you to stop being mean.…
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So, That Happened
I was at lunch today watching an episode of The Great British Baking Show when my regular pest control guy came by for the bi-monthly eviction of pests. Toodles ants! Not that what I was watching is particularly important to the story, it’s just a fun fact (you’re welcome). The contestants were busily creating Baked…
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Welcome to Holland
Since early January I’ve been meaning to write a post about personal journeys and my own personal journey as I face all of the anniversaries related to Jay and our life together. For me, Spring kicks off a lengthy emotional roller coaster ride that pulls off some upside down loops as it careens through Summer,…
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A Letter
For those of you who’ve followed the Big Blue Mess since the beginning (you loyal two), you know/understand/recognize that my posts are merely letters. This is how I write. This is how I speak. And you’ve been around long enough that you are very familiar with this particular origin story – the tale of blame…
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A Particular Set of Skills
The time I nearly ranted about some cookies.
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Words Matter
My husband Jay died by suicide. It was not romantic or noble or beautiful or any other positive feeling you might have seen portrayed in a movie. Mozart’s emotionally stirring Requiem didn’t play softly in the background, nor did a dove take flight in slow motion during the event that changed our lives. No, what…
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Oh, a Blog… and Other Stories
Another online date out of the way, and more time spent with people who haven’t seen me in awhile brings me to my least favorite line of questions: “So, Beth… tell me about yourself. What do you do?” If there is one question that is like hitting the clear button on my brain, that’s it.…
The Big Blue Mess 