Keeping Burnout at Bay, One Holiday Tree at a Time
“Is that a Christmas tree?” the Dean of the College of Arts and Letters asked me during a Zoom call. “Absolutely not,” …
The Power of Communicating Gratitude
When the box arrived, I was sprawled out on the couch staring the ceiling, contemplating a 10-minute power-nap between meetings. Like every …
When your go-to burnout management strategies stop working
“Have you become cynical or critical at work?” Well, my self-appointed nickname is Cynical Shawna. “Do you drag yourself to work and …
Celebrating Fall with a Squirrel Tree
Slice. Slice. Slice. “What are you doing over there?” Mr. T asked, askance, peering over from the living room couch. “Cutting out …
Trying (and failing) to care less
Normally when a new semester starts, I think about what I want to accomplish–for myself professionally, with my students, in the department/university. …
Saying farewell to summer with an Under the Sea tree
Over the summer, I had the immensely good fortune to visit my best friend and beloved nephews (who refuse to stop growing …
A dozen years of musing
Whoa. This morning Facebook reminded me that The Bluest Muse turned 12 yesterday. (And yes, I missed it. Again.) Twelve whole years …
Happy National Donut Day!
During the early getting-to-know-you days of a semester, my students quickly learn a few vital things about me. Chief among them? My …
Happy birthday 101 Pat-Downs!
Drum roll, please… It’s officially book day!! What started in Cactus Land 11 years ago and finished in Sacramento during a pandemic is …
2020 Reading Report, Part II: Must-read nonfiction
Yep, I’m one of those insufferable souls who read a lot last year. My grand total for 2020 included 104 books, a mix …