Musings from M.E.

Musings from M.E. is my monthly-ish newsletter. Below you will find a mix of my latest published work; favorite personal essays from years past; book recommendations; good news about writer friends; and random thoughts on matters related to writing and reading.

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Musings from ME

I have two newly published essays on the Erma Bombeck Writer’s Workshop Blog!

On the off chance that you don’t recognize her name, Erma Bombeck was a renowned humorist in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s who entertained millions of readers — including my Mom and me — with her newspaper column, At Wit’s End. She wrote about the ups and downs of life as a wife and mother with wit, warmth and relatability, and set the bar high for all humor essayists who want to follow in her footsteps. I’m thrilled to appear on the blog.

Hope you enjoy the stories!

I Can See Clearly Now Home Alone

All Things Erma

I also attended the virtual Erma Bombeck Humor Writer’s Workshop offered by the University of Dayton, her alma mater. When I attended in person ten years ago, the high-energy networking and camaraderie were too much for this introvert. I spent as much time in my hotel room as I did in the sessions, which defeats the whole purpose. This time, I watched some sessions when they happened, and others at my leisure. I learned a lot, got many new ideas, and didn’t have to talk to a single stranger.

Photograph by Steven Le Thee Photo Ninja

Fan Girl

I recently wrote my first fan letter to another writer, Heather Sellers, because I was so blown away by her essay, Just This Breath which appeared in The Sun. It is a stunning piece of writing about her two month siege with Covid-19. Heather happens to live in St. Pete, but I’ve never met her. I hope to remedy that as soon as the new normal becomes a safe and healthy normal.

Photograph by Steven Le Thee Photo Ninja

Read My Friend, Marshall Craig

Pet owners and dog lovers will relate to Marshall’s wistful remembrance, Bingo and Molly. In my case, it was Toby, Pepper, Duke and Kelly who made a difference in the lives of the McGinty clan.

Canine Gothic
Painting by Diana Craig

Book Review – Born a Crime

I recently joined a book club, which is much less harrowing than attending a conference. The only reason I’m comfortable socially distancing with a group of strangers is because there are only 9 of us, two of whom I already know. Maybe 6 people at a time is my in person mingle limit. November’s book choice was Born a Crime, by Trevor Noah. If you know him from The Daily Show, you’ll recognize the humor, insight and intelligence with which he tells the sometimes comical, sometimes harrowing story of growing up in South Africa. We all agreed that Jon Stewart knew exactly what he was doing when he picked Trevor to be his Daily Show successor.