Category: Misadventures

I Accidentally Lived Through My Favorite Childhood Movie

~ Brooke F. ~ 2 Comments

Happy afternoon, dear readers!

Have you ever revisited a childhood favorite and realized that, somehow, you accidentally lived through the plot? Because apparently, that is something that can happen to a person, and I have some explaining to do.

My favorite childhood movie was Tinker Bell. I loved, loved, LOVED this movie as a kid. I loved Pixie Hollow, the different kinds of fairies, the pretty little dresses, the tiny houses, and the idea that everyone had their own special talent. What I did not know was that one day, I would find myself relating to Tinker Bell on a deeply personal level. I certainly did not expect a Disney fairy movie to have something to say about my career choices, my relationship with my own creativity, and the way I viewed my own talents and skill.

But here we are.

A Quick Trip to Pixie Hollow

For those who need a refresher, Tinker Bell follows our favorite little fairy as she discovers that her talent is tinkering. While the other fairies have gifts like making flowers bloom, controlling the wind, or working with water, Tinker Bell is essentially a tiny fairy engineer.

Which is actually pretty cool, if you ask me. But I understand her mild annoyance because I too want superpower.

Anyways, Unfortunately, Tinker Bell doesn’t think her talent is so cool. She wants to do something more exciting, something that feels more important. And it’s somewhat understandable why. The other talents seem so magical and showy, while tinkering involves fixing things, building things, and making things work. It’s useful, sure, but it doesn’t necessarily have the same sparkle as making flowers bloom across a meadow.

And the problem isn’t just in Tinker Bell’s head. Pixie Hollow has its own little system of expectations about what different fairies can and cannot do. Tinkers aren’t supposed to go to the mainland to help bring spring. There’s a whole established set of roles, and Tinker Bell’s talent supposedly doesn’t fit into the job.

Then there’s Vidia, who is pretty openly prejudiced against Tinker Bell and her talent.

The thing is, Tinker Bell’s dissatisfaction isn’t happening in a vacuum. She’s living in a world that gives her reasons to believe her gift isn’t as valuable as everyone else’s. She’s surrounded by expectations that make her feel like she got the short end of the sticker or, er, the fairy wand.

So she tries to change her talent. She attempts to learn the other fairies’ gifts, hoping she can become something other than what she is. But it doesn’t work, and in the process, she causes a whole lot of trouble for everyone preparing for spring.

Eventually, Tinker Bell realizes that her own talent is exactly what Pixie Hollow needs. Her tinkering skills allow her to fix the mess she’s made and help save the day. She proves that her talent isn’t just useful. It’s essential.

And in doing so, she proves Pixie Hollow wrong, too.

She gets to go to the mainland after all.

The little fairy who wasn’t supposed to be good enough for the job ends up showing everyone why she belongs there.

And, as it turns out, I had a very similar problem.

So, What Does This Have to Do With Me?

Well, I write.

I like writing. I love writing. I’d love to be a published writer someday.

And if you’ve spent any time existing in the current world, particularly in the United States, you probably understand that creative careers aren’t exactly treated as the most practical life choices. There are a variety of reasons for this, and that isn’t really the point of this particular story. The point is that there’s a general concept, or stereotype, that going into a creative field is kind of dumb.

Granted, creative careers aren’t easy. Making a living as a writer is difficult, and I’m not going to pretend otherwise. Being practical matters. Paying your bills matters. Having a stable job matters. This stereotype is founded in some truth.

But somewhere along the way, the conversation about being practical can turn into something else entirely.

Don’t take that creative job. Don’t pursue that passion. Don’t spend too much time on something that might not make you money. You can always do it as a hobby! But don’t invest in it too much. There’s no return after all…

LET ME JUST SAY, Hobbies are great! I have several, and I think people should be allowed to enjoy things without monetizing every single one of them. But there’s a difference between choosing to keep something as a hobby because that’s what you want and pushing it into the hobby box because you’ve convinced yourself that it’s not worth anything more.

I got a degree in biology, with a minor in writing. And, I also want to emphasize, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that either. I genuinely enjoy science, and I value having a STEM education and a stable career.

But if I’m being honest, my attitude toward writing was a bit of a problem.

I wanted a talent that felt important. I resllt wanted something that the world valued. I wanted to make money and feel practical and have something to show for my efforts. Writing didn’t feel like that in any capacity.

So, slowly, I started talking down about my own talent. I downplayed my passion. I treated writing like something I did for fun, something that wasn’t really worth taking seriously. I could write, sure, but it wasn’t my real career. It wasn’t what I went to school for. It wasn’t what I did to make money. It ultimately did not factor into any of my life decisions.

It was just a little thing I did on the side.

Sound familiar?

I was Tinker Bell, standing in Pixie Hollow, wishing I had a different talent.

The Problem With Trying to Fit Into a Box

After graduating, I got a job in STEM. And I want to be clear as well, I don’t think it was a bad move at all! It was an important stepping stone for me, and I learned a lot. I gained experience, developed professional skills, and started building a career. I really did need to pay my bills.

But I struggled with feeling satisfied.

I had this idea that because I had a practical job, my creative pursuits were supposed to take a backseat. They were optional you see. They were the things I could do if I had enough time and energy after taking care of the important stuff.

And if I didn’t have the time or energy? Well, that was just adulthood, wasn’t it?

Except I started feeling guilty whenever I did create something. I felt like I was wasting time on something that wasn’t worth as much as my actual job. I wasn’t making money from it, so why was I spending my limited free time doing it?

I had effectively convinced myself that my own talent wasn’t valuable enough to deserve my attention.

So I stopped writing.

And then I felt like crap. Shocker.

I would cry on the way home from work because I knew I wanted to make things. I wanted to write stories and poems and create things that existed because I had imagined them into being. I wanted to have something that was mine, something I could be excited about. And, because I was totally ignoring this part of myself, I was trying to convince myself that my passion really was my current job when it most definitely wasn’t.

When it comes to numbers, excel spreadsheets, and statistics, I don’t really find myself filled with joy. I was trying to be that person because it would be a whole lot more convienient if I was. During college I had wished desperately I was one of those people who loved math (they make waaaay more money I hear). But you simply can’t just completely change who you are and how you’re wired.

By the time I’d get home from work, I was drained. Mostly because I had spent the day both working and performing. I was pretending to care about what I did. And because I had spent so much time convincing myself that my creative work wasn’t worth prioritizing, I had made it even harder to find the motivation to do it. So a double soul suck.

It was a rather unfortunate cycle.

I was too tired to create, and I felt guilty when I did create. I wasn’t making things, which made me unhappy, and the longer I went without making things, the harder it became to start again.

I had spent so much time trying to be practical that I had forgotten how to value something simply because it mattered to me.

And the worst part? I was the one doing it to myself.

Now, to some extent, I think this is a pretty common experience. We grow up hearing about the importance of being responsible, getting a good education, finding a stable job, and making smart decisions. And those things ARE important! But I think it’s easy to accidentally interpret that advice as a reason to abandon the parts of ourselves that don’t fit neatly into those expectations.

We start treating our natural talents as frivolous. We convince ourselves that the things we love are less important because they don’t have an obvious practical application. We start believing that if the world doesn’t value something, we shouldn’t value it either.

And that’s where I went wrong.

Enter: My Creative Fairy Godmother

Thankfully, this story has a happy ending. Or at least, a much happier middle chapter.

Two things happened that helped me start changing my perspective.

First, I applied for a job that leaned more heavily into my creative interests.

Second, I made a creative friend who was an amazing writer herself.

And this friend noticed something about me that I hadn’t really stopped to consider. She pointed out how badly I talked about my own work and talent. Her exact words were: “Why do you keep benching yourself?”

The phrase stuck in my head. It was a perfect visual too because it was what I was doing. I was telling the little writer in my brain to “sit this one out”, even though writer me was constantly begging to enter the game. Put me in, coach!

I don’t think I had fully realized how often I dismissed myself. I had gotten so used to downplaying my writing that it had become second nature. I would talk about it as if it were something silly, something I wasn’t particularly good at, and something that didn’t really matter.

And here was another writer, someone whose work I admired, looking at me and essentially asking why I was talking about myself that way.

It was a little bit of a wake-up call.

Then I got the job!

And suddenly, I had an opportunity to approach my creativity differently. I could stop treating it like an embarrassing little secret and start appreciating it as a real part of who I am.

I decided to love my talent again.

Not because I had suddenly become a bestselling author. And definitely not because I had figured out how to make a fortune from writing. Not because I had discovered some magical formula for turning every creative pursuit into a profitable business.

I just decided that writing was something I loved, something I was good at, and something worth making room for in my life.

Maybe We Don’t Need a Different Talent

Looking back, I think one of the biggest things I had in common with Tinker Bell was that we both wanted our talents to be valued by the world around us.

Tinker Bell wanted to do something important. She wanted to contribute to Pixie Hollow in a way that made sense to everyone else. She wanted her gift to be recognized as something special.

And I wanted my writing to feel important, too.

I wanted it to be practical. I wanted it to be respectable. I wanted to be able to explain why I was spending my time doing something creative without feeling like I needed to justify myself.

But the thing is, Tinker Bell didn’t need to become a different kind of fairy. And, pardon me for being a bit corny, but she needed to recognize the value of the fairy she already way.

There is nothing wrong with being practical. There is also nothing wrong with having a stable career, pursuing a STEM degree, or keeping some of your creative interests as hobbies if you so desire. There is nothing wrong with deciding that a particular passion doesn’t need to be your full time job. Heck, some people creatve BETTER when something isn’t their job.

But there IS something wrong with convincing yourself that your talents don’t matter just because they aren’t the ones the world rewards most obviously.

You can be practical without being dismissive of yourself. You can acknowledge that making a living as a writer is difficult without deciding that writing isn’t worth doing. And you can recognize the importance of your day job without treating everything else you love as a waste of time.

I don’t think everyone needs to quit their job and pursue their childhood dreams. It’s not as simple as that. There are far too many factors associated with that decision and there are always going to be less than desirable jobs. Jobs, at the end of the day, are made to fix a problem or produce something. (Please do not quit your job because a tiny animated fairy told you to. I am begging you to use some discernment.)

I think the lesson is that we shouldn’t be so eager to fit ourselves into the boxes other people have built that we forget to appreciate what we bring to the table.

Sometimes, the thing we need to change isn’t our talent. It’s the way we think about it.

Anyway, Thank You, Tinker Bell

It’s a little funny to think that a movie I watched as a kid would become so relevant to my adult life. Back then, I just thought Tinker Bell was a cute fairy with a cute little teapot house and a cute little hammer going on cute little adventures with her friends.

Now, I’m realizing that her story had something to teach me about creativity, self worth, and the dangers of dismissing the things that make us who we are. I still want to be a writer especially in regards to writing books. I still want to create things. I still want to make stories and poems and all sorts of little projects that may or may not ever make me any money.

And I’m learning that those desires don’t have to be justified by a paycheck to be worth taking seriously.

I can appreciate my STEM adjacent career AND my writing. I can be grateful for the practical things I’ve accomplished AND make room for the things that make me feel alive. One doesn’t have to cancel out the other. I can stop talking about my own work as if it’s something to be embarrassed about.

Because maybe my writing isn’t the flashiest talent in Pixie Hollow. It’s definitely not the easiest thing to turn into a career. But that doesn’t mean it has no value.

Tinker Bell didn’t become a different fairy. She learned to appreciate the one she already was, and then she showed everyone else what she could do. I’m trying to do the same.

So here’s to the little talents we learn to dismiss as we grow up. Here’s to the things we love that don’t always fit neatly into a practical career path. Here’s to making room for the parts of ourselves that we were once told weren’t important enough.

And here’s to remembering that just because the world doesn’t always know what to do with your talent doesn’t mean you should throw it away.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some writing to do.

Apparently, I have a mainland to get to.

I Started a Writing Event! (and the importance of a Writing Community)

~ Brooke F. ~ 7 Comments

Happy, June! Just wanted to give everyone on here a fun little update on what’s going on in my creative life!

The answer, shockingly, is not writing. It’s ok to gasp. I know my posts paint the picture of someone who is soooooo consistent (insert eye roll here)

I’m actually NOT currently buried in a novel draft that has turned into a continuous hell to edit, nor am I working on a poetry collection (though I have a few half-finished ones in my drafts somewhere). I’ve been doing something actually quite different from my usual projects…

I started a writing event! I guess that isn’t a super big reveal since you read the title in big ‘ol letters. I think its pretty exciting though.

Instead, I’ve spent the last several months organizing a little community called Cup & Quill Collective.

It’s become one of the most rewarding creative things I’ve ever invested my energy into.

The idea started simple enough. I wanted a place where people could share their writing without the pressure of publication, social media algorithms, or trying to become the next literary sensation. I wanted a room where someone could read a poem they wrote last week, a chapter from a novel they’ve been working on for years, or even a resurrected long dead project that they just want to pay homage to before setting it aside.

I was also highly motivated by my own lack of creative community. After leaving college, that outlet was gone whereas before, I signed up for writing workshops and classes to fill that void. Even though they had NOTHING to do with my major (hello writing minor!)

Couple this with a SUPER supportive encouraging and amazing friend who also knew a person and the ball began rolling.

I reached out to a local coffee shop owner and their event manager and asked if they’d be interested in hosting a literature and poetry night.

To my surprise, they said yes.

So it began! I started creating sign-up forms, answering emails, making flyers, posting on social media, coordinating readers, arranging themes, introducing speakers, and occasionally wondering if anyone would show up at all.

Fortunately, people did.

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that there are far more writers around us than we realize. They’re sitting in coffee shops, working office jobs, attending church, raising families, and carrying notebooks filled with stories nobody has heard yet.

Many of them aren’t looking for that big publishing deal though that would be fabulous, admittedly. But, like me, I think they’re just looking for a few ears to listen.

Cup & Quill has given me the chance to meet people from all kinds of backgrounds who share one thing in common: they love words. Some are seasoned writers. Some are reading their work aloud for the first time. Some come just to listen and enjoy a cup of coffee while hearing local creativity.

All of them make the room feel a little more alive.

Ironically, while I haven’t been producing as much new writing lately, I feel more connected to writing than ever. AND THE MOTIVATION.

Nothing is more motivating than knowing that you have an outlet to share your work with. You don’t have to “sell” yourself. You just show up and read. Not to mention how incredibly inspiring the talent of the other readers is. I walk away feeling delighted every time. And I always walk away ready to write.

It reminds me how absolutely pivotal a writing community is for the average creative. At least that’s how its been for me. Burn-out is a lot more likely to stay away when you have others to vent and share your work with. It becomes a fulfilling cycle of creative inspiration. Reminder for myself and maybe you too: creativity does not exist in a vacuum. Make sure you’re consuming work, too!

Sometimes the most creative thing you can do isn’t write another page. Sometimes it’s inviting other people to share what they’ve been working on with you!

Final note: take a look at the flyers I so professionally designed with my free version of Canva! Take this as a sign that YOU too can make a cool event, make some cute posters, and people will attend!!

That time I started writing a Self-Help Book

~ Brooke F. ~ Leave a comment

Did you guys know that I started a self-help book at one point in time? It sounds goofy, but it was on a topic I had become passionate about as it personally affected me. This, of course, as this title suggests, was the art of living alone. Guys, when I tell you I struggled…

I grew up a fairly introverted person (at least I thought anyways). I liked playing alone. I didn’t have tons of friends in middle school, which generally didn’t bother me too much. I liked having my own space and keeping it nice and neat. I thought moving out would be a cinch.

After a brief stint with a roommate, I was living alone. Which was amazing! Until it wasn’t. And then I started writing this book and got 5 chapters in before abandoning it. I was actually revisiting it recently as I was cleaning some files off my computer and started rereading. While there are already some edits I think I would make (gosh, I was melodramatic at this time), I did enjoy the trip back in time especialy now that I’m married and definitely NOT living alone. So I thought I’d share the first chapter with you here. Let me know what you guys think and if I should bother resurrecting this long-dead project! So here we have it! Chapter one of…

How to not go Crazy (And other notes on living alone)

Introduction

The windchime outside my window is a reminder that there’s a world beyond these four walls, but some days, it’s hard to remember that I’m part of it. Inside my apartment, the air hangs heavy with the kind of silence that amplifies every creak, every hum, and every thought with nowhere else to go. The fridge drones away in the kitchen. The coffee machine sighs and grumbles like a mechanical beast awakening from slumber as my coffee drips into the mug. This is my life as a woman in her 20s, living alone.

In my newly found sanctuary, I find myself night after night, wrestling with thoughts that only seem to show their ugly face when the house is still. They whisper about the coming future, taunting me with the “what ifs” that I am far too familiar with. The apartment that is filled with the laughter of friends and family during the day sighs with the weight of my loneliness when everyone eventually parts ways.

It was on one of these nights that I started a list. I can see it clearly: me, lying in bed, the phone’s glow illuminating the darkened room, fingers poised over the keyboard. The title was simple and direct. I just want to be good at being Alone. It was a declaration of intent, a manifesto, a silent shout into the void that was my apartment. I’d uttered it out loud many times, often to myself, sometimes to close friends, my mother, and my sisters. Truth be told, they’re probably tired of hearing it. I feared that if I didn’t get better at this, they’d stop asking me how I was.

But they didn’t, and they haven’t. They still care. They still ask. They still listen. It’s a testament to the most important lesson I’ve learned in my solitary living: I am alone, but I am also not alone. Nights may be long, but, as corny as it sounds, morning always comes.

Chapter 1: Learn to Cook for One

I began jotting.

Learn to Cook. Have a Crock Pot. Collect Recipes.

Then underneath:

This is not only a practical skill to learn but a point I want to prove. People often equate companionship with a shared meal. I just want to show myself that I can be satisfied. I want to show myself that I can take care of her.

Cooking for one is an art form. It is one that requires patience, foresight and even a bit of creativity. It’s about finding joy in those little victories. The comforting warmth of a meal prepared with care as well as the knowledge that you’ve provided for yourself. It’s not just about feeding your body; it’s also about feeding your soul. It’s about telling oneself that you deserve to invest time into your meals even if they’re just for you and you alone.

In the beginning, it was hard. I found myself standing in the grocery store, staring at the aisles of food that seemed designed for families or couples. Bulk packaging, family-sized portions were my biggest opposition at first. Nothing seemed to fit my life. But I quickly realized that cooking for one is about more than just cutting recipes in half. It’s about learning to see the kitchen as a place of possibility rather than yet another area of life that highlights my loneliness.

The first dish I mastered was a simple one—beef stew. There is something deeply comforting about a bowl of homemade stew, especially on those days when the world feels too big and scary. I made it in my trusty crock pot, the slow cooker that has become my closest ally in this solo culinary journey. The process was meditative, and I loved every bit of it from The slow chopping of vegetables, to the seasoning of the broth, to the slow simmering that filled my apartment. It made my humble abode actually feel like a home.

As I stirred the stew, I realized that cooking for one shouldn’t’ be a chore. It’s should be about savoring the moment, taking the time to care for yourself in a way that’s both practical and deeply loving. It should be about being present. There’s a satisfaction that comes from knowing that you can sustain yourself, that you can create something yummy (even if its only for you!)

I began to experiment more in the kitchen by trying new recipes and adapting them to fit my needs. I learned how to freeze portions for later and how to make a meal that would last for days without losing its appeal. I found joy in the ritual of cooking and in the simple pleasure of feeding myself well.

Over time, I elaborated on this list item even more.

  • See grocery shopping as a little solo adventure and not a chore.
  • Invest in good ingredients sometimes; don’t be afraid to spend a little $$$ on yourself sometimes
  • Don’t be afraid to try something new.

Cooking for one became a way to reclaim my independence and to remind myself that I am enough, just as I am. It was no longer a task to be dreaded, but a skill to be honed. It was a form of self-care that nourished not just my body, but my spirit.

And so, I encourage you to do the same. Find your favorite recipes, experiment with new ones, and most importantly, savor the experience. This is your space, your life. Take the time to make it delicious.

Have a Crock Pot.

Of all the kitchen appliances you could own, the humble crock pot might just be the most useful when living alone. At first glance, it’s easy to overlook. I historically disliked it when I lived at home. It was a bit bulky as well as a bit old-fashioned (very reminiscent of my grandmother’s kitchen). But don’t let appearances fool you. This unassuming appliance is your secret weapon in the art of solo living.

Why a crock pot? Because of its simplicity, convenience, and the power to transform basic ingredients into something that feels like coming home. When you’re living alone, time can either stretch or shrink depending on the day, and a crock pot gives you the flexibility to feed yourself without being tethered to the stove or forced to babysit a dish all day.

Imagine this: you wake up in the morning, knowing it’s going to be one of those long, exhausting days. The last thing you want to do when you get home is cook. We’ve all been there. But the good news is, with a crock pot, all you need is a few minutes of preparation. Throw in your ingredients—maybe some chicken, vegetables, broth, and spices. Then set it, and forget it, sister. As you go about your day, your meal is quietly simmering away, filling your home with the comforting aroma of something cozy and yummy. By the time you return, dinner is ready, and you’ve already put all the work in at the front end of the process and even then it wasn’t that much.

Having a crock pot isn’t just about convenience (though that is an enormous plus). It’s also about consistency. When you’re cooking for one, it’s easy to fall into the habit of eating quick, unhealthy meals or skipping dinner altogether. I know the latter was a trap I found myself falling into far too often. It came to a point where I had to tell myself that no, chips and salsa don’t count for an entire meal. My eating habits were bad and all over the place. Another plus of the crock pot is that encourages you to take the time to plan ahead as well as create meals that will carry you through the week. It’s a tool that helps you establish a routine and a rhythm in your life that grounds you when everything else feels uncertain. It helped add a certain level of dependency to my meal plan.

Next, let’s talk about versatility. Whether you’re in the mood for a rich beef stew, tender pulled pork, or even a comforting mac and cheese, the crock pot can do it all. It’s particularly great for making meals in batches, which means you can cook it once and eat multiple meals. This is a lifesaver for those days when you simply don’t have the energy to prepare anything but still want something home-cooked. It isn’t just limited to soups and stews.

Another benefit of using a crock pot is that it’s incredibly forgiving. Unlike other cooking methods that require precise timing and constant attention, the crock pot is more laid back. You can experiment with different ingredients and spices without worrying too much about getting it wrong. The long cooking process melds flavors together in a way that makes even the simplest of ingredients taste like you’ve been slaving over the stove for hours.

And let’s not forget the cleanup. As you may be all too aware of, cleaning up is up to you and you alone. The last thing you want is a sink full of dishes to deal with after work. With a crock pot, you can often make your entire meal in one pot, saving you both time and effort. A quick wash and rinse and it’s ready to go!

In the end, I view my crock pot as more than an appliance. It’s a companion on my journey of living alone. It is a simple but amazing tool that makes the everyday task of meal prep feel a little less daunting. Please take this as a reminder that you deserve to eat well, even if you’re the only one at the table. So, invest in a good one, and let it become a reliable, old friend.

Collect Recipes.

In learning to cook, recipes can serve as more than just instructions for making food—they can be threads that connect you to the people and places you love. When you’re standing in your kitchen, cooking a meal from a recipe handwritten by your mother, it’s as if she’s right there with you, sharing a moment that transcends the physical distance between you.

Collecting recipes isn’t just about building a repertoire of dishes; it’s about creating a personal archive of memories, stories, and connections. Each recipe you gather is a piece of your history, a way to carry the warmth of loved ones into your daily life. Your mother’s handwriting on a worn recipe card, the smudges of flour and sauce, the little notes in the margins—they all tell a story. They speak of her care, her love, and the countless meals she prepared with you in mind.

When you cook from these recipes, you’re not just feeding yourself; you’re participating in a ritual that spans generations. It’s a way of saying, “I’m here, and so are they.” In a way, your kitchen becomes a meeting place for the people who’ve shaped you, even if they’re miles away or are no longer with us.

It’s not just family recipes that carry this power either. Recipes from friends should also hold a special place in your collection. Each one is a token of friendship, a shared experience that lives on long after the meal has ended. When a friend shares their favorite recipe with you, they’re offering a piece of themselves, a gesture of affection. And when you cook that recipe, you’re reminded of the times you’ve spent together along with the bond you share.

Just think about it! How cute is it that humans not only developed unique ways to prepare their food and nutrients to please their palette but also feel a sense of identity with these aforementioned methods? We record these processes and share them with those close to us. Sharing recipes is an innately human experience so please take part of it!

Building a recipe collection is also a way to create new connections, to expand your culinary horizons. You might come across a recipe online or in a cookbook that intrigues you, something you’ve never tried before. As you experiment with it, tweak it, make it your own. Who knows? Maybe it’ll become one of your regular meals and something you can one day pass on to others.

In this way, your recipe collection becomes a living, evolving document of your life. It’s a mix of the old and the new, the familiar and the adventurous. It can become a reflection of who you’ve known and where you’ve been. I’d like to think that as I add to my growing collection of recipes, I am also collecting memories, experiences and a sense of community.

When I’m feeling particularly alone, pulling out one of these cherished recipes can be a huge comfort. It’s a way of reaching out to the people who care about me, even when they’re not physically present in my small one-bedroom apartment. The act of cooking becomes a way of reconnecting with my roots, of grounding myself in the love that surrounds me, even in the quiet moments of solitude.

So, take the time to gather these recipes, to write them down, to keep them close. Whether it’s your mother’s famous apple pie, your friend’s go-to pork recipe, or a killer casserole recipe that you discovered on your own, each one is a reminder that you are never truly alone. Allow your recipe collection to be more than just a list of meals. Let it be a physical testament of the enduring power of community and the connections that sustain us, even when we’re cooking for one.

I Tried As Many Hobbies as I could In A Week

~ Brooke F. ~ 8 Comments

Growing up, I had so many hobbies I enjoyed. I loved drawing. I loved painting. I loved writing. I rode horses. Did gymnastics. Was briefly on an archery team?? I had so much time and energy—it felt like nothing could stop me. Now, I’m older, with significantly less time on my hands, and what little time I do have is not always spent… wisely.

It’s my phone. The eternal black hole of productivity. On and off, I try to counter this issue, but it’s way too easy to fall back into the habit. It sneaks up on me. One minute, I’m checking one little thing, and the next, I’m horrified by my weekly screen usage report, which is somehow two hours higher than it should be. My goal? Keep my phone use under an hour a day. My reality? A solid three. That adds up to a whopping 1,095 hours a year. That’s 45 entire days.

Wild.

So, in an attempt to reclaim my life from the digital abyss, I decided to try as many hobbies as possible in one week and see how they stack up. My criteria?

  1. How well does it keep me off my phone?
  2. How much do I enjoy it?
  3. Is it something I’d realistically keep doing?

Here’s how it went:

Day 1: Guitar – 5/5

Super easy to pick up. I took lessons for years but stopped when I moved out. I still strum occasionally, but life (aka school and work) got in the way. Now that I have a stable schedule, it’s actually feasible to play again, and I should. It was cathartic pulling out my old music, even if my skills have gotten a little rusty. The only time I reached for my phone was to look up song tabs. A win.

Day 2: Baking – 3/5

I made brownies and a strawberry cake. Baking is a high risk, high reward type of cooking. When you nail it, you feel like a domestic goddess. When you don’t, you’re left with wasted ingredients and existential despair. Also, those 30-minute baking times? Very tempting for a little doomscrolling.

Day 3: Drawing – 4/5

I love making stuff, but I have to be in the mood for drawing. At first, I wasn’t feeling it, but once I got started, I enjoyed it. The tangible result is satisfying, but my inner perfectionist is a menace. Still, solid phone-free time.

Yoga – 5/5

So relaxing. Felt great afterward. No desire to check my phone because I was literally too busy being zen.

Day 4: Running – 4/5

I felt amazing afterward, but actually convincing myself to start? Struggle city. Also, my cardio is tragic. I sounded like a winded cow. But I can see this being rewarding long-term.

Fashion Design – 4/5

A throwback hobby. Very fun and creative, but I didn’t love it as much as I used to. Also, I wish I didn’t despise sewing because that would make this hobby a lot more functional.

Day 5: Journaling – 4/5

I like journaling, but sometimes my brain is just ??? when trying to figure out what to write. Pinterest prompts were a lifesaver. Also, my handwriting is an atrocity, but I powered through.

Graphic Design – 5/5

Worked on page designs for my poetry book and loved it. Canva supremacy. Zero distractions.

Day 6: Reading – 3/5

My attention span is fried, friends. I struggled so hard to focus on what I was reading for longer than 15 minutes. This isn’t the book’s fault. I just need to rewire my brain to focus again.

Crossword Puzzles – 3/5

Fun! Until my brain taps out and I stare at a half-finished puzzle, contemplating my life choices. A clear sign I need more mental workouts.

Day 7: Junk Journaling – 5/5

A top-tier hobby. Relaxing, creative, and sentimental. I collected bits and pieces throughout the week, making it feel like a little time capsule. Highly recommend—but invest in quality glue, or you’ll have regrets.

And there you have it! A week of hobbies, a slight reduction in screen time, and a few activities I might actually stick with. If you’re looking for a way to break free from the phone trap, I highly suggest giving this a go!

Trying Something New Every Day for a Week: A Mini Adventure

~ Brooke F. ~ 5 Comments

I’m a big believer in the idea that small adventures make life more interesting. So, I decided to challenge myself to try something new every day for a week. These would be little things that would shake up my routine and maybe introduce me to a new favorite. So, without further ado, here’s how it went:

Day 1: Sushi Exploration

I’ve had sushi before, but I wouldn’t call myself a sushi connoisseur. My local deli recently started making a variety of sushi rolls, so I figured, why not? I quickly learned that I do not like sour-tasting sauces (I wasn’t expecting it to be so….tangy?), but I loved the spicy shrimp roll. A new go-to? Possibly. The experience overall was a 3/5.

Day 2: A New Coffee Spot

I’m always down for a new coffee experience, so I visited a café called White Bison. Cozy vibes? Check. Good coffee? Absolutely. I ordered a toffee latte, which was perfectly sweet and nutty. The coffee shop also had a nice, homey atmosphere and even had an upper floor. I can imagine it would be a great study spot.

Day 3: Discovering a New Music Artist

Music discovery is one of my favorite low-effort, high-reward experiences. This time, I stumbled upon Sara Groves, a Christian songwriter and composer. Her lyricism is chef’s kiss, and my favorite song so far is Lay It Down. Highly recommend if you like thoughtful, faith-filled lyrics.

Day 4: Trying Matcha

I finally gave matcha a shot. It’s one of those things that everyone seems to love, so I had to see what the hype was about. Verdict? It’s good…but only if I drown it in vanilla cold foam and sweetener. Otherwise, it tastes a little too earthy for me. Something akin to mowing the lawn with your mouth open. I’d love to learn to make it my sweet way at home and maybe swap it up a bit so I’m not always consuming an ungodly amount of coffee.

Day 5: Testing a New Recipe

I decided to bake cheddar and ham muffins, and let me tell you, friend, they were way better than expected. Soft, cheesy, savory, and surprisingly filling. These might just be my new favorite breakfast meal prep. This was probably my 5/5 experience for the week.

Overall, this little experiment was a fun reminder that trying new things doesn’t have to be dramatic or life-changing. Even the smallest discoveries such as a new coffee order or a song that resonates—adds richness to everyday life. Who knows? Maybe I’ll keep this streak going! It’s been a fun little challenge to brighten up my now regular 9-5 work schedule. It’s easy to let time get away from you when you work a regular job I’m realizing. This little challenge felt like it helped me be more present and make better use of my time (be more experimental in small ways).

So! Now I’m going to turn the question to you, dear audience! What’s something new you’ve tried lately?

Life Update: Cats, Careers, and Adjustments

~ Brooke F. ~ 2 Comments

Hello, friends! It’s been a minute, so I thought it was time to check in with a little life update. Some exciting changes have happened recently. The kind of changes that come with cat hair on your clothes and a hard hat in your car.

So let’s get into it.

Meet Lori and Midna

First things first, I got cats. Yes, plural. Two tiny creatures who rule my life with a mix of adorable chaos and constant naps.

● Lori is my white kitten. His full name is Lorrian because every cat needs a slightly dramatic name to match their mysterious personality (he is anything but. He screams at me day and night for love and cuddles). Lori is playful, curious, and oh-so-needy. He desires cuddles at all hours of the day and makes that need known.

● Midna is the queen of the house. She’s my sleek, black cat, full of charm and just a touch of mischief. If you’ve ever played Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, you already know the inspiration behind her name. Midna has the vibe of a cat who knows all your secrets and still loves you anyway though she might judge you a little.

Having two cats has been such a comfort. They keep life entertaining and, somehow, their little purrs can turn a stressful day around in an instant.

I’m an Environmental Scientist!

In bigger news, I officially started my career as an environmental scientist. I’m still wrapping my head around the fact that I get to say that out loud. It’s been an adjustment, for sure. The early mornings, lots of learning, and a hefty dose of responsibility are just a few factors I’m trying to navigate with some level of grace and maturity (along with the fear of failure at ANYTHING.) but I’m so grateful to have landed a job right out of college. It’s one thing to dream about contributing to conservation and environmental work; it’s another to step into the field and do it. I am very blessed and I don’t want to ever NOT acknowledge that.

Some days are filled with fieldwork, which makes me feel like I’m back on the farm, in my element with fresh air and soil under my boots. Other days involve reports, lab safety videos, and presentations, which are equally important (but slightly less glamorous). The balance has been a learning curve, but I’m enjoying it so far though I still have TONS to learn.

Adjusting to This New Chapter

I won’t lie to you guys- life after college feels like I’m faking it till you make it. I think I’ve got it figured out one minute and then feel like I can’t make it in this big world the next. There are moments of confidence followed by flashes of doubt, and that’s okay. I think the most surprising lesson I’ve learned is that nobody really has it all together. We’re all just doing the best we can, whether we’re starting new jobs, adopting pets, or figuring out how to cook something other than spaghetti or tacos.

Between Lori attacking my shoelaces, Midna napping on my laptop, and work keeping me on my toes, life feels full. It’s not perfect, but it’s good. And I’m thankful for that.

That’s it for now! Tell me what’s new with you in the comments—I want to hear about your pets, job wins, or even just the small victories keeping you going. Until next time, I’ll be over here, trying to keep my white kitten from drinking toilet water and my black cat off my keyboard.

Take care!

Trials, Tribulations, And Self-Publishing: KDP Review (sort of)

~ Brooke F. ~ 3 Comments

So, I did a thing: I self-published a poetry book! Cue the happy tears, celebratory confetti, and… me furiously googling “how to fix image formatting errors.” However, that latter part could be my own hubris. Spoiler alert: my poetry book isn’t just any old text—it’s packed with images. Yep, we’re talking multimedia poetry, so my struggles might have been amped up a notch because I decided to get fancy with visuals. What can I say? I am a wee bit too extra for my own good but I’m committed so here we are.

The Interesting Journey of Formatting

Now, Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) has its own formatting tool, which requires you to download an app to your computer. It’s manageable…in the way that driving a stick shift for the first time is “manageable.” Since my book was 90% images, the Word document transfer option wasn’t exactly reassuring—KDP’s warning about “potential formatting errors” didn’t sound like a good time. So, I went with their Kindle app and got straight to work.

After a few afternoons of playing around in KDP’s software, I figured out how to get my images where I wanted them and things looked halfway decent. Not bad for my first try at book formatting. HOWEVER that doesn’t mean it didn’t have its annoying moments. Every single time I updated one image, I’d have to double-check the rest, because it seemed like one change would throw off the entire balance of the layout. I felt like I was doing an elaborate game of digital Jenga.

Would I recommend Kindle Direct Publishing to anyone looking to self-publish a poetry book with multimedia elements? Yes. But… let’s just say, expect a little struggle. If you’re like me, and you want to mix poetry with visual elements, just know that formatting is a time-sucking beast you’ll need to tame.

The Great Cover Design Showdown: KDP vs. Canva

KDP does offer a cover design tool, which is fine if you’re going for something simple, but simple ended up looking like a high school PowerPoint. So, I migrated to Canva, where I could actually add flair, colors, and fonts that suited the vibe of a multimedia poetry book. Canva: 1, Kindle Cover Tool: 0.

(Psst. Cover design pictured below):

The End Result

Overall, the process was worth it—I loved bringing my poems and images together in one project. Sure, it was a little clunky, but hey, seeing my work all shiny and official was worth every “Oh, not again” moment. So, if you’re thinking about self-publishing, especially with multimedia, I say go for it! Just don’t forget Canva—and maybe take a few deep breaths (And a cup of coffee) before tackling the formatting.

All that being said, my tiny little science inspired multimedia poetry book has been sent out into the world! I can’t really complain to be honest. It was a fun little venture I must say. I also think it was the perfect introduction for me for the world of Kindle Direct Publishing. My book was small (what’s known as a chapbook) so while the formatting felt like it took awhile, I can’t imagine how much longer it would have taken if I published a full-scale poetry book.. which reminds me.

I’d love to do this again.

Probably with a full length poetry. But don’t worry! I probably won’t go the multimedia route (at least for now anyways). Personally, I would love to try my hand at some more traditional poetry but we’ll just have to see where the creative winds take me from here. Thanks for reading and if your morbid curiosity gets the best of you and you have a few bucks to burn, here’s a link to my little project.

Thanks for following along!

A Little Writerly Life Update

~ Brooke F. ~ Leave a comment

Tennessee weather is so unpredictable. Last week there was a chance of snow, this week it feels mid fall. Not that I’m complaining about the 60-70-ish degree weather. It’s a rather nice break from the grey I’ve been dealing with most of January.

It’s weird to think that it’s already almost March. 2023 felt like it ended just yesterday and suddenly we’re almost 3 months in. I hear that’s a sign you’re getting old but if that’s true, then please don’t tell me and allow me to live in blissful, timeless ignorance.

Hope you all have been doing well and that 2024 (that year still doesn’t feel real) is treating you well! I just thought it would be fun to do a nice little writerly life update seeing as I have a few matters to discuss and update the wide web on. I know you’re all waiting with baited breath.

First order of business, I’ve been working on a chapbook! It’s been in the making since last fall semester of 2023 and I finally am pulling all the pieces together. It’s a combination of everything I enjoy- poetry, science, stainglass windows, and angsty little musings about how I’ve poured money into an education and yet, on the cusp of my senior year, I still feel clueless. Yaknow. The standard stuff. A little sneak peak page can be seen below:

I hope to enter a chapbook contest and submit it for online publishing but we’ll see where this little project takes me. It was loads of fun to work on and I can’t wait to see what I end up doing with it whether its publish it or set it on fire. What matters is I am essentially done!

Second order of business, I am taking all writing classes this semester! I just need to finish up my silly little writing minor so I’m taking The Creative Market Place as well as Short stories and Fiction. Oh, and walking. Yes, I am taking a walking class. I needed the credit.

The Creative Market Place is a cool class where I get a little bit more insight on the business side of being a writer. We recently finished up a peer review workshop where we critiqued each other’s papers and reviewed books. Generally workshops can be a source of stress because I want to sit down and write a thorough and extensive feedback paper for each piece but, alas, time is not always on my side. Not to mention the fun of sharing your work to a class room. I was surprised to find that, ironically, sharing my overly angsty, corny poems doesn’t bother me in a class room setting but writing something semi-professional is. I think I just have to try extra hard to be professional and the poetry thing is just kind of fun. So when my professional review sucks, that’s a little more of a blow to my writer ego (something’s gotta keep it in check).

Short stories in fiction is both wonderful and awful. I’m having to fight against my long-winded tendency to describe everything in a room and what every single skin cell looks like on a character. I blame my consumption of Tolkien literature I think.

Final order of business, I am figuring out what I am doing with my life. This has proved to be a most arduous task and I still haven’t quite completed it. Most days I find myself torn between the two moods of “Yay! I’m almost done with school!” and “Oh no, I’m almost done with school!”. I’m not entirely sure what the future has in store for me with a bio degree and a creative writing minor. I am not entirely certain whether this writing thing will just be a brainless little hobby that I do when come home from a long day working at a lab or if it will actually be a part of my professional life. I guess it’s just whatever doors God chooses to open. So, with this in mind, I’m trying not to spontaneously melt from the stress. I know it’ll all turn out alright. All my college seniors out there know the feeling I’m sure.

And that’s it! Or all the important stuff at any rate. Thanks for taking the time to read my existential crisis about my quickly approaching future. Feel free to share any anxiety tips in the comments below and take care!

2021 Wrap-Up

~ Brooke F. ~ 5 Comments

Hello, Ladies and Gents!

Aaaaand we made it! As I am writing this, 2022 is merely hours away and soon, people will be cheering as they usher in a new year. 2021 has been rough for everyone I think but I wanted to take a moment and reflect on last years resolutions and my former self’s goal’s that she wished to achieve over the course of her freshman and sophomore year of college.

Last year I divided my goals into categories, much like this year’s. These categories were writing, photography, blogging, art, personal, and school.

So let’s see how I did, shall we?

Starting off with the writing category….

Finish 5 short stories – check! I finished this one quite early actually. I now see the goal as rather small but at the time of setting it I was doing significantly less writing by large.

Finish the rough draft of “SNOW” – Snow is the title of my full length, fairytale themed mystery novel based on the events of Snow White. I finished the first rough draft of Snow in the summer and was quite proud of myself. This year I hope to finish the second and get the third underway.

Create a new plot book – This one requires some explaining. Every year, I write down many plots that I cannot write so I print the ideas out and collect them in various “plot books” to keep track of them as well as flip through for inspiration. I finished two the year prior and wished to make a third this year. I completed this task as well.

All of these goals were met much to my satisfaction. This next year I hope to set a few more as well as more challenging ones as I feel I’ve gotten an idea of how much writing I tend to do throughout a year.

Next up is the photography category…

Have a photoshoot with my bestfriend – Did this in the summer along with most of these other shoots with the exception of the Medieval shoot which was done in the snow.

Have a Medieval themed photshoot – Check! Did this in February I believe.

Have a photoshoot in a ballgown – Double check! Did this one twice.

Have a superhero themed photoshoot – Check as well! Me and my friend wanted to have a photoshoot in our marvel costumes for comic con which made for some fun pictures!

Next, let’s review my blogging goals…

Achieve 200 posts – I am surprised at how quickly I was able to complete this one! I got into blogging quite a bit more than I expected to this year which is awesome!

Try and post at least once a week – Mostly completed this one. There were a couple gaps during the year but overall I would say this goal was mostly met.

Feature/interact with other bloggers more – Mostly completed this one as well! I’m slowing trying to get involved in the wordpress sphere of blogging and am slowly making some blogging friends as well!

Make some new graphics – Did this twice actually. Once mid-year and again just today. I wanted a new, clean look for my blog to usher in the new year with!

Next up are my art goals…

Paint at least 5 paintings – Finished this during the spring semester of college. I was enormously stressed out and painting helped me relieve such stress.

Finish a sketchbook – Check! I have moved onto a new one and its also already half finished!

Try and draw a realistic person – I usually draw cartoon-y styled people so this one was challenging but I completed it a few times for good measure over the course of the year. Drawing realistic people is unbelievably hard.

Illustrate a story – I illustrated a fairytale I wrote.

Make concept art for my novel – Done! I also made a map for the world of my novel as well.

Create 100 digital art pieces – Completed this one as well.

Make a self portrait – Check! Did this twice over the summer and once during the fall semester.

Next we’ll be moving onto the personal goals category…

Read at least 5 books – This might seem like a tiny goal to most people but at this time in my life, I had a huge reader’s block that persisted until the summer of this last year. Thankfully I was not only able to read 5 but 10 books this year.

Do a devotional daily –  Didn’t quite make this one. Slacked off during my fall semester where I would do my devotional on and off. Habits are hard man.

Drink more water – Mostly completed this one? I should have made this goal more specific but overall I drank more water this year than the year before (where I was regularly dehydrated) so let’s hear it for progress. I did way better at this after my freshman spring semester for sure.

Complain less – I’m still making progress on this one. I don’t know if I exactly failed this one, but progress is much slower than I’d like with this one. Complaining is a bad habit that has plagued me since high school (heck, my blog is even called LOW EXPECTATIONS). I’d love to stop whining so much but I just love letting the world know when I’m unhappy.

Eat 3 meals a day – This was a goal I added later on the year mid spring. I was in horrible health both mentally and physically during this time which was made worse by my response to stress which was not eating. I started not feeling hungry without even thinking about it. In fact, I only noticed this was becoming an issue when I started shedding weight like crazy which is pretty bad when you’re an already scrawny 5’1 college girl. So I made this goal.

And I’m happy to report that I’m in a much better place. While I didn’t achieve this goal perfectly, by large, I’ve been good at eating 3 meals every day. The habit was hard to form and I struggled through the summer but overall, the hard work has paid off.

And now, the school related goals I made…

Don’t fail a class – I was worried about this goal for awhile. In the spring, I all but flunked my midterms. I thought for sure I was going to fail Bio 1 (THE CLASS THAT IS MY MAJOR). But things really did end up working out and I ended up not only passing Biology but did so with a B. Hang in there, fellow students.

Make at least a B in Chem 1 – Again, I was worried about this one. Chemistry was incredibly hard for me and I’d spend literally 4+ hours on the subject daily, trying to teach myself the material as everything was online. It was horrible but I had an amazing course lay out which made it feel more manageable. I came out of the class with an A+.

Shoot for a B in Pre-cal – And a B is what I got. I test badly in math so I spent the entire semester cushioning my grade for when I took the final. I got a 54% or something like that on the final but came out with a B as I worked so hard on all other assignments because I knew I wasn’t the best at math tests, especially when they’re timed.

Test out of my Chem 1 final – In my Chem 1 class, if you were happy with your grade, you could choose to opt out of the final. And since you already know what grade I got in the class, you bet your buttons that I was NOT take that final. No, thank you.

Create a solid 4 year graduation plan – Completed this one during the summer. I sat down with my sister who had already graduated college and made an excel document with all my classes and when I need to take them. Incredibly helpful during registration week.

Take finals in a healthier mindset than in the spring – Another goal that I added mid year. So, taking my finals in the spring, I was kind of dead inside. I was shaken up after doing so poorly on my midterms a few months earlier that I almost expected to do badly. I ended up doing fine on almost all of them (except for the pre-cal but we’ve talked about this). Really, I was just in a pretty toxic head space at the time and a part of me knew it. I equated my grades and performance to my worth without even realizing it so when I flunked my first big tests of the year, I really struggled.

So I made a goal to take my next finals in a much better head space the following semester. And so I did.

Completing this goal was a product of an astounding amount of work I’d done on myself after the void of doom that was the spring semester. These last finals I got sick with the flu during the week but to my surprise, this didn’t exactly stress me out. Moving all my finals back and missing out on precious study time while I was sick was annoying but I wasn’t falling apart at the seams like I was during last finals season.

I took every test with a sense of finality and pride. I’d done it. I’d made it through the fall semester of my sophomore year and regardless of whatever grade came back, I knew I was going to be okay.

And that feeling was a victory I don’t think can compare to anything else I have achieved during this last year.

Next year mostly certainly come with some downs. That’s kind of life. But it will come with some ups too. And I’m so excited to see not only what the ups are exactly, but how I will grow this next year. I’m a little nervous, granted, but that’s alright. Because regardless, I’m going to be okay.

Happy New Year & Take Care!

Thoughts on being (almost) halfway through college

~ Brooke F. ~ 1 Comment

I doubt any of the following thoughts will be unique but I still find it important that I type them out anyway. (Wow, that start sounded a lot more sardonic than I intended). What I mean is, I think most people are feeling what I’m feeling when I say that it’s all going by very quickly. Not in a bad way mind you. It just sort of surprises me.

I know I would depressed if I were standing still. If I weren’t making progress. But it’s only normal that I feel at least a little sad as I find myself already halfway through my time at college. Everything is so fast paced. I make friends in classes but before I know it, we’ve moved on to the next semester which brings on new classes and even more new friends.

Time drags but goes so fast at the same time. I think that midterms will never be over but once they are, I realize that there are only 6 weeks left in the semester. It’s very odd.

I think these thoughts occur mostly because there is a part of me that is pretty scared of what the world has in store for me beyond graduation. I feel like a “fake” adult right now. I don’t have a professional job and I’m mostly working on school. And school, though hard, is something I’m familiar with.

Growing up is so weird.

I want it to happen but when it does, I can’t help but think “I didn’t mean for it to all happen this fast.”

For me, growing up has been characterized not by being sad so much as being disoriented and confused. I don’t feel ready, but at the same time, everything I’ve been doing since grade school has been done to prepare me for this challenge of getting older. And I fully intend to meet it.

And it helps that I know, somewhere deeper than my feelings and bones that everything always ends up working out in the end.

So ready not, here life comes.