These thoughts and uncertainty are what brought me to The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. This is a book that gently guides you through a journey of self discovery through the main character's experiences.
Author: Deanna Parenti
Traveling Through Leeds
Dear Journal, The post trip reflection: (written in 2019) This last summer I was excited to be the only Juniata student attending the Leeds International Summer School (LISS) at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom. Two planes, two trains, one bus, and a 10-minute uber and finally I was at Uni. During ice … Continue reading Traveling Through Leeds
3 Reasons why Baking is like Therapy
Ah, apple cider that tastes like a Hallmark movie, flannels that make me a walking LL.Bean advertisement, and crisp air that gives me goosebumps....everything that puts me in the mood to bake. When I put on my vest this morning--yes I know I'm a walking cliché--I asked myself, "Why is baking a tradition saved for … Continue reading 3 Reasons why Baking is like Therapy
Junie B. Jones: A Menace or a Mentor?
A little glitter can turn your whole day around.Barbara Park Growing up, I was fortunate to have strong female figures and encouraging male figures in my life, all pushing me to be the best version of myself. Books are my place of happiness, for they create worlds where I can interact with loud outspoken characters … Continue reading Junie B. Jones: A Menace or a Mentor?
5 Ways to Protect Pollinators During Pumpkin Spice Season
Summer is nearing the end and change is on the way. A welcome change. Isn't it ironic that autumn brings cooler temperatures, yet a warm color pallette? I'm ready to welcome cinnamon, apple cider, mums, flickering candles, and pumpkin flavored everything. Fall is coming whether you like it or not, and with fall comes winter. … Continue reading 5 Ways to Protect Pollinators During Pumpkin Spice Season
The Memory Behind Bullet Journaling
I originally wrote this article for Arts Help. You can find the original publication HERE Bullet journaling has been available for decades; however, it was not until the last few years that it became a widespread trend. Geared towards those who are more on the creative side, bullet journals lend themselves to a custom organization … Continue reading The Memory Behind Bullet Journaling
Looney for Loons
Do you have a place from your childhood that as an adult you long for when you're in need of comfort? For me, that place is New London, New Hampshire on Little Lake Sunapee. It was on this lake where I learned the peace of nature. The peace of steady rainfall, the languid lake waves, … Continue reading Looney for Loons
Homemade Biscotti? Yes Please!
A cookie originally made to last a long time and soak up wine...sounds good to me! In the U.S. this traditional Italian hard cookie is referred to as biscotti; whereas in many regions in Italy it is called cantucci. Biscotti comes from a small city in the Tuscan region of Italy called Prato. The cookie--cantucci … Continue reading Homemade Biscotti? Yes Please!
Reading for Mental Health: The Life-Giving Power of Literature
“When I look back, I am so impressed again with the life-giving power of literature. If I were a young person today, trying to gain a sense of myself in the world, I would do that again by reading, just as I did when I was young.” - Maya Angelou My whole life I have … Continue reading Reading for Mental Health: The Life-Giving Power of Literature
Little Women
About 13 years ago, on my 10th birthday, I opened my first copy of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. It was the full length--465 pages. I will admit, I read the first half of the book at least 5 times through until reading the entire book. Like a high school sweet heart I fell … Continue reading Little Women