I spent a lot of time reading in 2022. I graduated with my master’s degree in English with a concentration in American literature in May, and my program was heavy with short stories, essays, and research papers. …

My first pap smear ended in tears, just like I knew it would. It was bad enough that my body had built brick wall blocking its entrance, but the doctor’s attempts to get past it were excruciating. My body has felt cursed for as long as I can remember. The…

For much of my writing work, I have to use PayPal. While I use PayPal to collect payments, I don’t really receive invoices to send money out. So, when I received an email saying that I had two invoices due, I was alarmed. Both invoices were nearly identical except for…

Bridget Bishop was the first person to be executed for witchcraft during the Salem witch trials. She’d been accused of witchcraft before the Salem witch trials and found not guilty. So how was it that she was executed in 1692? Bridget’s Life Before the Salem Witch Trials Bridget Bishop was first born Bridget Magnus, but her family…

I still remember how nervous I was before my first pole dance class. I had no concept of how difficult the class might be, and there weren’t really a lot of answers to my questions online. …

John Proctor was one of the few men accused of witchcraft in Salem Village. During the Salem Witch Trials, several members of the Proctor family were accused of witchcraft. Proctor’s story, like the stories of many others accused, is tragic. John Proctor’s Life Before the Salem Witch Trials John Proctor was born on October 9, 1632, to John…

Ann Putnam was one of the key witnesses during the Salem witch trials. She was initially a friend of several of the “afflicted” girls, and in March 1692, she claimed to have become afflicted as well. Ann Putnam’s accusations against many people in Salem Village led to executions. Ann Putnam’s Early Life Ann Putnam…

Susannah Martin was one of 19 people executed for witchcraft during the Salem witch trials. Susannah was executed on June 19, 1692, having been accused of witchcraft multiple times in the years leading up to her death. Susannah Martin’s Life Before Witch Accusations Susannah North was born in England sometime around September 30, 1621. She was…

If you have been thinking about learning to pole dance, chances are that you don’t have access to a pole already. The good news is that even if you do not have a pole at home, you can start your journey before you ever even take your first lesson at…