It's been a while since I last "embarked on some creative pas de deux" (borrowed that phrase from Julia Cameron). I feel excited to be here, finding words and thoughts that are my own. I've been working on a biography, hoping to finish it sooner so I could start writing the other one in queue.... Continue Reading →
Last month, we went to London and Ireland to witness my eldest sister's marriage into an Irish family. Honestly, Papa and I, as well as my older sister's family, wanted to be there but, at one point, decided not to go due to lack of funds. Pounds and Euro’s values are way higher than Peso... Continue Reading →
Ever since I heard about Liam Payne's death, I can't stop consuming stuff online about him and One Direction. The algorithm's giving me a lot of interesting videos and articles about them, and I can't help but watch and read them up every day. I'm trying to taper it down because I have work to... Continue Reading →
My stomach lurches at the thought of Melbourne. Last August, I spent 20 fantastic days in Australia. Before I went there, I thought I’d never recover from chronic burnout, but of course, I was wrong. Jason Silva was right: “Beauty can heal.” My sister and brother-in-law did a good job touring me and Papa around... Continue Reading →
Last week, I finally received the book set from my college friend who works as a nurse in Brooklyn, New York. She reads over 30 books in a year but struggles looking for space in her place to stack them up. A few years ago, she messaged me to ask if I wanted her 'pre-loved'... Continue Reading →
I have no words to describe how packed my schedule has been in the past few weeks. I am beginning to ask why I am making myself work this hard when there's always a choice to give up. I do not give up, though. Not as long as I find something in it that's worth... Continue Reading →
I turned thirty-two this month, and I've noticed that the way I look at things has changed. At this age, I feel the weight of my own life (and others’) on my shoulders because I can already carry them. Sometimes, the responsibilities could get overwhelming, but instead of wishing they'd be lifted off me, I... Continue Reading →
In the last few weeks of 2023, I geeked out over the Tony Award–winning lead actor of Dear Evan Hansen Ben Platt—the first queer artist who struck me as inspiring. During the two-week holiday break, I had "For Forever", "Waving Through the Window", and "Words Fail" playing on repeat on my devices. Ben hits the... Continue Reading →
It's been satisfying to stare into space. The slow tree leaves swaying with the slow wind outside my window tell me I've burned myself out this year again. I have become more efficient this year, though, and my 'work threshold' has increased ridiculously, but apparently, I haven't improved in the aspect of 'rest' yet. I... Continue Reading →
I got a few minutes of window time today, so I decided to write teaching notes. I teach five different age groups every week, and I find myself having to do quick mind-shifts to remind myself of how to effectively approach them. Apparently, this isn't easy, but it's fun alright. I guess I'm into this... Continue Reading →
Elaine Marie Factor 