Essays

My narrative nonfiction tackles the messiness of life with honesty, optimism, heart, and humor.

 

The Other Pregnancy Depression, slate.com

February 14, 2024

“A part of me agreed that two children were too many. I imagined myself underslept and overstimulated, racing between soccer and ballet… I was also not particularly excited by the idea of repeating the postpartum period ever again, complete with its bloody nipples and night sweats, rageful fits, and submarine-size mesh underwear. But I had no idea about the emotional deluge that awaited me.”

 

Body of Lies, longreads.com

april 8, 2020

“But what happens when we turn into our most intimate relationship — our long-term partnership or marriage — the one that is not of the world, but made of our deepest, most sacred selves, and we are rejected sexually? Where do we have to go?” 

 
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A Boyfriend Too Good To Be True, New York Times & nytimes.com

april 9, 2015

“It became clear that, while my grandmother couldn’t even remember if she had eaten minutes after her plates were cleared, Nick had become a fixture in our lives. He was as real to her as the light of day.”

 
deenie soul tattoo

How a “Soul Tattoo” Changed My Life, refinery29.com

july 14, 2017

“I wanted to believe, though, and I’d been searching for signs during our time on the road. Still, an inkling of cynicism left me feeling that these offerings (Colorpuncture? Really?) might be indicators of a higher power of bullshit.”

 
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I Didn't Love My Breasts Until I Thought I Might Lose Them, bustle.com

july 29, 2016

“I never truly loved my boobs until I thought I was going to lose one. Typical, isn’t it? Sure, I liked them. I secretly used to pride myself on my impossibly perky rack.”

 
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I’ve Been Happily Married for Four Years—so Why Am I Suddenly Checking My Ex’s Facebook Again?, glamour.com

March 30, 2018

“I told a friend what I had done, and we laughed about how happy we were to have left our twenties behind. But had I?”

 
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On Tour: What Happens When You Leave Everything To Follow The Band, here magazine

2017

“Traveling made me feel so adult and, for once, so interesting. So when my husband, a musician, was offered a Broadway tour for the show he’d spent 16 months performing with in New York City—I, at age 33, decided to go with him.”

 
r29 crowdsourcing my way to motherhood

Crowdsourcing My Way To Motherhood: Tell Me—Should I Have a Kid?, refinery29.com

november 30, 2016

“In the midst of these hot flashes of parental desire, I was convinced that I was far from ready to be the real deal. My worst fear: What if I hate being a mom? It’s not like you can return them.”