Writer Ruby Fitzgerald

I have been in a massive debate for months because of COVID-19 about whether or not I should take my trip out to the west coast to see my family for my momma’s 60th birthday. My Europe trip has been canceled, I didn’t go on my NOLA trip, and traveling in general is highly discouraged right now... But this trip was a big deal: a surprise the family had been planning since last fall. So. I went. Maybe I shouldn’t have, but I did. I wore my mask and gloves, and flew Delta (which

I think patience might be the number one thing I hope parents teach their children, by word and by deed, both. My sister, bless her heart, has two amazing little boys - twins - who are developing very differently. One likes to sit and talk and the other can't hold still at all. Obviously, they're running at different paces (figuratively, not just physically. Pun intended). They keep my sister and her husband on their toes. And they keep eachother thinking too... Toys and

Why aren’t people inclined to be kind? What strain does it put on you to help the old lady at the grocery store put her bags in her car? Does it really hurt your budget so much to tip your server a dollar more than your first instinct suggests? Does is cost you anything to help your coworker out just a little more than might be expected of you? We run tired, we run short-tempered, we constantly are in a hurry, oblivious to our surroundings, and so focused on the future that w

When it's snowing and I don't have the energy to go play outside, my heart breaks a bit and the little girl inside me lets out a self-pitying wail. But that's how it goes... sometimes it doesn't matter how beautiful it is outside or what plans I have or what errands I need to run. Some really low days, it doesn't even matter what job I need to do... my body and mind say "no". Those days are spent balled up crying, full of self doubt and insecurity. Those days are spent ach