by Jennifer Ward New Year’s resolutions have been around for ages. According to history.com, about 4,000 years ago, the ancient Babylonians are said to have been the first group of people to make New Year’s resolutions. I’m sure, though, back then, it didn’t look the way it does today. The ancient Babylonians weren’t promising themselves…
Tag: Life
Dreams, Stories, and Publication
by Jennifer Ward I have some exciting news to share! About a month ago, I received the message that my essay, “The Courage to Rekindle a Dream,” would be published in The Penman Review. And, sure enough, on December 23rd, it was on their front page! I cannot begin to describe how I feel…
The Softer Side of Tupac Shakur: Poetry, Life, & Wisdom
by Jennifer Ward When most of us hear the name Tupac Shakur, we think of 90s rap music, violence, and a rather tough exterior. But underneath that hard shell lies a much softer side of him that few people realize existed. After his death, some of his most intimate, hand-written poems, including a book of his…
Halsey Street: A Brooklyn Story about Loss, Gentrification, and Relationships
By Jennifer Ward As we approach Thanksgiving and the holidays, I wanted to write about a novel I read that focuses a lot on the intricacies of family relationships. When I pick up a new book and begin reading, a few things I look for are strong characters, a compelling setting, and poignant themes. Three…
Walking Inside the World of Vincent van Gogh
by Jennifer Ward “I don’t know anything with certainty, but seeing the stars makes me dream. ” – Vincent van Gogh When I was a little girl, I used to look at van Gogh’s paintings for hours. My father had an enormous hardcover book that featured an impressive collection of his art throughout his…
A Playlist for Writers Who Like to Run…or Walk
by Jennifer Ward Before I became sick with COVID last May, I loved to walk and do interval jogging. Fitness has always been a big part of my life. I did it all—aerial yoga, Zumba, dance yoga, HIIT, cardio kickboxing, vinyasa yoga, cheerleading, track, aerobics, Pilates, Peloton, personal training, and of course, the treadmill. Unfortunately,…
The Value of an English Degree: On Making the Most of an Education
by Jennifer Ward “Education is one thing no one can take away from you.” Elin Nordegren Many of us who were English majors might have heard: “Well, I guess you could always teach,” or “Are you sure a degree in English is worth it?” While I was an undergraduate student in my twenties, I…
Five Books Every Writer Should Own
by Jennifer Ward Writing has always been part of my life in one way or another. As a child, my journey began with writing short stories and poems about family summer vacations. As a teenager, I kept a journal for many years, writing about crushes and teenage drama. Today, I’m grateful that I can…