Creative Nonfiction by Andrea Badgley
I’m sitting on the worn, black pleather couch of Rocket Music in downtown Blacksburg. The shades are drawn. The lights are off. College kids stop and cup their hands around their eyes against the glass door. They see guitars and want to come in, and are baffled that the shop is not open. The shop … Continue reading The guitar shop
In my 9th of 10 years of being a stay-at-home-mom, I was antsy to add meaning to my life beyond the role of Mom. I had recently begun blogging, and I was in constant search of my identity. We often identify ourselves by what we do: scientist, lawyer, Mom. I am a mother, but that … Continue reading Identity crisis averted. Thank you, mission statement.
We spent the weekend poolside at the aquatic center as our 9 year-old daughter competed in the district championship meet. I always get teary-eyed when I go to meets: athletes inspire me, especially young athletes, and most especially my own young athlete. When I get emotional I like to scribble notes about my surroundings, and … Continue reading Try not to push
A man without a wife can be lonely in a big black Mercedes, no matter how many readers he has. – Howard Jacobson Have you ever read a book that just didn’t do it for you, but had one character, one scene, or one line that has stuck with you forever? You’re going through life, … Continue reading Have you ever learned a critical lesson from an only okay book?
I’ve been reading through my diaries, and have found plenty of scandal that made me laugh so hard I cried*: We all hate Crystal now. Guess what! We’re having a prom! (April 15, 1986; 11 years old) We don’t hate Crystal. I’m glad because she’s a lot nicer than Hilga [who determined who we hated … Continue reading Diary or Memory: Which is the Reliable Narrative?
Wet socks Wet toes Tangled hair Muddy shoes Bad coffee Drizzle Rain Gritty eyes Happy son. First of all, let me just say that teachers are saints. If you have a child, or even if you don’t, I’d like you to please take a moment to silently applaud the teachers who are taking care of … Continue reading Chaperoning the fourth grade field trip to Jamestown, Virginia
