Category: Essay
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This is Heaven; How May I Help You?
TikTok is an ocean of possibilities. I have an account but I don’t ever open it. I do, however, frequently watch TikToks that are cross-posted on Instagram or Facebook, and that is how I stumbled upon 26-year old Taryn Delanie Smith, a former beauty queen who is as of this writing sitting pretty with 1.3…
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Book Review: Mrs. Porter Calling by A. J. Pearce
One of my favorite books of 2019 was Dear Mrs. Bird by A. J. Pearce, which I read just before the lockdown and the horrible pandemic thing ensued. I love that book so much that my family finally did an intervention and asked me to STOP talking about Emmy and her friends. Since then, I’ve…
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Puccini Ardillo, an Ode to a Fine Dog
After a brief illness attributed to old age, Puccini Ardillo, born February 8, 2007, passed away on October 31, 2022, in the loving arms of his family. A dog of many monikers, he was known as the little prince, boo boo, Pucci, and rascal. He is survived by Michelle and Tom, and his sissies Margaret…
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The Keys of My Life
Friday, June 10, 2022, was the last day of school where I taught upper school religion this year. Today I will turn in my school keys and walk out of the door as a retired teacher–again. If you follow me on my website or on social media, you may have seen my personal essay “I…
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HSPT Prep Course
Do you have a rising 8th grader planning on applying for admission to an area Catholic high school? If so, the High School Placement Test is required at many of the DC area Catholic high schools. Three of the five sections of the test are language arts-based, which just happens to be my specialty! Sign…
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Holding Hands for 32 Years
From almost the exact moment that we became a couple, my husband has held my hand. If we are sitting in different chairs on either side of a table watching tv at night, he will reach across the table and hold out his hand for me to grasp. When we are out together in the…
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Grammar for Grownups
Good writing is writing that is clear and concise. Not all verbs are interchangeable. Check out this graphic that shows some of the most commonly confused verbs and how to use them correctly. Need a grammar refresher course? Contact me for info on fun and helpful Zoom sessions to improve your writing!
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By Your Passion
By your cross We were redeemed By your childhood We were raised By your hands We were led By your feet We were brought By your words We were taught By your miracles We were awed By your parables We were molded By your psalms We were enriched By your side We remain By your…
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Grammar for Grown-Ups
Here’s a cute little graphic to help you with two words that are often confused! Now, Dessert Island is a place I’d really like to visit! Enjoy! Need Grammar for Grown-ups sessions, via Zoom, one-on-one or in a small group? I’m here to help with all your writing, editing, and grammar needs!
Michelle Blanchard Ardillo 