I’m okay with the phrase “it’s okay to not be okay”


This started out as a simple facebook post. But the words kept coming. And it's been a hot minute since I published anything on my blog. So here we are. Grab a cup of coffee and your Carissa/Llama Translation Guide. Another "Follow Carissa's Thought Process" post:Good stress and Bad stress.Chronic stress and motivating stress.Lifelong stress … Continue reading I’m okay with the phrase “it’s okay to not be okay”

Too many things to count


My heart has been so heavy lately. I can’t seem to filter through all the continual pain and devastation. From across the world to my own backyard… there is just.so.much. As I sit on my back patio, one of my sacred spaces, I am trying to literally count my blessings. I am asking God this … Continue reading Too many things to count

A new song is about to be heard


I think I remember gulping for air and my lungs not fully inflating. Or maybe I was taking in so much air my lungs couldn't keep up. My Maddy called me to tell me she thought Ali had been murdered and they had also shot Baby K. I remember not comprehending then trying to just … Continue reading A new song is about to be heard

Ashes from the 2020 Dumpster Fire


If you are a follower of my not widely followed publication of "The World According to Carissa" you are acutely aware of my aversion to speeding through life, skipping over tradition, and missing out on the here and now. This won't be a super popular sentiment but I am also not in favor of kicking … Continue reading Ashes from the 2020 Dumpster Fire

Elevate The Pumpkin Pie


Every August it becomes painfully aware to me that I live life according to a different rule book than most of the population. The title of this rule book says it all. Life Rules According to Carissa. Catchy. Memorable. A real page turner. I consider it the consummate addition to Emily Post's Etiquette. Every August … Continue reading Elevate The Pumpkin Pie

Time for Salsa Reform


I desperately want to be a successful gardener. It is a bit embarrassing to admit the level of euphoria green growing things emit on my life. I am a freaky tree hugger who cannot but help touching leaves, smelling flowers, sitting in amazement at new blooms. There is something so idyllic about walking out your … Continue reading Time for Salsa Reform

30, no actually, 81 Things That Make Me Smile


This list took some doing. I had to really think about what I really like. I found some inspiration on my Pinterest page, my Spotify account, and my IMDB page which help create a list of 30 things that make me smile. After that the things that make me smile started just pouring out. Comment … Continue reading 30, no actually, 81 Things That Make Me Smile

A return to the inkwell


I have a healthy obsession with words. I have always loved how sounds make letters, letters make words, words make sentences, sentences eventually make a story. I have a lot of words and questions and stories in my head. They just haven't had a chance to make it out of my head lately. However, they … Continue reading A return to the inkwell

When does it stop?


I am spitting out sentences and questions today. 22 killed in El Paso. More than two dozen injured. 9 people killed in Dayton. 26 injured. 7 people killed in Chicago. 46 injured. The St. Louis murder count now stands at 203 after four deadly shootings in North City this weekend. When does it stop? It … Continue reading When does it stop?