Regular readers will know that I am a runner and have been one pretty much my entire life. From a little 5K jaunt to dust…
Food is an important part of my life. Not just for the nutritional necessities or the flavourful enjoyment, but for the social and cultural importance…
A few days ago, I shared a post about my mother and what she meant (means) to me. But she wasn’t just my mother, she…
I have a new job; one that I have dreamt of for more than 20 years. Yes, as of this week, I am a Lecturer*…
Today marks 20 years since I first arrived in Scotland for “just one year” as a study abroad student. At the time, I never expected…
It has been 10 years since JustFrances.com entered the blogosphere, so I thought it was time for a reflective post to mark the milestone. After all, the average…
My primary goal for 2020 is to be a stronger and more confident me. But if I’m honest, it’s a goal that I have been heading…
I am allowing someone to enter into my little holiday bubble this year. She’s an American PhD student who is “fresh off the boat”, so I extended…
Last year, I conducted a massive “friend cull” on Facebook. It took about a week to complete the process that, ultimately, led to severing Facebook…
A Homeland Holiday is never complete without a visit with my best friend. And that means a trip to Portland for some bestie time! Rachel and I…
Today’s post* is brought to you by a writing prompt. The prompt is to “write a list of your favourite holiday activities”. I wanted to…
I spent last week in Washington, DC for an academic conference. But as luck would have it, I was able to catch up with several friends…
I spent a bit of time exploring the “old” Cle Elum cemetery when I was in the Homeland this summer. And in doing so (and talking…
One of the great things about my American holidays this year has been the reunions. Each of my three weekends has brought another group together, which means…
Regular Just Frances readers will know that I have a rare bleeding disorder called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). But what they may not know is that…
I received my new American passport yesterday. But despite this being my third passport, it will also mark several passport firsts in my life. But…
With my birthday just around the corner, I am more aware than normal that I am getting older. I am ageing; I am becoming more…
Hello and Merry Christmas to you all! As I mentioned the other day, I am spending my Christmas (mostly) alone, but I am doing so with…
Today should be my Uncle King’s 53rd birthday. Only he left this world for the glory of Heaven a few days ago. I knew it…
I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it before, but my parents were really mean when I was growing up. As in they were so mean that they…