Visionary Recipes: A series of kitchen-friendly instructions for aspirational blind cooks!

March 1, 2012

I have decided to embark on a series of “visionary recipes” – recipes written for cooks with low or no vision. I can’t take all the credit for this idea. I must give credit to my friend Henry, an up-and-coming cook. He asked me for some simple recipes, and, because he’s a) totally blind and … More Visionary Recipes: A series of kitchen-friendly instructions for aspirational blind cooks!

Visual curiosity

February 26, 2012

I am reading an essay for class called “Beholding” that discusses the patterns and ethics of staring. It’s an essay that offers a few different ways to stare at things and people and also proposes a way for the “starees” to look back, to take control of the staring interaction and make something educational, productive, … More Visual curiosity

a plea for exceptional students and those who believe in them

February 24, 2012

Dear Commissioner Robinson and the members of the Florida Board of Education, I write to you today, filled with concern for your upcoming decision to assign grades to Jacksonville’s “center schools” – Mt. Herman and Alden Road. I implore you to consider the far-reaching consequences of such a decision, consequences that will not only affect … More a plea for exceptional students and those who believe in them

“Still Water”: Thoughts on blindness and nature-writing

February 16, 2012

I wrote this last year when I was TA-ing for an Ecocriticism seminar and thought I would post it here. I want to explore these issues further. September 4, 2011 “Cry of shore-bird and crash of surf were the sounds of the edge of the land—the edge of the sea” (Carson 139). Living in the … More “Still Water”: Thoughts on blindness and nature-writing

“The Blind Leading the Blind”: Watch your language.

February 13, 2012

I’m standing in the hallway, talking to J and K, two girls from class. J and I stand, enthusiastically discussing the merits of “Downton Abbey” while K, seated against the wall, reviews the 40-page article we had to read. A lull in our conversation gives me the opportunity to notice two guys standing just behind … More “The Blind Leading the Blind”: Watch your language.

Time for introductions

February 4, 2012

I’d like to welcome you to my literary corner of cyberspace. It’s not very big and not very well decorated, so I hope you don’t mind roughing it. I’m Emily, and I’ll be bringing you tales of my experiences – insightful, venturesome, and reflective encounters that offer you a version of my reality. I can … More Time for introductions

Cautionary tales

February 4, 2012

I’ve been contemplating the idea of starting a blog for a while now, but I had no clue what my first entry should be about. And now, thanks to an overzealous sign, I know where to begin. Picture me traveling down hallways, carpeted in some drab, un-luxurious material – (my friend tells me it’s blue) … More Cautionary tales