Irene North – Page 7

Sometimes, I miss New York

On 2024-06-16

I have officially lived more of my life outside of New York State than in it. Considering the first 18 years of my life – minus a one-year stint in Hollywood, Florida – were spent in the Hudson Valley, I don’t think the New Yorker in me will ever go away.

I grew up about 90 minutes north of New York City, surrounded by trees, woods, and plenty of nature where I could, and often did, get lost. The first time I ever traveled into New York City was about six weeks before my 21st birthday.

When I say I sometimes miss New York, I am thinking of two distinct things – the variety of food and the trees. The people I know in western Nebraska don’t really understand the amount of trees I grew up around and how nature was always, and often literally, right outside my door.

Right now, I’m missing the trees.

Sweet, shimmering, solitary memories

By Irene

On 2024-06-12

In Gram

I have often wondered how, statistically, I never became a drug addict, homeless, or ended up dead. Researchers have also found that folks like me, who endured immense traumas early in life, could keep going because there was one person who made a difference when it was needed to make you think you could keep going. This could be a few people over time and not always the same person. They were just the right person at the right time, when you needed someone. My grandmother was often that person in my life.

The majority are with you

By Irene

On 2024-05-04

In Poetry

Second degree burn

By Irene

On 2024-04-16

In Poetry

Shutters, apertures, nature and more

By Irene

On 2024-03-30

In Photos

Bridge over the Niobrara River.

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is one of my favorite places in the world. I like it so much, I’ve left instructions in my will to spread my ashes there.

A few weeks ago, KC Heath, co-owner of Nspire Today forwarded me an email about John Emery, a black and white large format photographer, who was going to be their artist in residence. KC thought it would be an awesome story. I agreed, but it’s not the kind of story Nspire does. We talked for a few minutes and I said, “You know what, KC? I like taking pictures and I love being in nature. They’re both good for my mental health, especially when I can actually go and do those things. I can write my column about it.”

Stories by me, not AI

By Irene

On 2024-03-25

In Ramblings

I sometimes get behind in my writing for Nspire Today. We aim for around 1,800 words per article. My stories are typically 1,700-2,700 words, but the majority are around 2,300 words.

I can write longer if needed. I also find that, as I near 3,000 words, my hands start to hurt. Sometimes, I’ll push through as it means I’m close to being done with a second story, but my editor, Jeff, has repeatedly told me to only write one story a day, so I don’t risk burning out. I typically write 14-17 stories per month plus a column about mental health.

Even I could have made a better video

By Irene

On 2024-02-29

In Watching & Reading

Another year of Formula 1 is about to begin. Well, technically it began early this year because of Ramadan, so Free Practices 1 and 2 are already over. Each year, F1 makes a new intro video, which is shown at the start of each televised viewing. This year’s intro sucks.

Cash cows

By Irene

On 2024-02-04

In Ramblings

Formula One has always been a rich man’s sport. It’s also known as the pinnacle of motor racing due to its innovative engineering. This year, hell, the past three days, has seen a lot more talk about what’s going on in the sport and we haven’t even gotten to the livery reveals.

I don’t feel well

By Irene

On 2024-01-24

In Ramblings

I looked at the clock – 5:27 a.m. I’ve lost nearly 90 minutes in this flashback. The screaming woke me up again. My nausea alternated between a 7 and a 9. When it finally settled down to a 3, I started crying. I thought to myself, “I don’t feel well.” Then, a memory unlocked of a conversation I had many times with my mother when she came to wake me up for school.

2024 Book List

By Irene

On 2024-01-22

In Watching & Reading

Some of the books I’ll be reading in 2024.

I’ve got a new stack of books just itching to be read over the next year. My new year typically begins sometime in November. October and the beginning of November is where most of my trauma occurred, so when I start to feeling better I like to start fresh and a new reading list is one of the ways I try to do it.

I’m getting this out late, so some of the books on my list I have already read. It is also an ambitious list, so we will see if I can get through them all.