Integrity, I think, holds hands with Authenticity. Or perhaps the two are sisters or close cousins. If you are familiar with—or friendly with—one, you are likely to be fond of the other. A poster in the hallway at the high school where I teach—or at least it was in the hallway at school last year—who knows what will be there this year—reads: “Integrity is doing the right thing when no one else is looking.” But sometimes it’s hardest to do the right thing when someone else is looking, especially for teenagers.
And that doesn’t always change when we grow up.
People don’t always recognize the right thing when they see it. Don’t always understand what they’re seeing. The right thing so often looks like the wrong thing. Copernicus, Jesus, Rosa Parks, all the victims wrongfully executed for witchcraft in Salem—so many throughout human history have been persecuted for being wrong when they were only maintaining their personal integrity, authenticity—whether people were looking or not. Thoreau or Emerson—two more misunderstoods—I can’t remember which, wrote that he is greatest who can maintain his authentic self in a crowd; who can, in effect, do the right thing not just when no one is looking, but even when everyone is looking.
What I’m Working On
Outdoor Writing
I turned in my article about restoration efforts in the chestnut orchard at Lesesne State Forest several days early, only for my editor to return it to me with a good-natured note to the effect that it was 500 words too long and would I please cut it by that many? Naturally, I obliged, and replaced what had been a nearly 1,700-word piece with a 1,203-word piece.
Wild Senses: A Mindful Creative Writing Workshop
Registration is now open for the last Wild Senses workshop of 2026, which will focus on the sense of hearing and feature a fox wildlife ambassador. Come join us for our grand finale before we take a break for the holidays. We’re already brainstorming some wild ideas for 2027...!
Mind the Dog Writing Workshops
August is National Dog Month, and I have two dog-centric workshops available. A Writer’s Best Friend: Nurturing Your Relationship with Your Dogs through Writing is scheduled for August 8 and is dog-friendly (!!!). Participants are encouraged (but not required) to bring up to two reasonably well-behaved dogs along with them to this playful, dog-focused creative writing class. Writing to Heal from Pet Loss, which is not limited to those grieving the loss of a dog, but can pertain to the loss of any beloved pet, will run August 15. Registration details for both experiences can be found in the Literary Calendar below. Registering on Richmond Day results in a discounted registration fee of $8.04.
What I’m Reading
Since my last newsletter, I’ve read two books (I know; who am I?), Owls and other Fantasies, a collection of poems and essays by one of my favorite writers, Mary Oliver, and The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey. I first heard about the latter on Drinks in the Library, one of my favorite podcasts, and it’s been patiently waiting on my to-read list, and then my bookshelf, ever since. Snails have always delighted me, even more so now that I’ve learned a bit about them. Currently, I’m a few chapters into a timely and riveting work of fiction, Culpability by Bruce Holsinger.
Writing Community
A few days ago, some friends and I gathered on Google Meet for our second virtual Writing Club meeting. It was delightful. Participating writers were scattered between Virginia, North Carolina, and Michigan, and we wrote on two prompts, “Integrity” first and then “Delusion.” Seeing where each prompt took each writer—or where each writer went with each prompt—was fascinating. The introduction to today’s newsletter is my slightly revised result of the prompt “Integrity.”
Links to My Latest
Archie and The Littles
Archie relishes some head “scritches” while he helps me fold laundry.
Archie sits, half in my hand, at the base of his cage.
Soda stares at a friend of mine, who’s taking her picture, while out to lunch.
Nacho enjoys the sunshine on The Littles’ trampoline.
What I Saw Outside
After being trapped in my greenhouse, an eastern tiger swallowtail recovers on a cluster of crape myrtle blooms in my backyard.
A frog naps in one of my pineapple plants.
This skink frequently shares the outdoor couch with The Littles and me, relatively unperturbed by our proximity.
Hummingbirds consider whether they should share or spar.
Quite the opposite of concerned, this unwary rabbit regarded The Littles and me with mere curiosity as we passed by on our morning walk, twitching nothing more than an ear at us as he happily chewed the neighbor’s grass. Even when I stopped to admire the way the sunlight spun his coat and eyes into gold, he seemed not to care.
Literary Calendar
August
Mind the Dog | A Writer’s Best Friend: Nurturing Your Relationship With Your Dogs through Writing
August 8, 2026 | 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. | Quarry, Richmond, VA LINK QUARRY
In this playful, dog-friendly writing workshop, we will use creative writing to explore how we relate to our dogs, examine how our dogs relate to the world, and enhance our relationship with our dogs. Up to two reasonably well-behaved dogs are welcome to attend this dog-centric writing workshop. Proof of vaccination, including rabies, must be provided for dogs to attend. Suggested materials to bring include water (for you and your dog), snacks/treats (for you and your dog), a mat or bed for your dog, and your dog’s favorite toy or chew. Registration is $15.
Mind the Dog | Writing to Heal from Pet Loss
August 15, 2026 | 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. | Quarry, Richmond, VA
In this supportive, therapeutic writing workshop, participants will use focused, guided prompts to help process their experience of grieving a beloved animal companion. Although many feel alone in grieving for an animal companion, that grief is real and valid. This workshop is for people dealing with grief for an animal at any stage, whether the goodbye happened recently or years ago. Certified Wellness Coach and writer Amanda Creasey warmly welcomes anyone looking for a creative outlet on their journey to heal their hurt and honor their beloved animal. Registration is $15.
October
Wild Senses: A Mindful Creative Writing Workshop
October 3, 2026 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Possumbilities, Fredericksburg, VA
This fifth and final class will focus on the sense of hearing and feature a fox co-host. Registration is $35, plus an item for the rescue.
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