I've recently struggled with inspiration (and time) to write, what I would consider, more "complete" Moth-style, slice-of-life stories. I found a list of memoir-writing prompts and made a commitment (to myself) to take 20 minutes before starting my day to write. Starting at the top of the list, I've been making it happen (for at … Continue reading 20 Minutes: A First Love
Author: Alissa Burnett
Mini-Slice: The True North
“Join a culture where your desired behaviour is the normal behaviour,” James Clear, author of Atomic Habits. I often refer to this style of storytelling to the non-Moth listeners as “slice-of-life” stories that reflect moments of meaning. Through my day-to-day life, I feel like we experience many meaningful moments – some more grand or transformative … Continue reading Mini-Slice: The True North
That Convent Life
After adventuring around Europe for over two weeks, my girlfriends and I were feeling pretty confident about our ability to navigate the backpacking life. We’d mastered the Eurail system, found safe, and sometimes stunning, lodging in many cities across France, Germany and Switzerland. As our train pulled into the station in Venice, Italy, it was … Continue reading That Convent Life
Christmas in the City
In August, 2016 we moved our family from central Wisconsin to Toronto, Ontario. The preparations for the move were stressful on our marriage and our family. We were leaving a community we had built over the last 10+ years: our first house, the birth of our first child (and 2nd, and 3rd), our church and … Continue reading Christmas in the City
Traditions
I love the holiday season. And part of what I love are the many traditions our family has shared and passed on. And most of traditions included my grandmother, Gigi. From early on, my family would spend the weekend before Christmas at a hotel in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where my sister and I performed in The … Continue reading Traditions
High Stakes, the battle of Safe & Right
Note: I took a pause from my Moth-inspired story writing to participate in a 21-day poetry challenge. Here's a sampling from my poetry book, Perfect Flawed Dreams, which should be available in the coming months. When my friend was sexually assaulted by a powerful, entitled superior, I was not a good friend. Instead of showering … Continue reading High Stakes, the battle of Safe & Right
My Little Canadian
It’s the early morning hours on the Saturday following the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, and we’re back in Wisconsin at my in-laws after a chaotic few days. I’m nursing a bit of a hangover and feeling thankful I passed out while putting our 3 kids to bed, instead of continuing in the revelry with my husband, … Continue reading My Little Canadian
Concerts from the Van
I had a bit of a love|hate relationship with my ballet school. My competitive nature and eagerness to please could leave me feeling either on cloud 9 – like the day I was the first in my age group to be tapped for the esteemed upgrade to pointe shoes… or in the gutter, like the … Continue reading Concerts from the Van
Josie Bissett Hair
I’m about to start high school and am in a bit of an “awkward” stage… trying to figure out what I like – how I want to look and what I want to wear. These are the early-90s and 90210 was my show… but naturally that led me to Melrose Place too. And to Josie … Continue reading Josie Bissett Hair
True Confessions of a Valedictorian
Inspired by The Moth Radio Hour (August 16, 2022); theme: Confidence - Too Much, Too Little? I was the type of kid who knew how to give people what they wanted: teachers, piano instructors, coaches… even parents – not that I always gave them what they wanted, but I knew how to. This characteristic was … Continue reading True Confessions of a Valedictorian
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