Published in Melissa Miles McCarter·PinnedMember-onlyMelissa Miles McCarterWho am I and what do I write about? — I am at heart a mommy who writes on the side. But it took a long time to earn that title. From the loss of my daughter to SIDS, the ups and downs of step-parenting my now 20 year old, to a long journey of infertility that culminated in my now 5 year old daughter arriving by way of IVF…Writing2 min readWriting2 min read
Published in Pop Off·Mar 15Member-onlySister Wives: Why Gwendlyn Brown Accuses Dad Kody Brown of Physical AbuseHis children claim this is part of a pattern of negative behaviors towards them. — Gwendlyn Brown, the daughter of Sister Wives’ Kody Brown and Christine Brown, alleges that her father physically abused her. She specifically accuses him of spanking so severely as to leave bruising. Gwendlyn has been recently outspoken about her negative experiences with the various cast members on the show. …Culture2 min readCulture2 min read
Published in Pop Off·Mar 14Member-onlyRHOBH: 5 Famous FeudsPuppy-Gate, The Bunny, and more — The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills has had many feuds over their twelve seasons. Although new cast members have come and gone, the rivalries are this franchise’s mainstay. The many storylines over the years might not have occurred without this drama. This last season 12, RHOBH saw its fair share…TV5 min readTV5 min read
Mar 6Member-onlyOne Last Pandemic StoryIt’s been over a week, and I’m still sick. Well, it’s “we” now. My daughter started having similar symptoms a couple of days ago. Sore throat. Fever. Fatigue. Our last COVID two-pack test in the cabinet that had solely housed those tests — was negative for both of us. I…Pandemic Stories3 min readPandemic Stories3 min read
Published in Melissa Miles McCarter·Feb 27Member-onlyMy Shirt, The Time CapsuleIt’s worn out so that there are microscopic tears and macroscopic holes in the material. The material is probably part polyester and definitely cotton. I’m thinking there’s something synthetic about it since it’s from the 80s and it lasted more than 40 years, although less pristine each year. I don’t…Creative Writing2 min readCreative Writing2 min read
Published in Memories Mastered·Feb 24Member-onlyGood-bye Mr. LonA conversation with my father — There’s a conversation I remember that I want to and don’t want to always remember at the same time. My father is in bed in one of the two bedrooms in his two-bedroom condo. …Memoir6 min readMemoir6 min read
Published in Melissa Miles McCarter·Feb 6Member-onlyWhy We Are Leaving Our SonIt’s hard growing up, for us and him — I have an internal conflict I’ve been very vocal about with my family. Instead of talking about it anymore, I have taken action. My husband and I are taking steps to leave my son. Here’s the conflict – it’s internal because I can only control my response and action to…Parenting3 min readParenting3 min read
Published in Melissa On Writing·Jan 26Member-onlyWhat Is My Writing Ritual?Why writing is a luxury. — My writing ritual involves stealing away time to write. Probably many parents, particularly mothers in our culture, feel that way. On top of homeschooling, day-to-day activities, and mundane life, finding time to write is a luxury at times. …Creativity2 min readCreativity2 min read
Published in Pop Off·Dec 28, 2022Member-onlyIs Heather Gay’s Black Eye Great Marketing?The RHOSLC mystery continues. — If you were like me, watching Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, and saw Heather Gay after what seemed like an assault, you were shocked. From an utterly human perspective, it’s horrible the thought that anyone could have purposefully done that to her. …Reality TV3 min readReality TV3 min read
Published in Pop Off·Dec 26, 2022Member-onlyWhy The Kardashian Family Moved to HuluWhen Kourtney goes, they all go. — The news that E!s Keeping Up With the Kardashians was to end after airing for 20 seasons sparked a lot of fan theories. Theories abounded as to why the show ended, from rumors that it was canceled due to low ratings to speculation that the family wanted more privacy. Fans…Television5 min readTelevision5 min read