What I Learned About Life from Hot Sauce
Free Writing Gillian Barnes Free Writing Gillian Barnes

What I Learned About Life from Hot Sauce

Last week into the beginning of this one I took an extended weekend away in New Orleans with some girlfriends. Those who know me both professionally and…well, I don’t want to say “unprofessionally,” but let’s go with “off the clock,” know that I am structured. Steadfast. Calculated. Those terms make a lot of sense as I am at my core a strategist.

I’ve even been likened to a cartoon hedgehog by artist Ally Burgerieres with the words WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK! on it…

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Coronavirus (COVID-19): A Tale of Privilege & Paranoia
Gillian Barnes Gillian Barnes

Coronavirus (COVID-19): A Tale of Privilege & Paranoia

Tonight, I went to the grocery store. I know, not the most original line for a piece, but it’s relevant, I swear. My husband and I needed some things, it was time for our weekly shop. Unfortunately, that errand fell today during the official declaration of Coronavirus (COVID-19)’s pandemic status and ultimately, the state of emergency in Massachusetts.

Now I knew it was not going to be fun, but what I experienced really got me thinking about my privilege. I am admittedly, privileged. I’m white. I’m heterosexual. I live in a relatively crime-free area. I’ve paid off all of my student loans and so has my husband. Hate me yet?

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Pieces of Gillian
Gillian Barnes Gillian Barnes

Pieces of Gillian

We all owe pieces of ourselves to others.

I credit my parents (I have three for those who are unaware) for many of the habits that have made me successful, so today, I will leave them out of the puzzle.

If you read my blog from the other night, you know that I went to a reading. One thing I neglected to mention however, was a relationship between the presenter and her former mentee and now friend. Christine Schutt was introduced by an Endicott College professor who was once her student. It was very moving to hear her credit Schutt with helping to mold her into who she is today. So, with that in mind, I would like to share some of the people who have made me...me.

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It is Always Worthwhile
Gillian Barnes Gillian Barnes

It is Always Worthwhile

The last blog on my site is from the end of 2019. I have no excuses. No real reasons why my words have not graced the internet. But tonight, tonight I have a reason to write, and to rhyme apparently.

For those who don’t know, these days I work at Endicott College in integrated marketing. I love my job because I get to write for other people on a regular basis. However, I will note now that my writing productivity has slipped quite a bit during the transition from agency life to one of a more collegiate marketer. That ends now.

Today, I went to an on-campus reading by lauded author, Christine Schutt.

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Small Thanks
Gillian Barnes Gillian Barnes

Small Thanks

Another Thanksgiving has come to a close, and here I sit, considering yet another cup of mulled cider, thinking, “how did it go by so quickly?”

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Cleaning House
Gillian Barnes Gillian Barnes

Cleaning House

I’ve stripped my office at the agency twice now. The first time was incredibly painful. 

Today during a lull, I decided to get a jump on the inevitable. 

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