Hi Haley! Long time quiet reader here (since your blogging years--I still remember loving, on the frivolous side of things, all those Stitch Fix posts). I just wanted to say that you have been an absolute class act throughout this whole ordeal. That's all, really. Class act. Inspirationally classy and virtuous in how you've handled yourself publicly.
Hi Haley! I also missed this announcement, so thanks for keeping the AMA open. As you're a writer and an editor, and a Catholic and someone who looks like they try to live thoughtfully, I'd like to hear your take on social media and publishing. Is social media really the (only?) gateway to getting published now? Do you have any advice for someone who would like to move towards getting writing published, but has intentionally stepped back from social media and feels their life is better because of that decision? Thanks!
Hi Haley! Glad to hear that you are doing well! A couple of questions, since I somehow missed the AMA announcement:
1.) I have a 10 year old goddaughter who loves fantasy novels, and she reads a few years above her grade level. She prefers female protagonists and she loves fairytales. Do you have any suggestions for novels she might enjoy?
2.) Have you thought about making a pilgrimage to one of the vibrantly Catholic countries in South America like Chile, Peru, or Argentina?
3.) Are you familiar with the music of Amy Grant? I love her Christmas music albums and her 1988 album Lead Me On is an underappreciated gem, in my opinion.
4.) How can godparents best make a positive impact in the lives of their godchildren?
You asked for pilgrimage suggestions; have you considered walking the Camino? That seems like the kind of contemplative spiritual experience that would be right up your alley.
In the past three years, I've dealt with both PPD and repeated pregnancy loss - which has been very tough - but I absolutely agree that the greatest gift from tough experiences is learning that joy is a choice and that we can decide not to let really difficult experiences define us. I feel like when I tell people what's happened, they say "I'm so sorry" or something similar, which is understandable, but I want to say "I am so strong now, you don't even know!" It's not that I would ever choose what happened to me or that it isn't sad, it's that your life can be full of joy when you learn to be happy and secure in your faith and rely on nothing else (at least sometimes, haha).
All that to say, thanks for sharing Haley! It's so hard to be vulnerable sometimes, but I appreciate you so much.
Kelly what would be a better response than “I’m so sorry”? I’ve been trying to come up with one myself, maybe it depends on the relationship and the context. But sometimes it just comes out./.
I'm sorry isn't bad at all! I know it's really tough to be on the other side of this, and I've been there too. I think it's just hard to convey the complexity of feelings that come with motherhood and loss, and I want people to know that they don't have to tiptoe around me. I don't get annoyed or upset by people telling me that they're sorry because there's really nothing else to say. I guess what I mean by my comment is that there are a lot of intertwined feelings when it comes to loss and that isn't a bad thing, but it's hard to explain that.
Haley, I’ve been following your writing for years and you’ve been on my mind and heart so much this year. You have such a beautiful, refreshing voice and I love reading your work, no matter what it’s about.
One thing that really drew me to you 10-ish years ago was your willingness to stand up against racism, white supremacy, etc. i love your writing about trad wives and that very meaningful essay about whether you’d advise your daughters to be stay at home mothers.
If you’re open to answering more questions, my question is— how do you make sense of / view the rising tide of fascism around the world, and the role that many Catholics play in it? I know it’s a big question. It’s something I’ve wrestled with for a long time as a cradle Catholic who grew up in a Jesuit parish idolizing Dorothy Day and liberation theologians. How do politics and religion intersect for you? Do you consider yourself a political person? And how do you navigate political conflicts interpersonally and/or spiritually?
Hi Haley! Long time quiet reader here (since your blogging years--I still remember loving, on the frivolous side of things, all those Stitch Fix posts). I just wanted to say that you have been an absolute class act throughout this whole ordeal. That's all, really. Class act. Inspirationally classy and virtuous in how you've handled yourself publicly.
Hi Haley! I also missed this announcement, so thanks for keeping the AMA open. As you're a writer and an editor, and a Catholic and someone who looks like they try to live thoughtfully, I'd like to hear your take on social media and publishing. Is social media really the (only?) gateway to getting published now? Do you have any advice for someone who would like to move towards getting writing published, but has intentionally stepped back from social media and feels their life is better because of that decision? Thanks!
Hi Haley! Glad to hear that you are doing well! A couple of questions, since I somehow missed the AMA announcement:
1.) I have a 10 year old goddaughter who loves fantasy novels, and she reads a few years above her grade level. She prefers female protagonists and she loves fairytales. Do you have any suggestions for novels she might enjoy?
2.) Have you thought about making a pilgrimage to one of the vibrantly Catholic countries in South America like Chile, Peru, or Argentina?
3.) Are you familiar with the music of Amy Grant? I love her Christmas music albums and her 1988 album Lead Me On is an underappreciated gem, in my opinion.
4.) How can godparents best make a positive impact in the lives of their godchildren?
Ooh, I heartily recommend Frogkisser by Garth Nix for your goddaughter! My kids love it and it checks those boxes perfectly.
Ashley this looks perfect! Thank you so much!!!
You asked for pilgrimage suggestions; have you considered walking the Camino? That seems like the kind of contemplative spiritual experience that would be right up your alley.
In the past three years, I've dealt with both PPD and repeated pregnancy loss - which has been very tough - but I absolutely agree that the greatest gift from tough experiences is learning that joy is a choice and that we can decide not to let really difficult experiences define us. I feel like when I tell people what's happened, they say "I'm so sorry" or something similar, which is understandable, but I want to say "I am so strong now, you don't even know!" It's not that I would ever choose what happened to me or that it isn't sad, it's that your life can be full of joy when you learn to be happy and secure in your faith and rely on nothing else (at least sometimes, haha).
All that to say, thanks for sharing Haley! It's so hard to be vulnerable sometimes, but I appreciate you so much.
Kelly what would be a better response than “I’m so sorry”? I’ve been trying to come up with one myself, maybe it depends on the relationship and the context. But sometimes it just comes out./.
I'm sorry isn't bad at all! I know it's really tough to be on the other side of this, and I've been there too. I think it's just hard to convey the complexity of feelings that come with motherhood and loss, and I want people to know that they don't have to tiptoe around me. I don't get annoyed or upset by people telling me that they're sorry because there's really nothing else to say. I guess what I mean by my comment is that there are a lot of intertwined feelings when it comes to loss and that isn't a bad thing, but it's hard to explain that.
Haley, I’ve been following your writing for years and you’ve been on my mind and heart so much this year. You have such a beautiful, refreshing voice and I love reading your work, no matter what it’s about.
One thing that really drew me to you 10-ish years ago was your willingness to stand up against racism, white supremacy, etc. i love your writing about trad wives and that very meaningful essay about whether you’d advise your daughters to be stay at home mothers.
If you’re open to answering more questions, my question is— how do you make sense of / view the rising tide of fascism around the world, and the role that many Catholics play in it? I know it’s a big question. It’s something I’ve wrestled with for a long time as a cradle Catholic who grew up in a Jesuit parish idolizing Dorothy Day and liberation theologians. How do politics and religion intersect for you? Do you consider yourself a political person? And how do you navigate political conflicts interpersonally and/or spiritually?
Some great advice here, thank you!
Media inquiries?