A place for my thoughts

Brandi Easterling Collins, independent author

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General Thoughts, Novels (my writing updates)

Nine months in: Writing Updates and Jordan’s Sister info

It has been nine months since I started this blog. Nine whole months—long enough to grow a human being. Since the launch, it’s had 1,056 unique users view a total of…

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April 29, 2017
Essays, General Thoughts

Embracing the Holidays

I’ve written before that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It’s still true, and I keep the season pure in my home. I decorate for the seasons, which is a more…

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November 28, 2025
General Thoughts

Ways I Save Money in our Household Budget

Where to start with a budget Budget doesn’t have to be a dirty word. I budget our household expenses to make sure we have enough money to pay our bills…

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March 13, 2023
  • General Thoughts

    For the love of travel (for work): Seattle

    April 7, 2018 /

    One of the perks of my job at the university is the privilege to travel for professional development. During spring break (for the college students and my elementary school children), I attended the 2018 CASE Editors Forum in Seattle, Washington. Not only had I never attended this conference before, but I’d never been to Seattle. Due to having to fly across two time zones (I live in Arkansas) and the start time of the conference on Wednesday, March 21, I had to travel the day before. It was interesting, to say the least. For the first time ever, I set off the metal detector at the Little Rock Airport. What…

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    You May Also Like

    Day 10: Countdown of my favorite love songs (for weddings)

    February 14, 2018

    Two Years of Updates: Reading, Writing, and other creative outlets

    July 22, 2018

    Day 8: Countdown of my favorite love songs (stories)

    February 12, 2018
  • Essays,  General Thoughts

    School Shootings

    February 24, 2018 /

    Last week, on Valentine’s Day, a terrible tragedy happened in Florida. I’m sure it wasn’t the only tragedy to happen that day, but it’s the one that was on my mind the most after I heard the news. Another school shooting, this time leaving 14 students and three teachers dead. I’ve seen sources claim it was the 18th school shooting since January 1, 2018, and other sources claim that the number is exaggerated. My stance on the matter is: Who the hell cares what number on the list this school shooting was? Whether it was the first or the hundredth one, it is still one too many.

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    Bah! Humbug: What’s Christmas all about?

    December 17, 2016
    A heartbroken woman sitting in the house embracing her.

    Just get over it

    July 1, 2022
    Illustration of animals, presents and a snowman with text reading Happy Holidays

    Embracing the Holidays

    November 28, 2025
  • General Thoughts,  Pop Culture

    Day 10: Countdown of my favorite love songs (for weddings)

    February 14, 2018 /

    Thank you for sticking with me through all ten days of Valentine’s Day love song posts. To recap, days 1-9 featured the following types of love songs: Angry Love Songs Bittersweet Breakup Songs Songs for the Brokenhearted Love/Hate Songs Non-romantic Love Songs Pour Your Heart Out Love Songs Songs with Messages to New Lovers Love Story Songs Sweet Declarations Love Songs It’s only fitting to feature my favorite wedding songs for my Valentine’s Day feature. Most were part of my wedding soundtrack (indicated by *) if they were released prior to 2005. I couldn’t narrow it down to my top three, so I have my top five and a bunch…

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    You May Also Like

    My love history and why I never wrote about my husband until now

    July 30, 2016

    Living with Ulcerative Colitis

    May 19, 2018
    Man looking at goals checklist

    Can High Goals Get in the Way of Contentment?

    April 18, 2025
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Recent Posts

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  • 2025 in Book Reviews
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