Eat, Pray, Love, Nurse, Betray

This non-fiction excerpt was cut from my book, but it stayed on my mind. I’m sharing it, like most of my memoir, as per Virginia Woolf “In expressing it I explained it and then laid it to rest.” To learn more about my memoir, visit…

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My parenting blog

In a former life I created a blog called CRUNCH compass. The name pops up in my posts now and then. It was a fun creative outlet and, in hindsight, an excellent way to hone my writing skills. The tagline was “helping to navigate you…

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Top Books 2021

These are the best books I read this year. Some were rereads and some were new, but they were all ones I couldn’t stop thinking or talking about. Of course I had to include my book, it was the one I thought and talked about…

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Book Club Questions

Thank you for choosing Crazy for your book club! If you would like me to virtually attend, contact me with the details. I would love to be there. Here are some questions to consider for your book club discussion. Click the ‘Download’ button at the…

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Reducing stigma

I was recently asked the excellent question: what can I do to help you feel less stigma? I replied with the first thing that came to mind, but the question stayed with me. It deserved more than an off-the-cuff answer. It deserved reflection. After my…

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Journals 101

Do you journal? I’ve been journalling since I was a kid, when it was called a diary. I was recently asked to elaborate on my technique, which made me realize that my journals are not one-size-fits-all. This post describes how journalling best helps me. Gratitude…

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Don’t Call Me Crazy: a short story

This story was a birthday gift for my son, inspired by one of his mind-blowing questions. After he read it he said “This looks really pro. Like you’ve taken a course.” Thanks kid. DISCLAIMER: This story might seem to suggest that I am against medication,…

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WWC

When Words Collide When Words Collide is a literary festival that takes place in Calgary, Alberta, every August. I learned about it and attended in 2017, as an aspiring writer. This year I’m not only participating in the audience, but also as an author and…

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Crazy: Memoir of a Mom Gone Mad

When Charise Jewell decided to leave her career as a robotics engineer to pursue writing fiction, the 40-year old mother of three had no idea that she was embarking on a real life story beyond her wildest imagination. Without warning, and while preparing to celebrate…

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Talking to kids about mental illness

This is a slide from my mental illness/health presentation for kids at local schools. You can click through and share any or all of the slides below. When we talk openly about mental illness it reassures people if they have any concerns, and helps to…

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Mania Explained

              Most people I know have never experienced a manic episode. They are curious but respectful, so don’t ask for details about mine. They don’t want to upset me by dredging up painful memories. I appreciate their respect and concern, but I think that talking…

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Molly Inman

The Betrayal: a short story about love

This short story will be published in a collection with other fiction and a few personal essays. More updates to come! It was the necklace that brought it all back. I’ve known about the two of them for years, more than a decade, and I’ve…

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I need a vacay after the vacay.

The CRUNCH: I need a vacay after the vacay. CRUNCH deets: It seemed like a good idea when you booked. But after schlepping the diapers, car seat, and pack and play, surviving the plane ride with a finger-walker, figuring out how to beach nap it,…

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Balancing Bipolar Disorder

I recently saw my psychiatrist for a check-up, something that happens every month or two depending on my mood. He’s been pleased with my progress and during the appointment he remarked “Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it.” This got me thinking – what am I…

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Books we’re reading this month…

Grain Brain by David Perlmutter We’re finally starting to realize that we eat too many carbs. This book links a carb-heavy diet with brain health, and it’s not just refined carbs either. In other words, according to Perlmutter, too much multi-grain bread, or even fruit,…

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The Lonely One: chapter one

Below is the first bit of my first book. I’ll finish it one day. Chapter One Mom often started sentences with the phrase “I’m dying.” She’d be dying to use the bathroom, dying for an upcoming vacation, dying to have a cup of tea. Now…

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Spiralling out: a photo essay of mania

On May 15, 2017 I was hospitalized and diagnosed as having Bipolar 1 mood disorder after experiencing an extreme manic episode. Music and art were very significant to me during this time and both held great meaning. Once the dust settled and I looked through…

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Decluttering 101: help + a flowchart!

Spring cleaning is in the air and garage sales are just around the corner! For those who don’t know me, I am hyper-organized. Like… hyper. Over the years I’ve finessed my decluttering skills, so I thought I would share for those of you who have…

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Workplace

Discrimination in the Workplace

Article about how to cope in a toxic work environment if your boss is a bully. Written for Together Magazine. Discrimination In The Workplace (Together Magazine)  © Charise Jewell, 2013

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 © Charise Jewell, 2017-2022