on giving old things for Christmas

In Praise of the Ancient [RECIPE]

Dec 3 • 

Elissa Altman

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November 2025

The things that stay

My home as I have known it.

Nov 22 • 

Elissa Altman

109

24

3

The Permission Workbook: On Finding Magic in the Mundane

A note to all of you: Apologies for this delayed workbook post.

Nov 19 • 

Elissa Altman

69

6

11

You’re not supposed to be feeling this way.

On the absurdity of physical pain and sorrow

Nov 13 • 

Elissa Altman

194

40

4

only so many mornings to look around and love

My mother left us last Wednesday.

Nov 4 • 

Elissa Altman

306

68

7

October 2025

In the Bardo with My Mother

On grief both personal and public

Oct 27 • 

Elissa Altman

350

71

17

a short medical leave.

What a lifetime of athletic injuries gets you....

Oct 15 • 

Elissa Altman

107

61

The Permission Workbook: The Perfection Problem

Overcome it, or you'll get stuck in creative quicksand forever.

Oct 8 • 

Elissa Altman

76

4

16

grief and ruins and small miracles*

On the Closing of Time

Oct 6 • 

Elissa Altman

132

14

9

September 2025

when the well is dry and the yoke a burden

On Not Ignoring Messages

Sep 28 • 

Elissa Altman

192

35

7

The Permission Workbook: Writing About the Dead

Is it ever okay? Also, some craft thoughts on Elizabeth Gilbert's All the Way to the River

Sep 24 • 

Elissa Altman

102

17

10

What does it mean, say the words, that the earth is beautiful?*

Thoughts on this glimmering, dangerous world.

Sep 19 • 

Elissa Altman

106

11

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