My interests might find me behind a camera, an acetylene torch, spending a day with a legislator, at the farmers market, or with my nose in a guidebook mapping an adventure. Usually, I’m responding to thoughtful student writings and preparing ways to get students to think about writing.
Most days find this mid-life mother of teenagers, behind the wheel of the mommy-taxi, revising writings, volunteering in the community, figuring out how to prepare a healthy meal everyone can or will eat, or shooing our urban chickens from our kitchen door.
I am a mother, writer, traveler, wife, thyroid cancer survivor and writing instructor. This blog is my place to share and connect with you.
Why unpackedwriter? Whether we travel across town or across borders, we pack stuff along: clothes, thoughts, photos, unfinished business. But, invariably, when we reach a landing-place, whether geographically or philosophically or both, we unpack and consider what we’ve brought with us in a different light.
This blog is dedicated to those who know when its time for unpacking and translating moments that matter.
And the traveling is easier when you meet people along the way. Won’t you join me?
Note:
As a writer and photographer I spend a lot of time writing, editing, photographing and creating content. If you are interested in reposting something, please ask first. (I would most likely be thrilled!)
Renee writes at unpackedwriter holds the copyright and retains exclusive rights unless otherwise granted to posts she’s crafted for unpackedwriter.com and/or its WordPress equivalent. Likewise, all photos are property of the author unless otherwise indicated.
Besides geography, you and I also have photography in common. Two years ago I traveled around Ontario interviewing extraordinary women and taking their photographs. My hope is to one day share their amazing stories of struggle and triumph in a biographical collection. So many stories to write…so little time.
Carmon, that’s so cool! I will be sure to keep checking out your photos and prose! I’d love to “chat” about your book project… since the active book project time can be such a time span, it’s always interesting to see how writers keep their material evolving to “meet the market.” I will be sure to check back for your photography, especially if it involves Toronto! I will be there this summer checking in at the U of Toronto for journal archives of an ancestor of mine, who was in fact a well-known French and Indian War Parliamentarian who left Toronto and his properties at Young and Blouer (sp) in a hurry due to some dispute. I’ve found snippets of his journals online since they are the most extensive of any of that time… so that’s my informercial on the long-standing power of journaling or bearing witness one way or the other such as photograph. Who knows how long our contribution may last? -Stay in touch! -Renee
Let me know when you come to Toronto for your research. I just live a couple hours away. Your book sounds interesting—something I would definitely like to read!
Hi there! I just was nominated myself, and now I’m nominating you for the Liebster Award. It recognizes up-and-coming blogs, particularly those with less than 200 followers. Visit my blog for all the details, and thanks for inspiring me. Congratulations! —Jadi
Jadi, Oh my oh my dinosaurs! Thank you for your thoughtfulness… I am going to have to mention this in a post. So sweet of you and from such a great blogger too!
Thank you so much. You made my month. I’ve been laid up after having emergency knee surgery… so you can’t know how much this lifts my spirits! Hugs, Renee
Thank you Joey. It’ll all shape up in a while. I hope to be back to blogging more after I grade freshman English final portfolio’s. At least these days we can do everything online! – Thanks for your kind thoughts. I shall hope to organize blog awards soon from kind readers like you! – Hugs, Renee
Joey, You are so sweet. I’m trying to figure out how to list them on my blog and administer so that the time it takes doesn’t eat me alive… Any suggestions? I so appreciate your thoughtfulness. – Renee
No, I wish I did have suggestions, but awards always take a great deal of time.
I did combine two in one post once, but still…lengthy. Have a good day 🙂
I’m happy to nominate you for One Lovely Blog Award. The rules are the same as those for a Versatile Blogger Award. Check them out here: http://versatilebloggeraward.wordpress.com/vba-rules/ Congratulations! —Jadi
Jadi,
You are so sweet! I have been putting off putting these up b/c of some internet articles that say the award banners can impede traffic or search engines or some such. A fellow blogger doesn’t seem to have any issue with that since our research and she decided it was fine. So I may work out a new page for the thoughtfulness of you and other bloggers. Likewise, in your work as a writer, have you ever been to Kathmandu? Monday’s post is about a trip I’m planning there with my dad. If you have any connections for this trip, I’d really appreciate it. I’m looking for a reliable guide for starters…
ThankS! Glad you took the time to stop by! I really appreciate your platform. As a White woman very conscious of her place having grown up with many Native friends and having lived in remote Native Communities in Alaska… I have a lot of respect for Native peoples and have learned a lot from my Native friends. So, I enjoy how you make me think. -Renee
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. I *don’t* automatically follow those who comment or follow me, but I truly like your site and hit that FOLLOW button. Thank you much!
I’m so glad I saw your “like” this morning! Something happened and a bunch of the folks I follow got “unfollowed” — you among them. Glad to have you back 😉
Well stated and I do love your dedication part as well. It’s been awhile since I visited your site and maybe I’m not remembering correctly but it looks different although I can’t place what it looked like before. Different in a very positive clean, crisp, and inviting way. In other words I love it!
cheers to you.
unpackedwriter 
Love the dancing scoops! …Susan
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Thank you for dropping in and getting “the scoop”!
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Besides geography, you and I also have photography in common. Two years ago I traveled around Ontario interviewing extraordinary women and taking their photographs. My hope is to one day share their amazing stories of struggle and triumph in a biographical collection. So many stories to write…so little time.
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Carmon, that’s so cool! I will be sure to keep checking out your photos and prose! I’d love to “chat” about your book project… since the active book project time can be such a time span, it’s always interesting to see how writers keep their material evolving to “meet the market.” I will be sure to check back for your photography, especially if it involves Toronto! I will be there this summer checking in at the U of Toronto for journal archives of an ancestor of mine, who was in fact a well-known French and Indian War Parliamentarian who left Toronto and his properties at Young and Blouer (sp) in a hurry due to some dispute. I’ve found snippets of his journals online since they are the most extensive of any of that time… so that’s my informercial on the long-standing power of journaling or bearing witness one way or the other such as photograph. Who knows how long our contribution may last? -Stay in touch! -Renee
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Let me know when you come to Toronto for your research. I just live a couple hours away. Your book sounds interesting—something I would definitely like to read!
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I am loving your life adventures, “mundane” and otherwise. Great scribing and shooting. Can’t wait for more of both…
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Nice to hear from a fellow writer on such terms! Will do… And likewise! – Renee
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Renee, Marisha and I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award. Go here to read about it: http://dontwelookalike.wordpress.com/2012/10/18/blogland-love/. Can’t wait to read more posts! xo
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Oh, my! I’m flattered and honored! Thank you so much! – Renee
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And here’s another award, Renee: 2012 Blog of the Year. Congratulations!! For more info go to http://dontwelookalike.com/2012/12/13/love-me-some-blogs/.
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Wow! Thank you for the appreciation!
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Luanne! You are flying in the blogosphere. Go! Go! Thank you so much!
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Hi there! I just was nominated myself, and now I’m nominating you for the Liebster Award. It recognizes up-and-coming blogs, particularly those with less than 200 followers. Visit my blog for all the details, and thanks for inspiring me. Congratulations! —Jadi
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Jadi, Oh my oh my dinosaurs! Thank you for your thoughtfulness… I am going to have to mention this in a post. So sweet of you and from such a great blogger too!
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You are very welcome… it’s my pleasure. And, thank you for the compliment! —Jadi
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Such a cool site, lady. You’ve got a new fan 🙂
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Touchete lady! I like your blog as well! Thanks for stopping by. – Renee
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Nominating you for the Versatile Blogger Award — and kind of hoping you’ll post again soon! Best Wishes.
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Thank you so much. You made my month. I’ve been laid up after having emergency knee surgery… so you can’t know how much this lifts my spirits! Hugs, Renee
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Oh dear! I had hoped you’d been busy in the good way. Hope you’re on the mend! Hugs, Joey
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Thank you Joey. It’ll all shape up in a while. I hope to be back to blogging more after I grade freshman English final portfolio’s. At least these days we can do everything online! – Thanks for your kind thoughts. I shall hope to organize blog awards soon from kind readers like you! – Hugs, Renee
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Hi there! I have nominated your blog for a Sunshine Blog Award! Click the link to see how to accept!
http://thevintagepostcard.wordpress.com/2013/05/19/sunshine-blog-award/
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How sweet of you! I’ve been laid up post knee surgery and am just getting back around to do things… Your kindness is a lovely spur! Thank you.
Renee
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You are so welcome!
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I have passed an award on to you. I realize you may not wish to publicly accept awards, but please accept my sincere appreciation for your blogs.
http://joeyfullystated.wordpress.com/2013/12/26/an-award-for-me-thanks/
Love reading you 🙂
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Joey, You are so sweet. I’m trying to figure out how to list them on my blog and administer so that the time it takes doesn’t eat me alive… Any suggestions? I so appreciate your thoughtfulness. – Renee
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No, I wish I did have suggestions, but awards always take a great deal of time.
I did combine two in one post once, but still…lengthy. Have a good day 🙂
LikeLike
I’m happy to nominate you for One Lovely Blog Award. The rules are the same as those for a Versatile Blogger Award. Check them out here: http://versatilebloggeraward.wordpress.com/vba-rules/ Congratulations! —Jadi
LikeLike
Jadi,
You are so sweet! I have been putting off putting these up b/c of some internet articles that say the award banners can impede traffic or search engines or some such. A fellow blogger doesn’t seem to have any issue with that since our research and she decided it was fine. So I may work out a new page for the thoughtfulness of you and other bloggers. Likewise, in your work as a writer, have you ever been to Kathmandu? Monday’s post is about a trip I’m planning there with my dad. If you have any connections for this trip, I’d really appreciate it. I’m looking for a reliable guide for starters…
LikeLike
We have not been to Kathmandu.Going with your dad sounds wonderful. Have a great time and be sure to report back!
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Yes and thanks Jadi!
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your photography is so so lovely 🙂
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ThankS! Glad you took the time to stop by! I really appreciate your platform. As a White woman very conscious of her place having grown up with many Native friends and having lived in remote Native Communities in Alaska… I have a lot of respect for Native peoples and have learned a lot from my Native friends. So, I enjoy how you make me think. -Renee
LikeLike
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. I *don’t* automatically follow those who comment or follow me, but I truly like your site and hit that FOLLOW button. Thank you much!
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Feeling’s mutual! Thanks, Renee
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I’m so glad I saw your “like” this morning! Something happened and a bunch of the folks I follow got “unfollowed” — you among them. Glad to have you back 😉
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So glad we’re found again! I’d miss you here! Watch out for those straight jackets would you?
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Ha! I’m still waiting for them to come back in vogue.
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No worries. Given our nutty society and it’s messed up values–the time is near…
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Well stated and I do love your dedication part as well. It’s been awhile since I visited your site and maybe I’m not remembering correctly but it looks different although I can’t place what it looked like before. Different in a very positive clean, crisp, and inviting way. In other words I love it!
cheers to you.
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Rachelle,
Thanks for stopping by again! I always love to check out your blog. So classy and inviting… always make me hungry for something new and delish!
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You are welcome :0) and thank you, I’m glad you are enjoying my blog your comments made my day!
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What a compliment from one of the classier blogs/bloggers out there! Thanks Rachelle!
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