Jennifer Christiansen
Bio
Animal advocate, traveler, and bibliophile. Lover of all things dark and romantic.
Stories (66/0)
- Top Story - June 2022
On the Other Side of FearTop Story - June 2022
I’ve always been a chicken, but I rarely give in to my fear. I guess I get that from my father. As I stood in line for the newest roller coaster at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg last week, my idea for this challenge piece came to mind.
By Jennifer Christiansen2 years ago in Families
The Frozen Flavors of Summer
Hooray! There’s a new Vocal writing challenge. It’s about summer foods? Okay, I can do that. Oh, but it looks like the contest is in tandem with Camp Mac N’ Cheese. In fact, all entrants receive free boxes of Camp’s healthier take on the popular and nostalgic concoction.
By Jennifer Christiansen2 years ago in Feast
Living Vicariously Through Your Violin
"Let me live, love, and say it well in good sentences." Sylvia Plath As a writer, I have an innate curiosity about all things from exotic locations to the inner workings of my fellow humans. Sometimes a desire for a time machine washes over me. The ability to temporarily visit past eras in person would be a dream come true.
By Jennifer Christiansen2 years ago in Beat
A Mutt Discovering her "Je Ne Sais Quoi"
“A mutt is couture-it’s the only one like it in the world, made especially for you.” Isaac Mizrahi Growing up in the seventies and eighties, my friends frequently discussed the origins of their ancestry. My next-door neighbor and childhood friend always talked about being Italian. It was part of her identity.
By Jennifer Christiansen2 years ago in Humans
A Grand Mentor
Far away in the forest, where the sun was warm and the air was fresh, grew a pretty little fir tree. Everything was perfect there, and yet the tree was not happy. ... So unhappy was the tree that it did not enjoy the warm sunshine, the birds, or the fluffy clouds that floated over it morning and evening. Hans Christian Andersen
By Jennifer Christiansen2 years ago in Families
A Profound Ability to Love and Be Loved
"Immortality is to live your life doing good things, and leaving your mark behind." Brandon Lee This open letter of appreciation is to John Netzel. In 2013, he founded Peaceful Fields Sanctuary in Winchester, Virginia with the goal of "blending Jewish ideals of repairing the world and avoiding animal cruelty with the vegan concern for the rights of farmed animals." He has helped save 125 animals and is often called in after local and state law enforcement officials have conducted raids. Many of the animals experienced emotional or physical trauma, especially the kapparot survivors – the chickens used in this ritual are swung over their heads to symbolically transfer sins, often injuring the animal in the process. Netzel has a degree in microbiology and worked as a facilities manager for office buildings before he became an animal rescuer.
By Jennifer Christiansen2 years ago in Humans
Influence in Action
Today’s influencers epitomize a sea of change. They are, in a sense, our present role models – both good and bad. With the last two years being even more reliant on technology as we distanced ourselves from face-to-face relationships, this trend is even truer.
By Jennifer Christiansen2 years ago in Humans