A few years back, my roommate and I were watching The Bachelor. It was the third-to-last episode where the Bachelor goes to meet the families of the final four women. “Hometown dates,” as they call them, are when things start to get real. It’s playoff season now, baby. All of the women are so excited … Continue reading Barbie and the Bachelor
Author: melissagillie
In Harmony
One of my favorite pastimes as a kid was watching Disney Sing-A-Long Songs. Each VHS — that’s how we all used to watch movies for all you adorable Gen Z babies — had short clips from different Disney movies or shows, and a little bouncing Mickey Mouse icon would bop over the lyrics as the … Continue reading In Harmony
Steve Harvey and the Spiritual Life
I love games - card games, board games, sports games, etc. I also love gambling. And, if I’m being honest, what I really love is winning. Why play if not to win? My love for games blossomed during my time as a staff member at the Boys & Girls Club. During college, I was paid … Continue reading Steve Harvey and the Spiritual Life
The REAL Cincinnati
A recent public figure (one I will not name but whose platform has 26,000+ followers on Spotify for his “no-holds-barred take on today’s cultural, religious, and political issues”) made bold and audacious claims on his podcast about the city of Cincinnati. And while I will not defend any violent act that happens in Cincinnati, I will defend what I … Continue reading The REAL Cincinnati
Goodbye to You
July is the best month of the year. I said it once, and I’ll say it again for the people in the back…July is the BEST month of the year. Despite my potential personal biases, here’s why: Fireworks My birthday Sunshine, pool time, baseball No school (if that’s your thing) Summer vacations (if school isn’t … Continue reading Goodbye to You
Bad Timing
My oldest niece, goddaughter, and quite frankly, the (original) love of my life, is obsessed with Hamilton right now. As a fellow Hamilton lover, her newfound obsession just warms my heart. Ten years later, but never too late. In December, Hamilton will come (back) to Cincinnati. A week ago, I texted my brother—her dad—the following: “YO … Continue reading Bad Timing
My Gap Year
2024 was a wash. At least, that’s what I’ve been saying. It was a year that started heavy and ended hopeful. But the 12 months from start to finish were brutal at times. A lot shifted from 2023 to 2024. And then again from 2024 to 2025. As much as I’m not a New Year … Continue reading My Gap Year
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
I’m really good with names. It’s something I pride myself on, and it probably began during my Boys & Girls Club days. When you have 300 middle schoolers on any given day running around after school, and are partially responsible for their well-being and safety, it matters. Because I’m really good with names, my honest … Continue reading Where Everybody Knows Your Name
Nothing’s Impossible – Christmas 2006
The foreshadowing of this little pig is absolutely mindblowing to me. Be it coincidence or cosmos, happenstance or hyperbole - I really don’t care. Because I know what it is. https://www.instagram.com/p/DLXAvbnuHkj/ Isn't it just so pretty to think All along there was some invisible string Tying you to me Taylor Swift. "Invisible String" Humor me. In … Continue reading Nothing’s Impossible – Christmas 2006
Sober Men and What Wo(me)n Want
I love Dax Shepherd. LOVE. I love him for several reasons - he’s rugged, funny, manly, drives a gigantic bus, rides dirt bikes, love cars, Michigander (I truly have not met someone from Michigan I didn’t like), he’s married to one of the greatest human beings on the planet, loves his daughters so much, successful, … Continue reading Sober Men and What Wo(me)n Want
Luceat Lux Vestra 