Christine Derr

Christine Derr
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Hey, y’all! I’m an adventurous wanderer who put down roots here in East Tennessee back in 2014. My little family moved here from the wilds of suburban Alaska in 2014. We love exploring Knoxville and the surrounding areas, especially the Smoky Mountains. I’m a freelance writer and teacher who loves looking at the mountains when my nose isn’t in a book. I’m a mom to two bookish kids, a wildly clingy dog, two cats, and a fish I’d be in trouble for not mentioning. Since becoming a mom, I’ve been able to add Lincoln Log architect, LEGO contractor, and mediator to my resume. I’ve always been a bit of a jack of all trades, as I’ve been a tutor, teacher, circus instructor, bookseller, amateur baker and, of course, writer. I remind myself of this as I tell my kid not to sit on my other kid’s head while stopping the dog from chasing the cat and the other cat from jumping on top of the fish tank. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and am currently pursing my Master of Fine Arts while keeping all these creatures who live in my house alive. I survive on coffee, writing fiction, reading, Disney, and snuggles. You can read more of my work at www.pawprintsinthesink.com.
Parenting Through Grief

Parenting Through Grief

It's been eight years since my dad suddenly died, and seven since my firstborn made his arrival into this world. I never expected to raise my children without my dad being a part of...
Battling Entitlement

Battling Entitlement

It was a gray, rainy day that came with one of those drastic weather changes. I was making dinner when I realized I'd scarcely sat down all day, and I could feel an impending...
A Handstand a Day

A Handstand a Day

I once happened upon a video showing a young girl who was being bullied and picked last in PE. She decided to start doing pushups every day to build her strength, and got a...
A Love Letter to the Car Pick-Up Line

A Love Letter to the Car Pick-Up Line

This may not be the most popular opinion, but through a flurry of perfect alignment, I've fallen in love with the school car pick-up line. I know, I sound crazy. Who likes sitting in...
I Walk the Line: Finding Balance as a Work from Home Mom

I Walk the Line: Finding Balance as a Work from Home Mom

You give me cause for love that I can't hide For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide Because you're mine, I walk the line. So maybe Johnny Cash wasn't signing about motherhood, but...
Summer Bucket List

Summer Bucket List

The awesomeness that was '90s summers is all over the internet lately. Articles with titles like "How to have a '90s summer," "Why '90s summers were the best," and more are filling my feed...

The Moms that Built Me

I've always loved celebrating the strong women in my life, women who helped shape me, led me, and loved me even through my less than stellar phases. Mother's Day often offers an opportunity for...