From the mind of Kristy Kelly
For the things I wouldn’t say out loud.
Some years start off fresh and full of promise. This was not one of them. Instead, 2025 kicked in my door, dumped a bucket of
Fear mongering is a tactic of cowards and those who thrive on instability. It preys on emotions, exploiting fear to grab attention and manipulate behavior.
States now get to decide the value of a woman’s life after the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade.
The phrase not my job is often criticized as arrogant or lazy, but it reveals deeper issues about fair pay and workplace expectations. Discover what’s really driving this mindset.
The weaponization of fear has become the new social agenda, driving division and distrust in media, politics, and society. Discover how this agenda shapes our daily lives.
A Gallup poll in 2019 revealed two-thirds of Americans oppose granting DC statehood. But new legislation could reshape the future of Washington, D.C.
Senator Mitt Romney’s Family Security Act aims to support families by providing direct monthly payments up to $1,200 per month.
Social media has significantly influenced communication on issues of importance. The freedom of invisibility allows many ‘keyboard warriors’ to speak their truth without accountability.
By providing unemployed Americans with an increase in their benefits, the federal government reopened the debate on minimum wage by adding an additional $600 to unemployed which allowed some Americans to live within the range of a living wage.
President Donald Trump’s use of Twitter has dramatically altered the flow of public information about White House policy and procedures. With 66.9 million followers, the president can communicate directly with his audience across the political spectrum, bypassing traditional media channels.
How do you move forward when the person standing in your way is yourself? For years, I’ve been my own biggest obstacle, clinging to self-doubt even when success was staring me in the face.
How do you move forward when the person standing in your way is yourself? For years, I’ve been my own biggest obstacle, clinging to self-doubt even when success was staring me in the face.
There’s something magical about a dish that brings together warmth, nostalgia, and simplicity in a single bite. For me, that dish is Halushki—a humble combination of cabbage, onions, noodles, and butter. It’s more than just food; it’s a hug on a plate, a recipe steeped in tradition and love.
If I could have any superpower, it wouldn’t be invisibility anymore. Life-changing moments—like a toddler’s gratitude and a rooftop view of my hometown—showed me the beauty of being fully seen.
Cranberry chutney has become one of my favorite things to make—and to share. If you’ve visited the Lenoir County Farmer’s Market between October and December, you might have already spotted (and hopefully sampled) my jars of cranberry chutney. It’s one of my best sellers, and for good reason: people love it! Honestly, they just need one taste to realize how versatile and delicious it is.
Mental illness has a way of warping even the mundane into something darkly comedic.I have spent my entire life planning to survive. That’s it, to
Aristotle convinced our entire species of the belief that money isn’t the root of happiness.He then convinced us the key to happiness is living a virtuous life and fulfilling one’s purpose.
People hate politics. Everything I needed to know about the political climate in America, I learned on my recent trip to El Paso.
As I scrolled through Facebook, the vows to “Never Forget” memes that are ever-present in the month of September fill my feed.
In the digital age, writing advice is never more than a click away. But what if some of this well-intentioned advice is holding you back?
Life in my forties is a weird time and left me lost in translation. I’m too young to be old, but way too old to be young.
The Oxford comma, also known as the serial comma, has been a topic of debate among writers, editors, and grammarians for years. It’s the comma placed before the final “and” or “or” in a list of three or more items (e.g., “apples, oranges, and bananas”). Some argue that it’s essential for clarity, while others believe it can be redundant. In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using the Oxford comma, when it should be used, and when it might be best to leave it out.
In today’s fast-paced digital world, where information is constantly at our fingertips, the importance of local journalism often gets overshadowed by global headlines and viral content. However, local news remains a vital part of our communities, providing stories that resonate with us on a personal level and ensuring that we stay informed about the issues that directly impact our lives. Here’s why local news matters more than ever.
There is nothing worse, as a mother, than when your grown child presents you with a problem that your experience could easily resolve, only to refuse any semblance of advice or parental wisdom. The amount of time you get to prepare your children for life is far briefer than you ever expect. One minute they’re running around in diapers and seeking your guidance in all things, and the next, they’re married with three children, living halfway across the country.
Embracing digital storytelling has been a transformative experience, allowing me to reconnect with my creative roots and explore new dimensions of narrative. Whether you’re a writer, artist, or just a curious mind, diving into digital storytelling can open up a world of possibilities. Here’s to embracing new forms of storytelling and continuing the adventure of creative expression!
“I don’t know why, I just don’t like her.” That phrase always struck me as odd every time I heard it during the 2016 election. To hear it again eight short years later is beyond ridiculous to me. Vice President Kamala Harris deserves to be exactly where she is. I just can’t figure out where the hate is coming from. Hmm.
While I am without a degree, my son is going to get his associates degree from LCC later this year. I’m so proud of his accomplishments and how hard he’s worked at finishing the course.
On Christmas morning this past year, Derrick put a ring on my finger. I knew we were getting married, but I didn’t know how, when…
The poverty mindset has crippled my ability to strive for more, to be more, or to want more. Dreaming is a luxury I cannot afford.
The church has shaped my understanding of community, acceptance, and judgment throughout my life. From childhood memories to evolving perspectives, this journey reveals both challenges and hope.
Rock bottom has accepted my VIP reservation. It’s my home away from home.
A video on the social media platform TikTok was shared with me where a content creator criticized PepsiCo for altering the iconic Aunt Jemima logo, one of the longest-running logos and trademarks in the history of American advertising.
I listened to Beyonce’s version of “Jolene”. While I liked it better than the original, I couldn’t figure out what it is that bothered me about it. I’ve secretly judged Dolly Parton for the song “Jolene”.
As I reflect on how I came to Kinston, it strikes me how perceptions determine the narrative of any town. Unfortunately for Kinston, the folks with the worst perceptions have the loudest voices.
Picture this: You’ve been excitedly planning your first-ever cruise for months. You’ve picked out your outfits, researched shore excursions, and made a packing list.
The term loan shark carries a negative connotation. On television, he’s the guy who sends his goons after people who don’t pay what they agreed to pay. In real life, he’s a business that lends money to high-risk recipients.
The first interaction I had with law enforcement happened before I reached double digits in age. The sight of a police vehicle became synonymous with losing all that was familiar to me.
We need more than thoughts and prayers from our leaders. How do you solve the problem of violence in a city?
