About Me

Hi there! I’m Cynthia—a retired English teacher, grandma, grammar enthusiast, and enthusiastic coffee drinker. Welcome to Commonplace Crazy, a place where I share stories from everyday life, grammar lessons with a wink, and the kind of humor that comes from years in the classroom, at home, and everywhere in between.

I discovered my love for writing at the age of eight, when I wrote a story called I Walked Alone (spoiler: the beavers were innocent). Since then, writing has been a lifelong thread—woven through school essays, creative stories, blog posts, and now, my daily musings.

Originally from California, I now find myself living in Missouri—a place with a whole different rhythm, vocabulary, and wildlife. Let’s just say it’s been an adjustment. Thankfully, I’ve got a native guide: my husband, Howard, a born-and-bred Missourian with a story for everything. He’s always happy to tell you one. He’s even been known to hijack the blog now and then, which is how The Hillbilly’s Corner was born—a place for him to share his tales of growing up in the Show-Me State. I tried to stop him, but he figured out my login.

During my teaching days, I had a reputation for making grammar clear—and occasionally terrifying. My former Wicked English Teacher Wednesday posts were well-loved, even if I now wince at my own rantiness. These days, I aim for a gentler approach: still sharp, still clear, but with more kindness and less metaphorical ruler-snapping.

You’ll find a little of everything here: grammar help, real-life storytelling, slices of Midwestern life, and maybe something about grandchildren. I write for friends, family, curious passersby, and anyone who appreciates a laugh with their lessons.

Thanks for stopping by—make yourself at home.
Just mind the apostrophes.