Ashley Beardsley, PhD
ambeardsley.bsky.social
Ashley Beardsley, PhD
@ambeardsley.bsky.social
Assist. Prof. of English. Writing Center Director. Food Rhetorics, Social Media, Feminism, Editing/Publishing, & Sourdough
Airport lounge, red wine, and robot dystopian fiction.
October 16, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Gamifying my #grief.

Dealing with unwelcome comments from family. New panic attack level unlocked: tingling/weakness in fingers/hands.
August 8, 2025 at 12:36 AM
I sent my full book manuscript for review on Tuesday. I love my book, and I know I'll have revisions, but it's blissful thinking about new projects.

#research
August 7, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Family: Ooo are you bringing sourdough with you?

Me, who is traveling to another state to inter her dad's ashes and host a celebration of life: No. I don't think I have 5 hrs (or the energy) to bake bread for family.

If only someone would offer to feed me. What a novel idea.

#grief
August 7, 2025 at 2:12 AM
My grief comes in tidal waves that get bigger when I have to deal with the pressures of extended family. Today, I didn't have to listen to any of them judge me for the choices I'm making, and I feel more like myself.

#grief
August 1, 2025 at 2:07 AM
Drove 8 hrs to handle some estate stuff. #vegan Applebee's carside-to-go for the win.

#grief
July 25, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Reposted by Ashley Beardsley, PhD
Grief turned me into a time traveler. One smell, one song, one line of handwriting—and I’m gone. Back to when they were alive. Back to when I didn’t know I was losing them.
 #grieving #grief
July 24, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Scheduled an appointment to take my dad's truck to the dealership to address a recall for a faulty bolt. Got in and it wouldn't start + a bunch of dinging and errors went off. Normally, the first thing I'd do is call my dad. Now, I'm waiting for a tow truck 💔

#grief
July 15, 2025 at 12:50 PM
No, I don't have someone who can send you photos for the estate sale. It's just me, doing EVERYTHING on my own, from another state.

#grief
July 11, 2025 at 7:58 PM
It's been just over 3 months since I lost my dad. A lot of chaos has calmed down, so now I have time to feel. Today's feels: missing calls with him and my nieces and nephew. This really fucking sucks.

#grief
July 8, 2025 at 2:03 AM
I'm attending No Kings's event, “NO KINGS Macomb, Illinois” - sign up now to join me! www.mobilize.us/nokings/even...
NO KINGS Macomb, Illinois · No Kings
**In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings.** NO KINGS is a national day of action and mass mobilization in response to increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption from Trump and his allie...
www.mobilize.us
June 11, 2025 at 11:24 PM
Today was bad. On top of trying to figure out kid stuff, I learned the mail forwarding for my dad didn't go through. I received a STACK of mail with several delinquent payment notices.

I made these cookies to try and feel better earlier, but now I don't even want to eat them.

#vegan #grief
June 4, 2025 at 2:08 AM
Planning a cross-country move while continuing to figure out life after losing my dad and getting ready to leave for my fav. conference is a lil' crazy, but I'm really looking forward to C&W!
May 15, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Question: Why do I get subtle whiffs of pee lying in bed?

Answer: Smaller dog (65 lbs of pure sweetness) peed not far from where you put your head, making a perfect circle that went through the sheet, foam topper, and mattress cover.
May 12, 2025 at 12:25 AM
My mom's recipe box smells like cigarettes. It's a comfort when I remember both my parents are gone now.
May 10, 2025 at 1:30 AM
Today marks 1 month since my dad died. I miss him calling and saying, "Watcha baking today?"
May 6, 2025 at 3:42 AM
When you have no more fucks to give and your mom's estranged sister pops out of the woodwork to ask about your nephew and nieces, you not-so-politely tell her to fuck off.
April 28, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Some excitement in the midst of a lot of chaos: I received the 2024-2025 College of Arts and Sciences Award for Excellence in Teaching with Technology!
April 23, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Today's grief: 1. Crying, alone, in a booth at the Chinese buffet. 2. Getting in a fist fight with the Dish satellite. I was victorious in retrieving what I needed, but I bled on some pieces in the process.
April 22, 2025 at 10:22 PM
As if cleaning out my dad's house wasn't enough. Now, I'm having an allergic reaction to something in the barn.
April 21, 2025 at 5:37 PM
The first thing people ask is what's happening with the kids (my nephew and nieces). I know I'm a grown-up, but it'd be great if they acknowledged that, you know, MY dad is gone.
April 19, 2025 at 2:17 AM
Becoming the legal guardian of a 13-year-old and twin 9-year-olds overnight is a lot.
April 15, 2025 at 2:23 AM
Strange things you look up when handling the death of a loved one:
- What to do with gold teeth post-cremation
- How to properly dispose of prescription meds
- Where to find vehicle fuel type (diesel?!)
April 8, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them. They're taking everything they can get their hands on & daring the world to stop them. On April 5th, we're taking to the streets nationwide to say: Hands Off! #HandsOff #April5

I'll
April 1, 2025 at 1:39 AM