Kristin Houlihan, Writer
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kristinwrites.bsky.social
Kristin Houlihan, Writer
@kristinwrites.bsky.social
3.2K followers 3.7K following 6.1K posts
Poet, Wife, Mom, LongCovid/MECFS Sufferer. Looking to connect and learning to advocate. Cofounder of #CripCoop. EIC, Poetry @epistemiclit.Bsky.social, @whirligiglit.bsky.social. Micropoetry chapbook Lift the Mask available widely. www.kristinhoulihan.com
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kristinwrites.bsky.social
My kid braided my hair 😊 she’s been waiting ages for it he both clean enough and detangled enough. Spouse is going to cut it tomorrow (I cannot maintain it. The tangles are too much) so this was her last chance
Back of a brown haired woman wearing a black shirt. Hair is in a loose braid partway down her back.
October 23, 2025 at 2:46 AM
kristinwrites.bsky.social
Late post for #PoemsAbout #ImperfectMe

@thebrokenspine.co.uk
@alanparrywriter.co.uk

From my book, Lift the Mask, and the piece its title was taken from (this is a photo of the page from the paperback)
#Ubiquity Normalize the #ubiquity of brokenness. Enlighten all to the universality of struggle. Lift the mask worn by the apparently whole. Each broken soul will then find solace in knowing it's not alone.
October 11, 2025 at 4:53 AM
kristinwrites.bsky.social
#Disautonomia friends — anyone know anything about trans vascular autonomic modulation? Someone important to me is asking and I’ve never heard of it.

@exceedhergrasp1.bsky.social
10:19 # Syergy leath Go to: TVAM (Transvascular Autonomic Modulation) TVAM (Transvascular Autonomic Modulation) is an endovascular procedure in which a catheter is inserted via a small incision and threaded up into the jugular vein. A balloon is then inflated that stretches the vein. While the balloon is inflated, manual compression is applied over the the balloon. This maximizes the physical energy delivered + the autonomic nerve fibers that travel within the outer help sues of the jugular vein. By stimulating the nerve fibers, • are able to reinvigorate the ANS (autonomic nervous , stem) by improving communication between the organs and the brain. Patients respond with relief from cognitive impairment (brain fog), chronic fatigue, waking headaches, thermal intolerance, bladder/bowel dysfunction, and other debilitating symptoms of autonomic dysfunction. The theoretical basis of TVAM arises from the work of Zohara Sternberg. She describes the relationship between CCSVI and autonomic dysfunction. Our clinical experience supports this theory, we believe that the benefits of the treatment may come through stimulation of the ANS during the course of the procedure. The mechanism of action for TVAM is analoanus to renal denervation Renal • synergyhealthconcepts.com
August 19, 2025 at 2:24 PM
kristinwrites.bsky.social
#BookMail

@stanchion.bsky.social, issue 19 - guest edited by @fbereaud.bsky.social

Can’t wait to dive in!
Photo of Stanchion Zine Issue 19 - All Are Welcome. Cover has a photo of multicolored seats in cement viewed from the top of stadium seating
August 7, 2025 at 10:51 PM
kristinwrites.bsky.social
With alt text — thanks for posting, @jenny-lou.bsky.social

#DisabilityAwarenessMonth #MECFS #PEM
Examples of PEM Triggers in More Severely Ill • Reading a Book • Using a computer • Engaging in conversation • Showering • Sitting up to eat a meal Three circular images along the left from top to bottom: an open book; hands typing on a keyboard; a shower head with water running
July 2, 2025 at 2:02 AM
kristinwrites.bsky.social
I went outside for about five minutes today! First time in a while. I mostly admired the abundant plant life in my yard. Photo of my kid’s thriving tomatoes! #MECFS #LongCovid
A thriving cherry tomato plant in a large pot, with lots of ripening tomatoes.
June 29, 2025 at 2:36 AM
kristinwrites.bsky.social
Did my nails with gel strips in @mollyboom.bsky.social’s memory. MCAS seems ok but didn’t like the prep wipe. Otherwise these are both easier and more finicky than I expected? Have no idea how I’ll get them off bc nail polish remover is def not an option. Anyways, nails!
While woman’s left hand resting on a pink-gold kindle case. Four nails are dark green, nail of the middle finger is sparkly gold.
June 25, 2025 at 6:49 AM
kristinwrites.bsky.social
#Alt4You
Please read: If you are ever lost while hiking, get stranded with a broken down car, etc and you notice your mobile phone is either low on battery or has no signal, here is a tip that very well may save your life. Change the voicemail on your phone to a message that gives your approximate location, the time, the date, your situation (lost, out of gas, car broken down, injured, etc) and any special instructions such as you are staying with the car, you are walking toward a town, etc... The best part of this is that even if your mobile phone dies or stops working, voicemail still works, so anyone calling your phone looking for you will hear the message and know where to find you or where to send help. Pass the Message On It May Help Save A Life.
June 22, 2025 at 1:56 AM
kristinwrites.bsky.social
Had to mend a sweatshirt for my kid yesterday. Sewing usually causes me (delayed) profound hand and wrist pain. So I tried my new compression gear from @bibicosplays.bsky.social AND I GOT NO PAIN. Some weakness/“I used this hand too much today” feeling but NO PAIN.
White woman’s right hand wearing compression gloves and a wrist brace in Sakura pattern from BibiPins.
June 21, 2025 at 8:57 PM
kristinwrites.bsky.social
Kids brought me some goodies from the beach!
Assorted shells and shell fragments on a blanket. Includes an intact mussel shell, an upside down sand dollar, and a crab claw.
June 7, 2025 at 11:38 PM
kristinwrites.bsky.social
#BookMail #BannedBooks

Ngl this is gonna be a tough one on my eyes and cognition bc of the format. Might take a while to read but it was a necessary addition to our home library.
Photo of a hardcover copy of “The Complete Maus” by Art Spiegelman
June 3, 2025 at 1:47 AM
kristinwrites.bsky.social
My gluteny chocolate cake (made by my teen, from scratch) was truly delicious. No immediate reactions tho that doesn’t mean it won’t come later.

Totally worth the gluten fallout to come.

I have a video of the whole thing — so pretty!— but I can’t upload it 🤷‍♀️
Slice of chocolate cake with chocolate icing lying on a paper plate.
May 12, 2025 at 1:21 AM
kristinwrites.bsky.social
The kids got me book pins for my birthday! (From idealbookshelf.com). I put them on the small pillow I keep on my power chair.

Little House on the Prairie
Goodnight Moon
1984

#BookSky
Three metal pins in wrapping (on a cardboard backing that says “book pin made for you by Jane Mount”) on a background of light purple pajama pants with white flowers and stars. Top left: Little House on the Prairie; Top right: Goodnight Moon; Bottom center: 1984
May 11, 2025 at 11:19 PM
kristinwrites.bsky.social
With alt text

Check out @epistemiclit.bsky.social’s next issue, dropping this week: #Resistance
IF SPEAKING OUT FEELS DANGEROUS NOW, IMAGINE HOW MUCH WORSE IT WILL GET IF WE STAY SILENT
April 27, 2025 at 8:54 PM
kristinwrites.bsky.social
Book 41 of 2025: Mostly Soldiers by Cora Ruskin, out from @stanchion.bsky.social — a quick, entertaining but also thought provoking read. Glad now I will be able to explain to my kids why the mini bust on my nightstand has a traffic cone on its head #BookSky #Poetry
Photo of a paperback. White book with black lettering that reads “Mostly Soldiers” and smaller pink letters that read “Poems by Cora Ruskin”. 2/3 of the cover is dominated by a black and white image of a statue bust with pink scribbles over its eyes.
April 21, 2025 at 5:37 AM
kristinwrites.bsky.social
My Easter basket book is Olio by Tyhimba Jess. It’s been on my list for a while but isn’t available in ebook — for good reason! Wouldn’t be the same not in print. #BookSky #Poetry
Photo of hard copy of “Olio” by Tyhimba Jess. White cover with back print reads “OLIOO” “Tyhimba Jess” with a gold sticker that reads “Winner of the Pulitzer Prize”
April 20, 2025 at 9:27 PM
kristinwrites.bsky.social
#PoetryPalooza!! April 12-14 - my book is there!

#BookSky #Poetry #NationalPoetryMonth

www.vwpublishing.com/poetrypalooza
PoetryPalooza INDIE POETRY SALE 2025 APRIL 12 TO APRIL 14TH ONLY Book covers shown for the following books: The Enigma Letters by Harry A. Wizzek; Lift the Mask by Kristin Houlihan; World by Design by Norb Aikin; HOPEFUL NETS by Nadia Josephine Prescott; GAME OVER - A TRAUMA-FILLED POETRY COLLECTION by Riley Declan Shepard; ON THE SHORES OF QUOTIDIANITY: A BOOK BY VALENTINA ROBLE; Quarterly Report: Autumn 2024 and Quarterly Report: Spring 2024 by N. Kay Kerr; Worlds Without by N. Kay Kerr; Another Time by BIRDMAN313; Poems by Birdman313; And Street Poems by Birdman313. 60+ indie poetry books on sale! eBooks $.99 to $1.99, select print copies discounted; not all of the books for the sale are shown
April 8, 2025 at 12:21 AM
kristinwrites.bsky.social
My mom brought me down the contents of my dresser drawers (haven’t opened them in 3 years since I’ve been in bed downstairs).

Found my #BannedBooks socks! Don’t ban books!
Pair of socks folded with tops rolled. Socks are white with black text; one sock has names of books and the other has names backed out as redacted text. Partial book names visible include “tell it on the,” “Brave New World,” and “The Sun Also Rises.”
March 26, 2025 at 12:42 AM
kristinwrites.bsky.social
I claim no talent with a needle and thread but I am proficient enough that our friend here again has two ears attached to its head. #MomLife #StuffySurgery
A small stuffed rabbit with light beige fur and a pink ribbon around its neck. Bottoms of the feet and inside the ears are the same color pink as the ribbon.
March 9, 2025 at 2:28 AM
kristinwrites.bsky.social
#Accessible version.

It’s true. We do.

#InternationalWomensDay
White text on black background: “Not every single woman has a scary story about a man" Yes they do. I promise you that they do.”
March 8, 2025 at 11:13 PM
kristinwrites.bsky.social
Starfish!

Only two coasters left to go and then I need a new project. I dunno what tho, I can’t decide!

#CraftingInBed
Round coaster with several orange and gold starfish on a bed of sand, with some sea grass around the edges. Design made of diamond art gems.
March 8, 2025 at 6:26 AM
kristinwrites.bsky.social
Went and read to my son’s class. He was SO surprised and SO happy but the stinker didn’t tell me I’d accidentally skipped THE FIRST PAGE until I’d finished reading. Told me later he knew the whole time but was waiting to surprise me at the end 😆🤦‍♀️🤪 #BookSky #MomLife
Photograph of a brown haired masked woman in a power wheelchair, wearing a tan blanket and looking down at a picture book facing out. Background and surroundings are kindergarten classroom furniture and signage.
March 5, 2025 at 11:00 PM
kristinwrites.bsky.social
Accessible version with alt text bc you all need to experience this
To the Insurance Executive Who Denied My Heart Procedure You may not think it is worth it, but at night, in the dark before morning, my son lays his ear on my garbled heart and tells me it is beautiful music. He doesn't fathom what you did to me, that you've traded our days of playing for a few small pieces of silver. All he thinks is my father's heart is music. I hear. I hear. I knew. Ruler, the children will outlive you. I wish you a long, long life of silences while dreamers hear the living world is singing The one you have denied a life is you. -Joseph Fasano
February 27, 2025 at 8:40 PM
kristinwrites.bsky.social
Fish! (With the assistance of my 11yo)
#CraftingInBed #DiamondArt
Round coaster with image of a blue triangular fish swimming to the left, surrounded by sea grass and a partial sea star. Image made of diamond art gems.
February 26, 2025 at 11:39 PM
kristinwrites.bsky.social
Octopus!

8 did a good bit of this one “with” (for) me.

#CraftingInBed
Round coaster with image of a blue octopus surrounded by sea grass and a starfish. Image made of diamond art gems.
February 22, 2025 at 6:22 AM