In Musing

Employing her quirky sense of humor and penchant for introspection, Vasta Folley’s IN MUSING column explores the many facets of being human, from the ridiculous to the sublime, including social justice issues that impact ourselves and our communities.

IN MUSING has been reviewed as “a fresh, funny conversation” and “amusingly self-aware and self-deprecating, Carole is especially adept at bringing pieces back around to a universal truth.”

IN MUSING has won numerous awards from the Vermont Press Association, the New England Newspaper & Press Association and the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. Most recently, IN MUSING won first place in NSNC’s Lifestyle category for 2025.

Featured

In Musing

Common Cents

In Musing

All hail this coin of little distinction. Here’s my two cents, for what it’s worth. (Apparently not much these days.)

In Musing

Things I Forget

In Musing

An abecedarian essay featuring just 27 of the oh so many things I forget!

In Musing

IN MUSING WINS FIRST PLACE

In Musing

NATIONAL SOCIETY OF NEWSPAPER COLUMNISTS announces annual awards.

In Musing

Some Kind of Miracle

In Musing

You know me, I’d really like to buy a miracle, especially on sale.

In Musing

I think it's going to be a long long time

In Musing

Our Rocket-dog was recently diagnosed with an incurable cancer.

In Musing

Knocked off the Block

In Musing

The sand in my hourglass is a granule away from Alarm-ageddon!

In Musing

The Tyranny of Size

In Musing

That’s right. The entire company promotes a “skinny” physical aesthetic.

In Musing

The High Anxiety Society

In Musing

I’m not against DIY betterment. Believe me, I’m a self-help worrier - I mean warrior.

In Musing

In Consideration of These Nineteen

In Musing

Okay, life, I see you - all provoking and anxious-making. This mightily ups the ante for my 19 day endeavor.

In Musing

Grime & Punishment

In Musing

I have a strained relationship with vacuums. And it sucks. Even so, with every new one, I’m hopeful.

In Musing

That's Why They Fall It the Blues

In Musing

It seems once I’ve fully absorbed summer is indeed over, it’s October. Oh no, did I miss September too?

In Musing

Mobile Game Insp

In Musing

“There is no shame in pressing undo.” My finger froze mid-air, unable to tap “new deal,” as I wondered when did my mobile game turn into Yoda?

In Musing

What's in a Name

In Musing

Lately, I’ve been thinking about women politicians and how they’re often called by their first names.

In Musing

Reflections from a Dressing Room

In Musing

Maybe that is the magic of women’s dressing rooms. They enable us to be seen when sometimes we can’t see ourselves.

In Musing

The Amazing Race

In Musing

I go red in embarrassment as I imagine the possibility of the show filming both of us crying while one pushes the other down the world’s longest waterslide in Dubai.

In Musing

Growing Old Is For The Birds

In Musing

It appears I’m finally old enough to know that beta blockers aren’t board games.

In Musing

A Life Changing Course

In Musing

There isn’t a part of me that wasn’t profoundly changed by the experience and the women who made it happen.

In Musing

Perhaps Play Go Fish?

In Musing

If you’re caught being the old maid, you lose. Not just in cards, but in the game of life.

In Musing

The Perfect Imperfection of Love

In Musing

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to acknowledge your partner’s ridiculousness and how empty your life would be without it.

In Musing

Skip to your loo, my darlin'

In Musing

Who waxes poetic about a bathroom?

In Musing

O Christmas Tree

In Musing

I am filled with such melancholy this Christmas season, and I know a tree will be just the remedy.

In Musing

Let's Talk Turkey

In Musing

I have a long hapless history with turkeys. I've dated quite a few.

In Musing

A Lifesaving Test

In Musing

In the waiting room, I sit amongst women. Beautiful women. Old and young, all clothed in blue.

In Musing

Inviting Grief to the Table

In Musing

And it’s awkward. Oh, so awkward when people act like death is over.

In Musing

What Matters Is That It Matters

In Musing

To anyone who continues to use any excuse, I’m left with only one question. What would love do?

In Musing

Thank You for Being a Friend

In Musing

As much as I love my friends, on National Best Friend Day I probably won’t buy them a card that reads, “I’m glad our friendship is tighter than our jeans.”

In Musing

Extra! Extra! Read All About It

In Musing

I am a human being conditioned to want extra. I’m hooked on it. I mean, extra must be better than no extra, right?

In Musing

Little Shirts ~ Big Impacts

In Musing

Once you notice it, it’s obvious the different messages we’re being sold - if you’re a boy, get out there and make things happen and if you’re a girl, smile and be happy. Oh yeah, and don’t forget to be kind.

In Musing

The Cold Hard Truth

In Musing

I blame the freezer. It’s provoked cold shoulders, frosty conversations, and icy stares. It’s a cold war, baby.

In Musing

Do Think Twice, It’s Alright

In Musing

We humans can’t help but judge. It’s as if our eyes themselves have opinions.

In Musing