it's a sad day in the ashleigh literary world.  my favorite author, frank mccourt, died last night.  i can't begin to express how that man's writing shaped the way my life has played out since first reading my father's dog-eared copy of Angela's Ashes.  I didn't want to be a teacher until I read his books, and now, I don't know any other option.  He was in the inspiration for everything.  

I'd always dreamed about running into him in a New York coffee shop and telling him how much his writing changed me.  I'll have to wait for that chance meeting now.

Rest in Peace, Frankie.