Tattoos were one of the big Not No But Hell Nos in my circles growing up. I never really understood the objection, even with the whole "body as temple" mindset. Doesn't it make sense to decorate your temple as you see fit? I got my first ink as a very generous deal in 2014. I … Continue reading Why I’m a Big Fan of Ink (updated)
Category: Relationships
Not an Obligation to Me
(Warning: graphic image below -- visible blood in medical tubing, iodine, etc. ...It doesn't bother me, but some people might not want to look.) It's February 14th. I'm not going to rehash my story (find it here if you're curious) but it's important to me that I mark this day. Eight years ago, I came … Continue reading Not an Obligation to Me
A Life’s Worth
(originally from a FB post I made this afternoon, expanded here with links where appropriate) I keep hearing variations of "We have to protect our own. Think of our safety!" re: the immigration bullshit the Cheeto-in-Chief has set in motion, and I'd like to address that line of thinking. Here's the thing: Your life is … Continue reading A Life’s Worth
And Then it Becomes Real
By request, for a few relatives and friends who were unable to be at the funeral today -- the eulogy I gave before the long-winded reverend took over and talked about Waterloo and other things (yeahh...). I haven't tried to speak in public since I was ten years old (and it didn't go well then). … Continue reading And Then it Becomes Real
Deliberately Shameless
"Shame on you!" "You should be ashamed of yourself!" "Have you no shame?" No, I don't, and I'll tell you why. The Free Dictionary defines shame as: "A painful emotion caused by the belief that one is, or is perceived by others to be, inferior or unworthy of affection or respect because of one's actions, … Continue reading Deliberately Shameless
Seeking Happy Holidays
It's 1:31am on December 21st, 2016, as I write this. Good Yule, y'all! Or, blessed Solstice! Hearing these words in person would be uncomfortable for many people. What did she say? Yule, seriously?? Must be a New Age wonk...smh. There are also those for whom hearing anything other than their own particular holiday greeting triggers … Continue reading Seeking Happy Holidays
“Legitimate” Grief — or Why it Still Matters
[NOTE: This three-year-old post was imported from an old blog of mine. This month marks 13 years since the day I reference below, not ten.] ________________________________________________________ December 18, 2013, marks ten years since the worst day of my life. I can't believe it's been a decade since I lost my first child, since I spent … Continue reading “Legitimate” Grief — or Why it Still Matters
Roiling Love
Y'all. My heart hurts so much right now that I can barely breathe. My husband was flying back over the ocean as the people of Nice, France, were crying a sea of tears. I was on a mountain as people in Dallas were brought low by a sniper firing on cops protecting a peaceful protest. … Continue reading Roiling Love
Advancing on the Tide (from the FB files)
I used to think that being isolated from the world at large would be terrible. I have come to that turning point when I most often crave less interaction, fewer headlines (and less blood boiling all around), not more. I kinda had that pegged for age 65ish, not 33. Huh. And yet...responding less, speaking out … Continue reading Advancing on the Tide (from the FB files)
Teacher Appreciation Lifetime
Dear Mr. S., It's Teacher Appreciation Week, and I've been reflecting on the many great educators who have touched my life over the years. I was very fortunate, from grade school through college, to experience the wisdom and kindness of several amazing teachers and professors. The good far outnumbered the mediocre or bad. But it … Continue reading Teacher Appreciation Lifetime
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