It’s a bit like these two donkeys are walking along the bridge, and one of them doesn’t have anything on his back and the other one is covered with packages and bales and bundles. The first donkey says, “Jesus, that’s quite a load you got on.” And the second donkey says, “What load?” You get used … Continue reading Just Because You Carry It Well Doesn’t Mean It’s Not Heavy
“Oh, it makes me so mad. I just want to … smash pumpkins.” Her bright white hair was gathered in the back, delicate wisps framing her face. “But that’s not helpful,” she added, clasping her hands in front of herself, forcing proper decorum in a church pew. “Oh, I don’t know,” I offered. “Under the circumstances, smashing pumpkins … Continue reading Smashing Pumpkins, Or Grieving What Might Have Been
The women were angry. It was October 5, 1789, in a market in Paris. The French population had positively exploded in the preceding 50 years – but grain production hadn’t kept pace. That, coupled with a few years of bad harvests, pushed bread prices into the stratosphere. By 1789, an average worker spent between 60-80% of … Continue reading Let Them Eat (Wedding) Cake: The Bezos Wedding and the Story of How a Banquet Helped End a Monarchy
I have no patience for people who won’t take a risk in the face of unavoidable calamity. As a Red State Democrat, you could say I know a little bit about being backed into a metaphorical corner, having few options, and seeing that you’re likely going to lose the political battle you’re in. In those … Continue reading A Losing Battle is Still Worth Fighting
She couldn’t have been more than 8 years old. Her height was a dead giveaway; she looked to be about 4 feet tall. But she also had that lilting child’s voice, which I could hear clearly as she turned to face me and direct the crowd that lined the street: “When I say no, you … Continue reading The Smaller Protests Are the Bigger Story
Andor, Literature, and a Haunting Melody A few weeks back, we stopped at our favorite local bookstore. It’s one of our go-to lazy Sunday afternoon outings – nosing around for Rare Finds and Must Haves. This bookstore has plenty of both. It’s a quirky place, with creaky floors and a unique smell that mixes the … Continue reading Life Imitates Art; Art Interprets Life
It’s always too soon to go home. And it’s always too soon to calculate effect. ~Rebecca Solnit On a rainy, dreary day in the early 1960s, a group of women protested in front of the Kennedy White House. They were there on behalf of Women Strike for Peace – an antinuclear organization that began when … Continue reading A Wildfire of Inspiration
It’s the day after Memorial Day – which marks the official beginning of summer. Grocery stores are decked out with picnic supplies and sales on watermelon. Local pools are opening. School’s out. Summer camps are set to begin. There are all the trappings of relaxation and celebration. But it feels like a costume. Because just … Continue reading How Do You Summer … When Fascism?
“The weak can overcome the strong, if the weak persist.” ~Parable of the Sower Last week, when in the closing days of the Missouri state legislative session the Republican supermajority once again defied voters by repealing one citizen initiative and putting another one back on the ballot, I realized: Not everyone goes through this every … Continue reading The GOP’s War of Attrition
I bought myself a new tire for Mother’s Day. I noticed the flat after I had pulled up in front of Mom’s house; we had just returned from the park with my son, and were going to get a quick bite before getting on the road for the 2.5 hour ride home. “Hey Mom, does … Continue reading Like A Mother: A Plastic Square, a Chip Clip, and a Flat Tire
Small Deeds Done 