I know Biden is not quite across the finish line, but…the outcome for the country is clear. We are divided nearly in half. I had a couple of thoughts about the US divide in the1700s, the 1860s and the US divide today. At the time of the first Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia they believed slavery to be an economic problem. Then, in the days of Lincoln, they demanded the same. But by then, so many Americans had changed their thinking; they understood that white citizens were abusing and slaughtering black citizens – denying human beings basic rights called for in our very own Declaration of Independence.
Treason or Consequences?
It’s November 2 – tomorrow the United States Constitution will be challenged in a way it has not been since the Civil War…and I have lost faith in those who have sworn to uphold it.
How Do We Make Room for Redemption?
I am so fucking angry, sick, appalled, infuriated, stunned and ashamed about Jacob and Breanna and George and Atatiana and Sandra and Stephon and Botham and Philando and Akai and Eric and Tamir and Tanisha and…
Truthfully, I can’t breathe for the pain in my heart.
What do you mean, it’s August?
On March 11 of this year we were planning a birthday party for my husband (13th) I had hired someone to Spring clean the house; off to the doctor for my regular blood draw to check my thyroid – then home to wrap gifts, order the cakes, etc. etc. etc. Except as I was leaving the doctor’s office, I didn’t feel so good.
How to be a Man
When she was 12 and staying with us for several weeks that summer, she asked me if she could get a haircut. She wanted a big change – “Cut it all off!” she said. I asked her to pick some photos, “so we can show the stylist what you’re looking for”. The pictures were not just of short hair styles – but radical – more like boy cuts than short women cuts. I was a little shocked – and asked her to double check the cut with her mom and to maybe back off on the extremity a bit. I was not paying attention. I was a step-mom with very little time in the job – and was so worried about not screwing up – that I wasn’t paying attention.
I am white…
…but I don’t have to live each day taking that into consideration. I don’t believe my life is at risk if I am not respectful to law enforcement. In fact, I don’t even flinch when I see a patrol car. I’m not aware of half of the things I take for granted as a white woman in this world.
I am white and I am not aware of it most of the time. Today I’m trying to see the white race – and although it’s painful, often horrifying, I truly believe that is an important step in respecting all people.
What Will I Need When I’m Old?
My mom is 78 and lives with my husband and me. She is almost independent – but has some physical issues (COPD and peripheral neuropathy primarily) that makes living with us is better for her (and my peace of mind) than her living alone.
She struggles with things that continue to surprise to me. I am trying to take note of the things that I may need to be aware of and prepare for before my elder years.
Quarantine – Chill
Absolutely, I could be updating you every single day – with fears, revelations and pictures of my dogs, sleeping. There are a couple reasons for my silence.
- I am working my ass off (I am working from home updating and re-updating lists of meetings that are essential information for a select few.) I have worked more hours for my part-time job during the past month than the 3 months before that!
- I’m pretty angry – and who needs more of that in their lives right now?
Here’s to Italian Men…
…especially the memory-makers.
Throughout my childhood, whether in Indiana, Missouri or California, Johnny would show up (often in the middle of the night) with presents, laughter and love…so much love. He was outrageous, fearless and kind (but he had/would cut a bitch, no doubt) – and he was my mother’s best friend in the first chapter of her adult life who held a special place in her heart always.
His Final Act
“I helped David to die” was, as I remember it, my last line as Sally in Terrence McNally’s “Lips Together, Teeth Apart”, a woman who brings her husband, her sister-in-law and her husband, (her one-time lover) to spend a summer weekend at her late brother’s summer home on Fire Island before they sell the property. A play about coming to terms with the death of the life we wanted and fear of the life we have – or not.