The Birthday

I acknowledge the loss… I wrote this in 2012. I wish I could say it was a unique occurrence or even the last of its kind. But alas… I am trying to do my part in understanding and eradicating racism. But then again, what is my part? It’s hard to know and recognize my own […]

I acknowledge the loss…

Republished on what would have been Trayvon’s 24th birthday. …of a young man in Florida. When I read this boy’s name, one among thousands of young black men who have died for the wrong reasons, I am overwhelmed by grief and shame. The grief is for myself and every other parent and grandparent who cannot […]

4th of July

I woke up feeling a little gritchy* about this holiday. Maybe I can’t put it into words, but for me it seems to be another celebration that is best just thought of as a day to get together and maybe watch a fireworks display. It’s difficult to really remember what I believed about Independence Day […]

Stand Up!

This resolution passed by a narrow margin. The mayor cast the tie-breaking vote. Dear Family, I join all of you in your concern for our nation with its present leadership. And I encourage each and every one of you to do what you can. Here is a part of my statement of support for a […]

Dear Mr. New President

I have good wishes and prayers for you. I hope that you can open your heart and mind to lead this country – this entire country – with grace and humility as well as with strength and wisdom. We are a country who needs change and transformation. I don’t know how, but I hope that […]

Disappointed

This was a post in 2009 but I think it may be appropriate to reprint in these times. I don’t often use the word.  In fact, I have an aversion to the judgmental quality of it.  After all, when it comes to people, isn’t it arrogant to assume that they should perform to my expectations?  […]

A Sad Day

So we just keep doing the work… We keep fighting for the voices of those who would be silenced. We stand for marginalized communities. We speak out against oppression and violence and bullying. We make room for peace and kindness; for all faiths and sexualities and colors and genders. We remember to nurture each other […]

Infinity of Mirrors

“…though evil must be opposed, when it is fought with evil’s ways it must ultimately corrupt and strangle the opposer.” Richard Condon (dust cover of An Infinity of Mirrors) Richard Condon’s horrific story of Hitler’s reign left an indelible mark on me in my twenties. Not just because of the history of the holocaust, I […]

Sex Talk from Grammy – again….

Today is Blog Action Day. And I can raise my voice on any subject I choose! Dear Grandsons and Granddaughters: Real men don’t denigrate women or other men. They don’t see them only as objects of their own needs and desires. They don’t feel entitled to impose their will on others. Grown women don’t willingly […]

The Time Has Come

I have never really seen the joke in this year’s political circus but I am serious now. My daughter has challenged me to speak up and I must begin. Trump'[s beliefs appall me so greatly that I have been speechless. But here I am…speaking up! I believe we are all one and that what happens […]