Usually by this time of night when I sit down at my desk to write, my head hurts. But tonight, my heart aches. I get lots of crap in my inbox. Loads of trolls find the time to rant anonymously about things I've written. I'm all for polite, thoughtful discourse and believe we … [Read more...] about Poverty Plays by Different Rules
America
Thank you, Teachers
My friend Becky posted this video to Facebook, and I was so moved I had to post it here. Teachers in this country get a bad deal all around. The joy and smile of a child can only carry you so far. Sure, the sense of accomplishment is priceless, but that kid's warm fuzzies … [Read more...] about Thank you, Teachers
Call of Duty
Target is good for a lot of stuff. What I didn't expect to find was a life lesson. We are such frequent fliers at a Target near our house that the workers know us by name and ask of the boys' whereabouts when they are not underfoot. I often come in with a travel mug of … [Read more...] about Call of Duty
Vernacular of Violence
I find myself simultaneously speechless and overflowing with so much to say. I just had to write. Something. I wrote this post almost as an exercise in capturing my stream of consciousness. Today when I led a writer's workshop for Bird's second grade class, a student asked me a … [Read more...] about Vernacular of Violence
I voted. 10 Minutes.
Banish any thoughts of being too busy to vote. This is not exercise we're talking about here. I don't want to hear your sorry excuses. Your boss, by law, has to give you time off to vote. Polls are open until 7:30 PM (in North Carolina). Don't dilly dally. This is not something … [Read more...] about I voted. 10 Minutes.
H2O – 5:00 Fridays
There's one essential ingredient that makes all my 5:00 Fridays posts possible. Vodka? Lime? Ginger ale? Garnish. Well, yes, to garnish, but that's not what I mean. 5:00 Fridays wouldn't exist without it. Indeed, none of us would exist without it. Water. … [Read more...] about H2O – 5:00 Fridays
I Vote in All Elections Big and Small
Several years ago I had a bumper sticker on my car that read "Friendly neighborhood liberal." Luckily I live in a liberal neighborhood. However, once a guy flipped me off, yelled obscenities at me, and flicked his burning cigarette on the hood of my car at a red light because of … [Read more...] about I Vote in All Elections Big and Small