The republican president is not my America. My America is open and diverse and welcoming. My America celebrates its freedom rather than squashes it. My America lifts others up, not puts them down. My America doesn’t make me feel ashamed. Independence Day has long been my … [Read more...] about I’m a Flag Waving Liberal
holidays
Everyday Can Be MLK Day
It's wonderful to have a national day of service to reflect on the indelible mark Martin Luther King, Jr. left on this country. It's especially healing to honor him now, in this volatile climate brimming with racism, misogyny, xenophobia, and fear mongering. We need the reminder … [Read more...] about Everyday Can Be MLK Day
10 Simple Ways to Make 2017 Shine
I’m having chocolate for breakfast. This should tell you all you need to know about 2016. I’ve pretty much been eating my feelings, especially since November 9. Friends and family have been gifting us sausages from a small, organic butcher in Wisconsin, cheese (also from … [Read more...] about 10 Simple Ways to Make 2017 Shine
Have a Heart (of Haiti) This Holiday Season
I never imagined some of my favorite Christmas ornaments would come from Haiti. Truth be told, when I was there in October I loaded up on ornaments for gifts, but now I can't bear to part with them. The metal work is gorgeous, and I am especially enamored with those pieces since … [Read more...] about Have a Heart (of Haiti) This Holiday Season
Thanksgiving Wishes Redux
I wrote this post originally in 2010. That was six years ago. It resonates still. I'm sharing my Thanksgiving wishes again with a deep sense of sadness in my heart. The world has indeed more or less gone mad. More loving, less loathing. More helping, less … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving Wishes Redux
Merry Consumer
One of the hardest parts of parenting is imparting lessons to our children that we hope will stick and carry on through their lives. These are trying times, the height of the holiday season. Consumerism abounds as we substitute the cash register for the altar at … [Read more...] about Merry Consumer
The Secret of Santa’s Helpers
There really needs to be more than one Mother’s Day a year. Mothers the world over deserve some accolades and rest during this, the season of giving. You see, without mothers there is little giving going on. We are the ones shopping, cooking, baking, wrapping, party … [Read more...] about The Secret of Santa’s Helpers