In the evolution of parenting, we've recently entered the tween zone. It's a strange land, filled with Caboodles, lip gloss, ill-applied blush, and an obsession with all things unicorn and glitter. It's a liminal stage. For us and our 9 (and a half) year old. There are things to be celebrated, for sure: a newfound... Continue Reading →
If I were to run smack into my sixth grade self right now, my first thought would be, "Oh, honey." And then I'd get straight to work helping me be slightly less of a dork. The problem was that I just had no clue. Other kids were a little like aliens to me. I didn't... Continue Reading →
My current life is highly improbable. Maybe that's why I find it so beautiful. It's a bit of a mystery to me how I got here. But, yet, here I am. From the time I was 8 years old, adults constantly nudged and prodded me toward leadership roles. But I was having none of that.... Continue Reading →
Once, years ago, I found myself driving though a rural part of Florida. I was headed to work in the late afternoon, teaching writing to folks who thought writing had nothing to do with what they wanted to do with their lives. It's real bleak to share the thing that brings you joy with folks... Continue Reading →
The first time I marched with Black Lives Matter, some friends were concerned. It was after Alton Sterling and Philando Castille were murdered by police in 2016. And literally the day after Dallas. Safety concerns were real. But safety concerns for black people have been real in this country since its inception. I could not... Continue Reading →
I don't know everything. Hell, I don't know most things. But here's one thing I'm sure of: if you are a white person getting down to the hard, soul-searching work of becoming anti-racist, you're going to need a life raft. Because there's a tidal wave of rage, grief, regret, and full-blown horror headed your way.... Continue Reading →
Sometime around 6th grade or so, I got ahold of The Diary of Anne Frank. And suddenly, my world was awash in both the goodness and insight of a 13 year old European Jewish girl from forty years ago and the abject horror that human nature can unleash. Both. At the very same time. I,... Continue Reading →
When we moved to Atlanta, we walked up into a ready-made group of friends we lovingly refer to as The Tacos. When we're all together, there are 21 of us (adults & kids). And, pre-quarantine, every Thursday we'd taco. All together. In a restaurant. (Actually, there may be 23 of us ... this is why... Continue Reading →
Hey, white folks! I've got an idea: let's stop shouting "Racist!" at each other just to end a conversation. Let's honor where each person is in the long, hard, soulful world of becoming anti-racist, meet them where they are, and help them along. Because it sure isn't black folks' job to do that. That's all... Continue Reading →
I did a very smart thing about 6 years or so ago: I started listening. Not very revolutionary, right? Except, holy shit at the things you can learn if you just stop talking long enough. Here's the thing: encountering feminism in college gave me the mistaken impression I had license to talk all the damn... Continue Reading →
