February already? When the passage of time surprised me, I used to think “Have I done enough work on my novel?” but now I think “One fewer month of the Trump presidency.” Close friends of mine recently became first-time parents. When I check in with the mom about her sleepless little angel, I remember the
February Links Roundup: Monkey Mind Mother Read More »
The author of this poem is a fierce mom in Florida protecting her queer kids from legalized bigotry. She shared this poem in an email to me on the weekend of the inauguration, and has kindly permitted me to publish it here, without attribution to protect her kids’ privacy. Why I Want to Resist Why
Poetry by a Mom of Queer Kids: “Why I Want to Resist” Read More »
As we approach the second inauguration of Tan Dumplord, I feel rather like the heroine tied to the tracks in an old melodrama, watching the slow inexorable approach of the train. I’m not alone in having a lot of PTSD reactions to the narcissist-in-chief. Trauma therapist and singer-songwriter Rythea Lee wrote this poem in her
Poem by Rythea Lee: “I Blamed Myself for the Election” Read More »
I’m gonna make you an offer you can’t refuse: buy Origin Story Elation, exhaustion, fear, creativity, fury, and perseverance are the competing flavors in the boiling stew that is 2024 in retrospect. I had some tremendous breakthroughs and brought some years-long dreams to fruition. At the same time, I’m anxious and grieving about what lies
Reiter’s Block Year in Review: 2024 Read More »
As a very strange year comes to an end, and a disruptive and destructive one is likely to begin, the question with which I begin this links roundup is: why can’t we Make Architecture Great Again? Megan Gafford’s Substack newsletter Fashionably Late Takes laments that “America was supposed to be Art Deco”. Iconic early 20th-century
December Links Roundup: Living in Boxes Read More »
Well, well. America woke up and chose fascism. Again. The day after the election, I wrote a lot, because fury is a great creative motivator for me. In the following days, I had unwise quantities of boba tea in order to fuel myself with pleasure. I bought a new hat that is not as good
Resources for Resistance Read More »
Well, it’s November. Yay. Tonight we turn the clocks back an hour, and Tuesday we find out whether America will turn the clock back to 1850. In case you’re Jerry the Vampire and only just woke up from a 50-year nap, don’t burst a blood vessel trying to read all 900 pages of Project 2025
November Links Roundup: Counting Down the Days Read More »
My Jewish cultural heritage remains important to me despite not practicing the religion. Simple at-home rituals, like eating apples and honey with my mom-of-choice last night for Rosh Hashanah, add a sacred continuity to the life of our multi-faith household. After Hamas’ murderous attack and kidnapping of hostages on October 7, and the Israeli government’s
Mourning Gaza During the High Holy Days Read More »
Pagan god or Eastern States Exposition parade float? You decide! Welcome to spooky season, readers. This month there will be two links posts, this catch-all literary and cultural one, and a forthcoming one to coincide with the one-year anniversary of the war in Gaza. To start the Halloween pumpkin rolling, let’s appreciate Taisiya Kogan’s flash
October Links Roundup: Hermit Crabs and Other Art Forms Read More »
Autumn is on the way! Soon it will be time to switch from my closet of 50 short-sleeved button-down shirts to my closet of 50 long-sleeved ones. This makes me not-so-nostalgic for a problem I had from the ages of 12 through 50: Boob Gap! I’m talking about that awkward pulling between the second and
September Links Roundup: Boobs Week and Dad Caps Read More »