Is it weird that I used a Popsicle mold as a jigger for my bourbon?

She gets up and pours herself a strong one  My friend Sarah and I are dabbling lightly in the libations lifestyle. In January, I had a cocktail at City Theatre when I saw a play and it was nice – bourbon and other stuff. I said “huh, I guess I like bourbon.” This led me […]

That Time My Dad Played Santa Claus

Today is my Dad’s birthday. He would have been 85.hs He died in 2024 so only made it to 83. Is that a robust old life. One year when I was working in foster care, I asked my Dad to play Santa at the annual holiday party. He was tickled. The suit fit and he […]

My Five Year Wedding Anniversary in the Midst of a Divorce

My spouse chose Groundhogs Day for our wedding so she wouldn’t forget the date. It was a cute comment at the time. Until it wasn’t.  I never truly thought I would have a wedding day. In part because of marriage inequality, in part because my trauma demons told me I didn’t deserve one.  But we […]

My eldest nibling turns 20

It was 20 years ago that I became an aunt for the first time when the eldest nibling was born. I remember that day like it was just yesterday. I love all the niblings, but there’s something unique about the one who teaches you to be an aunt and the youngest who puts all of […]

What ‘after the holidays’ really means

Last year was a nice holiday season for me – I felt hopeful, comforted, and valued. This year? Not so much. I thought the holiday in tandem with my blog’s 20th anniversary would create lots to celebrate. I was wrong. A 20 year milestone is not resonating with local media outlets that typically jump for […]

This is How to Decolonize Thanksgiving

Or at least get started … I’ve been pondering how to reconcile 54 Thanksgivings with the undeniable truths about the harm and trauma that celebration causes my Native and Indigenous friends, neighbors. As a trauma survivor, I appreciate the distinction between bad memories and actively continued experience. It has gnawed at me so I did […]

My Legal and Living Expenses Crowdfund Reaches the Halfway Mark

Today, my GoFundMe reached the halfway mark – $20,000. Obviously, that means the goal is $40,000. For now. It means a great deal to me that you continue to support me, to help with legal and living expenses. Life is really hard right now, but I do find moments of joy and satisfaction. My friends […]

I grew up being sexually groomed by my grandfather

Sexual violence with any minor child is abhorrent and too common. “There’s a difference between a 15 year old and a 5 year old” Megyn Kelly, defending Jeffrey Epstein. Content Note: sexual violence, child abuse, politics, church, incest Let me start by reminding everyone that sexual abuse of young children, ages 5 and 15, including […]

Update on Lawsuits, My Realistic Fears of Being Homeless, Need to Raise $625 Soon

Thank you for your donations. You have made it possible for me to get this far.  Scroll down for a current ask I have, but first I want to talk about the possibility of my being homeless. On Wednesday, we had another conciliation hearing. The outcome is that the cases go back to the Family […]

Will the grandchildren of ICE Nazis make amends?

I watch (and share) a lot of videos that are focused on identifying ICE agents, documenting kidnappings, and lauding the creative, persistent resistance. Sometimes I wonder what I’d say if I was holding the bullhorn or recording with my phone. I’m not sure that the words of an individual have any impact or can prevent […]