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I’m a writer, artist and designer who thinks way too much, and tries to see the beauty in the world.

Tag: #social justice

  • I smelled fear.

    James Baldwin quote rendered in chalked calligraphy by David Ostrowski, in Newport, Kentucky. Photo by author. “Not everything that is faced can be changed but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” —James Baldwin I was struck this morning by the feelings that came up in a fastwrite about childhood. After reading it over,…

  • Headline: Sexual Assault Hotline Sees Busiest Day Ever

    https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/01/health/sexual-assault-hotline-record-bn/index.html

  • A letter to my chiropractor

    A letter to my chiropractor: When I saw you last December, your warm fingers on my neck felt reassuring — it’s pure trust, letting someone adjust your spine. “Relax,” you commanded, for I was tense. The muscles surrounding my precious cervical vertebrae relaxed into your palms. I told you I was tense because I was worried,…

  • 2017, a mini-novel

    (I’m writing a mini-novel with flash-length chapters over on Medium.com. Following is the first chapter of my tale of a dystopian future. Check out the rest if you like—it’s a work-in-progress, which I’m hoping to finish before year end. It is a work of fiction. I hope. Access the chapters by clicking here.) View at Medium.com…

  • The door is that way, Judge Ruehlman

    Dear Judge Ruehlman, I’m a registered voter and I’m not going to mince words here. I’m going to be straight with you. It’s time for you to go home, Judge. You’re drunk— drunk with judicial power, that is. Maybe it’s a side effect of how our justice system works, or doesn’t work? Maybe some counseling…

  • Dear Judge McKeon

    Dear Judge McKeon, A 40-year-old Montana father raped his 12-year-old daughter. Repeatedly. You sentenced him to 60 days, of which he will serve 43. For good measure, he must pay $80 and “future medical care for his daughter.” You mean, I think, for his victim? Forty-three days in jail for raping his 12-year-old daughter. Repeatedly.…

  • Dear Melania

    Dear Melania, Do you mind if I call you M? I don’t want to waste too many keystrokes. Never fear. I’m not going to be mean, or unfair. I’m just going to tell a story. Someday, some far-off wonderful day, you will be remembered like a princess in a fairy tale. (Yes, I think you…