Rain and Flooding in St. Louis

July 29th, 2022 → 7:28 am

“The rain it raineth every day.” — King Lear

St. Louis has experienced record rains in recent days, breaking records over 100 years old. The flooding has been shocking. While my family and our home are alright, I have very close neighbors with washed out basements, washed out cars, ruined roofs. One person (in St. Louis alone) has died. I’ve long known climate change is upon us, of course, this just somehow makes it more real. More…directly on all our doorsteps.

Filed under: Other

The School System in America

July 25th, 2022 → 6:37 am

“Never was such a sudden scholar made.” — Henry V

Chapter 9 of Seeking Forgiveness is out, and it describes the experience of trying to find an elementary school where our interracial family fit in. Bottom line: it was not easy, and in the end, we were all schooled, not just my son. You can read more about it at the Before Ferguson Beyond Ferguson racial equity storytelling project.

Filed under: Blog & Other & Self/My Life

When you have one of those Uncles…

July 17th, 2022 → 4:46 am

“A little more than kin, and less than kind.” — Hamlet

Chapter 8 of Seeking Forgiveness came out yesterday, and it depicts a racist interaction I had with a real family member. Over the years that have passed since this incident occurred, I’ve come to understand a little more of the nuance behind it. But even with context, the interaction was pretty hurtful and inexcusable. Managing family – the love, the expectations, the disappointments, the support, the confusion, the kindness, the traditions – has been one of the challenges of my life. I continue to be challenged by it today. But perhaps the most important thing I have learned over the years, is not to give up. Love, understanding, and empathy are worth every ounce of effort.

Filed under: Blog & Self/My Life & Stupid/Evil People

The LEGO Minifigure

July 14th, 2022 → 6:36 am

“The prize of all-too-precious you.” — Sonnet 23

In Chapter 7 of Seeking Forgiveness, out this week, a LEGO minifigure becomes the wordless bond between Miles and Rachel.

Filed under: Blog & Other & Self/My Life

I’m baaaack!

July 13th, 2022 → 7:09 am

“O let my books be then the eloquence
And dumb presagers of my speaking breast.”  — Sonnet 23

After a rather long hiatus, I’m back to talk about my latest novel, Seeking Forgiveness, currently being serialized in the racial equity storytelling project Before Ferguson Beyond Ferguson, but soon to be published in the fall. Stay tuned for more!

Filed under: Blog & Self/My Life