September 7th, 2022 → 7:03 am
“O momentary grace of mortal men,Which we more hunt for than the grace of God!” — Richard III
The latest chapter of Seeking Forgiveness is out this week. In it, a normally cantankerous family member at last offers a bit of favor. God bless moments of grace that can come from out of the blue. I can only hope that I have been the source of some of them, for family, friends – and even strangers! – in my own life.
Filed under: Other
September 2nd, 2022 → 6:19 am
“The eye sees not itselfBut by reflection, by some other things.” — Julius Caesar
Another author interview with me was published today. I always find reading such pieces fascinating. I can remember giving the interview, of course, and answering some of the questions, but when I read what is actually written up I’m often thinking, “Is that me?”
I believe the surprise is a combination of what the journalist chose to actually put in the published piece, and, selective memory of what I said only days before, but either way, reading about myself in published articles is always part fascinating, part frightening, and 100% enlightening.
Filed under: Blog & Literature/Theatre/Art & Self/My Life
August 31st, 2022 → 9:59 am
“[The poor child] whose large styleAgrees not with the leanness of his [mother’s] purse.” — Henry VI, Part II
I took a little liberty with today’s quote, to contextual it to the chapter of Seeking Forgiveness published today. In it Rachel wrestles with her son’s request for more stuff. More toys! More video games! Another Xbox! You want to give your child everything you can, but isn’t there a limit??
Filed under: Economics/Money
August 26th, 2022 → 6:57 am
“Out of my lean and low abilityI’ll lend you something.” — Twelfth Night
The Goodreads Giveaway of Seeking Forgiveness has opened! Sign up before September 24 to win your free copy, available before publication even on October 18. I can’t wait to give copies of this book away and get feedback from early, excited readers!!
Filed under: Other
August 24th, 2022 → 11:29 am
“Condemn the fault, and not the actor of it” — Measure for Measure
In the latest chapter of Seeking Forgiveness out at the Before Ferguson Beyond Ferguson website, the topics of guilt and blame are explored. While racist incidents are never the fault of the victim, it may still be difficult not to internalize some of the negative feelings they engender. How can a mother protect her son when racism happens and her child automatically blames himself?
Filed under: Stupid/Evil People
August 20th, 2022 → 5:01 pm
“Farewell the tranquil mind.” — Othello
It has been a crazy week, filled with spectacular highs, but also shocking lows… It can be difficult, sometimes, to get out from under the suffocating weight of the lows…the mind obsessing over what went wrong, and depriving one of much desired tranquility and sleep… So let me try and purposefully reorient my thoughts towards the better things: Seeking Forgiveness went on pre-order this week! And early interviews about the book continue to be strong. 🙏
Filed under: Self/My Life & Stupid/Evil People
August 18th, 2022 → 6:32 am
“I’ll use you for my mirth, yea, for my laughter.” — Julius Caesar
Have you ever wondered if someone is laughing with you, or at you? In the chapter of Seeking Forgiveness released on the Before Ferguson Beyond Ferguson website this week, that is exactly the dilemma Miles faces. Does he call out the insults when his white classmates make fun of his “pokey” hair, or does he laugh along with them, pretending the microagressions are actually funny? At what point is it worth sticking up for yourself, versus letting things slide?
Filed under: Other
August 9th, 2022 → 9:53 am
“Hear my soul speak:
The very instant that I saw you, did
My heart fly to your service.” — Tempest
Seeking Forgiveness is a love letter to my son. And the proof of it arrived in the mail yesterday. Exciting!!
Filed under: Blog & Books I'm Reading & Literature/Theatre/Art & Self/My Life
August 3rd, 2022 → 6:12 am
“These are but wild and whirling words.” — Hamlet
As detailed in my Mother’s Day op-ed, as well as in chapter 10 of Seeking Forgiveness, my son went through a phase where he said these words to me A LOT. Most often during minor arguments, for example over brushing his teeth or doing his homework, but once in a while over more substantive disagreements as well. I can say that the phase seems to have passed – not the arguments, we do still have those (lol!) – but my son seems to have realized that it’s generally more constructive to say things that extend a discussion, rather than shut it down. And I always appreciate having the discussion with him.
Filed under: Self/My Life
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