I Was a Culturally Deprived Kid: My Teachers Never Told Me About the Ojibwe Poet Jane Johnston Schoolcraft
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We shared a love of the Michigan woods — pine, oak and birch. Photo by Barbara Newhall[/caption]
This Ojibwe poet would have been dear to my girlish Michigan heart. Why didn’t my Detroit schoolteachers ever mention her? Was I culturally deprived? Read more.
A Totality Disappointment in St. Joseph, Missouri
We traveled 1700 miles to see the eclipse. The moon came between us and the sun, as promised. But so did a big fat cloud. A totality disappointment. Read more.
The Writing Room: Am I Stuck? Or Am I Just Taking a Little Housekeeping Break?
Sitting at a blank laptop screen awaiting writerly inspiration isn’t that much fun nowadays. I’d rather watch the guys laying asphalt in front of our house. Am I stuck? Read more.
With a Little Luck You’ll Live Long Enough to Breed Flies in Your Attic
Back in 1987 old age seemed a long ways away. It still does. Read more.
Spike Heels — Feminist? Feminine? Or Both?
Let’s face it. Spike heels aren’t much good for doing what real women do – drive an SUV, wash down the deck. Same goes for long fingernails. What gives? Read more.
A Case of the Human Condition: When Your Six-Year-Old Wants to Talk Money
Our 6-year-old wanted an allowance. Jon and I debated: 50 cents a week? 75? “Let’s not talk in cents,” said Peter. “Let’s talk in dollars.” Read more.
The Case of the Missing Blog Posts — Blame It on a Mischievous Software Glitsch
Oops. Six missing blog posts! My apologies to subscribers who didn’t get my June and July updates. Blame it on the ongoing website construction. Read more.
Jury Duty Is a Lot Like Fourth-Grade Softball. Here’s Why
Jury duty selection feels like 4th grade softball, when one’s very right to take up space on the planet depends on someone choosing, or not choosing, you. Read more.
The American Flag Is Flying in My Liberal, Elitist, San Francisco Bay Area Neighborhood Today. Here’s Why.
‘The right wingers don’t own the American flag flag,’ I said as my husband hung the Stars and Stripes from our garage. ‘It’s my flag too.’ Read more.
More Construction Is Under Way — We’re Giving My Website a New Look
My website will be down from time to time over the next few day. It’s under construction. We’re making it mobile friendly for easier viewing. Read more.