Back in the early 1960’s, I never imagined I’d live to turn 30. The threat of nuclear annihilation loomed over the planet. In high school, I’d been subjected to those ridiculous drills when we crouched under our desks, as if that would somehow save us from Communist bombs raining down and incinerating us. In my… [Read More]
Duty to Warn: Why Trump’s insanity threatens us all.
I wrote this essay in early May, hoping the Albany Times Union would run it on their op ed pages, but they still haven’t gotten around to it, so I’m finally publishing it here. It’s more urgent than ever, but people still don’t seem to understand how drastically ill he is. Duty to Warn: The… [Read More]
Be Here Now–good pandemic advice from Baba Ram Dass
Be Here Now. The title of Baba Ram Dass’s 1971 book became the catch phrase for millions of westerners seeking enlightenment through eastern spiritual practices, including yoga and meditation. But being in the present moment, letting go of the past and future, has always been challenging to me—until now, in the age of COVID-19. Over… [Read More]
Poemunizing: The Theory of Wastebaskets
On Friday the 13th of March, I began self-quarantining at home with my husband, my dog and my cat. Over a month has passed, and we’ve fared remarkably well. I’m amazed at my emotional equanimity, especially since I’m diagnosed bipolar. In part it’s because I’ve rid my life of so many meaningless obligations that didn’t… [Read More]
It’s Spring, and my muse has awakened!
Spring arrived officially last night, March 19th, at 11:50 pm EST, the earliest vernal equinox in 124 years. Don’t ask me why. I tried looking it up in the Farmer’s Almanac, but the explanation was utterly inscrutable—I’ve never been strong on science. But today, the first full day of Spring, feels happily auspicious. Walking my… [Read More]
The Most Over-Hyped Time of the Year
Once again, I’m reposting this oldie but goodie. It’s 2019, the day after Trump’s impeachment, and we could all use a little holiday cheer. I wrote the following intro last year, when I was still recovering from brain surgery. Pleased to announce I’m feeling much better now. Christmas is just over two weeks away, and… [Read More]