National Public Radio reported this morning Rep. Nancy Pelosi is wearing her lucky purple pumps today: the same ones she wore the day the Affordable Care Act was passed. In recognition of the Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling on the constitutionality of health care reform, her choice of footwear could… Read full post »

As we wait for the Supreme Court’s decision on the constitutionality of the Affordable Health Care Act, I’m reminded of how any improvement in a broken system gives immeasurable relief to those most affected by the fractures. Millions of people have gained access to health insurance due t… Read full post »

Seven months can feel like nothing… a moment or two forgotten by time’s eraser. But then there are slices of time that transfigure us forever. Divorce is certainly one of those times. When my parents split, I recall the first half year vividly, as if from a nightmare. What happened after… Read full post »

Volunteering for a voter’s registration drive this past weekend, I grabbed a handful of forms and a clipboard from the coordinator, believing it would be easy to get people to sign up, or confirm they already had. Wandering around the local mall, asking passersby if they were register… Read full post »

Saturday, I donated a couple hours of my time to Organizing for America, Pres. Obama’s grassroots volunteer movement for his re-election. I’ve been to several of these meetings, where I take photos and blog, at the request of OFA leaders. Identified immediately for skills I can donate, th… Read full post »

The most painful thing about divorce is the sense of belonging lost in the aftermath. I knew when I told my children their father was moving out, the sense of family connection I’d sacrificed for was broken. Also, I knew my children no longer trusted my ex and me completely. Knowing… Read full post »

“Time to hike,” I decided last week. Texting one of my favorite travel companions from childhood, I made plans to go to the Columbia River Gorge. Saturday, she picked me up and we drove east, to where the Columbia River is crowned in basalt and etched with history.

 "Hamilton… Read full post »

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When I was twenty, I studied in London for a semester with a group from my college. Focusing on theater and music, the curriculum was heavy in the arts, with a smattering of sociology and some history. Daytripping was a favorite pastime of our group leader, Prof. Gi… Read full post »

Last week, final paperwork was signed, converting my legal separation to a divorce, and giving responsibility of an upside-down house to me. Each time I think I’m in the clear, I find myself circling one more ring of divorce hell. In several weeks, I’ll go to court for the last… Read full post »

The Academy, 2012

My fair city houses the most important historical building in the Pacific Northwest; and I have the unusual honor of renting a little bit of space here.

Recently, local media went bananas with news of its sale to a non-profit organization that runs our Historical Reserve.… Read full post »

I was 25 years old when my first child was born. Idealistic then, I planned a home birth, read the books, and attended class. Treating the endeavor like any other college course, I soon discovered the difference between academic learning and on-the-job training.

When that baby was set… Read full post »

The previous two weeks have been a lesson in surrender. Every button I have to push has been pressed repeatedly… every old fear dragged out and shoved in my face. Like a puppy with its nose pressed to its mistake, I think I’m finally getting the picture. I can only do… Read full post »

Last weekend, my friend Andrea organized a garage sale at her place, and invited the kids and me to participate. Arriving early, we set up our table among hers and welcomed the bargain hunters. Rain held off, our merchandise looked good, and the kids were behaving… the stars were aligned for… Read full post »

A couple days ago, I noticed my younger son was struggling a little bit with his breathing while we ate dinner. He has a history of respiratory troubles associated with allergies and viruses. With the saturation of tree pollen in the air this week, I figured he may have been having… Read full post »

I try to be a tolerant woman, really I do. And I know times are changing, and social media is the new water cooler. But I don’t want to find out big news that affects my family via Facebook, which is what happened last week.

I’m struggling to be… Read full post »

In my extended family, there was a couple with nearly mythical compatibility. Their names were Ernie and Ruth. Many years ago, they passed away…so perhaps they wed in the 1920’s or ‘30’s. Before the Women’s Movement, the Self-Help Movement, or the New Age Movement, the… Read full post »

When I was eight, I broke my leg while riding a bike. My mom and her good friend, both nurses, decided it was a sprain and laughed that I’d be limping to school the next day. A few hours later, my dad found me on the couch in something approaching shock.… Read full post »

“We may not be happy or satisfied…but we are always joyful,” said my sister Patty this weekend. She was speaking to an evening out with some old friends. Plenty of experiences accumulate in our lives, and it’s fascinating to watch those we grew up with deal, learn, and grow.… Read full post »

Easter mass was such a relief when I was a girl; Lent was over and I could eat candy again. Sermons would lighten in mood since poor Jesus was back home with Dad/God. Tulips and green leaves replaced the sludge of winter decay. Though rain persisted, a new season was born, and… Read full post »

I turn 37 today. I know, I know, I'm still a kid. But it's the mileage plus years, you know. Maybe this new year will bring all sorts of lovelies..and if it does, great. But savoring what I've already got is pretty sweet too.

Music has been my dearest companion… Read full post »

When asked how I was doing the first few months after the end of my marriage, I’d say, “You know…just circling the rings of hell and hoping to get thrown from its orbit soon.” Anyone who’d been through this would nod vigorously. Been there, done it. As… Read full post »

"Oscar, 2012"

My mother asked me to dog-sit her grumpy lhasa apso mix named Oscar. She and my stepfather are visiting the newest member of the family in Arizona for a few days, so I was happy to do it. Dropping Oscar off at my… Read full post »

Last week, my pc started acting up. It didn’t want to stay online or open files. I asked my ex to kindly take a look at it for me…and he did look at it a few times. Asking me, “Did you download this?” he clicked on something called Internet Security, which… Read full post »

This is not the fairytale I’d imagined when I wore sparkly white slippers down a church aisle twelve years ago. The way things have turned out is nothing like the vision I had when I planned a home birth for my first son: so that everything would be done purely from the… Read full post »

When I saw Trayvon Martin's parents on the news last night, I was blow away at their dignity and strength. Their grace in this tragic time enables a movement to begin around the injustice committed to their son, and his loved ones. My deepest sympathy and respect to these parents.… Read full post »