After publishing my previous commentary on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, I anticipated strong reactions—and I was not mistaken. Some readers felt my perspective lacked compassion. Others argued that any criticism of Meghan ignores the realities of racism, misogyny, and tabloid abuse. A few felt that questioning her choices amounted to excusing institutional cruelty. These…
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry: What Went Wrong with Royal Life
Opinion & commentary I was not always unsympathetic toward Meghan Markle. When her relationship with Prince Harry first became public, I felt genuine empathy for her. At the time, it appeared that Prince Harry failed to adequately prepare her for the realities of royal life. Their engagement followed very shortly after the public acknowledgment of…
I am not good at following
It is the time of the year when I do an honest revision of my book stack, a clean out of my Goodreads and Audible Want To Read lists, crafting projects I would like to get to this year, and my annual re-dedicate to practice. While reviewing my Goodreads/Audible wish list I am very ruthless…
A Royal View
I was twelve or thirteen when I first became aware of the British Royal Family. It was a People magazine cover story marking the tenth anniversary of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. There were photographs of their famously extravagant wedding — Diana’s iconic dress, the crowds, the gilded carriages. And there, standing out amidst…
Why is it always the same!?!
The Book of Revelation? The Book of Revelation! Why do serial killers and cult leaders always focus on the Book of Revelations?! There are twenty-six other chapters, some very hopeful and friendly, in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. If you are looking for punishment and scare tactics, the Old Testament has wrath and…
Not all books are worth the time
I come from a family of big-time Readers – both parents, all grandparents, aunts and uncles. I am more likely to stay up reading than stay up partying or watching tv. I made sure to marry someone who also loves to Read; he finishes 150+ books every year, mostly by listening to audiobooks on double…
Literary thoughts
I am re-listening to Attempted Rescuing by L.G. Estrella as I knit. Since I had never knitted a gingham patterned baby blanket before, I choose this book because I enjoyed it and could tune it out if I needed to focus on the pattern. The knitting is coming along better than I could have expected.…
Three signs you should get a dog
The first sign you should get a dog is if you are tired of having enough personal space. Dogs do not see the invisible bubble that you and I have created around ourselves. Dogs love you, the space you occupy and any space near the space you are occupying. Lounging on the couch or bed…
Distractions
Reading: Constituent Services by John Scalzi The things I did Saturday instead of blogging: did laundry, played a video game, visited my parents, and did some craft assembly. I did think about writing a blog entry then I would think, “Just one more square/building..” and promptly forget about it. Ordinarily laundry would not make the…
Autumn Equinox 2024
For this sabbat, I had a quiet ceremony on my porch while the dogs played in the scant maple leaves of the front yard. I ate some grapes with my sandwich, thought bountiful thoughts and gave thanks for my family’s good fortune. I donated to my local food pantry. I struggle with negative self-talk that…