When we think about images of retirement in American society it looks a lot like the images that we are given about the American dream. Usually there are white people in the image where one is given a loving sendoff by co-workers on a job where one worked for many years. One is given a … Continue reading Who Taught Us How to Retire?
The Cusp of a Life Reclaimed
Remember when Congresswoman Maxine Waters said, “Reclaiming my time, reclaiming my time!” January 26, 2024 will be my last day on a job. It feels a little like the eve of a significant holiday, or a graduation. All week long, I have felt this momentum, and I have been trying to take long, deep breaths. … Continue reading The Cusp of a Life Reclaimed
All in a Name: Let’s Call it a Graduation Instead
When I worked at the post office, I worked in a huge plant with enormous machines, fluorescent lighting, and it was very noisy. There was a small breakroom and snack bar on the southeast corner of the building where one might have their lunch. I worked on what was called tour one, it was the … Continue reading All in a Name: Let’s Call it a Graduation Instead
What Would You Do If You Had All Day?
Working from home full time for the last three years has shown me all the things that I could have done if I'd just had the time—housework notwithstanding. At the beginning of the pandemic supervisors and directors insisted that work/life balance was a thing and should be considered. “Make sure you’re taking your breaks.” They … Continue reading What Would You Do If You Had All Day?
The Luxury of Walking Away
As a creative, I never wanted to work a nine-to-five. I am not a morning person. Even as a writer I am still grappling with the idea of sitting down to work every day at the same time. The closest I get to a routine is having a cup of coffee every morning shortly after … Continue reading The Luxury of Walking Away
We Are More Than Enough
I recently heard an old friend say that she was beginning to think that at 56 years-old, her “constant need for new experiences and things to get excited about is a major character defect.” Now, this is a woman whom I’ve known to have always been vibrant, self-confident, and sure about what she wants and … Continue reading We Are More Than Enough
There is Good Fish Here
Months before an earthquake shook the streets of Marrakesh into disarray in September of 2023, I hovered above its arid landscape in total awe. With about 20 others, high in the air from a basket about the length of my Toyota Camry, I watched the sun rise above the horizon--a dreamscape unlike anything I have … Continue reading There is Good Fish Here
SPITTING OUT BONES 