The Widow

Every early morning she leashes her old dog, walks down to and through the forest to the lake. She looks younger than her fifty-six years, although she feels older, or rather, as if she has lived far too long already. Her dog, an Aussie boy, a handsome black tri-color, walks Read more

Highly unQualified: U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

Thirty-five years’ experience as a public educator, and it comes down to this. I somehow knew all along that I’d be sorry for getting a teaching degree and wasting my life’s work on educating children and young people. How could I possibly save enough money to buy that job as Read more

The Importance of Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A lot of people go through life unnecessarily unhappy and depressed. They feel unvalued and misunderstood, seeing no way out of whatever problem they are facing. Often, though, their issues could be solved easily, by doing one little thing. Talking. Communication is important, it can clear away misunderstandings and can Read more

In Between the Rain

Have I been good enough, Mother? Oh how I miss the days when your skin was smooth, and bronzed How your smile beamed when you saw my little face Remember when you let me stay up late, way, way past bedtime To watch scary movies curled up on the cozy Read more

Crunches and Compassion: Transgender Rights and the Cisgender Community

I began referring to him privately as “The Swede.” From in between my crunches on the exercise mat, I snuck glances at his pale, chiseled face. His square jaw and high, sculpted cheekbones stood out as if his face was sketched from the pages of a superhero DC comic. I Read more