Author Archives: mathdreads
Puzzle T-Shirt
Once again, I dealt myself a challenging costume card. Not only did I have just shy of a week to complete the latest outfit, but I first had to put together a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle. Following tried and true puzzle logic, I first separated out the edges, even setting aside the few pieces that were … Continue reading
Interactive Life Puzzles
Life is composed of many pieces that can be put together in several different ways, unlike a static jigsaw puzzle where you separate out all the edges, put them together and fill in the rest, using the convenient pretty picture on the box. Those puzzles can only be done in one way, regardless of your … Continue reading
Frybread
A few writers who have participated in my monthly spoken word and storytelling show, The Austin Writers Roulette, have written about frybread. Many different cultures around the world have their staple breads, but I’ve never tried any Native American bread before. Now that I’ve cooked up ethnic dishes for the past couple of weeks, I’ve … Continue reading
Two Medusas
Halloween has been my favorite holiday since I was a child and continues into adulthood. Initially, I was in it for both the candy and costuming. Now, as the producer of my own monthly spoken word and storytelling show, I dress up for the show every month. A third of my closet is composed of … Continue reading
How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Years ago, I started working out on a regular basis just to get a good night’s sleep. For the longest time, that was sufficient. In the past couple of years, I’ve managed to work out every day for at least 30 minutes, which serves to reduce stress, but not remedy anxiety dreams. As much as … Continue reading
Liberian Rice Bread
As I read Madame President about Ellen Johnson Sirleaf becoming both Liberia’s and Africa’s first female president, I felt humbled, angry and intrigued. Humbled by all the creature comforts I’ve been born into and yet have the nerve to complain about the challenges I’ve faced, which pale in comparison to what Liberian woman have had to face. … Continue reading
Patio Furniture
The latest leasing agent staff has let me know I’ve worn out my welcome. Perhaps many of us long-time residents have. I’ve not kept an accurate account of how many times the entire staff has turned over, but I think they’re at least the fourth group to come in and they apparently have the most … Continue reading
Stormy Nights
Most of my “dark and stormy” takes form as reoccurring anxiety dreams, independent of the actual weather. Adding flavor to the nightmarish experience are sleep apnea and teeth gnashing. Like everything else, these dreams have evolved. My earliest recollection of a reoccurring anxiety dream was when I was a child prior to being school age. … Continue reading
Mayor’s Task Force on Institutional Racism & Systemic Inequities Meeting at HT
Months ago, Mayor Adler formed a task force in order to address institutional racism. This was far overdue, especially after stories started circulating years ago about how Blacks were leaving Austin, which was the reverse trend, compared to other growing cities around the US. Normally, Austin is revered as the Live Music Capital of the … Continue reading
AWL Resignation Letter
Dear Team Jedi Leadership No longer drinking the Kool-Aid, not even a sip Although my work was diligent I received little compensation for my talent Just an increasing bullwhip If there’s truly an angel among us She’d be S. Thomas Such positivity and support Even when she was in my cohort Having her as my … Continue reading