Writing
Diurnal Ear
Nearly ten years ago when I moved to the Music Capital of the World, I thought I was allergic to beestings and had no problem with pollen. I’ve learned some things since then. There’s this seasonal Welcome to Austin condition known as Cedar Fever that makes newbies feel as if they’ve come down with the … Continue reading
Decomposing Zebra Mussels
I first noticed the smell in the bathroom. Having just flushed minutes ago, I lifted the lid. Nope, nothing there but a damn near sparkling clean toilet bowl. Then I refilled my drinking glass with tap water and smelled it again. I brought the glass to my nose and there it was. I dumped out … Continue reading
Why Do Men Always Fuck It Up?
So, if I’m a straight, single woman who has her own money, doesn’t want children, but wants male companionship, why do men always fuck that up? I’ve already gotten over the fact that most men don’t read as much as I do or juggle as many interesting activities, but ever since I started dating when … Continue reading
White (Fragility) America
I love serendipity! I’d just picked up Robin DiAngelo’s book White Fragility from the library and out of nowhere, I got behind this truck for a couple of miles en route to yoga. It’s always shocking to see a display of conservative Americana in Austin although I know this city is a liberal island within a … Continue reading
Karmic Messages
On a surprisingly cold December Thursday night here in Austin, a friend and I searched with our smartphones where we could find a decent nearby restaurant that actually served food and wine at 10 PM. After striking out both online and in person at one restaurant, which claimed to be open until 11 PM, but … Continue reading
Reinvented Butterfly
Throughout your lifetime, you’ve got to stop doing some things in order to have new beginnings. It’s a sign of maturity. At the very least, it’ll keep life fresh and interesting. On a serious note, the ability to adapt to the changing environment keeps you on the right side of natural selection. Nowadays, instead of … Continue reading
Feminist Photos
This was one of the best interactive exhibits at EAST (East Austin Studio Tour). Since I produce a show that highlights personal narratives, I felt I’d entered a kindred space. We had the option of taking a picture while holding one of their prepared signs that resonated with us, or making one of our own. … Continue reading
The Longest Bike Ride
Although I exercise every day, I’d not ridden a bike in over ten years. My sister planned a beautiful bike ride around Mt. Vernon during the perfect time of the year when the fall leaves were brilliant. I hardly got two pedals in when I realized the seat was far too high. Even people who were … Continue reading
Alien Technology
If ever I were visited by aliens and they wanted to gift me some advanced technology, I’d ask for a device, which would allow me to unfuck up any situation. I realize that would be a large undertaking, at least to my Earthly intellect, but there are challenges that cannot be solved by 3D printing … Continue reading
Sexiest Dictionary Paintings: A New Approach
In the latest round of practicing my illustrating technique for the sexiest dictionary, I disassembled my home office. Totally worth the sacrifice. I had no desire to sit at my work desk on the weekend. Instead, I relocated my work computer and monitor to the living room, so I could paint while the TV entertained … Continue reading