In my previous post from many months ago, I made my 1985 trip to the German Democratic Republic (aka East Germany, aka "bad" Germany) sound like a good time, didn’t I? It was a good time. But it wasn’t always comfortable. It was not always fun. One of the worst experiences I had on this … Continue reading At last! 2nd Visit to Bad Germany, part 2
Category: ethnicity
Reading the Enlightenment: Nathan the Wise and imagining religious interconnectedness
Friends – Last week I shared some thoughts about Jonathan Swift’s autobiographical poem and the connection of some its ideas to the attitudes expressed by the Founding Fathers and indeed to one of the sentiments expressed in the Declaration of Independence. This week, I want to share some insights about a play written in 1779, … Continue reading Reading the Enlightenment: Nathan the Wise and imagining religious interconnectedness
keeping it real, just this once
Dear friends of the unreal -- I was preparing an inspiring post talking about 4 wonderful artists when the US elections happened. The final tally is in process, but it seems probable that Mr. Trump will become the presidential incumbent. One of the reasons I love magical realism is that this kind of writing allows … Continue reading keeping it real, just this once
That You Were Meant For Great Things — Dream Big, Hope Bigger
My newest story -- and my newest character -- appears courtesy of guest editor and incredible writer/essayist/novelist/activist Ryka Aoki and the beautiful, brave James Franco Review: "That You Were Meant For Great Things"
Does the ending have to work? Thinking about Joanne Harris’ Lollipop Shoes
Friends -- I'm trying to read more self-proclaimed magical realist novels this year, so that I can be a more educated writer AND reader. I'm also interested in the debates as to what is and what is not magical realism. As you know, I made it through 100 Years of Solitude, and just finished Joanne … Continue reading Does the ending have to work? Thinking about Joanne Harris’ Lollipop Shoes
re-pairing, reparationing — Natasha Marin and making the questions real
Friends, This has been an intense summer. So much of the news in the United States today feels -- well -- unreal. I've been at a loss to write about it. So, I've been watching tv and wondering what my white, WASP Republican family would say about Donald Trump if they were still alive. They … Continue reading re-pairing, reparationing — Natasha Marin and making the questions real
it’s personal
Friends – the murderous attack on the Pulse is personal. Why? Because I grew up with queer people. When I was a little girl in Manhattan, I knew women who lived together and who wore flowers in their hair, waltzing up and down Madison Avenue and painting up a storm in the Hamptons. My grandparents … Continue reading it’s personal
January 1st, 2015 — The coloring books project for 2015
When I was little I loved coloring books. I had one for every Disney movie, and one for every fairy tale. I would color the dresses and the pants and shirts with wild abandon. I had a giant box of Crayolas – you know the kind – the ones with every color of the rainbow. … Continue reading January 1st, 2015 — The coloring books project for 2015
Stephanie Barbé Hammer Writing (Un) Real 