Call me crazy, but don't call me

"We don't care. We don't have to. We're the phone company." (Lily Tomlin)

I remember when I was much younger, my siblings and I would all run to the phone as soon as it rang. Probably because even with the ringer at its lowest setting, it was still rather intrusive. If it happened during dinner, the phone would still be answered and whoever was calling would be asked to call back. We were nothing if not polite.

Flagging support

Nine people were gunned down in a South Carolina church, and the overwhelming response has been to ban a flag.

If that sounds too simplistic, it is. Since that immensely senseless tragedy, seven black churches have been burned to the ground. All have been declared arson. I’m surprised the NRA hasn’t suggested that bringing more matches to the church would have solved the problem.

But…this post is not about guns, though they are part of the problem. This post is wrapped up in the the flags.

Love Wins!

"It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves. [...]They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right." (Justice Kennedy)

Did you see them? Did you see the unapologetic tears of joy? Did you hear the cries of unrestrained jubilation? Did you witness the love?

Today, the Supreme Court of the United States said YES to marriage equality! All men and women, besides being created equal, are now free to marry the person he or she loves.

Today, love wins.

What fiction writing can teach the lowly technical writer

Originally published June 24, 2013

“We’re making it up. The world, the universe, life, reality. Especially reality.” (Tom Robbins)

Up until a few years ago, I believed my career in technical writing had ruined me for fiction. Technical writing, for those who may not be familiar with the term, refers to the paper or computer-based documentation that came with your computer, car, or toaster. It also includes the step-by-step instructions on the other side of Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s soup can.

To my great joy, I discovered fiction was not out of my reach. Just recently, thanks to my colleagues, I realized writing fiction could make technical writing better.

Happy Judy Garland Pride Month!

"I’ll be damned if I’ll have my audience mistreated." (Judy Garland)

Yes, I know there are some who will call June LGBT Pride Month.

They’re wrong. June is all about Judy Garland.

Judy was born June 10, 1922, and died June 22, 1969. While the modern LGBT civil rights movement started shortly after her funeral with the Stonewall Riots, about the only other thing gay about June is that all the best wedding professionals are the busiest they will be for the entire year. (But, with a favorable Supreme Court decision possible later this month, they may be able to get a few extra bookings.)

I know it’s not as though the month has gotten an official proclamation from President Obama the way that LGBT Pride Month did. It’s not as though any of the nine ten (or more?) Republican candidates have come out in favor of Judy Garland Pride Month. Not even Hillary is talking about Judy Garland Pride Month.

Thinking outside the luggage

"Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just enough baggage." (Charles Dudley Warner)

I just love vacations. Who doesn’t?

The downside, I have to admit, is getting ready for vacations. Sometimes leaving the house is a chore (I have to bathe, shave, wear something appropriate—it’s so much effort!).

My cousin recently flew here for a visit and I was fascinated with how lightly she packed. Besides her handbag, she only had one small overhead-compartment-sized suitcase. I was amazed because she was to be here for a week! I think back to my last flight and still wonder how I managed to fit everything into one suitcase, one that would never be allowed in the passenger area of a plane.

Remembering Monty

"Deep love endures
To the end and far past the end." (Robinson Jeffers)

Dear Monty,

I can’t believe it’s been so long since we said goodbye.

That day when I came home, Bear, Buffy, and Mario all seemed to understand why Mark and I were sad. They seemed to get that you weren’t coming home. They got the finality of it. It was a very quiet day.

I think of you every day…and I miss you.