Where Once We Watched the Small Free Birds Fly

Go Ahead, Get Idealistic

July: On Family July 2 I don’t know if it will ever happen. And whatever—I don’t care if it’s idealistic to hope for it. I’m a writer. Part of my job is to literally dream up better worlds (after putting my characters through hell, so it goes). But if we can begin to see ourselves as a family—doesn’t have to be a perfect one either, all families have their issues, but one bound together by something greater—then maybe the distance between us won’t seem so far and things will change for the better. And not in some heaven-like utopian way, but in the small, everyday moments where empathy replaces fear, and kindness and understanding replace anger and ignorance.  Families offer hope . . . and since we’re all one big human family, well, here’s to hoping. * Reflection title: Go Ahead, Get Idealistic * Creative inspiration: Mary Oliver, "At the River Clarion" * Reflection Question: How do I treat my extended human family? Do I see them as others? Or as brothers and sisters?

What’s in a Family?

July: On Family July 1 The month of June, On Conflict and Courage is over. That brings us to July and the new topic of On Family. It doesn’t matter who or what it is that you call family. The world is big, wide, and beautiful, but without family, it can be small, isolating, and crushing.  What matters is that whoever they are, your family brings you light in the dark and keeps you warm in the cold. And that you do the same for them. * Reflection title: What’s in a Family? * Creative inspiration: André Maurois, The Art of Living * Reflection Question: Who is my family? Who would do anything for me? And in turn, who would I do anything for?

Silence Is a Paper Shield

June: On Conflict and Courage GoFundMe for my wife's cancer fund: https://gofund.me/3682c6720 [https://gofund.me/3682c6720] June 30  Do yourself a favor and learn this lesson while you can from those who came before and learned it for us. Death and pain and confrontation are inevitable. They’ll come for you no matter what. They’re coming for you right now whether you say what must be said or betray yourself with small silences. You’re better off getting the words out. Speak your truth, for others—those you wish to help and protect—and for yourself. Start small if you must. Unlock that cage, let a few words out at a time. You’ll watch the silence wither and you’ll see speaking the words of your heart will help put your fears in perspective. It will teach you more about others, the world, and yourself.  It will give you a great strength.  * Reflection title: Silence Is a Paper Shield * Creative inspiration: Audrey Lorde, "The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action" * Reflection Question: What truth have I been afraid to speak? And what or who am I so afraid of that I would lock the words of my soul away?

Lemon Boys in June

June: On Conflict and Courage GoFundMe for my wife's cancer fund: https://gofund.me/3682c6720 [https://gofund.me/3682c6720] June 29 As I pulled up the grass and tossed it aside, Oliver’s words echoed in my mind and I had no choice but to stop and consider the determination of this grass—and the grass in the cracks in the driveway or growing through the sidewalks in town. I can’t say if the grass knows of the harsh conditions it must push through in order to find life, or the bravery it takes to grow where it desires, even in the face of those who would cut it back (me, I guess—thanks to the damn HOA), but I have a feeling that even if it did know, it would push on anyway right past those unending obstacles. And for me and maybe for you that’s something to consider. And maybe it’s even something worthy to remember. Now, time for that tomato sandwich.  * Reflection title: Lemon Boys in June * Creative inspiration: Mary Oliver, "Evidence" * Reflection Question: Where in my life do I need to channel the stubborn bravery of the grass to push through obstacles? What will I do today to be more like the grass?

Where Once We Watched the Small Free Birds Fly

June: On Conflict and Courage GoFundMe for my wife's cancer fund: https://gofund.me/3682c6720 [https://gofund.me/3682c6720] June 28 Under cover of darkness, with only the moonlight to guide him, he slipped away from his starving family, leaving behind a decrepit shack, flea-ridden blankets, and cries of hunger. He stole into the grain storehouse—Trevelyan’s corn—and threw as much meal into a sack before hurrying back to feed his children. All the while fear, desperation, and a cruel and unjust law were hard on his heels. It didn’t work out for Michael, of course. As the song goes: “Against the famine and the crown / I rebelled; they cut me down / Now you must raise our child with dignity.” But what was the alternative? Remain docile and wait against better judgment and hope for aid to come? Put the future of your children in the hands of those who could care less if you lived or died? Stay hidden and obedient out of fear of repercussions? No, to live that life would be far worse than having tried and failed. I hope you’ll never have to. But if you did, would you? * Reflection title: Where Once We Watched the Small Free Birds Fly * Creative inspiration: Pete St John, “The Fields of Athenry” * Reflection Question: How far would I go? And would I put my own safety at risk to help those I love and care for?