To: The Chief Gaslighter It’s been a while, for sure, so it’s super unlikely that you’d remember that in addition to ceramic Cranky Buddha Baby, plastic Green Glow in the Dark Buddha, and inherited Ivory (sadly) Buddha, we have wooden “Laughing Buddha.” Laughing Buddha stands about 12 inches tall from his toes to his outstretched … Continue reading Laughing Buddha’s travels
Obliviousness
There is no miracle that will deliver us from our racist history or the need to face it
President* Trump, Please note, I’m fully aware that we lost the wonderfully notorious RBG today, which no doubt has you and Mitch giddy with shitty possibilities, but I’m going to do some serious grieving before I comment further on her passing and will instead send you the letter I started this morning before her death … Continue reading There is no miracle that will deliver us from our racist history or the need to face it
No news is nice once in awhile
President* Trump, You know it’s been a good day when at the end of it you realize there wasn’t time (or inclination) to look at the news since the breakfast read. Although I’m sure I could make some reasonable guesses, I don’t know what’s going on specifically in the wide world and for now, I’m … Continue reading No news is nice once in awhile
We have to see each other
President* Trump, I’m at the gallery today and because September is my show month I’m getting to sit here with my work on the walls and it’s pretty cool. Mostly people are walking by outside and not stopping, but my sense is there’s a bit more curiosity than usual and a bit more eye contact … Continue reading We have to see each other
Some of us need to cultivate the strength to yield
President* Trump, This morning we took the dogs to Magnuson Park for the first time in probably five months, basically since COVID-19 really hit and it was clear that navigating the narrow trails with others wasn’t safe. Today we hiked a trail that’s at the far Southwest corner of the park, one that’s far less … Continue reading Some of us need to cultivate the strength to yield
Gaslighting (or he keeps looking straight into the camera without blinking)
President* Trump, I learned today that not everyone knows what “gaslighting” means so because it’s such an important weapon of yours I thought it would be a good idea to define it (and don’t worry, I know you know what it is so this isn’t for you): verb gerund or present participle: gaslighting manipulate (someone) … Continue reading Gaslighting (or he keeps looking straight into the camera without blinking)
Benefits of doubts
President* Trump, Laura and I just spent the last hour working out how to respond to a neighborhood email chain about something that happened two nights ago at the corner house across the street from us. Actually, we aren’t finished yet. Here’s a sketch of what happened the other night and of the email chain…. … Continue reading Benefits of doubts
Tears, unlikely boats, and saintly stars
President* Trump, I don’t know if there’s some cyclical hormone thing going on – I could probably figure it out if I went back through these letters and marked the days when I told you I was feeling emotional and tearful. Being well past having an obvious monthly cycle, it’s hard to tell. Whatever drives … Continue reading Tears, unlikely boats, and saintly stars
Self-serving white myopia
President* Trump, Laura just let me know that your goons are here in Seattle and about a minute later the Seattle Times sent a breaking news alert email telling folks that the police declared that protestors in Capital Hill (home of the former CHOP) are rioting, which allows police to use flash-bang grenades against the … Continue reading Self-serving white myopia
Do no harm
President* Trump, Exactly a month ago today a friend from church introduced several of us in our neighborhood group to the work of Meera Mohan-Graham, who describes herself as a QPOC photographer, artist, coach, and writer focusing on “giving voice to complex identities and journeys.” He shared a link to a blog post that Mohan-Graham … Continue reading Do no harm