My Cardboard Balcony

Oh, God, I'm supposed to be introspective again? I can't. I just can't. I don't have it in me. I mean, I had a nice day today. I had dinner and drinks with a good friend. Went caroling. Hung out with my parents. I'm still writing and teaching and what not, though God, the news rolling in just seems to get worse and worse. My optimism for my country is wearing thin. I'm trying to continue with my life, butmore and more, I realize that these next four years will be difficult for everyone. Everyone. Okay. So it's nine days before Christmas. The next week is gonna be great. Lots of stuff to do, people to see, things to celebrate. I'll focus on that. But I can't be very introspective. Sorry. Not tonight. I'll try again next week, when I feel a bit more festive. Have a great night and a great weekend, everyone.

Preservin' Democracy by Belinda Roddie North Carolina sure is itchin' for a revolution, ain't it?

My grandmother’s atlas was so big that it took up the entire coffee table. Its worn down cover, however, still retained a tint of royal blue, as if this sort of book of maps were fit more for a monarch than a country matron. As I flipped through the pages, I was amazed to find nations I had never heard of before. Shaktu. Hothmandi. Were these real, or had I accidentally found a fantasy world?