Ilene Goldman

A black shih tzu mix sits on a raised green platform in a preschool-like playroom where other dogs romp and play.

Ozzie would like you to know that he is king of the playroom.

📸: Wee Little Paws Inn

Frankie,

That does not look like your happy face.

That looks like your “Why aren’t you petting me?” face.

Thank you for this, @charlotteclymer.bsky.social.

I believe it!

I was the same for many years, always thinking there was something wrong with me.

It’s taken years of therapy to undo that wiring.

So, what are we doing to help the trans community in Kansas?

Specifically, how are we helping those who cannot leave the state?

Mom is still in denial. But the real obstacle is that there is no public transportation for her to use, so we’ve got to figure that out. My brother can’t be her personal chauffeur for everything.

Yep.

This reminds me of when I was bullied as a kid and my mother’s response to me was, “What did you do? You must have given them a reason.”

Lined blank books for journals. Spiral notebooks for writing.

I have dot grid journals to give away too! 😁

If you ever want another grid-paper journal, let me know. I have a bunch of really nice ones that I’m never going to use.

Cinema Paradiso

I am 55 and childless, and your sister’s expectations cracked me up.

You speak the truth.

I second this.

No one has been hurt, thankfully.

She’s also showing signs of cognitive decline, and that is a whole other hard conversation.

You are lucky. Also, 101!!! That’s amazing!

Good to know. Thanks!

I’m trying to figure this out from Illinois, but she’s in California, so that works.

THANK YOU

Oh! That’s good to know. Do you know how we would initiate that process? The cops were not involved in either of her incidents.

My brother also discovered that she failed to renew her license so he already has to get the DMV involved. If we can add this to that . . .

Thanks 🫂

You know those old people who jump the curb and plow their cars into businesses or houses?

My mother almost became one yesterday. It’s her second incident in less than a month.

Now my brother and I are talking about how to take away her keys.

Raising parents sucks.

Fiction:
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

Nonfiction:
Never Caught: The Washingtons' Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge by Erica Armstrong Dunbar

In light of the Crockett v. Talarico conversation, a gentle reminder that demonstration of Christian faith should not be a requirement for office—unless you, too, want this country to become a Christian theocracy.

Sincerely,
A non-Christian American who fears for her religious freedom

Well, this hit close to home.

Three postcards: an Illinois postcard with a photo of Starved Rock State Park and Illinois trivia; a book-themed postcard with illustrations of famous female characters in children’s literature; a chocolate chip cookies postcard

Month of Letters, Day 18

#LetterMo

Five women authors by whom I've read at least five books:

Alison Weir
Anne Perry
Christina Henry
Libba Bray
V. E. Schwab

Love that stained glass!