Candace Barrett Birk

Welcome and yes!

Wow!

In the early 2000s we produced a radio show based on “The Wizard of Oz” for the Children’s Museum of Los Angeles. Adapted and directed by David Ossman and Judith Walcutt. Produced by Elissa Glickman and myself. One of the things we learned was that Baum wrote his book in 1900 as a metaphor for the political, economic, and social events of America in the 1890s.

And someone might want to consider the origins of the Pride flag - Gilbert Baker seems to have found his inspiration in "Over the Rainbow". You can take the Pride performance off the stage - but you can't the the Pride out of the "Wizard of Oz". Here's to the Friends of Dorothy.

This week 47’s Kennedy Center canceled a scheduled Pride performance with the National Symphony Orchestra & Gay Men’s Chorus of DC. Instead - the 1939 film of “The Wizard of Oz” with the NSO performing along side. Someone might want to consider the metaphor Mr. Baum was using for these characters.

There is so much to be concerned about these days So many places calling for our persistent energy and resources and creativity and commitment - so many places to take a stand and make changes.Wherever you choose to put your wonderful life energies - the time is now. Please don't hesitate

Support Trans Kids.
This assault against trans people - especially trans kids - is what most occupies me. Join me here if you can.
5calls.org/issue/transg...
democracy.io#!/
www.commoncause.org/find-your-re...
www.gofundme.com/s?q=transgen...
transequality.org/volunteer

Yea!

It is smart and hopeful – a love-letter to human possibility as well as an urgent reminder that an economy based on relationships, reciprocity and gratitude is the antidote to much of what ails. “All flourishing is mutual.”
Maybe – just maybe . . .

Give yourself a treat – (besides cake – though we all certainly need cake!) and read Robin Wall Kimmerer’s short and profound little book – “The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World”.

Paraphrasing Ram Dass, “Whether this is the first day of the Apocalypse or the first day of the Golden Age, the work remains the same - love one another, relieve suffering. We are all just walking each other home."

Hi Dearie - What are you up to these days?

Amen!

Bravo to you Joy - for being willing - taking risks - doing the work - and telling about it. Also for being an extraordinary writer!

Ohhhhh Amelia - I know. And I so appreciate being able to stay connected to people far and wide - like you. I"m just loathe to support their new stated directions. I'll check in from time to time - but I'm on the search for another way.

Moving to Bluesky and The Contrarian on the same day. Just a start, I know - but it feels hopeful