Remember learning about the “discovery of America” in elementary school? It was easy to be impressed by the valiant explorers setting off across the sea. I was easy to imagine doing the same if only you were born in the right century. How did those brave explorers prepare for a trip from which they might never […]
When I told you that I was still sick, and that I was going to get help, we hugged and cried and you gave your support. And while I was in treatment, you sometimes inquired, responding to my positive updates. But after I left that place, we never talked about it again. You assumed the […]
On a trip to Germany years ago, I was chastised by complete strangers while riding the subway on two separate occasions. The first time, I was drinking a beer (legal in public but not legal on the train apparently) and the second time, I had my feet up on the seat opposite (not quite illegal […]
“I’m divorced” It happens “I’m black” No problem “I’m gay” We accept you “I’m atheist” That’s alright “I’m Christian” That’s ok too “I’m moving to the suburbs” [Silence]
My submission to The Moth Ann Arbor Story SLAM topic: “Home” Video available here. I grew up in the small town of Chelsea, Michigan. And when I went to college I attended The University of Michigan, only 15 miles away. What this means is that, for the first couple decades of my life, my world was […]
When fate conspired to hold my mail and I could not re-take the trail I happened on a friendly male. He took me to the lake. Way past the main street thoroughfare we walked the wall without a care and then returned with tousled hair. A nice place for a break.
When I first moved to New York City, I lived smack-dab in the center of midtown, under the shadow of the Empire State Building. I spent my days searching for a job and exploring my new city. One warm fall day, I dressed in a cute flowy skirt and went for a walk down Broadway. […]
When I was young, my God lived in the sky. With angels and believers by his side, He looked down at me from Heaven, and I sent my prayers into the air so that He may listen. As an adult, I lost that God. He does not exist to me now. There is no […]
In 1994, Nelson Mandela became the first black president to lead the nation of South Africa. His election marked the end of the racist Apartheid system, and his party was the African National Congress, the ANC. In the years since, the ANC has never lost the presidency, though power has been passed down to 4 […]
When you move to a large city like New York, you join millions of others who make it their home. Whether you know it or not, you are affirming their choice to live there and they are validating you right back. Your collective presence is evidence that you’ve selected a desirable location, and that means […]
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