Marion Agnew

For several months, I've been keeping track of five things I'd like to remember from that month. Here's what came up in July.  One. Ginger ale actually tastes kind of … peppy. Peppery. Almost spicy. In fact … Gingery? I hadn’t noticed before, in all these years. I love it. Two. I like being able to learn new things (that are NOT like insurance, estate planning, getting bids for something etc.) at my “advanced” age. See ginger ale tastes gingery, above. Still getting to know smoked paprika, for example. Time, it passes. Make a wish. Three. Same “learning” category: I actually enjoy legumes, oat-based cereals, and getting more exercise, and good news: so does my cholesterol score. Four. From January through April and into May, I dream about the warm days in June (ha! that's a pipe dream, and the reason for the invention of the Spring Sweatshirt), July, and August. Here are the things I always forget: the tenacity of the smells of bug repellant and sunscreen, the fact ...

As I mentioned last month , sometimes it feels difficult to be a person on the internet in an age of war, climate catastrophe, and the erosion of democracy.  I've been working on various concrete projects, the kind with endings, and also the cycle of nurture that life requires. From refilling prescriptions and attending annual appointments to mowing and lopping and chainsawing. (Not enough cleaning, but that's normal for us.) Fortunately, I've also been able to spend time with other writers. Some are managing to keep creating new work; others aren't. Similarly, some of the "regular people" I also see worry more, while others manage those routines and projects as above.  I'm excited to be part of this event! Please come by! Regardless of where my acquaintances, friends, and family fall on the continuum of "can't do a thing" and "doing well, thanks," I'm glad to know. There's something reassuring about being in community. For ...