Eighteen years ago today commercial airplanes were hijacked and flown into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania. I remember exactly where I was while it was happening and how I ended up spending the rest of that day, which has been seared into into my memory … Continue reading Reflections on 9/11
Author: Cathy Standiford
Cathy Standiford writes fiction, poetry, essays on social justice and gender inequality, and the occasional song. Currently she is working on a historical novel inspired by her husband's grandmother, a refugee from the Armenian genocide.
Where Have You Been, Activist Poet?
Yes, I know. It's been months and months since I posted anything. To be honest, I've been wrestling with several questions about my writing and where it is headed. Originally, I created this blog to provide a space to push out my poetry. Then I started worrying that posting it here might make it less … Continue reading Where Have You Been, Activist Poet?
Why Wait?
The extra week between Thanksgiving and Christmas allowed me to settle on goals for the upcoming year a little earlier than usual. And now that I'm committed to them, I kind of want to get started instead of waiting for January 1 (or 5th, the day after my birthday). The motivation and inspiration I'm feeling … Continue reading Why Wait?
Be Bold and Speak the Truth
Sometimes another writer's work is so close to my own thinking, I can't help but wonder if they have been secretly hanging out inside my head. This week's "WRighteous" column by Amy Ferris is one of those pieces. I envy her boldness, her directness, her ability to capture the multiple contradictions so evident in our divided … Continue reading Be Bold and Speak the Truth
Signs of Change
Seasonal changes are subtle in southern California, but they do exist. Cooler evenings have finally arrived--there was even a bit of rain this morning. The most reliable sign that summer/fall is transitioning to fall/winter is the growing number of liquid amber leaves falling onto the patio. Fallen leaves signal changes to come as we … Continue reading Signs of Change
Blessings
Thanksgiving marks the beginning of my annual "season of reflection." From Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve, I spontaneously start evaluating the past year and planning for the year ahead. I think about what brings me joy, and start letting go of the things that don't so I have more time for the things that do. … Continue reading Blessings
“These Are Not Times to Hide”
I've been so overwhelmed lately. Overwhelmed by the violence. Overwhelmed by the hate. Overwhelmed by both the "ends justify the means" political rhetoric of the man who sits in the White House and the complicit silence of Republican leaders in response. I'm an introvert, so my natural tendency when overwhelmed is to retreat. But as … Continue reading “These Are Not Times to Hide”
Tired from the Week? Try Being Still.
It's Friday and I'm tired. On days like these it's hard to write, hard to do anything except (a) think about when I may be able to fit in a nap or (b) find a quiet place to watch nature do its thing. When I take the time to be still, I experience some pretty … Continue reading Tired from the Week? Try Being Still.
Releasing the Rage
I learned to suppress my emotions at an early age. My mother was a master at such suppression and I was determined not to replicate my father's explosive temperament. For too long, women have been criticized for being "too emotional," as if passionate feelings are a bad thing. Such criticism continues to be a primary … Continue reading Releasing the Rage
Your Vote Is Your Voice
Sometimes I have trouble finding my voice as a writer--until something really bothers me. It is then, in the midst of frustration, anger, disappointment, sadness, disbelief, shock...that words flow almost effortlessly from my pen to paper. Writing is one way I use my voice. Voting is another. You may have heard that there's an election … Continue reading Your Vote Is Your Voice
Cathy Standiford 