April 2025
We are all going to be hurt by what’s happening in our country right now. When I first drafted this note, one of the main issues was the illegal, mass firing of federal employees. The situation is devolving. The news is full of even more concerning actions, each more outrageous than the last.
It’s oddly disconcerting how many aspects of daily life remain unchanged.
For now.
It won’t continue this way. Here’s an analogy based on my lived experience:
I take medicine for rheumatoid arthritis. It keeps me moving. In fact, it keeps me functioning so well that I can almost forget I have a chronic illness. I’m fine as long as my meds are chugging away in the background. If I stopped taking my pills, I’d be okay for a few weeks, maybe as long as six.
After that, the aches and pains would come. The pains would arrive slowly and randomly at first but would grow over time until it’s everywhere and unrelenting. I would ache so badly, that eventually, I wouldn’t be able to function. And the longer I stayed in a nearly-paralyzed state, the more irreparable damage I’d cause my body.
So what do we do?
Rebecca Solnit has a suggestion. She writes, “I think we’re months away from catastrophe on all fronts, and for quite a lot of us--immigrants, refugees, federal employees--the catastrophe is here. I also think we’re going to need some very strong public action. Which may arise more or less spontaneously, or at least catch on like wildfire but preparing for it imaginatively and otherwise might be a good idea.”
Which reminds me, have you read this book* yet? Let’s talk about it!
*Or the paperback version with its more optimistic subtitle. After all, it’s way too early to give up hope.
Mother’s Day, But Make It Weird
This will be an evening of hilarious, awkward, and slightly uncomfortable stories about motherhood. It will be held at Morton Grove’s new Cafe 44.
Next up on the storytelling front: Hot Flashes & Fierce Tales: Stories from Menopause, Midlife, and Beyond will take place on Wednesday, June 4 at Secret World Books. Do you have a story to share in June or at a future show? Let us know! The cast is still coming together, but we know it’s going to be a great time. Buy your ticket now.
After that, Stories of Life and Love will be back on July 16.
We Have The Best Words
He never had “the best words.” In fact, he has banned many of them when it comes to government spending and research. These word bans endanger lives. They negatively impact science, medical research, equity work, and more.
Join me in a communal effort to highlight and celebrate the 200 words that are so powerful the current administration can’t bear to see them.
This weekend is the last chance to paint Best Words rocks with me! I’ll be at Secret World Books, 1774 2nd Street in Highland Park, on Saturday, April 19 from 11-1.
Afterward, intrepid volunteers and I will arrange 100 or so rocks with the best words in the bookshop’s Secret Garden out back. Go visit the installation on Independent Bookstore Day, April 26!
Crafting Your Climate Message with Chicago Environmentalists and Scrappy Affirmations!
Wednesday, April 16, from 6:30-8:30 at The Eco Flamingo, a zero-waste general store at 4750 North Rockwell Street in Chicago. Tickets here.
Story Jam Studio: The Writing Room
I’m thrilled to help kick off the new Wednesday group session of Story Jam Studio’s The Writing Room on May 7. I’ll also be work with the Friday group that starts on May 9. This six-week program is great for new and experienced writers, anyone who is looking to hone their personal narrative skills.
Until Next Time
A handful of truly awe-full photos.