A particular form of story popular in the Victorian era became known as the “penny dreadful,” which tells you pretty much everything you need to know about it. Often these stories, detailing lurid crimes or scandalous activities, were cheaply printed so as to be available for a penny to a mass audience. They weren’t intended... Continue Reading →
Over the holidays, the cats and dogs got up to mischief. In particular, Ruby, the Springer Spaniel belonging to my good friend and fellow writer Lisa Meltzer Penn, sent a missive to my Tabby, Joshua. I almost didn't let him read it. But then I relented, and of course, he had to respond. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: First of all, what is with this “invitation” thing? Yeah, this dog “Ruby” may have started blogging a while ago but it was my human (I am not going to stoop to calling her my “mother”) who had the idea of an interspecies conversation. But I am big enough to overlook that.
When the days are lengthening, it is possible to believe that eternal expansion is possible, that whatever is happening now will continue, only better, and that life is always on the upswing.
![Auguste Renoir: Luncheon of the Boating Party [PUBLIC DOMAIN]](https://audreykalman.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/auguste-renoir-luncheon-of-the-boating-party-1.jpg?w=600)
There seems little to celebrate these days, and far too few ways to do so even if you have the inclination. Besides, the only kinds of parties you can have are those that happen outdoors, at a distance, or on a video conferencing app. So I thought it might be time for a blog party.
ac·count·a·bil·i·ty: an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions Over the past five (!) months, since I have been staying home more than going out, I have developed a new appreciation for a sometimes-overlooked writing tool: accountability. The first step in achieving any goal is articulating it to yourself. The... Continue Reading →
