I followed Katie Britt’s career from afar, confident that I would hear our name on bigger and bigger stages. As the protege of former Democrat Richard Shelby, she seemed poised to reject the far right in favor of a more sensible conservatism. She’s noted for making friends with John Fetterman at a time when Republicans and Democrats rarely have a kind word for each other. That’s about as good as one can expect from a Republican, and part of me hoped she had the ambition, experience, and wisdom to fight for a more sensible political landscape.
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Xanaduing My Best: An Introduction
My gardening goals have changed from season to season and year to year. My reasons for growing and landscaping have included everything from solving drainage issues, to supporting wildlife, to growing food and a hundred other purposes. My intentions have changed as my knowledge has grown, but my overarching desire has always been to walk out of my home and enjoy the abundance of nature. A personal paradise. A Midwest Xanadu.
In Review: Once Were Brothers
I love The Band. This blog is named after a song by The Band. My username is based on a song by The Band. Fans of The Band feel a little on the outside. The Band’s moment in the spotlight was short and unusual, and they don’t get the fanfare that many of their contemporaries … Continue reading In Review: Once Were Brothers
Becoming a Cyclist: My Setup
I picked my bike out of a rewards catalog, so I only had one decision to make: a horizontal top tube (aka a “boy’s bike”), or a sloping top tube (aka a “girl’s bike”). Thank goodness I didn’t have to make any more decisions, because I spent the next three months comparing and considering and … Continue reading Becoming a Cyclist: My Setup
QueenHarvest’s 2018 Reading Recap
I had one goal for reading in 2018: enjoy it. I forced myself to read too many educational books in 2017 for no reason other than I should, and I did not want to wear myself down that way again. I believe I succeeded.
Queen Harvest’s 2017 Reading Recap
Early this year I followed Marie Kondo's advice and put every book I owned on the floor to be judged. I held every book and decided whether it brought me joy--if yes it stayed, if no it was discarded. Unfortunately, the joy a book brings can fluctuate based on all those words between the covers. … Continue reading Queen Harvest’s 2017 Reading Recap
2017: Third Quarter Note
I feel like several years have passed since the second quarter of 2017. For reference, in the last three months I have graduated with a master’s degree, left my job of over three years, and moved across the country to start my career in a new landscape and climate, where I know no one but … Continue reading 2017: Third Quarter Note
2017: Second Quarter Note
Since my First Quarter Note I have diligently, doggedly, at times reluctantly, maintained a rigorous schedule of listening to a new album of music each week. There have been difficult dry spells when I felt burned out (See Weeks 17-19) and times of glorious abundance when I had the world on a string (See Week … Continue reading 2017: Second Quarter Note
In Review: Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
I ought to warn you that this essay will contain spoilers for Wolf Hall (and lots of them), but I am not sure that this book can be spoiled. Wolf Hall is historical fiction, based on the actions of Henry VIII and his councilors surrounding the English Reformation. In addition to the king, the three … Continue reading In Review: Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Queen Harvest’s 2016 Reading Recap
I'm now in my second year of prioritizing reading as an adult, and I don't know how I let all those years before slip past. I used to have four or five TV shows in regular rotation, but I have spent the last three months just slowly rewatching Mad Men because TV isn't as important … Continue reading Queen Harvest’s 2016 Reading Recap
Put It In Your Hat 