occasional posts by risa aratyr
thoughts, news, and items of writerly interest
A sweet few of you have wondered why I haven’t been blogging lately. I haven’t been blogging because we’re at a point where talking about anything except the spiraling nose-dive of American democracy is pointless, irrelevant, and a disservice to all those already suffering mightily under #45’s reign . . . and because I don’t … Read more Kassandra and Me
That we have our founding fathers to thank for the pithy phrase above is ample proof that the word-trio is not as inclusive as it might appear. The founding fathers were a small coterie of white guys. Almost to a man they were Christian, well-educated, owned property and/or businesses, and had served in the Continental … Read more We the People
Once on-board the Victoria Clipper, we were homeward bound. After another brief, but comfortable night at Castle Whiteside Airbnb, we headed to Seattle’s rather grim-looking King Street Station to catch the Coast Starlight. One of the Starlight’s many stops is Martinez, California – a town not far from Sonoma. Yet, for reasons that shall forever … Read more Riding the Rails – The Final Chapter
All I really needed from Seattle was a comfortable bed. I got that (super-comfy King-size, tons of pillows) and more. As we arrived late and had to leave early, we weren’t there long enough to enjoy most of Castle Whiteside’s comforts and amenities, but I did test out our room’s full-stretch, mini-swimming-pool tub and plush, … Read more O, Canada
I know we’ll be ok, my husband and I. I appreciate our friends’ frantic messages – get out now! stay safe! don’t hesitate to evacuate! – but really, no worries, sweethearts. Roy has some practice in fleeing property-threatening fires, and we are both skilled in the art of letting go of our home and all … Read more Sitting Here in Limbo