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Hello friends, Today is International Women’s Day. This day began in the US but shifted to an international project in 1911, as a way to uplift women’s rights and demand social and economic change. As you can imagine, women’s global rights in the early 20th century were sorely lacking. During late March of the year IWD was first celebrated, the terrible Triangle Factory Fire happened in New York, giving a stark reminder that the lives of working women were daily at stake. 140 women died—trapped inside the building—as a result of management negligence and lack of safety regulations. Most of them were Italian and Jewish immigrants. During a time when too many people’s rights are under attack, I want to honor all women working hard for themselves, their families, and their communities. I honor women doing labor organizing and community outreach. I honor cis and trans women, immigrant women, stay at home moms, women in the fields, women cleaning bathrooms, women running businesses, women making art… all women. I also honor every single person working for their rights and the rights of others right now. Whether you are a woman, nonbinary, or a man. Whether you labor with your hands, heart, or mind. I hope you find something to celebrate today, and someone to celebrate you. And I hope you are finding solidarity and support, wherever in the world you may be. Best Wishes — Thorn Fantasy Book Lovers: I'm part of this terrific StoryBundle featuring 38 fantasy books from 10 authors. You can get the whole thing for only $30, which is a steal! The bundle also benefits World Central Kitchen who continue to feed people around the globe: Fantasy StoryBundle
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Hello friends, Well… it’s been another eventful week here in the US and globally. In the midst of it all, I’m sure you’ve gone to work, worried about money or family or friends, dropped children off at school, cared for your elders, bought groceries… all of the ordinary things in life. I’m sure some of you have also been to community safety trainings, or attended vigils. Some of you have escaped for an hour or two into books, music, movies, or long walks. And that’s what we do, in...
Hello friends, It is early January. Another Gregorian calendar year. Outside my window, the sun shines after rain. Wisps of grey clouds hover low, kissing utility wires. It’s gorgeous outside, and feels still. The air is cold and soft with moisture. Crows call to one another, cars drive by. Tea steams its fragrance at my side. Today is another day to ponder, work, and plan. Today is another day to choose. What will you choose, repeatedly, this year? What do you plan? What might you build?...
Hello friends, Believe it or not—and despite the first paragraph—below are more thoughts about hope… As one Gregorian calendar year draws to a close, many of us are gazing into a highly volatile, uncertain future. The US economy seems to teeter on a precipice. With scant oversight and terrified or deported workers, our food supply is both compromised and costly. Environmental regulations are gutted. Families are rent apart. Too many people live in fear of what the next day will offer. This...