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, Folklore tells us of magical cities and villages that appear out of nowhere, and disappear again. I like to think that these stories are rooted in real events and real communities. I myself, have found magic in such places, time and time again. Last week, I was off grid at a lovely camping event in a small valley surrounded by tree filled mountains. There was a creek, and on the forest paths, some community members had planted ceramic toadstools, squirrels embracing acorns, and...
Hello friends, As you read this, I'm out camping with friends outside of cell and wifi range. So, to simplify things this week, I'm leaving you one photo and a podcast! First, the photo. It's from one of those moments where I'm reminded, once again, amidst the very real horrors, how much I love this world. Just look at that bumblebee on those bright pink sweat pea flowers. Amazing, yes? Photo: Bumblebee on Sweetpeas Next, I wanted to share the latest episode of Magic, Creativity, and Life....
Hello friends, There’s an artist—or perhaps an arts collective—here in the Pacific Northwest that makes wooden dragon heads with glass teeth and jeweled eyes made of old CDs. The dragons are always painted in bold colors, and attached high up wood utility poles, so it seems as if they are roaring to the sky. I love that part. The roaring to the sky, part. I also love how bright and colorful these dragons are, and how carefully thought out, even if they are made of scraps of wood and outdated...