From thoughts about the signs in my yard, to a local small business owner launching an attack on my character (and then those who stepped in to defend me) based on a blog post of mine where I called out elected officials for their inaction and down-right rude behavior, I’ve heard plenty about my decision [...]
A good percentage of this week’s media coverage has been on Kavanaugh’s character. Rightly, so. The Supreme Court is a lifelong appointment. The Me Too Movement has created a space for those who have experienced unwanted advances or sexual assault to come forward; to feel less alone. I will admit that when I turned on [...]
I thought about mailing this to you, with no return address – I told one of my best friends about a week ago. Some weeks like this are hard… the weeks where it’s all over the news. Things that feel so real to me. Maybe it feels real to you too. That’s why I have [...]
It was all fun and games. Until it wasn’t. Coffee, lunch, phone calls, text messages. “Beth, how are you doing? Let me know if you need anything.” “Beth, I just wanted to tell you that your tenacity is inspirational.” Oooo this one’s my favorite: “Beth you’re such a great citizen lobbyist.” Mmm hmmm. Blah. Blah. [...]
I have many very vivid memories from childhood. But of all of them, the things I remember most stem from conversations at the dinner table with my family. Many of these conversations were about what we learned in school, sports we participated in, oh and religion and politics. Each evening began with prayer at our [...]
Whoever came up with the phrase, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me” was a liar. A few years ago, my therapist introduced me to Brené Brown. (Yes, I see a therapist, no I’m not “messed up” and I’ve already unpacked that box and owned it so let’s move [...]
(This is a picture of my brother David and I, circa 1989 aka the good 'ole days, playing by an open body of water, with ducks nearby and probably duck poop on the ground... we're still both alive in case anyone's wondering - oh and look there are pokey weeds how ever did we survive? [...]
Recently there has been a lot of straight up shenanigans going on and quite frankly it’s culminated in this lovely little literary gem. If you’re reading this and you’re offended, well congratulations and welcome to my world, because I’m offended too; in fact, I’m down right cranked off, so buckle up because I’m about to [...]
Since this legislative session began in Minnesota, I have spent over 20 days at the Capitol. What began as a movement to expose the inconsistency, targeting, and straight up bullying by the Department of Human Services towards privately owned child care providers, has turned into something far greater: I am standing up for my right [...]
Dear Friend, Today was hard. I struggle on days like today; wondering if I have a right to miss you… to be sad. Because it was me. I was the one who called the police. I was the one who said I feared that you may harm yourself. I was the one who rode in [...]
