Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #512 - Christmas with Cousins 1984

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #512 - Christmas with Cousins 1984 - Photo Series One #10

Hi Mom,

Here's a great picture of my cousins: Lois (left); Ward, Jr. (center); possibly his girlfriend and later wife Amy (but I am not sure); my sister, Lori (right); Aunt Brenda (farther right), Lois and Ward's Mom; and me in the front.

In December of 1984, I had just finished my senior Fall at K-College and was planning to leave for New York in a few weeks on my internship at Marvel Comics.

I know you would proud of me sharing a photo of your family, Mom.

I don't have as much contact with Lois these days, but I interact with Ward quite a bit. This is very cool picture of the both of them, and of my sister, who is 15 when this was taken.

I wonder when these family gatherings changed so we were not relegated to sitting at the "kids table" and could eat with the adults?

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Reflect and connect.

Have someone give you a kiss, and tell you that I love you.

I miss you so very much, Mom.

Talk to you tomorrow, Mom.

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- Days ago = 514 days ago

- Bloggery committed by chris tower - 1611.30 - 10:10

NOTE on time: When I post late, I had been posting at 7:10 a.m. because Google is on Pacific Time, and so this is really 10:10 EDT. However, it still shows up on the blog in Pacific time. So, I am going to start posting at 10:10 a.m. Pacific time, intending this to be 10:10 Eastern time. I know this only matters to me, and to you, Mom. But I am not going back and changing all the 7:10 a.m. times. But I will run this note for a while. Mom, you know that I am posting at 10:10 a.m. often because this is the time of your death.

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #511 - Boating 1966

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #511 - Boating 1966 - Photo Series One #9

Hi Mom,

So, following my question from yesterday, apparently, I could still sit on your lap at 4 1/2 years of age.

Here we are on Tug's (Dad's boyhood friend's) boat on Lake Michigan.

I am using a cone of paper to better here to churn of the motor through the water? Not sure.
Those are the same sunglasses as in my favorite picture of us, shared here (left).

I find it interesting that you are not wearing a scarf on this boat in what must have some significant air flow, though one cannot tell by looking at either of our hair. And that flag, it's not fluttering.

Maybe the boat is not moving very fast and the spray looks bigger because of the longer time the shutter on this camera needed to be open to take the picture. If there's no wind and not a great rush of air, perhaps you would not have worn a scarf.


I like to see us going places together, Mom.

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Reflect and connect.

Have someone give you a kiss, and tell you that I love you.

I miss you so very much, Mom.

Talk to you tomorrow, Mom.

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- Days ago = 513 days ago

- Bloggery committed by chris tower - 1611.29

NOTE on time: When I post late, I had been posting at 7:10 a.m. because Google is on Pacific Time, and so this is really 10:10 EDT. However, it still shows up on the blog in Pacific time. So, I am going to start posting at 10:10 a.m. Pacific time, intending this to be 10:10 Eastern time. I know this only matters to me, and to you, Mom. But I am not going back and changing all the 7:10 a.m. times. But I will run this note for a while. Mom, you know that I am posting at 10:10 a.m. often because this is the time of your death.

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #510 - First Birthday, January 19, 1963

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #510 - First Birthday, January 19, 1963 - Photo Series One #8

Hi Mom,

Here's a photo from my first birthday.

I am holding that clown candle that you set on the table on my birthday each year. I did not realize that it was given to me on my first birthday. This is another discussion we should have had. I am inclined to want to continue your traditions, the ones you created to make my birthday special. This is a subject (birthdays) that I have written about before on this and my T-shirt blog many times. Those interested can search or explore the birthdays category.

This clown candle and the other year-by-year age were constant center pieces on the birthday table, even through most of my 20s and 30s, before the meningitis compromised your ability to set the table.

And it looks like Dad got a color camera. Or was using his father's for this photo. This photo was taken in our house trailer because those are your cook books on the shelf behind us, and I remember that wicker chair quite well.

The little hat I am wearing blends with your blouse, but if you look closely, you can make out the tip of the conical hat.

In the kitchen beyond the planter, I can see the evidence of pots and cooking.

We can also clearly see your wedding ring, which you always wore.

Had we been looking at this photo album together, I would have asked you if the clown candle that we kept was this one or if you replaced it. I would have asked about your blouse, as I do not remember it. I would have asked what you had made for dinner that night. I would have asked when I got too heavy or too old to sit on your lap (surely years later as I am only one years old in this photo).

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Reflect and connect.

Have someone give you a kiss, and tell you that I love you.

I miss you so very much, Mom.

Talk to you tomorrow, Mom.

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- Days ago = 512 days ago

- Bloggery committed by chris tower - 1611.28 - 10:10

NOTE on time: When I post late, I had been posting at 7:10 a.m. because Google is on Pacific Time, and so this is really 10:10 EDT. However, it still shows up on the blog in Pacific time. So, I am going to start posting at 10:10 a.m. Pacific time, intending this to be 10:10 Eastern time. I know this only matters to me, and to you, Mom. But I am not going back and changing all the 7:10 a.m. times. But I will run this note for a while. Mom, you know that I am posting at 10:10 a.m. often because this is the time of your death.

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #509 - Cubs Trip March 11, 1972

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #509 - Cubs Trip March 11, 1972 - by Giftloft- photo series one #7

Hi Mom,

Here's our Cub Scout Troop by a historic landmark that you noted on the photo as "by the Giftloft," as that was how you remembered it, rather than the Kalamazoo Celery Flats landmark.

I remember that the boy on the far left was named Vince. The rest I do not remember, and you did not list their names on the photo. Somewhere in your files, I am sure there is a roster, but I may not be able to match names and faces. School photos may help.

I do think it's significant that in this picture, taken in March, I am the only one wearing gloves, and I may be the only one in boots. Those are some serious rubber boots I have on, as one can see from my right leg with the pants hiked up. There's also only three of us wearing the Cub hat.

I am also wondering if I am wearing jeans or SNOW PANTS. There were many years of snow pants. The winter gear was quite extensive and surely part of the reason that I was ridiculed and bullied.

It is nice that you have your hand on my shoulder, Mom. I am also happy to see that my fellow Cubs have their arms around one another, including me. Things were not always so fillwed with goof fellow feeling and camaraderie.

It is nice to see that at this corner of Westnedge (as it becomes Park Street) and Crosstown Parkway that the bank building in the background still exists.

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Reflect and connect.

Have someone give you a kiss, and tell you that I love you.

I miss you so very much, Mom.

Talk to you tomorrow, Mom.

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- Days ago = 511 days ago

- Bloggery committed by chris tower - 1611.27 - 10:10

NOTE on time: When I post late, I had been posting at 7:10 a.m. because Google is on Pacific Time, and so this is really 10:10 EDT. However, it still shows up on the blog in Pacific time. So, I am going to start posting at 10:10 a.m. Pacific time, intending this to be 10:10 Eastern time. I know this only matters to me, and to you, Mom. But I am not going back and changing all the 7:10 a.m. times. But I will run this note for a while. Mom, you know that I am posting at 10:10 a.m. often because this is the time of your death.

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #508 - Tower Family 1966

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #508 - Tower Family 1966 - photo series one #6

Hi Mom,

So I talked with Dad about these photos in what for me is yesterday in the future as it's Friday December 2nd as I type these words.

We had no good answer for why this photo album was not accessible so we could review it in the last fifteen years of your life OR why more of these photos were not framed and on display.

What's the point of photos that are hidden away and preserved carefully but not seen?

Looks like we're getting ready for something here. A wedding? Church?

This picture was taken in Traverse City as I recognize those white birch trees, white like your immaculate dress and gloves.

You are so much the epitome of the Jackie Kennedy era, Mom. Well done.

Off to Turkeyville Christmas show with Dad today (the blog post today - Saturday - 11/26/16). We miss you.

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Reflect and connect.

Have someone give you a kiss, and tell you that I love you.

I miss you so very much, Mom.

Talk to you tomorrow, Mom.

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- Days ago = 510 days ago

- Bloggery committed by chris tower - 1611.26 - 10:10

NOTE on time: When I post late, I had been posting at 7:10 a.m. because Google is on Pacific Time, and so this is really 10:10 EDT. However, it still shows up on the blog in Pacific time. So, I am going to start posting at 10:10 a.m. Pacific time, intending this to be 10:10 Eastern time. I know this only matters to me, and to you, Mom. But I am not going back and changing all the 7:10 a.m. times. But I will run this note for a while. Mom, you know that I am posting at 10:10 a.m. often because this is the time of your death.

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #507 - Lori with Santa 1974

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #507 - Lori with Santa 1974 - photo series one #5

Hi Mom,

Here's a lovely tradition, visiting Santa.

I want to say we always did this visit the day after Christmas, but I may be wrong. This Santa was probably the one in the Gilmore's toy store that is where the Union exists today.

Lori is five years old in this picture.

Lori and I are close. We are seeing a play tomorrow night (in the future as I write this tomorrow is Dec. 2nd) as I have to review. It's the play she and Noel were in when they started dating.

Again, I wish I had asked more questions when you were still here with us for your memories of things like this.

Also, why was this not in our Rogue's Gallery?

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Reflect and connect.

Have someone give you a kiss, and tell you that I love you.

I miss you so very much, Mom.

Talk to you tomorrow, Mom.

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- Days ago = 509 days ago

- Bloggery committed by chris tower - 1611.25 - 10:10

NOTE on time: When I post late, I had been posting at 7:10 a.m. because Google is on Pacific Time, and so this is really 10:10 EDT. However, it still shows up on the blog in Pacific time. So, I am going to start posting at 10:10 a.m. Pacific time, intending this to be 10:10 Eastern time. I know this only matters to me, and to you, Mom. But I am not going back and changing all the 7:10 a.m. times. But I will run this note for a while. Mom, you know that I am posting at 10:10 a.m. often because this is the time of your death.

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #506 - Thanksgiving 2016

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #506 - Thanksgiving 2016

Hi Mom,

I don't have the picture Liesel took of our Thanksgiving this year, and I did not take pictures.

Below is last year's Thanksgiving post, which I am managing to get posted exactly a week later, so I am catching up, though it may not seem that way.

I made mashed potatoes and an Asian slaw and ramen salad.

A week later, I am still eating up leftovers.

I peeled potatoes "yesterday" (the day before Thanksgiving) while annoying Satchel by singing along to Bruce Springsteen that was playing loudly on the stereo.

I did you proud, Mom.

Thanksgiving 2011

Thanksgiving 2014

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #142 - Happy Thanksgiving, Mom

Hi Mom,

I could make this a really long entry. I am thinking a lot about you today.

The picture up top is from our first Thanksgiving in the St.Antoine house. The picture to the left of this text is from last year.

I am thankful for you, Mom. I am thankful for everything you gave me, taught me, showed me, and for your love, your appreciation, your show of pride, so much.

We enjoyed many Thanksgiving days together, and you were generally tolerant of my desire to keep football on TV.

I am thankful for my parents, my sister, my brother-in-law, my wife, my kids, my dog, my cat, so many things, people, and blessings.

I am thinking about how lucky I am, how grateful I am to the universe, to my wife, to you and Dad, Mom.

I wish you were here to kiss and show you how thankful I am.

I am missing you a lot this year.

I just want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.

And, no, I am not celebrating colonization and mass genocide. This holiday can also be just about family no matter what the original event.

I wish you were here, Mom.

Have someone give you a kiss, and tell you that I love you.

Talk to you tomorrow, Mom.

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- Days ago = 144 days ago


- Bloggery committed by chris tower - 1511.26 - 10:49


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Reflect and connect.

Have someone give you a kiss, and tell you that I love you.

I miss you so very much, Mom.

Talk to you tomorrow, Mom.

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- Days ago = 508 days ago

- Bloggery committed by chris tower - 1611.24 - 10:10

NOTE on time: When I post late, I had been posting at 7:10 a.m. because Google is on Pacific Time, and so this is really 10:10 EDT. However, it still shows up on the blog in Pacific time. So, I am going to start posting at 10:10 a.m. Pacific time, intending this to be 10:10 Eastern time. I know this only matters to me, and to you, Mom. But I am not going back and changing all the 7:10 a.m. times. But I will run this note for a while. Mom, you know that I am posting at 10:10 a.m. often because this is the time of your death.

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #505 - Thanksgiving 2016

the Last Thanksgiving - 2014

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #505 - Thanksgiving 2016

Hi Mom,

Here's a picture of our last Thanksgiving together in this house in 2014. Last year, Dad went to Lori's, and we went to the Creager's. This is the first Thanksgiving in this house since you died.

I miss you. I have been thinking about you a lot as I prepared meal ideas for this Thanksgiving. I am shopping today for last minute things and making mashed potatoes and a Thai slaw salad for tomorrow plus dinner for me and Liesel tonight.

However, my sadness at approaching this holiday has nothing to do with how behind I am on this blog. I considered  abandoning all the November entries up to today, but instead, I will make many simple posts to catch up. In fact, once I finish with the Salem trip and the Cubs win, I may roll out basic picture and comment posts with the exception of the election until I am caught up and can get back on my daily schedule.

The main thing keeping me from skipping over the 20 some posts that I am behind is entry #500, which falls during this time period and feels significant enough to me to warrant catching up.

I know it's not a new thing to say I miss you or to miss you in my heart, but it's especially sharp-edged around this time because of this holiday.

But it helps to feel you watching, Mom. Thanks.

I am thankful for you and all the time we had together.

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Reflect and connect.

Have someone give you a kiss, and tell you that I love you.

I miss you so very much, Mom.

Talk to you tomorrow, Mom.

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- Days ago = 507 days ago

- Bloggery committed by chris tower - 1611.23 - 10:10

NOTE on time: When I post late, I had been posting at 7:10 a.m. because Google is on Pacific Time, and so this is really 10:10 EDT. However, it still shows up on the blog in Pacific time. So, I am going to start posting at 10:10 a.m. Pacific time, intending this to be 10:10 Eastern time. I know this only matters to me, and to you, Mom. But I am not going back and changing all the 7:10 a.m. times. But I will run this note for a while. Mom, you know that I am posting at 10:10 a.m. often because this is the time of your death.

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #504 - Me and Lori Jan-Feb 1972

Lori is 3 yrs old and I am 10 years old

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #504 - Me and Lori Jan-Feb 1972 - Photo Series One #4

Hi Mom,

It's fitting that I am emailing with Lori this morning as I write this post.

This is an excellent photo of me and Lori. I am also very happy to see Timmy, my first and favorite bear, in my arms with Pooh just out of the frame in the upper right.

I am sure this is how you liked to think of us, Mom.

It's a good memory, even though I slept through it.

Another that should have been framed and on display, eh?

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Reflect and connect.

Have someone give you a kiss, and tell you that I love you.

I miss you so very much, Mom.

Talk to you tomorrow, Mom.

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- Days ago = 506 days ago

- Bloggery committed by chris tower - 1611.22 - 10:10

NOTE on time: When I post late, I had been posting at 7:10 a.m. because Google is on Pacific Time, and so this is really 10:10 EDT. However, it still shows up on the blog in Pacific time. So, I am going to start posting at 10:10 a.m. Pacific time, intending this to be 10:10 Eastern time. I know this only matters to me, and to you, Mom. But I am not going back and changing all the 7:10 a.m. times. But I will run this note for a while. Mom, you know that I am posting at 10:10 a.m. often because this is the time of your death.

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother ##503 - Mom and me 3yrs 4months-May 1965

Mom and me 3yrs 4months-May 1965

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother ##503 - Mom and me 3yrs 4months-May 1965- photo series one #3

Hi Mom,

No Musical Monday today or next week either. I know about next week as I am still in the future and I have already passed next Monday.

I am really enjoying going through these old photos. My enjoyment is increased because I did not see them very often. Why was this photo album containing all these photos not on display? Or within easy reach? Why did I not get it out in the 15 years we won after you almost died, after you emerged from your coma, and review each photo so that I could glean your memories of these times before I can recount daily life? Why did I not make sure you explained every photo to me while you still had the power of clear speech? I worked diligently to preserve your mental capacity in those years because I knew what it meant that you had suffered brain damage. We did math. We practiced your handwriting. And yet, why did I not review all your memories of these photos documenting my childhood?

This one is frame worthy. I wonder why there were not more photos like this one in our "Rogue's Gallery" series of on display framed photos.

This photo was taken during the annual Memorial Day cemetery tour of your hometown and the surrounding towns to honor those loved ones who had passed away, primarily your mother. And yet, we both look so happy...

This blog is my memorial ritual for you, Mom.

This is the elegy song of my heart.

This is my pilgrimage to your memory, daily, ongoing, not ending.

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Reflect and connect.

Have someone give you a kiss, and tell you that I love you.

I miss you so very much, Mom.

Talk to you tomorrow, Mom.

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- Days ago = 505 days ago

- Bloggery committed by chris tower - 1611.21 - 10:10

NOTE on time: When I post late, I had been posting at 7:10 a.m. because Google is on Pacific Time, and so this is really 10:10 EDT. However, it still shows up on the blog in Pacific time. So, I am going to start posting at 10:10 a.m. Pacific time, intending this to be 10:10 Eastern time. I know this only matters to me, and to you, Mom. But I am not going back and changing all the 7:10 a.m. times. But I will run this note for a while. Mom, you know that I am posting at 10:10 a.m. often because this is the time of your death.

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #502 - The Tower Family - October 1962

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #502 - The Tower Family - October 1962- photo series one #2

Hi Mom,

I think this is one of my new favorite pictures of you and of us. I am nine months old according to your note, so that dates this photo as sometime in October of 1962.

I love the way you and Dad both are smiling and happy.

It looks like I barely held still long enough for the photo to be taken.

You were so gorgeous, Mom. And Dad... he's so handsome in this photo, AND actually smiling, which is rare.

We're such a beautiful family.

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Reflect and connect.

Have someone give you a kiss, and tell you that I love you.

I miss you so very much, Mom.

Talk to you tomorrow, Mom.

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- Days ago = 504 days ago

- Bloggery committed by chris tower - 1611.20 - 10:10

NOTE on time: When I post late, I had been posting at 7:10 a.m. because Google is on Pacific Time, and so this is really 10:10 EDT. However, it still shows up on the blog in Pacific time. So, I am going to start posting at 10:10 a.m. Pacific time, intending this to be 10:10 Eastern time. I know this only matters to me, and to you, Mom. But I am not going back and changing all the 7:10 a.m. times. But I will run this note for a while. Mom, you know that I am posting at 10:10 a.m. often because this is the time of your death.

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #501- January 29, 1962

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #501- January 29, 1962 - photo series one #1

Hi Mom,

Hey, check it out. First, I am excited that I found a bunch more old photos. Secondly, I am dedicated to a new plan to catch up, and it's called Photo Series One. This is the first installment. I have enough pictures in this series that I can both catch up and have easy posts to get me through the next two weeks as final grades and exams approach.

So, the thinking here with Photo Series One is to present photos one at a time and make a few short remarks about them, which is the length and format that I originally intended for this blog.

Here's one of our earliest pictures together. I am one week old, which means this photo was taken on or around January 29th, 1962. So long ago, and yet, not. It does not feel like that long ago unless I think about it.

I don't remember that robe you are wearing, so it must have gone away long before I have conscious memory.

I love the adoring and loving look on your face.

This is how I remember you, best, Mom.

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Reflect and connect.

Have someone give you a kiss, and tell you that I love you.

I miss you so very much, Mom.

Talk to you tomorrow, Mom.

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- Days ago = 503 days ago

- Bloggery committed by chris tower - 1611.19 - 10:10

NOTE on time: When I post late, I had been posting at 7:10 a.m. because Google is on Pacific Time, and so this is really 10:10 EDT. However, it still shows up on the blog in Pacific time. So, I am going to start posting at 10:10 a.m. Pacific time, intending this to be 10:10 Eastern time. I know this only matters to me, and to you, Mom. But I am not going back and changing all the 7:10 a.m. times. But I will run this note for a while. Mom, you know that I am posting at 10:10 a.m. often because this is the time of your death.

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #500 - Number 500

Mom with Lori
Lori = 3 months and 1 day old

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #500 - Number 500

Hi Mom,

I have been doing this blog for 500 days, which means you have been dead for 502 days.

This number seems inconceivable to me, but it shouldn't.

In my life I have lived through over 19,000 days so far. 500 days is not a significant portion of that number, which means I have lived more days with you alive than with you not alive.

You could not say the same in regards to your mother -- who died when you were 19 years old -- and then you went on to live to be almost 79 years old.

I have fallen behind on blog production, so I am writing this entry over a week later, but this falling behind has nothing to do with how I feel about you, Mom, or the difficult time I am having with missing you at this particular Thanksgiving (as I will describe in another post).

I am done with re-posting content for a while. My new plan for catching up involves about a week of posts of old photos of your family and as many with you as I can share. All new photos that I know I have not shared yet because I have not yet scanned them. These photos will make a tribute to 500 days of blogging and living without you that feels grand enough for that number.

500 days, Mom. I never thought I would make it this far without you.

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Reflect and connect.

Have someone give you a kiss, and tell you that I love you.

I miss you so very much, Mom.

Talk to you tomorrow, Mom.

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- Days ago = 502 days ago

- Bloggery committed by chris tower - 1611.18 - 10:10

NOTE on time: When I post late, I had been posting at 7:10 a.m. because Google is on Pacific Time, and so this is really 10:10 EDT. However, it still shows up on the blog in Pacific time. So, I am going to start posting at 10:10 a.m. Pacific time, intending this to be 10:10 Eastern time. I know this only matters to me, and to you, Mom. But I am not going back and changing all the 7:10 a.m. times. But I will run this note for a while. Mom, you know that I am posting at 10:10 a.m. often because this is the time of your death.

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #499 - What just happened? From Bitch Magazine

Hey, Mom! Talking to My Mother #499 - What just happened? From Bitch Magazine

Hi Mom, Still in catch up mode, but I have caught up A LOT since yesterday. People who have my Twitter may be unhappy with the flood of messages, but it's unusual for me to have so much activity.

Even though I am back at work today (which is Monday 11/28 as I type), I am trying to stagger work and making blog entries to be all caught up early this week.

So here's a re-post, but it's a good one, and it seems worthy of post number 499.

This seems to be the question many of us are asking.

What the %$$#@#@!! just happened?

WHAT JUST HAPPENED? President-elect Trump

OUR  TAKE Watching Donald Trump become president-elect fills us with horror. But this is not the time to turn inward. This is the time when we have to turn out. We have to be here for each other. We have to show up. Donald Trump built his campaign on isolationism. On fear of each other. On driving a wedge between people. Our greatest power comes from resisting that, from reaching out to support each other. We will stay angry, but we will also love harder. Our only choice for survival, for progress, and for equality is to live our truths as fiercely as possible, and hold each other accountable. Bitch is here to support and amplify those intersectional truths. In the face of institutionally-sanctioned bigotry, we are here to declare one thing: Bitch is here, and we aren't going anywhere. Our work to provide and encourage a feminist response to pop culture and the mainstream media continues. Our community will endure. And we will stay and fight. We hope that you will find the readings, actions, and resources we've selected helpful and resonant. We are here for our community. Please tell us what you need. MEDIA ROUNDUP This is what white supremacy looks like. [The Nation] What does President Trump mean for feminists? [The Washington Post] Students are staging mass walkouts all over the country. [Fusion] President Trump is a disaster for transgender people. [Fusion] Read this amazing statement of resistance that Latinx leaders in California wrote after Trump’s win. [Fusion] Here is what President Trump wants to do in his first 100 days. [NPR] Women of color notched historic wins in this election. [Rewire] WHAT YOU CAN DO SO FAR Read the NAACP’s election statement.  Learn how bystanders can fight back against harassment. Don’t just grieve for immigrants—fight for immigrants. [The Nation]  Check in on your friends and family. Watch Samantha Bee pointing out how Trump won.    We read articles from Bitch magazine live all day over on our Facebook yesterday, if you want a place to hear feminist voices and feel connected. Pledge to support women of color leaders.  Take care of yourself. Here are some self-care tips.  Consider giving to a group on this list of pro-women, pro-immigrant, pro-Earth, anti-bigotry organizations that need your support.  WHAT SHOULD BITCH DO? We are here for our community. If there’s anything you want to know more about, let us know.

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Dear Bitch Community Member, We called ourselves Bitch because we are bold. Because we believe that the things that are thrown at us to tear us down are the things we can use to bring ourselves back up. Because we believe that words matter, and the words we use to define ourselves make us stronger. We're afraid of the very real violence, hatred, and bigotry that have long faced anyone who is labeled as Other, and that things will likely get worse before they get better. But we also believe that our only choice for survival, for progress, and for equality is to live our truths as fiercely as possible, and hold each other accountable. Bitch is here to support and amplify those intersectional truths. Today, in the face of institutionally-sanctioned bigotry, we are here to declare one thing: Bitch is here, and we aren't going anywhere. Our work to provide and encourage a feminist response to pop culture and the mainstream media continues. Our community will endure. And we will stay and fight. We don't have the answers right now, but we know that we'll find them in our community. Today, we are livestreaming all day on Facebook, reading issue after issue of Bitch magazine to our readers and listeners so that our sense of community can reach beyond the walls of ourselves, of our HQ, and of our country. Please join us. We also believe that living our truths means supporting the causes that espouse ideas and programs that are essential to policies and practices that promote acceptance and inclusion of all humans. The next four years are going to be scary. This isn't the only thing you'll hear from us today, it's just the first thing. We will be here and we know you will be too.

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Reflect and connect.

Have someone give you a kiss, and tell you that I love you.

I miss you so very much, Mom.

Talk to you tomorrow, Mom.

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- Days ago = 501 days ago

- Bloggery committed by chris tower - 1611.17 - 10:10

NOTE on time: When I post late, I had been posting at 7:10 a.m. because Google is on Pacific Time, and so this is really 10:10 EDT. However, it still shows up on the blog in Pacific time. So, I am going to start posting at 10:10 a.m. Pacific time, intending this to be 10:10 Eastern time. I know this only matters to me, and to you, Mom. But I am not going back and changing all the 7:10 a.m. times. But I will run this note for a while. Mom, you know that I am posting at 10:10 a.m. often because this is the time of your death.