a little red hen: LIFELONG Learning

Churchless... when that's what you need--or the atheist's lament

The Reverend Norvel Goff speaks inside the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C. (Photograph: David Goldman/Pool/EPA via The Guardian Sunday, June 21, 2015)

What's missing for me today is a place to go. To be with others who share my sorrow. Who wonder how it has happened that so little progress has been made in my 80-plus years.

And it is not any church I want to be seated but a black church--preferably in my last neighborhood: Harlem. If I were back in New York City, citadel of diversity, it would be enough to sit inside my apartment, look out the window, watch black neighbors on their way to the many places of worship surrounding us.

If there, I could take the elevator to the street, encounter neighbors on their way to church perhaps. Or others like me who would share profound discomfort that our whiteness has brought us so much privilege and so little ability to change the racism that remains too present in America.

But I am here: Portland, Oregon, dazzling whiteland, a mostly-denied symbol of what an American state can achieve when it practices institutional racism to the nth degree. People like myself come from other places, keep asking the same question, which has led to a popular presentation by Walidah Imarisha, poet/educator/public intellectual--

"Why Aren't There More Black People in Oregon?"

Last night we spoke with our daughter and her spouse about the murder of nine black people in a Charleston, South Carolina, church earlier this week. It was the first time I'd had a conversation about it. We've discussed before how this limits our grandchildren's experience of the world around them. While baby-sitting, I read some from an article in the Oregon Historical Quarterly about black women who experienced discrimination during World War II while working had worked in shipyards. To my surprise and pleasure both girls, under ten years, had learned of the importance of Martin Luther King--and his work to improve the lives of all of us.

So I have passed my Sunday morning writing this post, re-discovered a 2006 photo-- a rainbow over Harlem-- hopefulness for African Americans and the rest of us trying to realize the true American dream.

Posted by a little red hen on June 21, 2015 in AMERICAN VIOLENCE, APPLIED Feminism, Everyday Politics, LIFELONG Learning, Portland, Oregon | Permalink | Comments (5)

Sending Quinoa Bread to Roxie

Here's the truth of this person's 80-plus life. Till a couple of years ago, days were full of busyness, yarn, and numerous ideas--many of them world-saving. Possibly all that took its toll. Not doing much lately.

Bread and the fascination with its variety gets my attention now. Mostly sourdough loaves. Past six months, my oven released one new recipe after another. Neighbors in my retirement community here in Portland were gracious about receiving a slice or more.

Then a new possibility. Cooking with the New York Times made me (and many, many others) an offer I could not refuse. I could apply to be "an early adopter" on the beta edition of their site. Quite puffed up with the thought that though aged, I understood the concept. I could comment on their recipes! Quite an opportunity for an opinionated old person.

Application accepted, my first effort was to look through our file of "saved recipes," find them on the Times site, write changes Ron or I had made, give one to five stars. As I was about to make my next loaf, thought to check out the "more that 17,000+ recipes." Many cakes, fewer breads, but one got my attention: Whole-Wheat Quinoa Bread. Uses dry yeast overnight sponge, is not sourdough.

While loaves were cooling our son called from New York with granddaughter Roxie on Facetime. Showed them the bread, "I'd like a slice," Nick said. An idea, a bit impractical. Why not mail the small loaf? Went online, found good advice at The Kitchn blog for wrapping and sending homemade bread.

Ron had a great interaction the next day at the P.O. with a Vietnamese post lady behind the counter. Worried about finding a reasonably-priced mailer, her no-nonsense reply, "No problem." She jammed the bread into a standard, large, white mailing envelope, reassured him "Your granddaughter will love it!" He thought it might arrive in crumbs. But no, the P.O. lady knew best. The following day our son emailed this darling picture. And Roxie did, indeed, love it.

Posted by a little red hen on April 21, 2015 in BREAD, the life, Distance Grandparenting, Food, In and Out, Grandmotherhood Now, LIFELONG Learning, New York City, Portland, Oregon | Permalink | Comments (2)

My Hillary rant--Brenda reminds me

Sitting in that chair last week. That iconic chair, one step away from therapy--or maybe instead of. Brenda raised the scissors. First, "So you want it shorter this time?"

Settling into my answer, "Where are you in the latest Hillary thing?"

I sigh. Immediately taken back to 2008, and disappointing my daughter by opting for Obama.

Back to Hillary and the sigh. Sure, a woman president would be transformative--for me, for the world, for our grandchildren. Because they would finally have to hear our voice. (link to "Speaking While Female" in January New York Times; read comments too).

Exchanging back and forth with Brenda, turns out we agree. Email controversy is a waste of time. But why does this very smart, competent woman so often get herself into struggles that lead to her being the beleaguered woman--unfairly attacked by detractors.

Then it occurred to me why I personally have a problem with Hillary.

Never as impressed as others, women and men, by what she said in Bejing in 1995. Something missing in her strong words to China, to the world about violence against women thriving when there's a

"crisis of silence and acquiescence"

Et tu, Hillary? It was at that moment, a very womanly one centered around the special-chair-ritual of beautifying through hair cut, that I said to Brenda. "It has always bothered me that she did not leave Bill Clinton." That she experienced this serial abuser by turning the other cheek, keeping this deceit going as an acceptable response for herself and as a model for her child.

"So," Brenda asked, "what else do you think she could have done?"

My answer, "Imagine, what a powerful message to women if she had left him!" Yes, it's a politically incorrect response. Only people with very different politics from mine are on my side--particularly Christian right wing, anti-abortion women. I shudder at the connection.

Okay. Maybe you can ignore the intractability of domestic abuse--physical/emotional/sexual/social/financial abuse, and its connection to gun violence. Not me. Yes, I live in Oregon with women as governor (not the first), Secretary of State, Speaker of the House. And yet the statistics for my county, Multnomah, the largest:

1 of every 7 women aged 18-64 was physically abused by an intimate partner during the past year.

Hillary could have sent the most important feminist message of her life by walking away. The woman I want for President will not be just another smart politician.

Posted by a little red hen on March 17, 2015 in AMERICAN VIOLENCE, APPLIED Feminism, Everyday Politics, Feminism, Grandmotherhood Now, LIFELONG Learning, Portland, Oregon | Permalink | Comments (10)

Another sourdough bread triumph gets blog moving...

Yesterday's satisfying Sourdough Bread with Cornmeal was a real triumph.

Though I have way too many bread cookbooks--several purchased in the last year and delightful to read/try--this time it was the Google that led to Israeli Kitchen because I'm a big fan of cornmeal.

To begin, I needed to refresh my starter. But then I put it off--back into the fridge. Finally, impatient with myself, made my move. I had to build up my starter to get a cup of the stuff. Perhaps it was my new oven thermometer that fueled my resolve. Now I could monitor my dinky stove with more accuracy. Whatever.

The recipe is so straightforward unlike some that seem to be testing one's resolve to figure out exactly why the writer makes the process complicated. One night, I mixed the sponge.* Next morning it looked as described, "...light, pocked with bubbles."

Began stirring in the added flour by hand, quickly realized it was time for the dough hook on my old, dependable Kitchen Aid mixer. Some days I wonder if the motor will continue to hold up, all these years later. Took a long time, produced an elastic well-kneaded, wet dough, almost impossible to handle, yet ready for shaping.

Wish Ron had been nearby to take photos. It was pretty hilarious as I turned the bowl on its side. With floured hands and the not-metal bread scraper which had seemed an indulgence when purchased (because the KA bowl is metal, did not want to scratch it up with usual scraper), I began to coax dough into the two 9 x 5 black metal loaf pans buttered up in preparation. In the last few minutes, Ron appeared, lifted the bowl up so the challenge could be completed.

Took less than two hours for the dough to rise to top of pans. Slashed the tops, into the oven. (Slasher is green plastic object "Matfer" with very sharp blade.) At the end of the recipe's suggested time, 30 minutes, followed an unusual direction, "...turn them upside down" for additional time. Clear when turned out of pans they needed more baking, so I did as suggested.

Result: Two pretty loaves, one with what appears to be a more decorative marking but is only the result of its position on oven shelf.

That night we ate some: delicious, even better the next day. Now to share with a person here and there who enjoys my efforts. Gives me an excuse to make two loaves, way more than this old couple needs!

*Used fine cornmeal, next time would do 1/2 cup of medium. Here's a very useful article that answers many questions about various cornmeal grinds.

Posted by a little red hen on December 20, 2014 in BREAD, the life, Food, In and Out, LIFELONG Learning, Portland, Oregon | Permalink | Comments (8)

Full Moon tonight...Ron Bloom Tapestry show tomorrow...

Something quite wonderful happens tomorrow. Ron Bloom will have his first show, "Weaving to Tapestry" here in Portland, Oregon, at Terwilliger Plaza where we live.

He began to spin wool on a wheel made of PVC pipe. That was in New York, 2002, after he enjoyed the craft at a weekend at the two-acre Shady Grove Farm in Apex, North Carolina. Judy Tysmans was a patient teacher. My article on his early adventures (including my being butted by a goat--twice--during sheep shearing) appeared in the book, For the Love of Knitting under the title, "The Accidental Spinner, or Husband Discovers Wheel."

Long trips upstate to Countrywool in Hudson, N.Y, provided his first spinning lessons with Claudia Kriniski. When we visited family in Portland, his instructor was Laurie Weinsoft. (Her daughter is now our internist). It was and is a moveable feast.

For a while, Ron focused on spinning for his hats. He purchased a finer, beautifully crafted yew wheel, from Wallace van Eaton at the Eugene, Oregon, Black Sheep Gathering on another visit west. Took it back to NYC. He made, continues to knit his own variations of a button hat. Next, Ron began weaving on a rigid heddle loom; Linda LaBelle was his first and most significant teacher at her studio in Brooklyn, N.Y. Weaver, yarn dyer and writer, Linda now lives in North Carolina, travels the world working with indigenous populations to reclaim their fiber crafts.

Sheila Hicks, the noted fiber artist, catapaulted him further into weaving and tapestry. Hicks' 2006 show, "Weaving as Metaphor," at Bard College moved him deeply. Walking through it many times, he recognized In Hicks' work his direction, experimented with weaving small pieces on 6 x 11" picture frames. Hicks sensibility about her work resonates for Ron: this is tapestry because I call it that.

Tomorrow, eight years later, Ron Bloom continues to explore--colors and a wider palette of yarns, abstract designs, a tenement building, the Brooklyn Bridge, masks. A work in progress.

In awe, I admire his work and believe tonight's full moon is filled with symbolism for my spouse, self-trained, latelife artist.

Posted by a little red hen on September 08, 2014 in Feminism, LIFELONG Learning, New York City, Portland, Oregon, Transformation, Yarn Life, Fiber Art | Permalink | Comments (4)

July to August...good personally

At the end of July, Bruce and Bob got married. Oh, well, you'll think, another gay wedding. Yes, but they live in our retirement community and that was a first here. A couple for a number of years, Bob and Bruce moved to Portland from Baltimore to be near Bob's daughter and family. Since we'd also lived in "Charm City," we were pleased our marketing people asked us to have dinner with them when they came to look over the place.

Though we'd not known the same people--Bruce (on the right) had been a UCC minister, Bob, an architect--we did known the same scene. They filled us in on the social/political changes since we'd left Baltimore in 1995 to move to New York.

The wedding was held in a local park near the Willamette River. Children from both their former marriages attended, many neighbors, friends from their church. And other marathon runners! Bob and Bruce set a high standard for latelife activity. The temperature was warm and breezy. Bruce made the blueberry-decorated cake, everyone brought food. It was a sweet and moving event. We felt privileged to share their legal ceremony.

A week later it was my 81st birthday. My friend Carolyn who put on my 80th last year (Bob and Bruce are in those photos) surprised me with a cake left serreptiously outside our door. Great synchronicity: August 5 was this year's National Night Out. I'd always wanted to go to one of these; a local neighborhood association was holding a picnic right across Terwilliger Boulevard in the park named for famous Oregon suffragist, Abigail Scott Duniway. How fitting for this old lady feminist.

Carolyn's cake was enjoyed by neighbors I'd never met--especially children and firemen too. My friend Sue won a door prize and I had a chance to show off my vintage cake carrier. Home before dark and cakeless!

Looking for links for this post, I happened upon Cyclotram, fascinating local blog with much on the history of Duniway Park-- once a gulch used as municipal garbage dump. My own history contains the experience of art-making with kitchen composting and the closing of the world's largest garbage dump, Fresh Kills in New York City. You live long enough and the world is one connection after another.

Posted by a little red hen on September 04, 2014 in APPLIED Feminism, Baltimore, Everyday Politics, Food, In and Out, Grandmotherhood Now, HOUSING OURSELVES, LIFELONG Learning, New York City, Portland, Oregon, Transformation | Permalink | Comments (3)

CRAFTS for protest: make your own IUD

Golly, if it had not been for that awful Supreme Court decision, would we have gone all creative, women. Little advertising at the front, followed by such helpful DIY instructions.

THANK YOU, HOBBY LOBBY!!

Isn't this a good time to pick up those needles and Knit a Condom Amulet? Choose from seven classic patterns developed by talented knitters.

Posted by a little red hen on July 11, 2014 in APPLIED Feminism, Everyday Politics, LIFELONG Learning, Little Red Hens, Safe Sex, Transformation, Yarn Life, Fiber Art | Permalink | Comments (0)

Splendid July Fourth + MayDay Pac reached its goal...

It was a beautifuly evening. Lucky Americans, we were invited to dinner and firework-watching on Sandy and Michael's deck. Rest of our family invited too--after their day of hiking around Mt. Hood.

Though we talked of several serious local issues--the sad state of schools in Portland was one--most of the time we laughed, watched the kids. As fireworks approached, our friend Michael appeared in the doorway with something to read.

"The Declaration of Independence." Zoe, almost nine, responded to his vigorous declamation, with arms and body moving in synch. We're sure she will remember this experience in her future.

Good talk, laughter. Thinking about politics and "What is worth doing?" as we considered the past week's troubling Supreme Court decisions.

...Returned home to learn that the MAY DAY PAC I'd been glad to support had achieved its goal. Raising the second five million dollars. Details at the link.

Do you remember this moment from March at the Supreme Court? A man from the group 99Rise spoke out at the hearing about Citizens United. There are brave people connecting the dots. One of those times I'd like to be young again.

Time to ask ourselves what we can do to nurture democracy. A question for every day for us lucky Americans.

Posted by a little red hen on July 06, 2014 in APPLIED Feminism, Everyday Politics, Food, In and Out, Grandmotherhood Now, LIFELONG Learning, Portland, Oregon | Permalink | Comments (3)

Blogging: too easy to malinger?

Couple of weeks ago, a friend and I talked about what it would take to get our juices flowing on writing. Write Around Portland, a workshop, seemed a fine toe dip into the water. Each of us had been to one of these "prompt" sessions in the past. Mine was five years ago when we first moved to Portland. Since then, been doing onlyl short form writing like this blog.

This morning we joined others at a table at the back room of Hot Lips Pizza--a facilitator plus five others. Two hours to jump start from the wish to the action. Very disciplined, various lengths of time to do the prompts--10 minutes, one minute.

We arrive too late for the first prompt, "stayed up too late." Think my favorite was near the end. Bunch of kitchen tools and hardware were spilled onto a table. We could take one-- or not. The nut pick made me think of jewelry-making, couple of ideas I've had but... Chose the prompt, "on their second attempt." In eight minutes--

A device that will move me on? Oh, I do look for the "it," the object, the key. Creativity is a bitch.

Once upon a time what was it? But back then I was too busy trying to get out. Out of the box. It sides were my time, my place, my gender. Only three sides--what were the others. Maybe a drawing will clarity. [drew two vertical lines, Time and Place, joined at bottom by horizontal unamed line, curved roof at top]

But gender seems to be a curve over the top of my uncompleted box. Needs work. More than a second attempt. Myself as the device needed.

######################################

Delightful experience, intense, the plain room filled up with word imagery. Took pleasure in listening to my friend's take, where the same prompt would lead her. Loved differences in the work by the women and men in the room --some funny, funny plus dark, sweetly relfective, poetic.

Do I have too good a life to write more--another play? So many pleasures (which I definitely believe I deserve on my less political days).

Only aging might prompt me, perhaps.

Posted by a little red hen on May 15, 2014 in Elderblogging, Everyday Politics, Feminism, LIFELONG Learning, Portland, Oregon | Permalink | Comments (3)

What Grandma Can Do for the Future

That was early morning--and grandmas in my circle encourage you to send Enviromental Action your support as they schlep our hundreds of thousands of petitions to President Obama.

[Illustration:Victor Juhasz for Rolling Stone, "Obama's Last Shot")

Because the world (and BIG OIL and climate deniers) would really have to pay serious attention to all of us EVERYDAY PEOPLE who know the clock is ticking, ticking...

Posted by a little red hen on April 25, 2014 in APPLIED Feminism, Everyday Politics, LIFELONG Learning, Transformation | Permalink | Comments (3)

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