Lord, I Thank Thee That I Am Not As That Woman!

In the last week or so, in reaction to my posts about Helen Andrews’ latest anti-feminist pronouncements, I have received numerous assurances from my male cyber-friends that I, Hypatia, am not a typical woman! Not “typical”, not “average”. “Alone of all her sex” like the BVM and also like the wives of these gents , … Continue reading Lord, I Thank Thee That I Am Not As That Woman! →

For My Belovèd Dead

I came across this poem in the course of destroying my handwritten journals: : Time has gone by. And I see I expected too much. SO: I never will see you, or touch you or hear you, again. Though I begged for a sign, just a flutter, a gossamer touch, Even YOU can’t, or won’t, … Continue reading For My Belovèd Dead →

À Rebours!

That’s the title of JK Huysman’s 1884 novel about the Decadent movement, usually translated as “Against the Grain” or “Against Nature”. It’s a delightful very funny (IMHO) read. But I thought of the phrase “against nature” when I heard of the student riots in France this week. High school students rioting and setting fires because … Continue reading À Rebours! →

Pocono Parade

Dandelion, hawkweed, daisies, clover, milkweed, brown-eyed Susan, butter’n’eggs, goldenrod, Queen Anne’s lace. This, as near as I can call to mind, is the seasonal procession of wildflowers here on our Plateau. We’re already at the last stage! The fields are egg-yolk yellow with goldenrod (but it’s beginning to brown), and dotted with the greeny-white celadon … Continue reading Pocono Parade →