It’s August In Osage County Every Day

It’s August In Osage County Every Day

Holy Hannah. Can you spell d-y-s-f-u-n-c-t-i-o-n and m-i-s-e-r-y? I want to think the main characters in this movie are just cinematic creations—the vitriolic pill-popping Violet and her three daughters—tight-jawed, unforgiving Barbara, quietly wounded, faithful Ivy,...
Into the Dark

Into the Dark

Google “darkness” and all sorts of sinister pictures show up. Of course, there’s always a point of light in the darkness—a candle, an open doorway filled with light—because without contrast there’d be no picture at all. If everything is light—if I don’t put something...
The Power of Being Vulnerable

The Power of Being Vulnerable

This vulnerable place. How do I protect it? Nourish it? The old me wants to pull the shutters, withdraw to safety and shut down. She wants to throw up defenses and barriers and pretend not to care so much—and definitely not feel so much. The new me stands facing a...
The Mockingjay Leading A Feminine Revolution

The Mockingjay Leading A Feminine Revolution

It’s easy to look at Katniss Everdeen’s leather outfits, her warrior stance, her bravery and her killer archery skills and think “feminist.” But that—as are most conversations about and references to feminism—is totally missing the point. The astonishing thing about...
Why Women Are Drinking More

Why Women Are Drinking More

Women are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety and depression as men, and the higher their education and income level, the more likely they are to treat their symptoms with alcohol. Drunk driving arrests are skyrocketing and record numbers of women are seeking...