by Barbara Smith | Jun 13, 2020 | Understanding the Times
As week twelve (or is it thirteen?) begins, and the pandemic continues amidst sporadic social pandemonium current events are crazier. I hoped maybe current events would round a corner today, and we’d be on a better page of history. But, no. I think this meme says it... 
by Barbara Smith | May 28, 2020 | Understanding the Times
On top of the pandemic and economic woes, now we face murder, rioting and looting. It’s like waking up to the headlines of 1968, 24/7. Four policemen took the life of an African-American man, George Floyd ,while a bystander filmed it. Violence erupted . . . All the... 
by Barbara Smith | Oct 3, 2019 | Understanding the Times
Distilling Current Events into a Cup of Cold Water Our flowerbeds look like a lost cause. So did a painting I tried to finish. It was a lost cause, not worth redeeming. I was about to toss it, when I remembered the encouragement my former teacher and friend, Tori... 
by Barbara Smith | Jan 15, 2018 | Understanding the Times
Dr. King Burst My Bubble Thank God! I grew up in a bubble – a community of well-built houses that were the American dream of mid-century America. Stoneleigh in Baltimore County, had its own elementary school and swimming pool, and dozens of tree lined streets,... 
by Barbara Smith | Aug 23, 2017 | Personal Pigeonholes
Anger is Not a Safe Traveling Companion Anger is one letter short of danger, a wise person observed. Rarely has anger ever taken me where I wanted to go. Anger can put my brain on hold; narrow my field to vision to the annoyance at hand, and alas, opens my mouth....