Angie Gustafson

For the last four years I have been turning my attention away from the news, at least any news pertaining to Trump.  I have done this instinctually, as self-preservation.  The only way to take away a narcissist’s power is to not give them your attention.  But of course I have failed.  Because to turn away…

I worked as a census enumerator for one month.   Before my training for the job began, I took an oath of data privacy, which means I am sworn to secrecy for life not to divulge any personal information about the people that I interviewed.  I mention this now to assure you that nothing I am…

In her heart-wrenchingly poignant song, “The Joke”, Brandi Carlile sings these words: You get discouraged, don’t you, girl? It’s your brother’s world for while longer We gotta dance with the devil on a river To beat the stream Call it living the dream, call it kicking the ladder These are words that every woman can…

This week my husband and I are celebrating our 15th anniversary.  My marriage has been for me a catalyst of change, renewal, and growth.  The vows we made at the beginning of our marriage were to endeavor to establish an equal union…a partnership that values and empowers both participants, resulting in increased intimacy, security, and…

This week Aubrey will finish her last few days of online learning.  The statewide stay-at-home order has lifted and places that were closed for the last couple months are beginning to gradually reopen.  We have made some summer plans that will include a few simple, safe vacations as well as a lot of outdoor activities…

People revere libraries.  They speak of them with glowing praise.  They treat them like sacred spaces, havens of comfort and light.  When good news is needed, turning focus to the activities of libraries and librarians brings people joy.   Although public libraries are secular entities, the history of libraries is rooted in religion and the preservation…

The practice quarantine has ended.  And let me tell you, for such a short period of time, it was quite a ride. Thankfully, my symptoms never worsened.  I felt waves of fatigue, minor nausea, what felt like the onset of a minor fever, but my temperature continued to read as normal and with rest I…

This morning Trevor and I decided to do a practice quarantine for the weekend.  I have not been feeling well since yesterday evening.  I haven’t registered a fever or any respiratory symptoms, but my energy is low.  I feel a fatigue that is similar to how I usually feel during an average cold, but without…

We’re a full month into our stay-at-home experience.  Here are some of the things that are bringing continuity and enjoyment to our days. Doctor Who We got Aubrey hooked on Doctor Who a few years ago when we showed her some of our favorite episodes.  Just before the local library closed in March I managed…