Pat Taub
Sister Megan Rice, Celebrated Peace Activist
When I tuned into “Democracy Now,” earlier this week and heard Amy Goodman announce the death of peace activist Sister Megan Rice at 91, I was jolted into remembering that Sr. Megan had stayed with me in my Portland home three years ago when she was in town as a guest speaker for Peace Action Maine. When Sr. Megan entered my home, she gasped in recognition, saying her aunt had lived here when it was a nun’s residence. She rather playfully recounted that my historic property had ghosts. I was moved by her long history of social protest, which included breaking into nuclear sites, resulting in jail time in her 80’s. How fortunate I was to have crossed paths with this remarkable, unassuming, warm, funny woman.
Sister Megan Rice, by my front door, August, 2018
November Writing Challenge
This year I’ve decided to join the November national writing month challenge, where the goal is to write every day for the entire month of November with a goal of 50,000 words or 1600 per day! I’m hoping this challenge will help me move forward with my family memoir, which started out with a bang but got stalled. My objective is to record my family history for my grands and sons and families. At the moment my stories seem to bore them, but my hope is that they will turn to my written words once I depart this life.
“Sex Education” on Netflix
Recently I binged on “Sex Education,” a lively, comedic and moving British series about high school students coming to grips with their sexuality. I watched all three seasons, which never disappointed. Many series have trouble staying fresh, but not so for “Sex Education.” Plot twists kept coming among a brilliant cast of teens and adults.
Roast Chicken
One of my favorite rituals for ushering in fall is preparing my first roast chicken of the season, which I will do this weekend. For years I’ve been using Martha Stewart’s roast chicken recipe, where the chicken roasts on a bed of sweet onions, assuring fabulous onion gravy with all the richness of French onion soup.
Massage to the rescue
Having not had a massage since last March, I scheduled one for this week with a massage therapist recommended by a friend. My achy, arthritic body felt renewed when I climbed off the massage table. An added bonus was receiving exercises for my arthritic shoulder. Bodywork is so important as we age. I feel lucky to have this option.
