Laura Blegen
@laurablegen.bsky.social
Writer.
Part-Time Bookkeeper
Part-Time Introvert.
Full-Time Goofball
laurablegen.com
Part-Time Bookkeeper
Part-Time Introvert.
Full-Time Goofball
laurablegen.com
Pinned
Laura Blegen
@laurablegen.bsky.social
· Aug 20
One of my fundamental beliefs is that very few human beings are evil.
Which doesn't mean we're not all (yes, all) capable of evil, but most of us have to be driven by tremendous fear or desperation before we will deliberately hurt people.
Unfortunately, fear is easy to manufacture.
Which doesn't mean we're not all (yes, all) capable of evil, but most of us have to be driven by tremendous fear or desperation before we will deliberately hurt people.
Unfortunately, fear is easy to manufacture.
You can learn so much about a person from how they treat other people.
It's useful when watching how your date treats baristas and servers.
It also applies to how public figures talk about children, whether those children need food, or are being forced to attend someone's depraved private party.
It's useful when watching how your date treats baristas and servers.
It also applies to how public figures talk about children, whether those children need food, or are being forced to attend someone's depraved private party.
November 13, 2025 at 4:00 PM
You can learn so much about a person from how they treat other people.
It's useful when watching how your date treats baristas and servers.
It also applies to how public figures talk about children, whether those children need food, or are being forced to attend someone's depraved private party.
It's useful when watching how your date treats baristas and servers.
It also applies to how public figures talk about children, whether those children need food, or are being forced to attend someone's depraved private party.
Reposted by Laura Blegen
Celebrate every win!
Judge rules mandatory detention of Chicago day care teacher by ICE is illegal
Judge rules mandatory detention of Chicago day care teacher by ICE is illegal
According to the ruling, Diana Santillana will be given a bond hearing in front of an immigration judge, who could order her released while her civil deportation case proceeds.
trib.al
November 12, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Celebrate every win!
Annual mammogram this morning. The waiting room is much busier than usual, and there's a woman here with her who is both underinsured and here for some definitely non-routine care.
So lots of paperwork on top of whatever emotional strain.
It's a perspective check, that's for sure.
So lots of paperwork on top of whatever emotional strain.
It's a perspective check, that's for sure.
November 12, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Annual mammogram this morning. The waiting room is much busier than usual, and there's a woman here with her who is both underinsured and here for some definitely non-routine care.
So lots of paperwork on top of whatever emotional strain.
It's a perspective check, that's for sure.
So lots of paperwork on top of whatever emotional strain.
It's a perspective check, that's for sure.
Husband used the phrase "an oldie but a goody" last night. (Ironically - we were talking about my insomnia, which is not a "goody" by any means.)
But that got me thinking... have we ever used "goody" in that sense in any other context? Or is just that one phrase? Where did it come from?
But that got me thinking... have we ever used "goody" in that sense in any other context? Or is just that one phrase? Where did it come from?
November 10, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Husband used the phrase "an oldie but a goody" last night. (Ironically - we were talking about my insomnia, which is not a "goody" by any means.)
But that got me thinking... have we ever used "goody" in that sense in any other context? Or is just that one phrase? Where did it come from?
But that got me thinking... have we ever used "goody" in that sense in any other context? Or is just that one phrase? Where did it come from?
Every time Lauren Boebert is in the news, I realize that yes, I CAN be more embarrassed for my state.
Every time.
Every time.
November 6, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Every time Lauren Boebert is in the news, I realize that yes, I CAN be more embarrassed for my state.
Every time.
Every time.
Yesterday, I had a profound moment of going from extremely irritated with someone to peace, because I took a moment to take a deep breath, and extend that person the grace they deserved.
It felt great, and I'd recommend it. Even if you are the person needing that moment of (self-) compassion.
It felt great, and I'd recommend it. Even if you are the person needing that moment of (self-) compassion.
November 5, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Yesterday, I had a profound moment of going from extremely irritated with someone to peace, because I took a moment to take a deep breath, and extend that person the grace they deserved.
It felt great, and I'd recommend it. Even if you are the person needing that moment of (self-) compassion.
It felt great, and I'd recommend it. Even if you are the person needing that moment of (self-) compassion.
Reposted by Laura Blegen
You should vote today so you can tell your grandkids what democracy was like.
November 4, 2025 at 4:53 PM
You should vote today so you can tell your grandkids what democracy was like.
I voted! This ends the thread following the progress of my mail-in ballot. (with a little color commentary along the way)
It's a great system, honestly. Every state should do this.
It's a great system, honestly. Every state should do this.
Okay, and at 5:47 pm today (Nov 3), I got the second email of this pair, indicating that my signature had been official verified, and my ballot has been counted.
I have, in fact, voted.
15/15
I have, in fact, voted.
15/15
November 4, 2025 at 1:03 AM
I voted! This ends the thread following the progress of my mail-in ballot. (with a little color commentary along the way)
It's a great system, honestly. Every state should do this.
It's a great system, honestly. Every state should do this.
I try not to be too much of a nag about this, but have you made your plan for voting yet?
As frustrated as some of us in the US may be with our national parties, they do pay attention to the numbers in off years like this. They will notice who is voting, and what they're voting for.
As frustrated as some of us in the US may be with our national parties, they do pay attention to the numbers in off years like this. They will notice who is voting, and what they're voting for.
Finally walked over to the ballot box today (Nov 2). Husband and I have a tradition of dropping off our ballots and then having dinner on the way home.
11/x
11/x
November 3, 2025 at 3:37 AM
I try not to be too much of a nag about this, but have you made your plan for voting yet?
As frustrated as some of us in the US may be with our national parties, they do pay attention to the numbers in off years like this. They will notice who is voting, and what they're voting for.
As frustrated as some of us in the US may be with our national parties, they do pay attention to the numbers in off years like this. They will notice who is voting, and what they're voting for.
Yes!! That's my congressperson right there!
October 31, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Yes!! That's my congressperson right there!
Just in time for Halloween - I've developed a strong fear of my own WIP.
October 31, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Just in time for Halloween - I've developed a strong fear of my own WIP.
I need someone to do me a favor: listen to an interview with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson without also watching it. (He was on Fresh Air last month if that's useful).
Tell me if you think he sounds like Barack Obama.
Tell me if you think he sounds like Barack Obama.
October 29, 2025 at 6:39 PM
I need someone to do me a favor: listen to an interview with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson without also watching it. (He was on Fresh Air last month if that's useful).
Tell me if you think he sounds like Barack Obama.
Tell me if you think he sounds like Barack Obama.
Reposted by Laura Blegen
I hope my fellow mayosapiens realize that any relative older than you is an aunt/uncle for a lot of folks.
But I also hope we all know that the real purpose of this “story” is to put Mamdani’s name in headlines next to the words “hijab” and “9/11” and evoke that implicit association dog whistle 👀
But I also hope we all know that the real purpose of this “story” is to put Mamdani’s name in headlines next to the words “hijab” and “9/11” and evoke that implicit association dog whistle 👀
October 28, 2025 at 10:10 PM
I hope my fellow mayosapiens realize that any relative older than you is an aunt/uncle for a lot of folks.
But I also hope we all know that the real purpose of this “story” is to put Mamdani’s name in headlines next to the words “hijab” and “9/11” and evoke that implicit association dog whistle 👀
But I also hope we all know that the real purpose of this “story” is to put Mamdani’s name in headlines next to the words “hijab” and “9/11” and evoke that implicit association dog whistle 👀
Seriously, y'all, I really miss the stickers. One of these years, I really need to fit this in...
Today (Oct 28) is early voting day, and my county is having a series of events where I could show up with my ballot and get an "I Voted" sticker!
Since my only real complaint about voting by mail is NOT getting a sticker, I really want to do this one year, but I don't have time today.
9/x
Since my only real complaint about voting by mail is NOT getting a sticker, I really want to do this one year, but I don't have time today.
9/x
October 28, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Seriously, y'all, I really miss the stickers. One of these years, I really need to fit this in...
According to my e-reader, I was only 5% into Structuring Life to Support Creativity when I had an unexpected insight into one of the ways I get in my own way. It wasn't even in one of the chapters that I *thought* I would benefit from.
Structuring Life to Support Creativity audiobook available for pre-ordering. Narrated by Mary Robinette Kowal.
(Ebook and paperback editions also available)
Releasing December 2025
structuring-life-to-...
(Ebook and paperback editions also available)
Releasing December 2025
structuring-life-to-...
October 27, 2025 at 10:44 PM
According to my e-reader, I was only 5% into Structuring Life to Support Creativity when I had an unexpected insight into one of the ways I get in my own way. It wasn't even in one of the chapters that I *thought* I would benefit from.
Oh, yeah, do that right away.
Also - while you're on that page, scroll down to look for other weird stuff. I found a phone game that I'd used for approximately 2 seconds about eight years ago was still storing stuff in my google drive. Gone, now.
Also - while you're on that page, scroll down to look for other weird stuff. I found a phone game that I'd used for approximately 2 seconds about eight years ago was still storing stuff in my google drive. Gone, now.
October 27, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Oh, yeah, do that right away.
Also - while you're on that page, scroll down to look for other weird stuff. I found a phone game that I'd used for approximately 2 seconds about eight years ago was still storing stuff in my google drive. Gone, now.
Also - while you're on that page, scroll down to look for other weird stuff. I found a phone game that I'd used for approximately 2 seconds about eight years ago was still storing stuff in my google drive. Gone, now.
Heather Cox Richardson makes a really good point about why we (US voters) should turn out for our (their) location elections THIS FALL.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEWi...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEWi...
What’s Happening in the White House and Across the Country Right Now | Explainer
YouTube video by Heather Cox Richardson
www.youtube.com
October 24, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Heather Cox Richardson makes a really good point about why we (US voters) should turn out for our (their) location elections THIS FALL.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEWi...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEWi...
Hope is a funny thing, not least because the word itself gets redefined every time someone wants to make a rhetorical point.
So at this point, I don't even know whether I want to let go of my hope, or cling tightly to it, but here's what I do know:
The marathon isn't over yet.
So at this point, I don't even know whether I want to let go of my hope, or cling tightly to it, but here's what I do know:
The marathon isn't over yet.
October 23, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Hope is a funny thing, not least because the word itself gets redefined every time someone wants to make a rhetorical point.
So at this point, I don't even know whether I want to let go of my hope, or cling tightly to it, but here's what I do know:
The marathon isn't over yet.
So at this point, I don't even know whether I want to let go of my hope, or cling tightly to it, but here's what I do know:
The marathon isn't over yet.
No actual movement on MY ballot this week (because it's still sitting on my kitchen island), but an update from the system itself...
Yesterday (Oct 22), I got a follow up email from my county elections division, with a link to follow if I hadn't received my ballot, which I would need to do by this coming Monday.
The email also has a link to an election information webinar this afternoon.
8/x
The email also has a link to an election information webinar this afternoon.
8/x
October 23, 2025 at 8:29 PM
No actual movement on MY ballot this week (because it's still sitting on my kitchen island), but an update from the system itself...
Back in 1998, discussing a political scandal of the moment, a smart person told me, "It's not the thing itself that I think makes him unqualified for office. It's the stupidity and lack of foresight in how he's responded to it."
And yeah. That's still a measure worth looking at.
And yeah. That's still a measure worth looking at.
October 22, 2025 at 10:15 PM
Back in 1998, discussing a political scandal of the moment, a smart person told me, "It's not the thing itself that I think makes him unqualified for office. It's the stupidity and lack of foresight in how he's responded to it."
And yeah. That's still a measure worth looking at.
And yeah. That's still a measure worth looking at.
I'm traveling today, so I won't be out in the crowds.
Be safe, friends.
Be safe, be joyous, be uncowed.
Be safe, friends.
Be safe, be joyous, be uncowed.
October 18, 2025 at 2:14 PM
I'm traveling today, so I won't be out in the crowds.
Be safe, friends.
Be safe, be joyous, be uncowed.
Be safe, friends.
Be safe, be joyous, be uncowed.
I'm in an inexplicably rotten mood this morning, and couldn't concentrate on ANYTHING, so I took a break to read a little bit of fiction, except sometimes fiction is more true than anything else in your life.
So here - have my morning gut punch:
So here - have my morning gut punch:
"We don't need better emotional communication from machines. We need people to have more empathy. The reason the Uncanny Valley exists is because humans created it to put other people into. It's how we justify killing each other."
All the Birds in the Sky
Charlie Jane Anders
All the Birds in the Sky
Charlie Jane Anders
October 17, 2025 at 4:04 PM
I'm in an inexplicably rotten mood this morning, and couldn't concentrate on ANYTHING, so I took a break to read a little bit of fiction, except sometimes fiction is more true than anything else in your life.
So here - have my morning gut punch:
So here - have my morning gut punch:
"We don't need better emotional communication from machines. We need people to have more empathy. The reason the Uncanny Valley exists is because humans created it to put other people into. It's how we justify killing each other."
All the Birds in the Sky
Charlie Jane Anders
All the Birds in the Sky
Charlie Jane Anders
October 17, 2025 at 4:03 PM
"We don't need better emotional communication from machines. We need people to have more empathy. The reason the Uncanny Valley exists is because humans created it to put other people into. It's how we justify killing each other."
All the Birds in the Sky
Charlie Jane Anders
All the Birds in the Sky
Charlie Jane Anders
Today's small joy was going for a beautiful autumn walk and not taking my phone.
I can't share any pictures on social media, but I assure you that this walk happened in real life where it was much more important.
I can't share any pictures on social media, but I assure you that this walk happened in real life where it was much more important.
October 15, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Today's small joy was going for a beautiful autumn walk and not taking my phone.
I can't share any pictures on social media, but I assure you that this walk happened in real life where it was much more important.
I can't share any pictures on social media, but I assure you that this walk happened in real life where it was much more important.
Finding the little joys in life doesn't mean ignoring the big terrors.
Flowers grow between the cracks of broken sidewalks all the time.
Flowers grow between the cracks of broken sidewalks all the time.
October 14, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Finding the little joys in life doesn't mean ignoring the big terrors.
Flowers grow between the cracks of broken sidewalks all the time.
Flowers grow between the cracks of broken sidewalks all the time.