Robin, my partner, and I were in San Francisco for most of September. There I finally met Jane, a virtual friend from an online support group we share. And with Jane, her wife, Sotcha. It was just one of those wierd times when you meet someone new and feel you've encountered a truly kindred soul. Jane and Sotcha are kindred souls.

Except that Sotcha died in her sleep last Saturday. Just 45 years old, a really fascinating woman who had struggled to claw her way out of harm, and hurt, childh... read more

Okay,
This isn't about art. It isn't about politics. It surely isn't a substantial contribution to a charity recipe book. It's me shouting out about the biggest thing in my life this month. That would be my brand new left hip.

The top of my re-imagined femur is an alloy of cobalt and chromium and iron. I'll ring the security buzzers at the airport for sure! The socket, the cavity in my acetabulum, was routed out with power tools and this thing that looks like a nutmeg grater.

I now hav... read more