Gwen J. S. Aber (she/her)

It’s a Gordion Knot thing for me,Your Grace. I’d love to cut right through to Better Times, but I don’t want to miss seeing the Reckoning, aka the Find Out.

Black-and-white formal portrait of Alva Myrdal (1902–1986), the Swedish diplomat, sociologist, politician, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. She is photographed against a dark background, resting her chin thoughtfully on her left hand, which displays a large, ornate ring. Her expression is calm, wise, and slightly introspective, with deep-set eyes, fine lines of age, and a gentle smile. Her silver-gray hair is styled in a soft, voluminous updo typical of the mid-20th century, and she wears a dark tailored jacket or dress with a simple collar, along with a distinctive metal wristwatch on her left arm. Alva Myrdal was a pioneering figure in social policy, women's rights, and international disarmament. With her husband Gunnar Myrdal, she co-authored the influential 1934 book Kris i befolkningsfrågan (Crisis in the Population Question), which shaped Sweden's progressive family and welfare policies. She served as Sweden's Minister for Disarmament and Church Affairs (1966–1973), headed UNESCO's social science department, and played a key role in the United Nations. In 1982, she shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Alfonso García Robles for her lifelong work on nuclear disarmament and peace advocacy through organizations like the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and Pugwash Conferences. Known for her intellectual rigor, feminist principles, and commitment to global justice, she remains an icon of principled leadership in diplomacy and social reform.#AlvaMyrdal #NobelPeacePrize #Disarmament #SIPRI

Alva Myrdal was a Swedish sociologist, diplomat & a prominent leader of the disarmament movement. She shared the #Nobel Peace Prize in 1982 (w/A. Robles) "for their work for disarmament & nuclear and weapon-free zones." #WHM

It's International Day for #Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness.

Hmm, yes; thank you, Your Grace. And we are right back to examining our life choices (and our snacks). An immediate return to apples with cinnamon-sugar and day-dreaming is in order.

I’ve been thinking about this, Ma’am, for days — the snacks, I mean, not so much the other life choices. Things come and go, but always available, even in the most complicated and least groceried of times: saltines and the good butter.

Mmm. Keanu. That’s all.

I thought it had already happened? Thus, so much of late?

Every bit of this is horrific, the misogyny, the racism, the economic top tier-ness outrage. I’m worn-down exhausted from the assault on all those fronts, but not done yelling about it all.

I’m Philadelphia area raised and was startled that your example sounded familiar and normal. But now that you bring it up, I suppose it is a bit odd. Anymore I think the odd bits are my favorites.

I agree. I’m not confident about our future, and haven’t been since 2016 showed who so many in our country are.

All these laws and requirements are in flux, I agree. I have seen the marriage lic. to prove name change from birth cert., but who knows how it will be enforced from state to state, precinct to precinct. And we know “ the law” means little to nothing to this president and his horde anyway.

Apart/aside from yes/no of taking husband’s last name, If you have a copy of your birth certificate and marriage license and/or divorce decree, I think you are okay? While it is invasive and misogynistic to the max to be doing a voter suppression thing like this, most folks have those docs.

I’ve even run out of can’t evens.

Fingers crossed behind her back, she nods in the affirmative.

So many wonderful choices already named that call to me, but I’m going back in time to “Camelot.”

Watch this, it's astonishing.

This is excellent. Laughing at him is much better for me than raging.

Makes hope evaporate.

I think I do, a little, Ma’am. I put the bits in pretty jelly jars I’ve saved and line’em up on the kitchen windowsill.

I remember the term “stacks” at my college library, as in, “You will find the research book you need in the stacks.” I have continued with the stacks system, but more literally.

That is some excellent costuming and hair & makeup work.

Tremulous tonight ma’am. Will sort myself and follow Your Grace’s lead tomorrow.

If only, Your Grace, if only. I am in the world and of the world, but will race for the shade offered as often as I can.

Flares will be appreciated Your Grace. I hope there will be some birdsong interrupting the silence

This is a handy list for “ No, not staying there.”

This is relatable for so many of us. I’d like to do what some libraries do and set up my puzzle pieces on a giant table where friends or passers-by could stop and figure out a piece or two for me. It’s akin to, I think, doing or saying small kindnesses as we go along in life.

Lots of both, I’ve landed on, though not at all comfortable with the landing.
But, I add your posts, and lists, and books, and game to my list of gratitudes and “things that make me happy”, so thank you.

I came into the Blue Sky tonight to thank you,Your Grace, for all you do for us — a smile, some whimsy, a stern talking to — all the things. Your visage and ruff make things less, well, rough.

It seems from the time stamp Your Grace combined coffee time and bringing joy to the world today. We don’t deserve you, but we gratefully accept.

Attempting resuscitation of long dormant drawing interest. Bought pencils and a sketchbook. Ehhh. My mistake: telling a results-oriented friend. He sent me a book & a new pencil set, and sat with me as I did the drawing exercise he selected for me. Slightly annoyed to report it worked. It was fun.

On my list for this week. I’ve taken note of all those fine suggestions. Particularly excited about the whirligig arms. Will employ the magic Duchess cup, too.