Category: Latest Thoughts

What the Grace of a Well-Passed Baton Teaches Us

On By Lorraine Devon WilkeIn Latest Thoughts

… knowing when to hold ‘em, when to fold ‘em

Those of us on the side of democracy and all things sane and human had been in an unprecedented malaise in the weeks leading up to last Sunday (and you know it was bad when I start co-opting Kenny Rogers lyrics to make a point). Watching the seething beast of the Trump machine ooze its smug certainty all over the place while Democrats scratched their heads, wrote cranky op-eds, and pondered which country to abscond to next year, one wondered if there was any reasonable answer to our seemingly endless conundrum.

Then Joe made his move.

Unexpected by most, in the quiet of his own counsel, with no grand headlines or “breaking news” hysteria, he gracefully announced he was leaving the race and changed the course of history. If ever a baton-pass had more impact on modern America, I’d like to know what it was.

My son texted with the news (I was busy housecleaning in a desperate break from media). Mind blown, I responded with something unprintable here, put down my Windex, and raced to cable news (which I hadn’t watched in so long I can’t remember how long), transfixed as breathless pundits parsed what this meant, how it had transpired, what steps would follow, etc. Then Biden trumped himself (sorry… it was a word before it was a man): he endorsed his VP, Kamala Harris, as the Democratic nominee for president.

Heads exploded around the universe, and as graceful as Joe’s words and actions were, the excitement and commotion that followed were wildly hyperbolic… but in a good way this time. It was as if the doom and gloom of previous weeks (months?) lifted, and we felt true, unassailable hope for the first time in a very long time and, damn, we were so ready to run.

That, my friends, is a mic-drop baton pass.

Because it can’t have been easy. Odds are good — based on his prior statements, his feisty turnarounds after the kill-shot of the debate; his edgy dismissals of the growing demands to move along — he did not want to step down. Not a bit. He wanted to “finish the job.”

But somewhere along the way the needle tipped. I don’t know who said what to tip it; if there was a process he internalized to get there, but he came to the moment when he got up out of mid-recovery from Covid, wrote his statement, and passed it on to the world. We can presume, after the post-debate hellscape of frenzied insults and denigrations from media, the always-slathering GOP; even certain friends and neighbors in the party, that the decision, the resolve, the action, had to have kicked his gut a little. A lot. But even so… he put aside his own needs, his hurt and disappointment, and did it, transforming Election 2024 from a mosh pit of despair into a hope-infused, ever-growing march of millions toward victory (for the Democrats; Republicans are pulling out their “How To Racist 101” manuals and trying to remember which sexist tropes they liked best from “Kamala 2019”).

But here’s the thing about baton passing: it can be tricky knowing when you should, when you must, and when you damn well get to hang onto yours. Or, as Kenny Rogers said, “know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em” (I know… I’m sorry). At a time when ageism is rampant (was it ever not?), we’re aware that cultural disdain for all things old can be conveniently disguised as a benign “for your own good shove out the door leave your keys on the table go have fun, grandpa, the younger crew is on fire and they’ve got it covered” sort of thing.

Those who find value in categorizing people along arbitrary dividing lines are easily prodded into that sort of thing, pointing fingers in reductive “generation wars” for example: Boomers ruined everything, Gen Xers are whiny slackers, Millennials and Gen Z are both lazy and entitled… no one’s sure which more than the other. But as viral as those mud-fights can get, pigeonholing based on what “generation” someone falls into is both ageist and absurd, whether applied to the old or young. Where it gets sticky, and what older people face almost exclusively, is the choreography poetically defined as “passing the baton,” or “torch, or “mantle” … whatever metaphor gets an old person out the door, whether it’s warranted, the right time, or the right action.

In Biden’s case, it clearly, ultimately, was, and kudos to that wise man for figuring it out. But sometimes it’s not. Sometimes the shove is just cold, ugly ageism at work. Sometimes the shovee not only wants to continue managing the baton but is perfectly capable of doing so. Sometimes an older baton holder can peacefully co-exist with a younger one, and nobody has to pass anything.

I had to laugh at a particular moment in the Beckham documentary series on Netflix (which I loved, by the way). In the last episode, Victoria and David are in their kitchen summarizing their journeys both individually and as a couple, musing about the priority of cherishing their family, the life they’ve built together, each other, when Victoria, standing behind David, says, “There’s an element of you passing the baton on a little; you want that for your kids, wouldn’t you say?” David takes a beat, then glances over his shoulder in her direction and very seriously responds, “I’m not ready to pass the baton on yet.”

I laughed out loud because I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said those exact words to someone suggesting some version of the same to me. As an actress trying to crack that code while racing against a clock that doesn’t like older women. As a singer/songwriter fending off purportedly well-meaning suggestions of, “You must be so ready to leave it to the young ones, right?” As a writer told to hide my age lest editors decide I’m too old to have the requisite contemporary sensibilities. At each juncture, when encouraged to accept the inevitability of obsolescence, I, too, answered, “I’m not ready to pass the baton on yet.”

That’s me, bending it like Beckham.

There was a time when older generations were automatically expected to step aside, but that was back when life expectancy was shorter, anyone past mid-40s dressed like mom and dad, and health and fitness standards were considered the realm of youth. Much has changed in recent decades and in today’s world many older Americans are not only engaged and contributing via jobs and professions, they’re still exploring, still excited about new ideas and evolving opportunities. People behave younger, look younger, and remain vital longer. They’re not planning to “wind down” once they’re past the decade that begins with five. They’re less interested in tapping into their pension than continuing to contribute to one. And they see no reason to pass the baton to some younger version of themself while still happily running with the thing.

Especially given the virtual workplace of the Internet, there’s room for every generation to not only simultaneously participate, but be valued and sought after for their particular “brand,” their level of experience and worldview. Rather than shove older generations off on the ice floe of irrelevance, we should maximize their available voices to lead, guide, educate, and inspire. We can still look to our young for freshness, innovation and culturally Zeitgeisty perspective, but there’s no good reason we can’t also tap into the well of experience, talent, and wisdom of our elders.

Before Sunday’s announcement, I was all-in on Joe continuing his campaign. I didn’t need him to step down, even after the debate. I had faith it was one bad night, and enthusiastically applauded the speeches and interviews that followed, making note of his improved vigor and delivery. I continued to respect his positive contribution, understanding that he’s an almost 82-year-old man, not expecting him to be anything else, embracing him as an elder mentoring and modeling brilliant, compassionate leadership for younger politicians following in his path. But…

When he made the decision he did, I do believe — however influenced he might have been by others — it was his decision. HIS. And that made it the right one. That made it one I could get behind. Despite my sadness for whatever pain or loss he must clearly have felt, I trusted him to know it was, in that moment, the right time for him to pass the baton and he did… graciously, wisely; respectfully, to Kamala, and BOOM! The entire landscape of the election changed, making clear it was the right time and decision.

It takes great political skill to calculate and understand that kind of timing, and it takes a great leader to not only figure it out, but act on it with strategic precision. Joe Biden gave a master class on the move: the timing (post RNC… legend!), the tone, the humble respect for the needs of a nation, the sheer selflessness at a time when politics too often operates as ego-fodder for vainglorious attention-seekers. His candid, heartfelt Oval Office speech of Wednesday asked us all the right questions, was candid in expressing his initial hopes for continuing (yes, Joe, your record did merit a second term), but was clear in his understanding of the demands of this unique, urgent juncture.

He set the standard, Joe Biden, and he will be remembered by history as a great man who knew exactly when it was time to guide himself out the door.

Baton passing with grace and dignity.

I won’t ruin the gravitas of that by quoting Kenny again.

Photo courtesy of The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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Visit linktr.ee/lorrainedevonwilke for links to LDW’s books, music, photography, and articles.

Celebrating Books, Libraries & Indie Authors… YAY!

On By Lorraine Devon WilkeIn Latest Thoughts

It was a great weekend in San Diego, one of my favorite cities, where a celebration books, authors, libraries, and the joy of all those coming together made for a very special gathering.

Indie Author Project celebration_6.29.24

Personally, I was thrilled to step away from all the political madness of this last week (month… year!) to be part of the Indie Author Project‘s Annual Celebration honoring their 2023 winning slate of authors (which I was honored to be part of for THE ALCHEMY OF NOISE).

They threw a great party, I always love being in San Diego, and really enjoyed meeting the wonderful crew from Lyrasis, an impressive non-profit that, amongst its many projects, works with libraries around the world to bring independent authors into the fold. A special thanks to Nash Steele (what a great name!), an amazing liaison to work with who always made me feel welcome and does a great job in her position as an operations specialist with the company.

A big congratulations to all my fellow winners who were there, especially Tom Rogers, who was the other California winner (in the YA category with his book Eleven), and Kelly L. Hitchcock, a Texas winner, whose novel, Community Klepto, is also published by She Writes Press (small world!).

A great event all around and a wonderful celebration of indie authors… who always appreciate being acknowledged in this big world of books and publishing!

#indieauthors #books #IndieAuthorProject

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Visit linktr.ee/lorrainedevonwilke for links to LDW’s books, music, photography, and articles.

Despite Trends to the Contrary… truth and decency still matter.

On By Lorraine Devon WilkeIn Latest Thoughts

It’s fucking ridiculous that this has to be said out loud, but in our blighted era of Trumpian lunacy, when corrosiveness has been normalized, and gaslighting permeates everything from media to politics to education to social issues, it seems even the most basic expectations of principled society do have to be articulated.

Photo by Michael Carruth on Unsplash

There was a debate last night between an effective, decent, successful POTUS and a twice-impeached convicted felon who’s a pathological liar, a corrupt thug, and an adjudicated rapist, and the caterwauling afterwards—from media, pundits, terrified Democrats—is that the decent, successful man needs to “step down for the sake of the country” because he had a shitty debate. He’s too old, too “feeble”; his voice was hoarse, he didn’t counter the convicted felon’s relentless lies enough, he was pale; he lacked energy.

Huh.

So, despite the biblical list of disparities between the old fella with the big heart and the convicted felon/rapist, the loudest, the literally SHOUTED, suggestion/demand by many big name columnists, top shelf politicians; panic-stricken talking heads, was to demand the former commit political seppuku if he had any dignity or concern for his constituents. Didn’t hear one word about the convicted felon “stepping down for the sake of the country,” despite the fact that he’s articulated his plan to dismantle American democracy and his getting in the White House again would literally destroy the country as we know it.

That is a deeply systemic case of collective gaslighting.

They’re a slick bunch, gaslighters. Not just these post-debate caterwaulers, but all of them, so pervasive and relentless it’s a wonder they haven’t set the entire American experiment on fire… though it seems they’re trying. They’ve insinuated themselves into every corner of life, hiding behind church pulpits and congressional desks, in school boardrooms and medical facilities; they’re embedded in media, marketing, and Republican campaigns (even some Democratic ones, it sadly seems). They’re both blatant and surreptitious, bold and mewling; hardcore and sycophantic. And they’ve successfully manipulated a good portion of the American electorate to embrace—with blind conviction, obsequious devotion, terrifying ignorance, and ugly red hats—the belief that truth, decency, kindness, heart and humanity are not only not essential, they’re harbingers of weakness, softness, “wokeness,” unnecessary and irrelevant. This truth-averse contingent prefers their idols to be bullies, strongmen. They applaud coarseness, cheer indecorum, and hail corruption as a form of fist-pumping defiance.

The worst among them—both the gaslighters and gaslightees—are the contingent called “MAGA,” and they’re doing the dark work of trying to push Donald J. Trump back into our White House.

That cannot happen.

It’s fair to ask whether Trump is responsible for ushering in this toxic era. It feels like he did, but most would agree that MAGA was already here, just hiding beneath rocks and behind enforced social decorum. They hadn’t yet coalesced, given themselves hats and a name. It was when Trump slithered down the infamous escalator that an invitation, permission, was extended to other bigoted, small-minded, hate-and-fear oriented people to emulate his crassness. To step out of the shadows to hoot and holler and insurrect in the triggering, exciting strobe of his orange beacon. They bowed and shouted, deigned him their golden calf, and he, in turn, made them feel the power of belonging to his toxic cult. It’s a metastasizing, mutually repugnant relationship, and it’s been making American sick since 2015.

Yet still … and despite trends to the contrary … decency matters. Truth matters. Not everyone within earshot of the noise fell for the falsities. There are the millions of good people, kind people; people who care about their fellow humans, who are passionate about creating racial equity in our divided society, who see immigrants as essential members of the diverse landscape; who listen and speak with consideration, respect, and civility. People who refuse to reject truth to further lies and self-serving agendas. Who parent needy children, care for the elderly, administer schools, continue to create beautiful things, research important advances, and promote environmental improvements. People who run for office because they actually want to make life better for their constituents rather than use it to enrich and aggrandize themselves, their families, and their cronies… or stay out of prison.

These people—you, we—outnumber them.

Yet in a society where clickbait rules and salaciousness gets the attention, we spend so much time reading about, listening to, recoiling at; analyzing, reacting, and responding to the despicable, heinous words and deeds of the gaslighters it’s almost impossible to believe that the good people I’m referencing exist. Even our current president—a good, compassionate, honest man—gets less favorable, illuminating reportage than the cretin running against him … certainly as evidenced by the hysterical hand-wringing about his “disastrous debate performance.”

That won’t likely change. Our culture is too immersed in the trend of tabloid titillation. Train wrecks, political scandals, and pursuing Hunter Biden will always garner more curiosity than positive news. The only way to inject balance into that equation is to make a pact to, yes, rant, rail, and act against injustice, dishonesty, and corruption as compelled to do so, but also to shine as much light as possible on the honest, productive, integrity-inspiring people who vastly outnumber the worst amongst us who do get the headlines.

We’ve got a plate-shifting choice to make in this upcoming election. And despite the cacophony of polls and headlines that seem hellbent on amplifying the terrifying agenda and campaign of the indecent failure of a man called Trump, we have the power to push, pull, articulate, and embody the trend of decency and all that comes with it. We can holler about our individual grievances, cite examples where our causes haven’t been served to our satisfaction. We can enumerate our criticisms, opine about our disagreements, threaten to not vote, to vote third party, to “protest” vote in some self-soothing but ultimately self-sabotaging way (because I promise you, anything that helps Trump win is self-sabotaging), but at the end of the day, it’s decency that demands our attention, and that we should agree on.

Because decency is what’s at risk. Our democracy is at risk. Our rights and freedoms. Our very ability to live in a country that values those things and doesn’t gaslight its people to believe that authoritarianism, intolerance, fascism, and fear of other are acceptable principles, or that corruption, criminality, and dishonesty are simply costs of doing business.

This is no small event, this election. It’s world changing. And we can’t afford to look away. Because we do have the power to keep the terrifying echoes of Nazi Germany, Russia, North Korea, and other deadly, soul-killing, freedom-destroying political blueprints and agendas from subsuming our beloved America. Despite trends to the contrary, we have the power to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Age doesn’t matter. A bad debate performance doesn’t matter. A pale face and stumbling steps don’t matter. What matters is decency, truth, and integrity. Honesty. Upholding our American democracy. Regardless of how the Democratic leadership may respond to demands that Biden “step aside for the sake of the country,” good people who care enough about America to really pay attention, to not get lost in the weeds of debate and discord, will continue to vote like our very freedoms—the freedoms of our families, our children, our future generations—depend on it.

Because they do. And decency demands we protect those freedoms for all of us, all of them.

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Visit www.lorrainedevonwilke.com for details and links to LDW’s books, music, photography, and articles.

Singing For My Democracy…

On By Lorraine Devon WilkeIn Latest Thoughts

“An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times… How can you be an artist and not reflect the times? That, to me, is the definition of an artist.”
~ Nina Simone

It’s been a while since I’ve written here, so I hope this finds you enjoying spring and successfully making your way through 2024, a year that promises to be fierce and controversial for many of us, while offering up countless opportunities to get involved in shaping our own futures… in other words: it’s election year in the U.S. of A!

I realize that, as an artist, some don’t expect/like me to step outside that role to reveal my perspective on social and political issues, but as I explain in “The Outspoken Artist: Let Candor Be Your Brand,” I’ve never been one to separate my art from my worldview, and, in fact, believe that art and creativity are powerful tools with which to express ideas, facilitate change; inspire activism, even uplift and empower.

I bring all this up because, as illustrated by the photograph at the top, I began this year with a hearty dose of political activism when my band, Sixth & Third, organized a fundraising event at a private home, performing a 90-minute concert to a lovely crowd who enjoyed some food and drink while rocking to our music and donating a very tidy sum in support of the Biden/Harris re-election campaign. Afterward, there was much enthusiastic discussion about, “what a wonderful way to get people together, everyone involved and contributing while enjoying a great night of music!” (Thank you!) And it is, indeed, fabulous to combine political and social concerns in a format that’s entertaining, doable, and effective.

SO…

I throw this out there as an invitation and suggestion: More of these! “House Fundraisers” are not only vibrantly social and lots of fun, they’re an uncomplicated, easy way to gather likeminded people who care about essentials like democracy and decency, and want to do more to help preserve it. All that’s needed is a house or facility with space enough to set up a band/duo/combo (backyards, big living rooms, good-sized meeting spaces, etc.), a list of people you can invite, and a way to collect donations (we collected checks this time but you can set up an ActBlue donation portal, as well). I hope those of you from around the country will consider the idea, particularly as the weather gets predictably warmer and people are more apt to get out and about.

As for readers here in Los Angeles County: Sixth & Third would be delighted to play for your fundraising event if schedules allow. We always love the opportunity to perform, and you’d be hosting a wonderful night of friends, food, and music while raising funds toward saving the nation… win/win! Give it some thought; there are many months ahead in which the election will be the top story, so I hope those of you inspired by this idea will reach out to make it happen.

As for the rest of my creative endeavors: there is book stuff percolating. I’m currently putting together a compilation of short stories, essays, and other “word assemblages” to be published by early summer, and at least one of my two novel manuscripts is moving in the direction of publication (how’s that for vague? 😊). More as things unfold.

Until then, have a great spring, please stay healthy and active, and let’s do all we can to keep integrity and decency in our leadership… because Gloria Steinem’s right: “The future depends entirely on what each of us does every day.” 

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Visit www.lorrainedevonwilke.com for details and links to LDW’s books, music, photography, and articles.

Phone Cameras Have Turned Everyone Into Paparazzi

On By Lorraine Devon WilkeIn Latest Thoughts

Let me start with an admission: I’m a photo curmudgeon. I admit this fact. While some people LOVE having their picture taken, whether by their own hand or that of another, I do not. Some friends find this trait annoying. I often garner frowns of annoyance when I respond with a frown of annoyance at the demand to pose for a yet another selfie, but I don’t care. It’s who I am… a photo curmudgeon.

I didn’t mind photo-taking back in the days when we didn’t have an entire global population with cameras at their fingertips, hair-trigger ready to be whipped out at even the slightest hint of activity deigned photo-worthy. And planned photos, say, at a studio for that new headshot, in front of the wedding photographer with the family; occasional snaps when a rare group of friends gets together, are all just fine and dandy… I’m there, face tilted correctly, hair fluffed; smile sparkling.

But even when I was younger, prettier; more exhibitionist, and less victim to bad lighting and crappy angles, I found impromptu photo-snapping to largely be a distraction to the moment at hand. There’s just something about suddenly having a lens shoved in front of your face that breaks the spell you’re in, disrupts the conversation, distracts the parties involved, and stirs collective self-consciousness.

And while I am a curmudgeon, I’m not a cultural Luddite. I have all sorts of social media I maintain with, I hope, interesting content. I’m aware of the “live your life out loud” mandate of our times that has every pretty girl “influencing” online, all family vacations chronicled on Facebook; health updates replete with graphic proof, and Jonah Hill’s ex dumping their private conversations on Instagram. It’s the world and times we live in, and one either gets on board with all this privacy eshewel or pisses off everyone with a phone camera demanding, “let’s get one more for posterity!” Posterity didn’t need my damn face documented every moment before the first camera phone arrived in 2002; posterity doesn’t need it now, I promise.

It wouldn’t be so bad if certain standards of decorum were followed, something I wrote about years ago: e.g., get permission to post before dumping pics on social media, and only post those that capture all parties in a positive light. Meaning, we all look good enough for public consumption, not just that hot guy with your friend or, say, you. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found photos of myself online that, while meant in goodwill, were posted without permission and captured me in the most unflattering manner possible. I believe I’m only rationally vain for a woman my age, but frankly, that’s embarrassing. I would not do that to you, I promise, so please take down that shot where my butt takes up half the screen or the shadows on my face make me look 110.

Anyway, whatever. No one really cares what I think about this because they’ll just keep taking and posting pictures regardless. But after too many experiences with regular folks who’ve turned into paparazzi with their phone cameras, I found this (above) picture of me, which made me laugh because it so honestly and accurately depicts my reaction to all this madness.

So snap away… I still won’t say “cheese.”

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Visit www.lorrainedevonwilke.com for details and links to LDW’s books, music, photography, and articles.

The Trump Show: A Lie Has No Legs. Let’s Keep It That Way

On By Lorraine Devon WilkeIn Latest Thoughts

As the Trump Show continues to endlessly unfold before our weary eyes (didn’t he say he’d disappear if he lost in ’20??), and I watch his followers in Congress, media, walking past me in restaurants, sputter and hiss and threaten in their various levels of outrage, I’m left pondering how so many became so convinced that this person is worthy of this degree of their histrionic fidelity.

But, really, how often do people think, really think, about their allegiances, their picks; the people, parties, and causes they get behind, identify with, march in the street and hoist placards for? I think it’s more likely that allegiance is unexamined, knee-jerk and irrational; once given, never taken away. In other words: Trumpism may be on auto-pilot.

But that’s how cultism works. I mean, you have to sign a billion-year contract in some.

I tend to think it’s wise to check in from time to time to make sure who and what I stand with still stands for ideas, concepts, and commitments I support and subscribe to. Because it occasionally happens that someone’s politics change, something new is discovered (uncovered) about them, or they jump on an unsupportable bandwagon. Examination of such shifts allows opportunity to adjust your membership accordingly.

Like, say, if a person saw that the guy they’ve sworn allegiance to was just adjudicated as a sexual abuser, or had to pay restitution to people he swindled, or got indicted for hush money paid to a porn actress, or got indicted again for 37 felony counts related to classified documents, that sort of thing. Might that signal it’s time to readjust one’s thinking?

It might, with normal people, in a normal time (whatever that is). But given the rhetoric and realities of those who loudly, aggressively, and often to their own detriment support, aggrandize, idealize, and defer to Donald Trump, it seems unlikely they ever step out of the bubble long enough to analyze, dissect, hold to the light, or check for flaws in their reasoning.

Frankly, I hope not. Because if they really did do that, and still felt as positive and passionate about the guy, it would mean our country, our American humanity, is in worse shape than I’ve given it credit for.

No, I’m writing off the insanity of Trumpism as “cult damage,” blind allegiance bereft of facts, truth, rational consideration, or critical thinking. The kind of full-body indoctrination that convinces seemingly “normal” people to reject former decent, sensible behaviors to, instead, disconnect from their families, poison themselves in Guyana jungles, murder innocent people, burn in a Waco settlement, storm the Capitol to kill the VP, mindlessly believe egregious lies, and deny any scintilla of truth if it reflects badly on their cult leader. If this is what Trumpism is, well, one can only pity the gullible… while actively protecting themselves from their wrath and stupidity, voting in every single bloody election to preserve actual democracy, and hoping one day the indoctrinated see the light of rational thought.

It happens. I extricated myself from a youthful bout of Scientology. Former Tea Party pols are now on Twitter pushing against authoritarianism generally and Trump specifically. My brother who once voted for the guy denounced him soundly last time and will again if Republicans continue to hold their bar criminally low (literally). Maybe some MAGA will wake up one day to shake off the fog of cultism to realize they hitched their wagon to the wrong orange pony. I can hope for that.

But until then (it does seem a bit idealistic), it’s essential for good people of conscience to pay close attention to what’s being foisted in the name of Dear Leader Trump:

We’re being systemically, relentlessly, unconscionably gaslit. By Republicans in Congress, right wing media personalities, and Trump analysts/lackeys/lawyers who insist that what’s criminal is no big deal, what’s dishonest is acceptable, what’s corrupt is okay, what’s indecent is dismissible, what’s traitorous is just sloppy, and what’s vile, amoral, and incendiary is just a guy blowing off steam.

None of that is true. All of it’s a lie. And a lie has no legs. Not with good people of conscience.

Donald J. Trump is, and is doing, exactly what those good people perceive. He’s lying, cheating; traitoring. He’s spewing hate, threats, and inane conspiracies far and wide. He’s blaming others for his own crimes. He’s attempting to deflect by screaming “squirrel,” hoping suspicion of others will distract from him. He’s driven by narcissism and arrogance to believe he won what he lost, deserves what he’s unqualified for; is immune to laws, excused from manners, and forgiven for indecency.

He’s not.

I grew up in a world where we were taught to admire, emulate, and support good people, men and women with integrity, smarts, honor, veracity, and compassion. Honesty was non-negotiable. Ethics were expected. Consideration and respect were the norm. I live by those standards and principles, taught my son those standards and principles, and fill my life only with people who share those standards and principles.

They are not, however, the standards and principles of those trying to gaslight this country and its people. That crowd really, really, really wants you to suck it all in, every noxious plume. They’re trying very hard to insist on it, push it, normalize it. Congresspeople tweet it, talking heads talk it; right-wing has-beens blubber about it; young Trumpist lawyers desperate to feel relevant sell their souls hawking it. And Trump, of course, is UPPER-CASING it all to death.

The only response I have: SHUT UP. SIT DOWN. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? FUCK OFF.

Sorry. I get rude with this stuff.

Like every good, decent person who’s ever held strong and pushed back against lies, propaganda, demagoguery, and disinformation throughout time, do that: hold strong, push back. Don’t get bamboozled into buying any of the noise. Whatever anyone else may be doing, whoever else may committing crimes, lying to Congress, taking bribes, stealing national security, having affairs with porn stars, or enriching themselves while in office, don’t be distracted from the truth of the current situation.

Trump is exactly who and what you think he is. And, while the “big house” may be an appropriate next stop for the guy, he can never, ever again get anywhere near our White House.

That, too, is non-negotiable.

Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash

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Visit www.lorrainedevonwilke.com for details and links to LDW’s books, music, photography, and articles.

Sharing Thoughts on ‘Second Chapters’ with Authority Magazine

On By Lorraine Devon WilkeIn Latest Thoughts

Invited by Authority Magazine to share some thoughts on the topic of “second chapters,” and never one to miss an opportunity to discuss hard-won insights or useful experiences—and the value of both— I accepted.

It was a comprehensive and compelling discussion, and following the excerpt below is a link that will take you to the full piece on Authority’s site, which I hope you’ll avail yourself of. I enjoyed getting into the grit of the conversation and appreciated the very specific and thought provoking questions. I hope you enjoy the read!  

AUTHORITY MAGAZINE: Many successful people reinvented themselves in a later period in their lives. Jeff Bezos worked on Wall Street before he reinvented himself and started Amazon. Sara Blakely sold office supplies before she started Spanx. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was a WWE wrestler before he became a successful actor and filmmaker. Arnold Schwarzenegger went from a bodybuilder to an actor to a Governor. McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc was a milkshake-device salesman before starting the McDonalds franchise in his 50s.

How does one reinvent themselves? What hurdles have to be overcome to take life in a new direction? How do you overcome those challenges? How do you ignore the naysayers? How do you push through the paralyzing fear?

In this series called “Second Chapters; How I Reinvented Myself In The Second Chapter Of My Life “ we are interviewing successful people who reinvented themselves in a second chapter in life, to share their story and help empower others.

As a part of this interview series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Lorraine Devon Wilke.

An accomplished artist in a wide range of creative mediums, Lorraine started her career as an actress and rock & roll singer/songwriter, finding success in both arenas well into the 2000s. While she continues to perform whenever opportunities present themselves, she’s designed a second chapter built around photography and writing. Currently, she has three award-winning novels in the marketplace, hundreds of essays and articles in media, literary journals, and books, and has recently signed on as the in-house “LA Life” photographer for the national digital lifestyle magazine, The Three Tomatoes.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?

I’m originally from the Midwest; born in Chicago, grew up in small towns in northern Illinois; third oldest of eleven kids in a family that required we learn responsibility, engaged in great dollops of fun, and held creativity in high regard. Both my parents grew up in the city, which nurtured their love of music, art, theater, and books, and they were committed to raising kids with an appreciation for the same. Music was everywhere, we read voraciously (even spent a decade or so without TV), put on basement shows and backyard carnivals, and, given our embrace of all things artistic, each of us emerged from our childhoods with creative proclivities of one kind or another. I majored in theater at the University of Illinois, then hit the road with a rock & roll band, ultimately landing in Los Angeles where I happily remain.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

It’s a very simple one: “Express yourself.” When I was a kid, there was an R&B song with that title written and sung by Charles Wright, and I felt like that lyric was my mantra. I was never someone who could sit quietly and keep my thoughts internalized — in fact, I can picture anyone who knows me laughing out loud at that notion! I was a person who was driven to express myself, in myriad ways, but mostly through singing, acting; comedy, even early writing efforts. But singing was my greatest Muse, and still, to this day, one of my very favorite ways to “express myself.”

[CLICK TO CONTINUE TO THE FULL INTERVIEW:]

LDW w glasses

Visit www.lorrainedevonwilke.com for details and links to LDW’s books, music, photography, and articles.

Dear LA: I Love You

On By Lorraine Devon WilkeIn Latest Thoughts

The latest from national digital magazine, THE THREE TOMATOES:

“Dear LA, I Love You” from LA Life Photographer, Lorraine Devon Wilke, pays homage to our beautiful City of Angels with Valentine’s Day around the corner.”

‘This week’s cover photo, from our LA Life photographer, Lorraine Devon Wilke, captures a literal ‘love letter’ to Los Angeles, one that appears on the ground floor of The Bloc in DTLA. Though the piece’s official title is, ‘Heart LA,’ Lorraine decided her photograph of the work deserved its own title, simply: ‘Dear LA, I love you.’”

“The work of art is just one of eight pieces in a permanent collection by street artist, WRDSMTH. This particular piece was created in collaboration with Antigirl, who designed the multi-colored heart which perfectly accompanies the words. Tomatoes might want to stop by and see this collection in person at The Bloc in downtown LA.”

I’m always delighted to have my photography featured in this creative and bountiful magazine, and urge you to click over (The Three Tomatoes) to enjoy all the other content they’ve got posted there.

Until the next time…

 

Visit www.lorrainedevonwilke.com for details and links to LDW’s books, music, photography, and articles.

Photographs, LA Life & The Three Tomatoes

On By Lorraine Devon WilkeIn Latest Thoughts

Some quick news: Debbie Zipp, the “LA Life editor” of the sensational national newsletter for women, The Three Tomatoes, reached out to me with the invitation to, as she described: “…come aboard to provide us with your beautiful, intriguing, and insightful photographs of Los Angeles for our ‘LA Life Newsletter’ cover photos.” How could I not love that? Of course I said, “YES!”

Walk This Way, photograph by Lorraine Devon Wilke

Today is the first edition of that artistic endeavor; I’m delighted by the photograph she chose, the page on which it appears, and look forward to seeing what she picks for each future edition!

A little background: I met Debbie years ago when she was with a film company, In the Trenches Productions, who optioned one of my screenplays. I always appreciated her support and enthusiasm for my work, and we’ve stayed in touch over time. I’ve enjoyed reading The Three Tomatoes newsletters, always thought they were outstanding in their quality and content, so was really touched by the invitation to be involved.

As for the The Three Tomatoes, I think their words say it best:

“We’re a lifestyle website inclusive of newsletters, podcast, and events for smart savvy ‘grownup’ women who want to live their life fully at every age and stage. We offer curated, entertaining, and informative lifestyle content that covers topics from fashion, travel, cooking, shopping and style, to frank discussions of sex, aging, and contemporary culture. It’s a fun, eclectic, vibrant site with a loyal nationwide audience. Our lifestyle newsletters are published 2x a week. Our once-a-week recap newsletter gives highlights of new content at our website. And we have four city specific newsletters – New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami – where you’ll get the inside scoop on things to do in those cities. And it’s free to subscribe!“

I hope you will subscribe so you can not only see subsequent photographs of mine they roll out, but can avail yourself of the wide spectrum of offerings The Three Tomatoes feature with each edition. Enjoy!

 

Visit www.lorrainedevonwilke.comfor details and links to LDW’s books, music, photography, and articles.

 

The Continuing Long Shadow of Literary Cancellation

On By Lorraine Devon WilkeIn Latest Thoughts

It was exactly three years ago today that I was in New York appearing on the NPR show 1A to discuss American Dirt, the controversial novel covered in today’s New York Times article, The Long Shadow of ‘American Dirt’.

I was there because the show’s producer had found two articles of mine (Are White Authors Not Allowed To Tell Stories Involving Black Characters? and Authors Should Not Be Constrained By Gender Or Race In The Characters They Create), and wanted my perspective on a book that had become a lightening rod by virtue of its author’s ethnicity. Sparked by my experience as a white author with a novel that included characters who were Black— The Alchemy of Noise — I came to the discussion with, perhaps, a slightly different take than others there.

My own experience (detailed in the linked articles) involved the type of limitation and marginalization Jeanine Cummins was being assaulted by after the publication of her novel. In my case, it was before: as I was shopping for literary representation of The Alchemy of Noise, I was informed by every agent I talked to, heard from, or met with that, “No publisher will touch your book, so consequently I can’t either,” which, despite the story being based on my own experiences in an interracial relationship, flat-out excluded me from traditional publishing. According to today’s NYT’s piece, that sort of literary censorship and marginalization ramped up after the American Dirt debacle, but I can attest otherwise. It started long before.

As reiterated during my participation in 1A those three years ago, I believe the limiting of art based on the ethnicity and race of an artist is, to my mind, anathema to the very purpose of art, which entails freedom of expression and the exploration of unlimited creativity. How that translates in literature is simple: any writer of any background should be able to not only write any story involving any kind of characters, but should do so without risking commercial rejection (as I did) or creative assassination (as Jeanine Cummins did). Once written, once published, that story can then be judged solely by its craft, artistry, authenticity, and sensitivity, not whether the author dared step too far out of their cultural/ethnic lane.

Whatever inequities exist in the publishing world (and there are MANY), they’re not solved by demonizing and marginalizing creators compelled to tell stories wider than their own skin color, gender, religion, or ethnic background. If we stuck to that formula there’d be no science fiction, no fantasy; no books where animals talk, or ancient civilizations are brought to life; men couldn’t write women or women, men; stories with diverse sets of characters wouldn’t exist; everything would be homogenous, predictable, and safe.

That is not art.

I read American Dirt. I cannot speak to its authenticity from an ethnic point of view, but it was a well-written and compelling story. Should it and she have been cancelled with such ferocity because of who she is and the sensitivity of the story she chose to tell? NO. No one will convince me of that. Any more than anyone can convince me I wasn’t permitted to write my own story.

[Click the link to read the NYT article; it makes some excellent points that bear consideration: The Long Shadow of ‘American Dirt’.]

 

Visit www.lorrainedevonwilke.comfor details and links to LDW’s books, music, photography, and articles.