We are, as always, glad we can bring you such great content to read. As we all struggle to understand what’s going on around us, and to maintain hope right now, we hope that the writing from our 2 Rules contributors can help you find something you need. Whether it’s peace, hope, inspiration, or something else. Please be sure you’re continuing to take care of yourself. If you need help, reach out. If you can help, speak up and let it be known. Above all, keep loving.
And with that, welcome to the Sunday Summary for the week of 28 February 2022-5 March 2022.
Monday
The 1980s was the first time I thought about Russian hit lists. Now I’m thinking about them again.
We’ve heard quite a bit about homophobia in Russia and the anti-LGBTQ propaganda laws, even in the mainstream media. What about Ukraine? Is queer life in Ukraine much different? On Monday, Erika, who grew up during the last parts of the Cold War, took a look at what the LGBTQ community in Ukraine might experience, discovering the similarities and differences between queer life in Ukraine and Russia and the implications for the future of the queer community there. It’s hard to be hopeful; to keep your chin up under such circumstances but we do what we can.
Tuesday
Every time I rise above my depression to give a friend a call, I’m kicking COVID in its microscopic nuts.
Adam returned to a favorite format–the essay. We learn about essay writing as he explores some of the very personal ways that COVID has transformed him. Furthermore, Adam invites us to consider what these kinds of transformations mean for us, for self-care and for the future. It’s an incredibly hopeful piece about a difficult topic.
Wednesday
He lay in the bed looking exhausted, thin, and frail. Multiple injections had bruised his arms and hands, but he still managed to tease me and brush my concerns away with a hearty laughter.
Shi Huiwen continued her series about teachers on Wednesday with her piece about a professor she refers to as “Mr. Misunderstanding.” She describes the way kindness affected her as a student and the impact that someone else’s faith can have on your success. As Wen talks about her experience with a very special professor, it’s easy to see how those lessons that aren’t in the syllabus shape her student experience and carry through to her teaching today.
Friday
Adam: But it’s hard to take books to heart. I say this as someone who is proficient in the art of reading and changing his mind based on what he reads.
Erika: I’m trying to keep an eye on the horizon, to keep creating and seeking out the incredible and beautiful things, but it’s not easy right now. That’s the nice thing about these watch/listen/read posts. For a few minutes, I have to focus on the things that are beautiful, the things that are inspiring.
Adam and Erika brought the weekly Watch/Listen/Read recommendations…with a little twist This week Adam reached out on Twitter asking writers to share their work with him for inclusion in this week’s Watch/Listen/Read post. Along with three writers who shared their work with Adam, Erika has been digging into short films this week, and lots of sexuality-related content. What about Adam and The Wheel of Time? Is there another viola skirmish happening? You’ll have to read more to find out.
Saturday
A poetry lesson from Big Cat about knowing when a poem is finished.
Caturday arrived once again with our feline friends talking to us about poetry. Our feline friends are quite pleased that Human-Mom knows many poems about cats, they’re also fans of shaming her for never having written one about them. Perhaps she would if they would ever let her figure out what it means to finish a poem. Check out the latest edition of “Big Cat, Little Cat” and share your thoughts about what makes a poem finished.
Look for more outstanding writing from the 2 Rules family this week. Keep your eyes on our social media pages and on our blog too to find out what’s in the works for National Poetry Month (celebrated in April in the US and Canada.) We also hope to have some exciting news to share with you about podcasts that Erika and Adam will be appearing on as well. Don’t forget to keep sharing your work with us, too. We’re excited to help you bring your words to the world.
Make sure you‘re all caught up with your favorite 2 Rules writers and features by checking out all of our Sunday Summary posts.