Twin Cities Daily Planet (https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/author/mindy-rhiger/page/3/)
More people are leaving churches these days than are joining them. There has been a fair amount of media speculation on “the rise of the nones.” I’ve followed it all with some curiosity as a “none” myself. Little did I realize when the study was published in late 2012 that I would be trading in my non-affiliation for a church membership just one year later. Continue Reading
“Let’s all slow down,” I said as I introduced one of my favorite picture books in a recent presentation to a group of librarians and teachers. I always seem to have a weakness for picture books that focus on little things. Simplicity. Patience. Observation. Continue Reading
“You probably noticed what’s different about me,” I said to a group of second and third graders this weekend. Their Unitarian-Universalist Sunday School class is celebrating differences this quarter, and I was invited to talk to them about my difference. Continue Reading
Yesterday was a long day. I was up early for last minute stapling, and then I was off to spend my day asking where people were from. Last year I asked people at the Zinefest to share a book they had read recently. This year I tied my question in to my new zine, Whereverland, which explores my here-and-there roots, with a new question: Where are you from? Continue Reading
Twenty years ago I might as well have been living in a bunker without access to the outside world for all I knew about music or pop culture. Don’t get me wrong. My family owned a television and lived a generally normal life. We just weren’t tuned in to some things. Mostly I think that was a good thing. But occasionally I find that there are gaps. For example, I would not have recognized a Beatles song until I was an adult. Not kidding. Continue Reading
In general I tend to be ambivalent about art or social commentary that singles out people with disabilities or differences. It isn’t easy to create a statement that doesn’t feel like pointing and staring. So when I saw the news story about a fashion photographer “reframing beauty” by photographing people with genetic disorders, I steeled myself for mixed emotions. Continue Reading
I spent most of my childhood bored. I’m sure my mom would love to confirm that I complained of boredom a lot, but I’m not complaining today. Continue Reading
As we walked to our car after spending our Sunday at the May Day Festival, a fellow pedestrian wished us a happy May Day. He added, “It’s Minnesota Christmas!” We laughed, but it wasn’t far off. Continue Reading
I’ve lived in Uptown for three years. In that time, I’ve had a lot to say about local issues and city politics, but I’ve said it all in my living room to my friends who know even less about local politics than I do. They nod or shrug depending on my tone of voice, and we move on because none of us really know what to do about it. It’s hard enough to stay informed about the national or state issues that everyone is talking about. City and neighborhood issues take some commitment to stay current. I have that commitment, but I have stayed firmly in my armchair while I sought out stories and opinions about local issues and elections. Until now. Continue Reading
Nothing seems to surprise people more about libraries than the librarians themselves. Continue Reading