Skip to main content

Emotion 365: The Land of Social Ease, the Community Capitol

"How beautiful!” visitors exclaim when they see the architecture of Social Ease. They gather at the stone amphitheaters to hear the stories of friendly animals. Wild creatures approach who like to be stroked. They companionably enjoy the serenity of sunsets sitting in vineyards.

"We send casks of Social Ease home with guests as souvenirs," says the Guide. "We insist!"

Travelers tell delightful stories of Social Ease.

"The days are long and there’s plenty of time and energy for dancing," says Miss Emeline Traveler. "Everyone remembers everyone’s name. Together they practice their gifts and talents. They offer great company and encouragement beneath the sun, moon, and stars."

In the Community Capitol, an enormous palace with a huge courtyard, denizens gather to hear the stories of the day and to sing each others praises. The palace has many windows and many gardens.

"Such delights are served at the enormous banquet hall," says Miss Doe Friend. "And afterwards we watched performances at the outdoor theatre. Miss Emeline was invited to participate."

Community Palaces are spread throughout Social Ease.

The keepers of Community write down each resident's stories and store them in the palace libraries. They record the stories of visitors, too, and regularly send them letters asking them to return.

"I found it too cloying," said one grumpy traveler who went on his own Depression and Despair.

But many return frequently to Community and Social Ease to spend time with the lifelong friends they have made.

"The land is clean and neat and the food delicious," says Miss Doe Friend. "For everyone assists to keep it so."

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Thoughts on "Depression Hates a Moving Target": What I Mean by Relatable

Relatable — I used this word in my reviews of Depression Hates a Moving Target   by Nita Sweeney on Goodreads and Amazon . It's a nice word, but overused of late. So, it feels lazy. What do I mean? I connected with this book. It made me reflect more on my own first marathon experience. It made me want to put on my running shoes and head out the door again. In fact, I did. Now, typically, my mental health doesn't hinder my ability to do the stuff I want to do and my body flies under the radar. Still, I also felt goofy stepping out in my running gear a lot of the time. I didn't see myself as a "runner" or an athlete. And, I had no idea if I could run 13 miles let alone 26.2 when I started. More to the point, could I stay moving for the 4+ hours straight it would take to complete the marathon? To do the training mileage, I knew I'd have to run through streets and trails on my own and that made me nervous, too. Waves of grief wash us to strange shores. Whe...

What is Solarpunk? Good question, great answers from our community

What is solarpunk? My fellow Glass and Gardens: Solarpunk Summers authors Commando Jugendstil and Tales from The EV Studio put together this video for the Turin International Book Fair . It features editors and authors from the solarpunk community sharing their thoughts. Together we're imagining optimistic futures based on renewable energy. My soundbite was: "Solarpunk futures are — green spaces with clean water that are pedestrian, collective, feminist, creative communities. And they include non-human animals. " Mary "solarpunk" Shelley cat did a great job (at 6:15) helping from her rather ridiculous cat tree which she absolutely loves. And what better time to wear this solar-colored "Veganism is Feminism" tee from The Herbivore Clothing Company . Seriously. I'm holding a stack of solarpunk books: Glass and Gardens: Solarpunk Summers  edited by Sarena Ulibarri which includes my story "Watch Out, Red Crusher!".  Wings of R...

Springy Story Review: "Gestella" by Susan Palwick

Why it springs to mind: A hauntingly beautiful horror story about what happens when a woman relinquishes her power. A unique werewolf story with commentary on aging. Where read: First in Sisters of the Revolution: A Feminist Speculative Fiction Anthology  ( 2015, PM Press edited by Ann and Jeff Vandermeer) and then in Palwick's collection The Fate of Mice ( 2007, Tachyon Publications ) — both outstanding! These presses won't steer you wrong. Summary: A young woman werewolf allows herself to be dominated by a lover who takes control of her fate. Memorable: The powerful ending! The word: sportfuck. A new take on lycanthropy. Written in second person — you. Quote:  "You know that your growing wisdom is the benefit of aging, the compensation for your wrinkles and your fading—although fading slowly as yet—beauty. You also know that Jonathan didn't marry you for wisdom."  Personal connection: Some of my favorite stories seem to be the ones that address t...