We hiked up to the lake, and picked our way through the warren of trails along the edge to what we deemed was a good camping spot. The sun was setting, catching the hooked peak of the rock face opposite us. Louis got out his tent, and I asked if he needed help setting itContinue reading “Playing at survival”
Author Archives: Katie Botkin
Sociopaths and authoritarian lifestyles
For a long time now, I’ve been reading personal stories of people who have been hurt by hierarchical relationships and the cultures that surround them. Now, hierarchy exists in many forms, and in many cultures, and it’s something that we actually reduce to points on a scale sometimes — we cite Geert Hofstede, for example,Continue reading “Sociopaths and authoritarian lifestyles”
Amway Christianity
A year or so ago, I befriended a girl from Eastern Europe who had moved across the country to marry a local boy, whom she had met online. During a walk around the park, she told me that she’d found this great job, also online, that allowed her to stay at home with her nine-month-oldContinue reading “Amway Christianity”
More migraine theory
One day in late June, I thought it would be a great idea to go for a run, so I did, came back, and cooled down with some yoga. About half an hour later, I noticed that I was starting to get tunnel vision. No, I thought, impossible. I’ve already had two migraines this year.Continue reading “More migraine theory”
Europe 2011
From the beaches near Barcelona to Foixarda to the canyons outside Perpignan, I spent a good portion of my trip to Europe with climbers. It was delightful.
After the conference
I wait in the station for my train to Perpignan, the languid, humid buzz of Barcelona present in the low-swung shuffle of sandaled feet and ballooning fabric. I people-watch. Backpackers, the elderly, chic white-clad youth, confused women with high-pitched voices. The duration of my wait makes me pensive. I wonder at the clashing ethos ofContinue reading “After the conference”
First day in Barcelona
Friday morning I sit cross-legged on a mattress while the rain drips in staccato melody from the eves, charged on café con leche and sleep deprivation. I took to the streets shortly after 6 this morning, wandering towards the old city, watching the street sweepers and a pair of lovers kissing passionately under an arch.Continue reading “First day in Barcelona”
-30-
My 30th birthday is tomorrow, and in many ways, I do not feel much different than I did at 25. Stronger, maybe; more capable, and also more fragile. I know the simple comfort of tucking myself into bed at night, in my own little house. I know the flush of blood pounding in my earsContinue reading “-30-“
Ho, ho, ho
Once, on my way back from buying groceries, covered from neck to ankle, I was called a whore by a group of post-adolescent men. In their culture, I suppose, I looked like I was asking for it. I wasn’t wearing a headscarf; I wasn’t veiled. I wore color. I was obviously foreign. Hence I mustContinue reading “Ho, ho, ho”
Ars longa, vita brevis
When we were young, we had a collection of movies that my mom had edited for language and adult situations. She even edited “Aladdin” because the parrot had a bad attitude. At the same time, we knew plenty about anatomy, due in part to our plentiful medical and art books dissecting the human form. WhenContinue reading “Ars longa, vita brevis”
Botkin Creative 