Author: susanbassmarcus1

Review3 Comments

Like Our Age

susanbassmarcus1

Although a few sections of Mark Twain’s The Gilded Age are gratingly detailed, especially when describing the complicated humbuggery of embezzling ‘tycoons,’ this novel often reads like an Axios News analysis of our contemporary social-political state of affairs. Enhanced by Twain’s acerbic wit and sarcasm, the novel resonates in our own times as well as the period in which the story takes place. Grift, patronage, theft, and abuse of power, among many forms of corruption, dominate most interactions between major characters. Adding some love, light, and drama to the wretchedness are romantic situations among younger characters, but dark motives and … Continue reading Like Our Age

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Plague Diary

susanbassmarcus1

Not that my case is unique, but during these long, draining months of Pandemically-Paused Life, I find solace and relief whenever I doodle or hone a Gerty drawing. Today I looked through my collection of drawings and found some to share. Each one addresses Gerty’s reaction to or choice concerning COVID-19 in her idiosyncratic way. Gerty is slimming down and has embraced a more active life. Is she reflecting my enthusiasm for frequent early morning walks along the shores of our magnificent Lake Michigan? Could be. Continue reading Plague Diary

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Some mornings

susanbassmarcus1

Now, my days are fraught with challenges, but they all begin similarly. I hear the cat scratching at my door (husband already up and exercising for hours). I open my eyes, stretch, count my blessings, and practice a few PT exercises. I let Cat into the bedroom and dress in gym clothes or stay in my winter pj’s. Which path to choose—organized list-following or a good wallow with coffee and The New Yorker? Here is my Gerty who faces the same dilemma: Continue reading Some mornings

A Writer's Progress/Process, My Cartoons1 Comment

Cartoons -Moping, Masks, and Musings

susanbassmarcus1

Although COVID-19 is surging within the younger population in my area–those who gather in crowds without wearing a mask at bars, restaurants, and on the lakeshore–most people I pass on the street are abiding by the city’s request to social-distance and wear some sort of face shield. My character, Gerty, has chosen to be socially responsible, too, and I have drawn her in a series of situations as the pandemic has been advancing. The cat, who is Greek and has taken the name μαυρο, comforts Gerty who spends most of her day at home with her art. She often must … Continue reading Cartoons -Moping, Masks, and Musings