Halsted M. Bernard @cygnoir@mastodon.social

Whoops, I never did a proper #introduction!

I often describe myself as a:
* #writer of fiction … I write and perform stories
* chronicler of foibles … I am an online #diarist
* wrangler of chaos … I am a #librarian and database designer

My about page has more:
https://cygnoir.net/about/

What I'm up to now:
https://cygnoir.net/now/

Franchesca Ramsey’s video “5 Tips for Being an Ally” was linked to from Rachel Cargle’s #DoTheWork 30-day challenge. Today I realize that I am very anxious about the future mistakes I will make in learning how to do this work, but that anxiety will not stop me. https://youtu.be/_dg86g-QlM0

Some days are just plain demoralizing. So tonight I’m writing letters to voters in Texas, asking them to vote in November. Want to join me? Sign up with Vote Forward. https://votefwd.org

Criminy shows you his new favorite chair.

You know me: can’t go too long without ink tests. Here are some of my current faves on Tomoe River paper.

Today I learned about the violent and racist origins of American policing from this episode of Throughline. If you are at all interested in history, give the Throughline podcast a listen. I’m consistently impressed with their level of research. https://overcast.fm/+Ys-wlWBhs

The now of June 2020: https://cygnoir.net/2020/06/28/the-now-of-june-2020/

Read: So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
This book should be required reading for all white Americans trying to educate ourselves about systemic racism. It is not an easy read, nor should it be. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3345854503

Today two patrons thanked us for flying the Pride flag. 🏳️‍🌈 I hope our LGBTQIA+ patrons and staff feel welcome at our library. And I know that I have more work to do to ensure that everyone truly IS welcome.

There is so much we must do to dismantle white supremacy. But there are so many ways to help! If you’re thinking, “I need to educate myself first,” then have I got a resource for you! Your library card is one tool in this fight. Ask me how to use it! https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co

Posted @withregram • @ijeomaoluo Repost from @dopequeenpheebs
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Today #BreonnaTaylor would have turned 27 years old. She would have been celebrating with friends and loved ones and just being carefree and joyful like every black person has the right to be. Instead, on March 13th, she wa... https://honk.cygnoir.net/2020/06/05/posted-withregram-ijeomaoluo.html

Today I will go into the library to do my work for the first time in months. This is a concrete step in the planning we are all doing to reimagine how we serve our community. I am excited! And a little nervous. I did not sleep well last night.

📚 Currently Reading: So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

Yesterday, as I obsessively watched the news, my hold on this library ebook was finally ready. It is a challenging and necessary read. I am learning so much. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53249847-so-you-want-to-talk-about-race

📚 Read: My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

This is a well-constructed fiction from the #MeToo movement, and it reads like one. It didn’t land enough emotionally to disturb, and didn’t take enough risks to inform.

My rating: ★★☆☆☆ https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3279653607

I looked up from my laptop and this was happening. (So stealthy, that Criminy!)

Doodling with Colorverse Gravity Wave. It’s a deep teal with red sheen, not visible on this paper, but I’ll do a real ink test soon.

Special delivery of a tiny bottle of Colorverse ink! Not pictured: the awesome friend who dropped it off.

Criminy is not sure how he feels about this.

Less than a week away now. #oregonvotes #vote

I inked up my vintage Esterbrook Dollar Pen today. My pens = my moods. When I ink up my 💵🖊, I mean business.

An important read right now. 🔗 Librarians Under Pandemic Duress: Layoffs, Napkin Masks, and Fear of Retaliation https://bookriot.com/2020/04/24/librarians-under-pandemic-duress/