A Toast
Raise a glass to AgnosticMom. I have been asked to write a monthly column for the Humanist News Network, a weekly e-zine!
HNN is part of the Institute for Humanist Studies. The Executive Director found my blog and saw a need for a column on humanist parenting. He contacted me last Friday and asked if I’d do it.
When I began blogging last summer, part of my intent was to see if I could be a writer. I have always had a secret desire to write, but since having children, the most I’ve written is a few published letters to the editor. I entered the blogosphere with cold fingers.
In hopes of extracting some talent from within, while at the same time filling the void that agnostic parents have been staring into, I have wondered if I could blog my way into a book. That still remains to be seen.
My new column with the Humanist News Network does not bring me to professional status. But I am so excited to have a shot at a little more experience and exposure. You can subscribe to get the e-zine here.
I’m going to take advantage of this opportunity to thank some blogger friends who, though may or may not necessarily be agnostic or athiest, are great bloggers who have helped AgnosticMom increase visibility by referring and linking to my blog.
Mary Tsao at Mom Writes
Jane at Average Jane
Zoe at A Complicated Salvation
Larry Keim at Larry Keim’s Blog
Laura at LolaFromOz
I hope I didn’t miss anybody. Thanks so much!
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January 18th, 2006 @ 12:09 am
Congratulations. I’m jealous, but in a good way. Your good fortune is the result of some very serious and diligent work.
January 18th, 2006 @ 7:31 am
Congratulations! That sounds like a great gig for you.
January 18th, 2006 @ 10:33 am
All of your goals are bound be fulfulled! You are onto something huge - a pink elephant in every room where social discussion is taking place.
None too soon!
I was at Barnes and Nobel today - and they moved the Science section, they also reduced it in size. They moved it over near blank journals - where no other literature exists - somewhere west of the bargain books!
There is ONE shelving unit of science books (not including the specific section on physics)! That is 33% the amount of space they give to ‘religious fiction’ (possible oxymoron) - and roughly 20% of the space ‘devoted’ (literally?) to religious books. At Barnes and Nobel! The religion shelves are all centrally located in the store, as well - with a good 6 or so signs leading you to them.
Its unnerving to enter a huge ’secular’ bookstore and see that the history, and science sections barely add up to the amount of space allotted for religious books.
End of complaint.
Congratulations! Do keep us posted as to when your material is available - we were here first :)!
January 18th, 2006 @ 10:37 am
Wonderful news, Noell!
You’ll be great.
January 18th, 2006 @ 11:07 am
I wrote a letter to the editor of HNN praising their choice - I’m reproducing it here for your readers (I took a section out because already posted my B&N complaint here on your site) :
Excellent choice to include a column by Noell of AgnosticMom in your newsletter. There is a terrible void of perspective writing about agnostic family living in the United States - - the easily sited presumption by the religious culture is that we do not thrive because we lack the moral fortitude to be strong, joyful, loving families.
I myself feel a growing pressure to start a running commentary on my experience of family living from the vantage of scientific humanism. The lack of this perspective in the blogsphere is astounding!
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a small section on what I mentioned about Barnes and Nobel on this comment thread
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Science must be brought into the mainstream - children and families must be comfortable discussing its current events and marvelous discoveries from the realm of reality. These are issues that are relevant now, and for all of us!
Humanism in all its forms must not be invalidated as a fringe group of rebelious students, or codgers with too much time on their hands and bad experiences with the church - any more than it should be associated with scientists that are sequestered away (understandibly) from popular culture and mainstream thinking.
Focusing on families and raising our children to think rationally is of utmost importance if our country is going to continue to enjoy any freedoms whatsoever.
Until a time when our culture takes responsibility for what is known in science - Jefferson and Franklin would make fantastic perpetual energy sources as they roll in their graves.
—
can you tell I’m glad yet?
R
January 18th, 2006 @ 12:14 pm
Congratulations! It must feel good to be recognized for your writing and for your ability to so intelligently and eloquently express your beliefs. I enjoy reading your blog because regardless of my religious leanings (I’m still trying to figure that out), I most definitely believe in science as the basis of humanity.
Because my children are not yet in school, I understand that I am now free to remain “blissfully ignorant” of the extent to which religion is impeding true learning in our public schools. But at least I know where in the world (here! and your new column!) to go for an opinion I can respect.
Thank you!
January 18th, 2006 @ 5:09 pm
Good for you Noell! In a world of religious zealots, my faith in humanity has been revitalized.
January 19th, 2006 @ 1:27 pm
Congratualtions to you! What an honor. You deserve the recognition.
January 20th, 2006 @ 7:45 am
Now this is cool!
February 18th, 2006 @ 11:20 am
COOL!!!