Author Archives: Don Watkins

About Don Watkins

I'm a FOSS advocate, writer, educator, Python coder, Linux user, US Navy Veteran, Secular Franciscan, husband,father and grandfather. I blog about my life and experiences that give it meaning.

Moving

Posted on November 20, 2022 by Don Watkins

This blog has moved to The Future is Open . On or about January 15, 2023 this site will no longer exist. I backed up the site and have moved to the new instance. WordPress.com has been a great host … Continue reading →

Posted in blogging | Leave a comment

Summer thoughts

Posted on July 20, 2022 by Don Watkins

Most of the folks who are virulently anti LGBTQ are unsure of their own sexuality. I’ve found gay people to be twice gifted with unique contributions to make. Indigenous people in the Americas referred to gay folks as the people … Continue reading →

Posted in Civic, local, Spiritual, women | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

WTAF?

Posted on June 14, 2022 by Don Watkins

I just read that the governor of Ohio has signed a bill that allows teachers to carry guns in schools in that state with no more than twenty-four hours training. What could possibly go wrong. I wonder when the government … Continue reading →

Posted in Civic | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

The sacred feminine

Posted on June 12, 2022 by Don Watkins

“From of old I was poured forth, at the first, before the earth.When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no fountains or springs of water;before the mountains were settled into place, before the hills, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholic, Franciscan | Tagged , | Leave a comment

A Quaker Response to Gun Violence – Friends Journal

Posted on May 27, 2022 by Don Watkins

The problem is that for some people in the United States, guns have replaced God as the source of their trust and as the authority they turn to in order to resolve conflicts. — Read on http://www.friendsjournal.org/a-quaker-response-to-gun-violence/

Posted in Civic, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Thank you padre!

Posted on May 22, 2022 by Don Watkins

Saw this on Representative Mike Thompson’s Twitter feed this morning. Mike Thompson represents California’s 5th Congressional District. This letter from a Catholic Priest friend says it all about Arch Bishop Cordileone’s latest misguided decision: “Bishops, priests, etc. are neither the … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholic, Civic, local, Spiritual, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

You can’t deny grace

Posted on May 22, 2022 by Don Watkins

This week a catholic cleric in the state of California has stated that Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi cannot receive holy communion because of her stance on abortion rights. Pope Francis openly suggested that American catholic clerics not politicize the abortion issue. … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholic, local | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Mastodon for writers and readers

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Don Watkins

Originally posted on Robert Kingett:
This post includes Fediverse accessibility resources as well. I finally did it. I deleted Twitter off my phone and subsequent apps off my phone. I still kept my twitter account active because a bunch of…

Posted in local | Leave a comment

Thoughts from Matthew Fox

Posted on May 10, 2022 by Don Watkins

I’m a regular reader of Fr. Matthew Fox’s Daily Meditations and todays was particularly insightful. You may enjoy it too.

Posted in local, Spiritual | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Reviewing the wisdom of Jesus

Posted on May 7, 2022 by Don Watkins

“How do we put on the mind of Christ? How do we see through his eyes? How do we feel through his heart? How do we learn to respond to the world with that same wholeness and healing love? That’s … Continue reading →

Posted in local | Tagged , , | Leave a comment