All I have to say

is that allegations of violence from the pro-prop 8 folks is NOT a good thing for the anti side.

In the Castro.
On Saturday.
There's video.
BUT, not of any violence.

I'm suspicious, but allegations travel far. Very far in media land.

Oy.

Activate

I think now is the time for action. People action. Mass protests. I haven't had any brilliant blogging thoughts of late because I keep coming back to the defeat of Prop 8 and the REMOVAL of civil rights.

So I give you more info on how to get involved. And please do get involved. My parents were part of the anti-war movement in the 60's. I think this is the movement of the 2000's. The next generation.

Click. Visit. Protest.

This is the time to act. More than ever before.

This is true dignity

As the fallout swirls from the passage of Prop. 8 in CA, I think the note that has brought me the most peace and calm was this message sent today by the no on 8 folks -- a coalition of groups who worked together to defeat the measure.

It shows true dignity. And, I believe, courage. I am honored to be a part of a struggle that can take such a high road amidst the pain of defeat.

Have a look:



Dear M,

This has been an incredibly difficult week for Californians who are disappointed in the passage of Proposition 8, which takes away the right to marry for same-sex couples in our state. We feel a profound sense of disappointment in this defeat, but know that in order to move forward we must continue to stand together as one community in order to secure full equality in California.

In working to defeat Prop 8, a profound coalition banded together to fight for equality. Faith leaders, labor, teachers, civil rights leaders and communities of color, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, public officials, local school boards and city councils, parents, corporate law firms and bar associations, businesses, and people from all walks of life joined together to stand up against discrimination. We must build on this coalition in order to achieve equal rights for all Californians.

We achieve nothing if we isolate the people who did not stand with us in this fight. We only further divide our state if we attempt to blame people of faith, African American voters, rural communities and others for this loss. We know people of all faiths, races and backgrounds stand with us in our fight to end discrimination, and will continue to do so. Now more than ever it is critical that we work together and respect our differences that make us a diverse and unique society. Only with that understanding will we achieve justice and equality for all.


Dr. Delores A. Jacobs
CEO
Center Advocacy Project

Lorri L. Jean
CEO
L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center

Kate Kendell
Executive Director
National Center for Lesbian Rights

Geoff Kors
Executive Director
Equality California

rain

Today there was not much else than rain. It had the feel of a grey day down into my soul.

I'm really searching for that Obama joy and could even use some help pointing me in the direction of the uplifting. The history-being-made. The amazing future into which my son gets to live. So, a little nudge, if you have it, would be MUCH appreciated.

In greyness.....

Must there always be such lows with the highs?

The election results have me really caught between supreme joy and great sorrow. The former because of Obama's win. The latter because of the apparent defeat of Proposition 8 in California.

Much more on my thoughts over at the other blog....

Suffice it to say, one of the many reasons the monumentality of Obama's win has yet to set in is because of the status of Proposition 8.

Sometimes cowardice feels good

Today NPR had a show about election parties that included folks on both sides. There was also talk of both winning and losing gracefully. But, most importantly, there was talk of how powerful and empowering it is to talk to folks on "the other side," no matter what side you're on. It pushes you to understand your similarities. It pushes you to articulate your beliefs.

Yes. I agree with this.

But today (and, well, I may admit, most days) it feels great to be around tons of folks who are on MY side. Standing in line to vote with tons of folks sporting Obama buttons and talking about what a historical moment this was. Reflecting, in light of the fight for marriage equality in CA, how lucky I am to be in a state that has it. How safe that feels. Dropping my son off at a school where tons of folks, teachers and admin included, sported Obama buttons, shirts, etc. Where we worked only a bit to hold in the moments of glee that we all are touching with our fingertips.

There's a feeling of embrace to it. And it feels good. I don't know how much it pushes my thinking, brings me to see areas of commonality with the other side, but I think enough of life is about that. For now, I'm basking in the feeling of community. Feeling a part of something big. Hopefully really big.

And just for a bit of humor. My blog reading of the day unearthed this. Love it!

My new favorite site....

Brilliant. Too brilliant for me, for sure.

Please say it is right.

And vote tomorrow. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opx-v_OhFnQ

That's it. Really.

Back for the month/NaBloPoMo

I'm back for the blogging festival that is November! I will say that I was nudged. Perhaps not gently.

But it's all fine and well.

I'll be splitting my time between this too-long-forgotten blog and the close-to-my-heart blog. Or perhaps I'll create another name-must-be-hyphenated blog. Just kidding.

Today's post....on the CTMH blog.

freecycle MADNESS

We're moving in three days, so we've been freecycling lots of things. Some good stuff, some very random stuff.

Fitting in the category of random: A 4DVD set of New Scandinavian Cooking. Complete with a braided, Scandinavian-looking woman on the front.

Well, apparently her cooking series is a widespread hit, as five people responded wanting the set within 20 minutes!!!!!!!!! Now that is crazy. We haven't even cracked the shrink wrap in the two years since this was randomly given to us (K has a Swedish background).

Who knew? I guess freecycle serves not only as a great resource for sharing and humor, but also for learning about the popularity of Scandinavian cuisine. Wow.

UPDATE: We're up to 10 requests after 3 hours. madNESS!

A few observations from my day....

First, a question: What do you do when you're heading into the gym and, directly behind you, is your favorite author of the moment? If you're me, you perseverate, hope she doesn't see you glancing at her, and then think that perhaps you'll blog about it. Shameful, I know. But, do go out and read that book. It is absolutely fabulous, insightful, and important for our society's future.

Second, an observation: As I sat in a spinning class today, I watched hordes of folks head into the subway (T, as we call it). At least 25% of them carried Timbuk2 bags. Seriously. Now, I'm a known Timbuk2 bag whore, and I've always known they were popular, but this popular? Really? Truly amazing.

A recent fave bag:


Finally, I'm still hopin' that many of you will come visit me over on my more substantive blog (not that bag-love isn't of substance, just "different substance"....). Hope to see you there!

Come on over and see the new blog

I started a new blog about raising a boy without labels/in ways that try to transcend labels. He has really taken the lead with this, but it's something that I try to support him with as best I can. And that takes a lot of thought, consideration, heartache, etc. So I decided to share that journey.

Come see!

Updating the update

1. Dissertation proposal in!!!!!!!!!
2. Second tulip about to bloom, pending update 3
3. Spring is NOT here to stay. Rainy, wet, in the 40's today. Ugh.
4. Glad it's the weekend and no big deadline hangs over me.....

Hoping for warmth, here, and preparing to start a new blog.

Quick update

1. Dissertation proposal due tomorrow. Crazy busy right now.
2. Our first tulip is about to bloom. Q could not be more ecstatic
3. We're moving in 18 days
4. I feel like spring has set in to stay -- keep your fingers crossed on that.

Please send any and all mojo my way for these last two days of madness.

me and the lovely dissertation

This is me. Well, not really ME, but an image of my past few days. Me, the keyboard, a messy study, a strong desire to procrastinate (is Top Chef calling me on the Tivo? I sure think so....), and usually a nice cup of tea.

The dissertation proposal is chugging along. Well, I think. But I'm in that twisted up brain space where I've thought about it too much, perseverated WAY too much, and now just need to once again hand it off (of course after a bit more obsessing, hopefully not at 3am). Mostly, I just want to get through this hurdle. It seems ridiculous to even stress about it since I'm already far into data collection for the beloved dissertation, but so it goes.

Not sure what my purpose is here, except to put a little image of my small life out there (to share my misery? Not really, as I haven't really been miserable).

So here's me now:


And hopefully tomorrow, after having turned in my latest and greatest, this will be my state of mind:

Zen.





Until, of course, the next upswing in the work. But I'll take it while it lasts.




Coda: Today is the 15th anniversary of my grandmother's death. She was an amazing woman. Powerful, outspoken, passionate. She was never without gaudy jewelry, wouldn't leave the house without spending 45 minutes "putting on her face" and yelled at Reagan on the TV. I love her with all of my heart and aspire to live with her kind of passion and commitment. Although I could spend time thinking of all that she's missed during these 15 years, I prefer to think, instead, about how her life has influenced mine. So I thank her for the passion she gave me for education, making a difference in the world, trusting my heart. And for showing me what it really means to have fire in your belly. Rest well, Grandma Geri.

Great time!

This weekend with Q made me really feel the strength and love of our community here, as folks reached out their arms to embrace the two of us.

Last night we had a raucous and fabulous time with great friends.

A sneak peak, thanks to a new fantabulous blogger!

Where's my love?

How very cool is this? (excuse the screenshot "noviceness")

I was wondering how very late my beloved wife's plane would be tonight, as I am awaiting her return quite eagerly, of course.

It's been an amazing weekend with just me and the Q, but after tears at bedtime, I know that it is time for our family of three to be back together.

So, I wander onto the Delta website for flight info. Once finding it, I happen on a little button that shows me the route. Not only the plane's route, but it's CURRENT location. I can track her virtually!

Nice to learn that she is merely 50 minutes away from landing and presently over my dear home state.

Waiting with baited breath here...

Home Alone

Katie is on a tropical adventure this weekend.

Q is asleep.

Me: Not quite tired enough to sleep, finding my few favorite websites uninteresting, nothing good on the telly...what to do?

I know, I know, I should and could knit, but I usually like to accompany that with some good viewing.

So, how do you cure those low moments? Any great new web finds that I must investigate?





I suppose I could just enjoy some peace and quiet a la this early morning lakeside mist....

Yarn Swap Goodies

Mostly, I'd say this is a placeholder right now. I have yet to take pics, but I was able to destash a TON of yarn. This was a local swap organized by some great ravelry folk. Here are the things about it that made me happy:

1. The sense of community when folks come together to share and create and avoid further consumption.
2. Seeing how wildly excited a group of folks can be about yarn!
3. That I came away with about 1/4 as much yarn as I came in with -- that was a major goal.
4. That most of what I came away with was in the purple, blue, pink family -- it makes me happy, and better yet it makes Q happy. He squealed upon seeing some of my riches.

More to come, in the form of pics.

Oh, and the lifesize dog request was back up on freecycle. Go figure.

First in a Series: Freecyclers say the darndest things....

I admit to being a freecycle fan. I think it's a great way to share amidst community without encouraging the overconsumption that is rampant these days.

I think I also love it because of the oft-hilarious gems hidden among the posts.

I present you with the first gem in what I hope will become a regular addition to this blog:
WANTED: PLUSH large/life sized realistic looking stuffed Dogs

(wait for it).....



for animal massage workshops and workshop demos.



This, my friends, cracks me up.
1. Animal massage?
2. You need a stuffed dog to demo animal massage?
3. If this is an industry, aren't there industry-standard "demo dogs?"

Oy!