double rainbow

double rainbow

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Marriage Equality Finds Its Way To Alabama

On Monday Alabama allowed same sex couples to obtain marriage licenses and get married. Well, some of Alabama anyway. Some district probate judges refused to issue licenses based on an order from the Alabama Chief Justice, Roy Moore, to ignore the federal ruling which found the ban on same sex marriage to be unconstitutional.  Other probate justices ignored this order as they believe he has no legal authority to do this. What was a joyous occasion for some was yet another bitter disappointment for others. What should have been a huge step forward was more of a much needed push from behind, resulting in more of an angry stumble forward, highlighting the narrow mindedness that is so pervasive there.

While I see the pictures and read the stories on social I find I'm happy, sad, encouraged, and discouraged all at once.  I'm so glad to live in such a progressive place where reproduction rights and marriage equality is supported by the strong majority. I wear my Ally shirts and march in the gay pride parade and my support is appreciated I'm certain, but sometimes it feels almost unnecessary. It's not earth shattering to express your support here. Not a shock to anyone if you admit you are pro choice. You won't have well meaning friends praying for your soul while informing you that you are going to hell.

I used to like the idea of being a lone wolf down south. Expressing my acceptance of evolution, my belief in the right to choose, support of interracial relationships, etc. It made me feel like I was a rebel when I really wasn't. I thought I should have as many rights and opportunities as my male counterparts and this didn't feel like it should even be up for debate. In my youth and naiveté it just made sense. I thought it was hypocritical to say a black person "is my best friend, I love her like a sister, but no way in hell can she ever date my brother!".  I thought, if someone was so distraught and unhappy they felt suicide was their only option, that I couldn't come to terms with a religion that would condemn that person to hell.  In the end I was just a lover... not a faithful non-questioning "believer". For that reason I was always a bit of an outsider, along with a very few other like minded friends. 

Sometimes I miss those days. Not that I think I made any real impact on the beliefs of those around me. Actually, I think it was the other way around. The beliefs of those around me had a significant impact on reinforcing my emerging convictions.  But the truth is I was still so young and worried about fitting in, where I could never truly fit, to be an effective voice for those beliefs which were just starting to take hold in my heart.

I wonder if I could do more good now. Now that I'm less concerned with how others see me and more about the person I want to be. But then I read those bigoted comments from people who think their God and their religion should dictate everyone's beliefs and actions and I realize if I still lived there I would probably feel...exhausted by it all.

I have so much admiration for the tireless fighters for equality everywhere, but especially down south. Your courage and dedication in the face of almost constant disapproval and often pure hatred is astonishing and beautiful.  It's wonderful to see the progress in Alabama, no matter how much it's resisted and I wish I could have been there on Monday, holding a sign and supporting those who went to the court house to marry. Maybe, when it finally happens in Mississippi, I'll be there with flowers and a sign. Because I'm certain there will be many protestors and many hateful words spoken, but it turns out I have a big voice and I can use it much better now. I can use it to shout messages of acceptance and love. 

Shared on Facebook by Arik S

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Finding my Creativity Again


I've so missed being creative.  Not that I'm overly artistically inclined, like my mom, but I can hold my own.  I've mostly missed the creative process, the relaxation.  Anyone with young children know there is nothing relaxing when trying to do an art project with young children (although it's getting a little better).  I recently did a "Ladies Night Painting" event with a friend and so enjoyed it!  It made me miss my pottery days, hand building and glazing.  It, and this, is a thousand times more therapeutic and spirit lifting than a pedicure or retail therapy, so I'll be swapping out my "me" time for "creative me" time whenever possible in the future. 




Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Christmas 2014 and NYE 2015!

We had such a wonderful Christmas and New Years!  Mom, Dad, Paul and Jordan all drove up from down South and we had room for everyone in our new house.  It was just so comfortable and nice to have all the family around.  Couldn't have asked for it to be any nicer.

























NYE - almost made it to midnight.


Made it to midnight no problem.


Not even close to making it to midnight!





Saturday, December 6, 2014

Auggie the Doggie

We promised the kids once they were all out of diapers we would get a new dog.  Loretta remembers and still talks about Luc fondly.  Well, we have a little Luc lookalike, but Auggie (named after the lead character in the book Wonder) is a Golden Doodle and will grow to be much bigger than Luc was.  We love him already.  He's a sweet and loving boy.




Friday, November 28, 2014

Our First Time Hosting Thanskgiving

Our home is made for entertaining.  We had a wonderful day.  Much to be thankful for.







 

Saturday, November 1, 2014