This quote is paraphrased Goethe. But it reminds me to be my best self, even when the clock isn't running.
Writing resistance
One way that I can use my talents for the resistance - writing. Handwritten notes have been going out to all my representatives to let them know my priorities, and now im adding in thank you notes to those doing right by their fellow citizens. Inspired by an activist friend who posted she was thanking Judge Donnelly for her emergency stay against the executive order. And then she said, "The resistance WILL be thanked via snail mail", which is absolutely perfect. I'm in.
Women's March
Yesterday was certainly the most inspiring day I've experienced since the November election. Seeing everyone in DC (both at the Women's March and then around town after it) and reports of everyone in other cities filled me with awe. Women are a force. We are the resistance. And this is the beginning.
We marched with good friends from DC and the Moms Demand Action group.
And this little lady made heart cards to pass out to marchers to spread love to them (her own idea, facilitated by her awesome activist mother). It was a joy to represent with such a great group.
I can only hope all the attendees feel inspired to continue the resistance.
Thumbs
Headed to DC to march in the Women's March. Still in disbelief we are swearing in a president who communicates almost solely through 140 character inflammatory declarations. May he learn more restraint while in office.
#resist
Resistance
After some deliberation, I've chosen another word for the year, instead of a resolution. A word to keep in the forefront of my mind as I make decisions (long term and mundane), and as I frame my hopes and goals. 2017's word is Resistance.
At first I was afraid the word was too negative, a connotation of unfavorable pessimism. But in my narrative, resistance is survival in adversity, standing up for what is right, which isn't always popular. Resistance is anti-populism. It is personal. Resistance is rebellion, is action, is even joy.
It may be cliche, but General Organa has inspired me (on screen and off), to continue the fight. Resistance is hope.
A year that questions.
2016 has been a hard one, full of questions, and a variety of emotions. Very much looking forward to seeing if 2017 has any answers.
Merry
Didn't bring all my supplies to the holidays, but did bring my iPad. Remade this one from a few years ago in digital color.
It's cold outside.
If this is December, I'm dreading January.
But, loving this remake of 'Baby, It's Cold Outside'.
Holiday Decor
It's no secret that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, but I do love Christmas decorations and their sentiment. They have endless permutations of traditional and modern, handcrafted and mass produced. Decorating for the season is a source of delight, and also a bit of a problem to be solved, as I rationalize the additions to my minimal aesthetic and weigh kid-friendly versus heirloom.
And so it is an eclectic mix up at our house this year, and colorful lights on the front porch, welcoming you in.
Longer table.
Inclusivity is key.
Dealing with Democracy
The past two days have been full of contemplation, disappointment, anxiety, sadness, and some anger, disbelief, and embarrassment. I'm not sure how to process it all. So I've been looking towards our leaders for guidance. I've found some solace and some direction from Hillary Clinton herself, President Obama, and surprisingly Aaron Sorkin and Michael Schur.
I'm not yet done licking my wounds. But I will be. And then I'll fight. I'll use my privilege to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. We all can fight harder, give more, be better for our children and our futures. Let's have faith that the majority is willing to do the best by our fellow Americans. We will move forward. Let's do it together.
Hoping
Eight years ago today I went to work and tweeted this. I had early voted weeks before; I'd canvassed on the weekend in Gary, IN; I was all in for Senator Obama to become president. It was just down to that knuckle-biting day. Two questions weighed heavily - Would Obama be elected? And would I get tickets for the rally?
Obama was spending election night in Grant Park and I wanted to be there with him. Todd ended up skipping work to volunteer in Indiana because they were quasi-promising tickets to the event at the end of the day. A couple lucky friends received emails throughout the day that they'd been selected to attend. Late in the afternoon Todd texts, we got the tickets!
We meet a few blocks away from Grant Park. Masses of people surround us. We wait. Slowly we are all let in, tickets checked. We wait and wait. So many people full of hope and anxiety and energy.
Then, finally it is called! Obama wins! We all cheer and cry and high five and hug complete strangers. And not long after he takes the stage and makes an historic acceptance speech.
I don't think I've ever been a part of something so energizing. The night was such a victory, and we had such hope and spirit for the next four years. A crowd of a quarter million was a community that night.
Next week I won't be at a rally, but I will be cheering hard for another historic evening.