tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58225877088928050662024-03-05T05:45:01.331-08:00Renascent RelishA day in the life...musings, family updates, this and that, excerpts from Kori's life.Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.comBlogger161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-49358519625802729482011-02-10T08:02:00.001-08:002011-02-10T08:12:56.020-08:00Job Juggling<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpdpzseUceD_bv_f9hyphenhyphenU6a8_vPwuf1hgIEq_VW74dKH0IsxRNnS46Uju4dGVYpEDMQ5z4WHGmcjeTSsr5aPfMD6HAlLGZH8F-EmpDaMCHpLTSajb7A1PnNZF41UD7ZqhjHCeMC9Ug420n/s1600/DSCN34660344.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpdpzseUceD_bv_f9hyphenhyphenU6a8_vPwuf1hgIEq_VW74dKH0IsxRNnS46Uju4dGVYpEDMQ5z4WHGmcjeTSsr5aPfMD6HAlLGZH8F-EmpDaMCHpLTSajb7A1PnNZF41UD7ZqhjHCeMC9Ug420n/s320/DSCN34660344.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572092858146831074" /></a><br />I am not sure if I am getting any better at juggling jobs or not; I do know that I am trying to find some peace with the fact that this is just the way it is right now. I am in good company, I do know that--many Americans are working part-time jobs when they would rather be working one great full-time job. I tell myself I am lucky, <em>I can do it</em>, and there is opportunity in everything (that is the Stoic American talking, of course.)<br /><br />As I continue my work as co-director of the Community Alliance of Lane County--a small, dynamic, 45-year-old human rights nonprofit, I am also learning the ins and outs (no pun intended) of marketing organic, all-natural adult lubrication products and sexual health books and products at Good Clean Love. Definitely no conflict of interest as I go from all the "isms" that I feel so passionate about changing in the realm of human rights to the heterosexual world of "love products." Meanwhile, in my freelance writing work, I have been getting more opportunities than I have been able to respond to. That's okay, I tell myself, this is abundance and abundance is good!<br /><br />Alas, I also feel my age and switching gears so often throughout the day makes a gal feel a bit tired! Besides, there is life outside of work to: a garden to plant (We finally got the peas and cool-season stuff into our fabulously evolving veggie beds this past week), a wedding to plan, and a relationship to maintain. Juggle, juggle, juggle. I can do this...I must do this...Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-84301767140174069292011-01-27T15:52:00.000-08:002011-01-27T16:05:17.525-08:00Loading up the Plate<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAqsAXVHWBLiuo9CQf-4glBKeCW-5XBppn0t7Y7T4lTpLpgRaIsUHh5eUXJ_IOwWGGRxYNJn4r_09idbj6UUPjg97j842YaJb-BeJw0omjmf-aHec0QQDf9JLmYjIz_MK0tQyPdFN4p-l/s1600/doctor_bobs_desk.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAqsAXVHWBLiuo9CQf-4glBKeCW-5XBppn0t7Y7T4lTpLpgRaIsUHh5eUXJ_IOwWGGRxYNJn4r_09idbj6UUPjg97j842YaJb-BeJw0omjmf-aHec0QQDf9JLmYjIz_MK0tQyPdFN4p-l/s320/doctor_bobs_desk.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567019126512845234" /></a><br />First of all, this is NOT my desk--not in reality. It does feel a bit like my work load and life at present, however! I have accepted a position as a marketing and communications director, in addition to my work as co-director of the Community Alliance of Lane County and the freelance writing. Not to mention the fact that I am totally dedicated to planning a fabulous wedding.<br /><br />There is a certain amount of <span style="font-style:italic;">overwhelm</span> that I am experiencing currently and I hope that is to be expected. I still haven't figured out exactly HOW I will do all these things but I am certainly going to give it my best. Meanwhile, things are not exactly going smoothly on all fronts either...<br /><br />I spent a good portion of today dredging out the downstairs office here at the nonprofit. Stacks of papers, overflowing piles of stuff that needed to be filed, dumped, recycled or, unfortunately, dealt with 2 months ago have all been sorted and sifted. it wasn't exactly what I expected to do today, but it is done.<br /><br />There are grant proposals to be written, DJs to be contacted (for the wedding), taxes to be filed, articles to be written, AND, a garden that I am aching to start planting. Much to do, much to do and, like the White Rabbit in <span style="font-style:italic;">Alice in Wonderland</span>, I already feel as though I am running terribly late.Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-42142904802940026112011-01-27T15:51:00.000-08:002011-01-27T15:51:08.312-08:00Arts Marketing: The Post-3D Surround Sound Live Theatre Blues (with Solutions)<a href="http://www.antiochla.edu/blogs/antidote/arts-marketing-post-3d-surround-sound-live-theatre-blues-solutions">Arts Marketing: The Post-3D Surround Sound Live Theatre Blues (with Solutions)</a>Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-45425308061521191082011-01-25T20:07:00.000-08:002011-01-25T20:17:40.312-08:00Relating...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolPHll6rRS7jv8Q1WgiHbrzs-kU06RRNYxGT4KzwrGFaN8_nlnCGrWHRyezGkGmjWtAkzSOq6Lb4q7mC7bCVh0uTp_3E3JbP4od0mrYr-S_zfqhopUTnc3JOurYrnMAf02ziN5KjxLsme/s1600/RSCN34030293.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolPHll6rRS7jv8Q1WgiHbrzs-kU06RRNYxGT4KzwrGFaN8_nlnCGrWHRyezGkGmjWtAkzSOq6Lb4q7mC7bCVh0uTp_3E3JbP4od0mrYr-S_zfqhopUTnc3JOurYrnMAf02ziN5KjxLsme/s320/RSCN34030293.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566341689925591394" /></a><br />I would love to say that I am an expert at personal relationships! At the almost-age of 44, who wouldn't like to think that she has mastered something as basic as the personal, intimate relationship? Well, that person is just not me...<br /><br />I'm better, I'm evolving and I am still determined to continue to challenge myself to stay in the game, but I am so not perfect. I still bumble and stumble and have days where my relating skills are not much better than they were twenty years ago. Other days, I feel like I am SO ready to take on Dr. Phil!<br /><br />The gift of my fifth decade is that I have an amazing and resilient partner to practice all this relating. Teri is also NOT perfect, but she continues to stay in the game as well. She demands a level of communication and closeness that I have not had before and while we sometimes miss each other on the communication path, we generally swing back around and keep trying until we land. With two peri-menopausal women, the whole "connection" and getting on the same page thing can be especially challenging. We are both trying to adjust to these new grown-up versions of ourselves that seem to be changing as well--we don't always feel like ourselves or know how to put words to what it is we are experiencing.<br /><br />And yet, we keep trying. I feel incredibly lucky to have a partner who values communication and relatedness as much as I do and yet we still strive to find a common language with which to stay connected.Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-51790329636549644382011-01-23T17:09:00.000-08:002011-01-23T17:31:29.068-08:00Wedding Planning Mania<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoJN_yksKChgM0ChOUR8nqrXVOwz-oroFghK0RJTJxodbT14eA1rqKrmVOv4gkaxrqAGL4prceSJtGdfs7qbKnzDCTpmeqaAXzwUcdTtREIBZ8pg-vZ-wenMDlJsNmHl46we39w6zGri-/s1600/DSCN34580340.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoJN_yksKChgM0ChOUR8nqrXVOwz-oroFghK0RJTJxodbT14eA1rqKrmVOv4gkaxrqAGL4prceSJtGdfs7qbKnzDCTpmeqaAXzwUcdTtREIBZ8pg-vZ-wenMDlJsNmHl46we39w6zGri-/s320/DSCN34580340.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565554252233968482" /></a><br />Who would have thought? I don't remember putting much "careful" planning into my teenager version of a wedding. While I had opinions and I remember picking colors, napkins and the like, I also remember having a somewhat casual approach. I definitely didn't think of it as "for life"--which says something about the decision-making of an 18/19-year old but it also says MORE about where I am in my life NOW.<br /><br />Twenty years of increasingly complex event planning, partnered with the fact that I really am completely committed to Teri and cannot imagine a life without her and the result is that with the start of 2011, our wedding planning has been kicked into high gear! I have more developed organizational skills and my tastes have surely changed--not to mention that Teri has opinions, ideas and definitely preferences for how she would like to see our special day too. Strange to be at this place, at this age, and coming at it with the fabulous fresh spin of being a middle-age same-sex couple! <br /><br />We have lists, folders, and a few wonderful spread sheets (25 years ago, I did NOT have the joy of putting the guest list into Excel and manipulating it around!); there are diagrams and measurements and time schedules--NONE of these were part of my world 2 1/2 decades ago. I NOW know enough about event planning to know that 7 months is not very much time at all when it comes to tending to all the tiny little details that make an important day...unforgettable. And I would do anything to make our wedding day unforgettable for both Teri and me...Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-91208092637786080972010-12-27T19:31:00.003-08:002010-12-27T19:50:43.757-08:00Home...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfomPedptL6kMaJ-RTkoVr-ydF0WXQBAJGpHawIrYiOJ1vUZfl4aBrnow2NMrylZl8F9XGV9SF_WZ9xMY6taCBAg34_55S8Tws9BCaN2A3bAf7vR8uhX1UOZrP7gN1nFVhyphenhyphenht0s7qufL21/s1600/DSCN34470329.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfomPedptL6kMaJ-RTkoVr-ydF0WXQBAJGpHawIrYiOJ1vUZfl4aBrnow2NMrylZl8F9XGV9SF_WZ9xMY6taCBAg34_55S8Tws9BCaN2A3bAf7vR8uhX1UOZrP7gN1nFVhyphenhyphenht0s7qufL21/s400/DSCN34470329.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555571442425430930" /></a><br />Today Teri and I finished sorting and packing away all the Christmas decor. We are simpatico when it comes to our holiday decorating calendar--everything goes up on the Friday after Thanksgiving (Decoration Day) and it comes down soon after Christmas. A month of holiday house is perfect and we can start the new year with a fresh, clean, and airy feeling home.<br /><br />This was our second Christmas together in the same home. This morning, we went through the spiral notebook we use to keep all our hosting, house, and garden stuff in and looked back over the menus, guest lists and notes from the past 12 months and I have been thinking about the process of our joint homemaking ever since.<br /><br />We are compatible, yet different. There have been power struggles and negotiations--more than I have ever experienced. We are still in search of the new dishes that we would like to choose together and it has been over a year since we started that quest. As we were walking out of Pier One this evening and heading across the parking lot to the Pottery Barn, Teri commented that our differences in taste and preference are not insurmountable, but they are enough to keep things interesting!<br /><br />We both care very much how our home surroundings feel, smell and look. Color and composition matter to us and we both value comfort, cleanliness and a homey accessibility. I can honestly say that I have never been in a relationship with another person where I shared as much in terms of tasks, cooking, and decorating. We joke about our "candle budget" and fake fight over whose turn it is to use the vacuum, but the end result is that this feels very much like OUR home.<br /><br />I do not get to have my own way, nor do I have carte blanch over where to hang the artwork (or even which artwork gets to hang on the wall) or where the furniture goes. Fortunately, we both love change and there is seldom resistance to seeing how things would look moved around or changing out the bedding or curtains. There are times, I confess, when I miss my old life where I was the sole homemaker and I could make solo purchases, decide paint colors or rearrange things on a personal whim but I had years and years of that. Sharing a home and sharing a life this time around has taken on a new depth of meaning since we truly share in every aspect of building a home and a haven together.<br /><br />So a new year is upon us; a new year of decisions, life changes, challenges and adventures. Teri and I have both lived in almost two dozen "houses" each, but this process of making a home together has been unique and fulfilling in a completely new way...Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-66501222545022070712010-12-14T15:29:00.000-08:002010-12-14T15:54:38.380-08:00You Just Never Know...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMt40z2Ekp5nvKdJKmylbzst2Urngkz1hGFaxTo_eKdP-WVy8r6ZSxhv-61n_Y2Y_Z5Gho07os_Jt4LFjBTIF8tiEzmYmgCRAqxwika9DviPHuLsXJwrTCcDbY3mwKQjMwtoMsUcHYMYGi/s1600/Photo+87.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMt40z2Ekp5nvKdJKmylbzst2Urngkz1hGFaxTo_eKdP-WVy8r6ZSxhv-61n_Y2Y_Z5Gho07os_Jt4LFjBTIF8tiEzmYmgCRAqxwika9DviPHuLsXJwrTCcDbY3mwKQjMwtoMsUcHYMYGi/s320/Photo+87.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550685083462542018" /></a> The holidays can be a rugged time for gay/queer people--I just want to put that right out there in a bold opening sentence. The truth is, many have been estranged from family and supposed loved ones for at least a portion of their post-coming-out lives, others may still be sorting through feelings of rejection, different-ness and alienation. Not to mention that there can be constant reminders of holidays, people and places PAST. <br /><br />We face the precariousness and marginalization that the holiday season brings up: Will our partners be accepted by our families', kids, friends, etc? How will we merge and blend all the areas of our lives? Can we bring our partners to the office party? church party? block party? (or can we even mention their names out loud?) And how do we even know that those people who are civil to our faces aren't the very ones who are gay bashing, hate mongering and voting against anything that might provide basic rights or equality for LGBTQ people? Have you ever stopped to imagine what it is like to have to be cordial, civil and respectful to people who may not be the same way back? Or people you KNOW may walk into the next room and tell a sexist, homophobic, racist or otherwise icky "joke" or anecdote?<br /><br />In my dream world, here are the very basic ways that LGBTQ folks would be treated during the holiday season:<br /><br />1. Holiday cards and letters would be addressed to both partners--even if it means taking up an extra line!<br />2. Invitations would be extended to both partners in a respectful way.<br />3. Family members would refrain from bigoted comments, remarks, and "jokes" for the entire month of December.<br />4. Family members and supposed loved-ones would use the preferred pronouns, names, etc. for the entire month of December.<br />5. Refrain from bringing up painful past events: Who really needs to be reminded of the holidays he/she/they missed when Mom and Dad weren't talking to him/her/them because of coming out, moving out, or other life changes?<br />6. No pressure to go to church, say the prayers, attend mass, etc. so that our sinful ways can be absolved.<br /><br />In the past few weeks, I have unwittingly stumbled upon hurtful, bigoted and anti-gay comments, stories, Facebook pages, etc. and I have heard the pain in others' voices as they described holiday cards where partners were obviously omitted--it is not okay, regardless of whether it is to be expected or not. Here's the thing, we KNOW you are out there, we experience the hatred and inequalities on a daily basis and many of us work tirelessly for advocacy and change because of your very attitudes and actions. Could we just have a break during the holidays and could you keep the hate, fear and ignorance for yourself for maybe four or five weeks? We have to walk the high road and put up with it every day of our lives, but in the spirit of the season, we'd like a little peace as well...Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-80205803887581360122010-12-07T16:42:00.001-08:002010-12-07T17:02:05.690-08:00Kicking off the Season!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhug4aVdiRqCK6pC9BUULRKK5rrUxl_ohkCjUoWHI44kG7SwKvvNx4Tp1WuhW8YZHTReJUTIs0vJ8aIdc8cQ4vL9FRPTY7wY-0saGQZRfgmH-wRsZ7uef4YNXVH_LQCtilltBmGmIsqISb3/s1600/DSCN34020289.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhug4aVdiRqCK6pC9BUULRKK5rrUxl_ohkCjUoWHI44kG7SwKvvNx4Tp1WuhW8YZHTReJUTIs0vJ8aIdc8cQ4vL9FRPTY7wY-0saGQZRfgmH-wRsZ7uef4YNXVH_LQCtilltBmGmIsqISb3/s320/DSCN34020289.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548110370358863250" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBaLW8hjrHpYHyVH8Pt-rPIrbmrv2PReVImt8tRgdX_Om5lCZRuri86vKmXBkKz8paBcBKS18FI9_1E8eYKGeV5_G4AqC3mjgihXljttDcc5j-almZZ2yXs7jPJJVDYKQ-wkS-qZUXxfs/s1600/DSCN33320224.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBaLW8hjrHpYHyVH8Pt-rPIrbmrv2PReVImt8tRgdX_Om5lCZRuri86vKmXBkKz8paBcBKS18FI9_1E8eYKGeV5_G4AqC3mjgihXljttDcc5j-almZZ2yXs7jPJJVDYKQ-wkS-qZUXxfs/s320/DSCN33320224.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548107429618848242" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3I8z9OsgytsnfwJnnqufCacUmLlbvqE4-Jlp4-94LBV3pzkNwj6maU1N8aLpjZm-Z7SdCRB3XrA0Fc_twQv2HNQiba72UObke7sfdgPJdatzbtLZzDlYxnFAhKCkL62Nyz2dxOZd2PXE-/s1600/DSCN33950282.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3I8z9OsgytsnfwJnnqufCacUmLlbvqE4-Jlp4-94LBV3pzkNwj6maU1N8aLpjZm-Z7SdCRB3XrA0Fc_twQv2HNQiba72UObke7sfdgPJdatzbtLZzDlYxnFAhKCkL62Nyz2dxOZd2PXE-/s320/DSCN33950282.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548106273403512610" /></a><br />Teri and I decided to embrace the holiday season this year--at least that was the original plan. Of course, we have varying degrees of "spirit" and they rarely coincide, but we are both in such a different place this season than last that it warrants celebration.<br /><br />After having a house full for Thanksgiving, we swung open the doors a week later for a festive gathering of friends, neighbors, and coworkers. We served up favorite holiday desserts and sweets and had all sorts of "fixins'" for hot toddies and holiday beverages--a hot buttered rum? Eggnog with a nip of brandy? hot orange cider with a little club soda? coffee? cocoa? You get the idea--we just wanted people to get a taste of their holiday favorites and herald in the season with some festivities and fun.<br /><br />Of course, we hope the mission was accomplished. I know that for us, it feels like the holiday season is in full swing--we are starting our shopping--checking items off the ever-changing list; and trying to enjoy the activities, visiting and treats that this time of year tends to bring. Meanwhile, there is "real life" too--Teri starting a new job, continuing all our projects and causes, and Kori striving to get a budget, work plan and other details all lined up at her work. December has a tendency to be amazing on so many levels!<br /><br />As the year comes to an end, it truly gives us the opportunity to celebrate how far we have come; to commemorate the milestones of the year and to look forward to the possibilities of the coming year. It may just be a "date" or a "season" but for me, it gives the chance to take stock, enjoy, and experience gratitude for these continuing life cycles...<br /><br />Yay for the holidays!Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-90348015158661914652010-11-29T14:44:00.000-08:002010-11-29T14:52:55.082-08:00Let's Get Down to Work...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigY_E_fgpv4wK1aUobpHu_X4l_7JPnLmF3J0GvVRkCdYmcMqYemcSTWXSwjH7pUrZ-SA7bhTC2NEG5f9osw_p1hmIIQ4rUadHdLMkBox6XedT25YgXknMXfymumh0zIMMhU7V1VRUPNKsu/s1600/Photo+78.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigY_E_fgpv4wK1aUobpHu_X4l_7JPnLmF3J0GvVRkCdYmcMqYemcSTWXSwjH7pUrZ-SA7bhTC2NEG5f9osw_p1hmIIQ4rUadHdLMkBox6XedT25YgXknMXfymumh0zIMMhU7V1VRUPNKsu/s400/Photo+78.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545106567878076450" /></a><br />I was ready...to get back to work! After being ill, and then tackling the Thanksgiving holiday--I was actually good and ready to get back at my desk and get organized. The month of December can be a kooky one in the work world anyway--there is a paradoxical sense of panic (since the year is ending) and procrastination (since it is the holidays.) It takes some focus and organization to keep things from becoming completely unraveled!<br /><br />So, I plowed through my in-basket and created a task list for the week, updated my calendar and created a brand new "Grants Prospects" whiteboard for the first part of 2011. It feels good to be focusing on the future and making concrete plans for 2011...<br /><br />There are budgets to finalize and end-of-the-year tasks to tend to, but there is also a sense of working toward closure for the current year and optimistic progression for the coming one. Of course, I fully understand that the best-laid plans do NOT ensure that all will run smoothly, but it IS nice to be able to close out the books, so to speak, and start fresh. In a few weeks, I am hoping that the evolving year at work will be brighter and better than the one I am trying to wrap up!Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-43005240778621938222010-11-26T08:08:00.000-08:002010-11-26T08:38:35.196-08:00Intentional Family<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekI07WefyJO-zykQF210BzuxIhfiS_29m_RY7Bi1Y1s-0AWB725-GC_iHDKgVKwfTnqvAp9gi6xltYwHZAl79ujiyC4SGkbFHO-4I4TZK734c7EZgULcXOU7c2LtWj_zFwvLmxLoYhjNJ/s1600/DSCN2646.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekI07WefyJO-zykQF210BzuxIhfiS_29m_RY7Bi1Y1s-0AWB725-GC_iHDKgVKwfTnqvAp9gi6xltYwHZAl79ujiyC4SGkbFHO-4I4TZK734c7EZgULcXOU7c2LtWj_zFwvLmxLoYhjNJ/s400/DSCN2646.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543892674243641522" /></a><br />The counters are cleared and the leftovers are all either sent home with departing loved ones, or tucked away creatively in the bulging fridge. Thanksgiving has passed but this year's feast was abundant in myriad ways:<br /><br />Fourteen people and two dogs slid into our warm little bungalow: good friends, new friends, three of our five grown children and people from their worlds, former in-laws, a former spouse and his new partner, and even a playmate for Lola (our dog.) There were platters brimming with turkey and ham, steaming potatoes with gravy, salads, veggies, snacks and pies...wherever you turned there was something to eat or drink and someone delightful to talk to.<br /><br />We are a family--most days, I imagine us to be woefully ordinary but yesterday, I realized there was something extraordinary about the layers of warmth and inclusiveness--Teri and I are both strongly driven by humanitarianism, compassion and a determination to contribute to the world in a positive way (it is a piece of what drew us together) and, for us, it begins with the open door that leads into our sunny, yellow living room.<br /><br />Our lives only grow more diverse and I am grateful for that. We watched as lesbian friends shook hands with my kids' dad, and Teri and I stood arm in arm as my former in-laws unpeeled their coats and set a gleaming bowl of Waldorf salad on the kitchen counter. Seven hours later, as the last friends were leaving, our daughter Lucy stood up to give our dear friend Joyce a big hug and I realized that we are a modern, intentional, American family. With those present and those absent, we are a web of committed attachment--Teri and I care and are cared about and we all head out into the world carrying a bit of that inclusive, open, compassion with us.<br /><br />As I crumpled into bed sometime after midnight, it dawned on me that, in some ways, I have given my kids exactly what I wanted to when I started out as a parent, and that I have definitely helped create the sort of world I dreamt of as an optimistic teenager (at least on SOME days and in my most immediate surroundings). As our daughter shared yesterday, she has come to feel grateful for a world where she has MORE of what is good about family through the expanding configuration of hers...more fun, more friends, more love, more celebrations, and a world that feels to grow and not contract.<br /><br />There were those loved ones we missed yesterday, but they were with us in a deeper sense too--and I am proud to be non-"traditional" in the definitions of the rigid Right. For us, however, our family is amazing; our door is open and our commitment to love and inclusion is woven into every day we are privileged to be in this world...<br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving!Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-61682354853877574832010-11-23T11:45:00.000-08:002010-11-23T12:00:09.710-08:00Snow!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpEfwCwhd7HXVoq_t-lqgMipvmVr4xGsbeIzLpWZLOi_nr8-RuVLA98WsiCjz9HavDrA93fwsNFXk0QH2wjiNtmJGOZb8fpm3V_YOgT7Ro66v5qTApx1EJvL77V6KndIdC6KDJXy92M7W/s1600/RSCN32760197.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpEfwCwhd7HXVoq_t-lqgMipvmVr4xGsbeIzLpWZLOi_nr8-RuVLA98WsiCjz9HavDrA93fwsNFXk0QH2wjiNtmJGOZb8fpm3V_YOgT7Ro66v5qTApx1EJvL77V6KndIdC6KDJXy92M7W/s400/RSCN32760197.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542835147686720386" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpGYyO8oaWxUOlNqsNCC8zEbcwkPfQPP-Kcm-lS1YuD-tuZMbpXZZHuY-Tq7fvHgEZW6ah3_ZGKw6ZOvYAoXRYe_Qldgq6wz9kzoOfWLy2LR8RDxfzxMaBoXTGh03VdHdRfF2aSsEswc6/s1600/DSCN32560153.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpGYyO8oaWxUOlNqsNCC8zEbcwkPfQPP-Kcm-lS1YuD-tuZMbpXZZHuY-Tq7fvHgEZW6ah3_ZGKw6ZOvYAoXRYe_Qldgq6wz9kzoOfWLy2LR8RDxfzxMaBoXTGh03VdHdRfF2aSsEswc6/s320/DSCN32560153.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542834669401537074" /></a><br />Our bit of winter weather has arrived and to tell the honest truth, we are tickled. Sure it is arctic cold out there and we only got about a half inch dusting of the white stuff, but boy howdy how fun it is!<br /><br />The cats have all come indoors and Lola can't seem to get enough of playing outdoors with the neighbor dog, Izzy. Teri went out and threw snowballs for them and since they BOTH love to chase and catch, they were incredibly entertaining jumping and catching mouthfuls of snow. I look at the photos of myself and notice the grey temples, the wrinkly eyes and realize that I am a woman in her mid-forties and I'm still out there tickled as hell to have a snow day...<br /><br />Oregon is an amazing state--that is not to say that other states aren't just as amazing--I just know that I am feeling gratitude this morning at being able to experience so much in this part of the country without really having to experience severity--we get to dabble and play without months and months of ice and snow.<br /><br />So, as we sip our hot cocoa inside a relatively warm house and enjoy the interisting light that is created by the snow-covered skylights, we are definitely feeling ready to embrace the holiday season. It is almost time to bake the pies, make the rolls, roast the turkey and glaze the ham...our winter is here!Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-70263997835428963592010-11-22T13:14:00.000-08:002010-11-22T13:28:47.319-08:00Waiting for Weather...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemP6iVQCkdWstbLH30tkaPeE0BgZLqhwRwUQNtl5IrOuyvVXakHhC32kvcsYyYscUSEKY8ZW43TqDJylWUfA0Zg_7N_fwYa7UYhnzMZawqUCP__PRKo_M0pHaqyKLYA8MsJ7poaI9xZwV/s1600/DSCN32100113.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemP6iVQCkdWstbLH30tkaPeE0BgZLqhwRwUQNtl5IrOuyvVXakHhC32kvcsYyYscUSEKY8ZW43TqDJylWUfA0Zg_7N_fwYa7UYhnzMZawqUCP__PRKo_M0pHaqyKLYA8MsJ7poaI9xZwV/s200/DSCN32100113.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542488972735243762" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcW9jMtSjjND4AODEKpXIZUoJeK2lDyjExFdwHF6zKqTCU3lmWXouvSV5XIypuzFL2hy2W06mkxSTliVmWj0MaQtlcX-hbmwYNwUaeoruE4XLEz22-33z_j-Vau6Ao-ySFWMCLE87GCC6c/s1600/RSCN32200132.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcW9jMtSjjND4AODEKpXIZUoJeK2lDyjExFdwHF6zKqTCU3lmWXouvSV5XIypuzFL2hy2W06mkxSTliVmWj0MaQtlcX-hbmwYNwUaeoruE4XLEz22-33z_j-Vau6Ao-ySFWMCLE87GCC6c/s320/RSCN32200132.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542487477265733922" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOy9-soGDg5OGWhi6p4aKjKePrdxY_LiS0RKNiM8MRG7tCu-kLT9L2cFLWwZ2nfdd2BiiigQ2sW9Emk6qPa7uLV25VQZQoL5nqzYxjTgWSMhtEY2Xd4dxLn8vH2umIVouL437MDbZ_6I3/s1600/DSCN32110114.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOy9-soGDg5OGWhi6p4aKjKePrdxY_LiS0RKNiM8MRG7tCu-kLT9L2cFLWwZ2nfdd2BiiigQ2sW9Emk6qPa7uLV25VQZQoL5nqzYxjTgWSMhtEY2Xd4dxLn8vH2umIVouL437MDbZ_6I3/s320/DSCN32110114.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542487136106143858" /></a><br />We have been promised snow...as a torturous tease, the weather gurus first said Sunday, and then Monday and now we are told that tonight (Monday night) and Tuesday--definitely...likely...probably...snow.<br /><br />I wouldn't mind a little of the white stuff...we didn't see a single flake last Winter. I've been outside to unhook all the hoses, have raked fallen leaves onto all the garden beds, cleared away the slippery leaves on the deck and paths and just generally snuggled things in as anticipatory snow storm activities. I'm ready!<br /><br />Not to mention, Lucy and Jacob came over yesterday afternoon to help me pull down all the Christmas decoration boxes from the loft in the garage. Teri headed out for some shopping with a friend of ours and I figured I could use a little help. They then helped me "floof" out the fake outdoor greenery garland and do some initial outdoor decorating. It was cold! We were watching for snowflakes yesterday and still, rain--cold, blustery, constant rain...<br /><br />A little of the white stuff would be festive, wintery, and just a bit on the interesting side. I know it is a holiday week and people are traveling and I "get" that cold weather makes it tougher on homeless and vulnerable people--but it is also gorgeous and festive and seasonal in a wintery way. Is it too much to ask for a little follow-through? Just a couple inches dusting of the sugary white snow?Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-67080866840955700312010-11-18T12:20:00.000-08:002010-11-18T12:32:36.034-08:00Thanksgiving!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__1b5ODdBSv6beeLEo2auJnNKZ_m26YklmDbx7aSwEaPabX0EcynFb2-APQB604bZmROzk3mZ6X0a3IDcrxfqh8DvfOvWyPBQ5ScAxpNQjv_tWZjNVp2yolHrBLOqTe4EaOLJ6AtXJGTl/s1600/HOMEMADE_PIE.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__1b5ODdBSv6beeLEo2auJnNKZ_m26YklmDbx7aSwEaPabX0EcynFb2-APQB604bZmROzk3mZ6X0a3IDcrxfqh8DvfOvWyPBQ5ScAxpNQjv_tWZjNVp2yolHrBLOqTe4EaOLJ6AtXJGTl/s400/HOMEMADE_PIE.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540988130230318994" /></a><br />Both Teri and I are excited about Thanksgiving this year...we are hosting the ever-expanding gathering and pleased as pie to be doing so!<br /><br />Last year we spent Thanksgiving apart and even though our commitment was fairly young, we vowed that we would never spend a major holiday apart again so this is technically, our first joint Thanksgiving. Once we decided to cook, we started putting some invites out there and began letting people know that we were hosting. The current guest list is hovering around 15, 16 people and will likely be closer to twenty. Woot! Woot!<br /><br />Our two-bedroom bungalow is small...yes indeed...and we do not actually have a separate dining room (we have a little utility room that we use as a breakfast nook but that is about it) so we have been doing some creative planning around how and where to fit and feed that many people but it has been such a fun challenge. As Teri said, everyone knows where we live so they know what they are getting into and STILL, there is interest in wandering over.<br /><br />We have plans for pies, a couple roast turkeys and a ham--along with all the trimmings. Mostly, we are excited that we will have such a unique collection of family, friends, exes and others gathering to share the day. We feel blessed and tickled that our "Normal Rockwell" Thanksgiving will be all about breaking down barriers and expectations and just being open and hospitable. As we've watched the plans for the day expand, there has been another interesting development: the "after" party. There are several people who have lamented that they can't make it for the feast but could they stop by later that evening or the next day for pie and coffee? Of course...we'll have plenty, the door is open...and my goodness do we have some major abundance to be thankful for!Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-76524326165193467432010-11-02T14:27:00.000-07:002010-11-02T14:36:47.846-07:00Election Day 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqM2w75-3H6qRCogOtiFfAfNgDhtKsjf1UfhYD5sSDu7jso_Mh_goxAbk1DwVuu7JnIcR6Zkpbn9Kx0gyxYE_pTy7LMumMfDjyEyXiC64G0hhxTJNezwxDk4JVMi1j8sikMP0lfeqiohdM/s1600/Photo+49.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqM2w75-3H6qRCogOtiFfAfNgDhtKsjf1UfhYD5sSDu7jso_Mh_goxAbk1DwVuu7JnIcR6Zkpbn9Kx0gyxYE_pTy7LMumMfDjyEyXiC64G0hhxTJNezwxDk4JVMi1j8sikMP0lfeqiohdM/s400/Photo+49.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535067504990709410" /></a> I am not a voting skeptic. I just want to get that out in the open. I realize that many of my friends, colleagues and peers have become embittered and burnt out with the political process. I am still fairly idealistic in a realistic sort of way. Because I have spent decades as an activist and organizer, I understand that individuals TRULY CAN participate in our government and in the "process." While I hear others talk about their disillusionment, I want to say that it is incredibly easy to get involved in the political process here in the United States. Not only do our votes matter and count, but anyone can get involved in local, city, county, state, and even national government. From testifying in front of the city council, to volunteering or starting a committee or task force, to running for office, we all have involvement and influence at our finger tips.<br /><br />Now, I know that money talks. Boy, do I understand how that works! I have gotten as frustrated as the next person when morons are elected simply because they have more financial backing. But who were the morons or misinformed individuals who voted for them? And how many people simply vote "the party line" and refuse to question their own choices? Citizens and voters have a privilege and a duty to be informed, involved and concerned. When people tell me that either their vote doesn't matter or that "they'll show them" by NOT getting involved, it is all I can do not to seize up. Seriously, if you feel disenfranchised or uninvolved it is your own choice. Get out, do something, get involved and, at the very least, vote. Of course, you may not get your way, but participating in the process is a privilege...Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-36977573943017153902010-10-26T08:26:00.000-07:002010-10-26T08:44:59.733-07:00Catching up!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5G3cR5OYAr4azLZO2qbamEwDO3SSyLlKKgDnomNwXMfkPm4F_7F5-a-Q2eQkNKR8WrH6Gz3kOXRQIG9GRDc3rYsxuukdwm8zOOJunmA43LwDf_wRj9QVIArXRcc21CZt6sVAb6rEAKqgD/s1600/DSCN2314.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5G3cR5OYAr4azLZO2qbamEwDO3SSyLlKKgDnomNwXMfkPm4F_7F5-a-Q2eQkNKR8WrH6Gz3kOXRQIG9GRDc3rYsxuukdwm8zOOJunmA43LwDf_wRj9QVIArXRcc21CZt6sVAb6rEAKqgD/s200/DSCN2314.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532381059146870066" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd52zGJg3yPGjGeLNu0SLuPY4eXTpt18RIqSXKhjGY0cyNoyhcqsu6rAP9QBACyzfyI_b2kmzDN5Ky-0eDG5qz-xup05Y_qDgaiRHswfUSWdNXzY7DTFdjexyBclJSM9nd1Q3upeU84YE4/s1600/DSCN2489.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd52zGJg3yPGjGeLNu0SLuPY4eXTpt18RIqSXKhjGY0cyNoyhcqsu6rAP9QBACyzfyI_b2kmzDN5Ky-0eDG5qz-xup05Y_qDgaiRHswfUSWdNXzY7DTFdjexyBclJSM9nd1Q3upeU84YE4/s200/DSCN2489.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532380662352719458" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCslGJSo_3hjRIEBJEabFjwSgnO-WhKTK7R2if_5TFeo_j7ODKQGZ3b19GzSBea1QjJ9nciMzcP3DtQDp9F2m83ykfR71pJ6fukTwHixdQXza_880qZ9801aK0ubLKsryzneMwLA5h6qb/s1600/DSCN2969.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCslGJSo_3hjRIEBJEabFjwSgnO-WhKTK7R2if_5TFeo_j7ODKQGZ3b19GzSBea1QjJ9nciMzcP3DtQDp9F2m83ykfR71pJ6fukTwHixdQXza_880qZ9801aK0ubLKsryzneMwLA5h6qb/s320/DSCN2969.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532377630386721490" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GT-EMZT1lbtLgF2f9jYdm0I7DUgP8ku_SgzwbbKam-_l9YO2Vp0NBuwVszG49PpUMgPALzvdwk_Q8B_xOjFL_vKehH-4RqjbJ6od50fptermnv7sx811LsoVJXv7fw2lz8S_8FXy4TNe/s1600/DSCN2612.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GT-EMZT1lbtLgF2f9jYdm0I7DUgP8ku_SgzwbbKam-_l9YO2Vp0NBuwVszG49PpUMgPALzvdwk_Q8B_xOjFL_vKehH-4RqjbJ6od50fptermnv7sx811LsoVJXv7fw2lz8S_8FXy4TNe/s400/DSCN2612.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532377213168460786" /></a><br />I haven't been blogging--I've just been too busy living! As the winds and rains descend upon us, and I get a little breather in my work world, it seems the time has come to catch up in blogging land!<br /><br />It is nearly Halloween--our cozy little bungalow is all decked out and ready for the spooky holiday, including more than our share of leaves all over the front and back yard. Teri actually ENJOYS raking leaves and she has been cleaning up the summer garden and converting it into a fall garden (there are plenty of new brasicas and cool weather plants that are still growing out there.) We have been tickled to scatter our home-grown pumpkins and gourds around the house, deck and porch and dried corn stalks from our garden drape the front porch. Very fun!<br /><br />In the past couple months, Teri and I took our first cross-country trip together as we boarded a plane that took us to New Jersey for her parents' 50th wedding anniversary. It was quite the celebration and I felt priviledged to not only be invited, but to also get the chance to meet ALL of Tiger's relatives and get a good "feel" for where she comes from. We spent an entire day sight-seeing at Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty with her parents, and were able to carve out another day just for wandering around her old teenage "haunts" and soaking up some extremely warm vibes on the Jersey beaches.<br /><br />Meanwhile, there have been work events, my neice's wedding, the relocation of my sister (who now lives in Eugene!), my son's starting college and turning 18, a daughter starting a new full time job at the deli of a local grocery store, peace rallies, volunteer projects and the addition of a new member of our family (Lola, the beagle who has taken over the house). Whew! no wonder I haven't had time to write!Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-35623395415871336142010-06-30T12:20:00.000-07:002010-06-30T12:34:29.094-07:00Stepping Up...There has been a lot going on--work, home, personal, public. The ongoing challenge for me is to find a way to balance it all and pay attention to what needs attention. Unfortunately, I don't always do the most fabulous job at that. Additionally, my own ego and emotions have a tendency to assert themselves at the most inopportune time. As much as I want to do everything perfectly, that just isn't always possible.<br /><br />Teri's sister and brother-in-law have been visiting for the past week. As much as I tried to juggle my work schedule, I have had some responsibilities to tend to and probably could have been more attentive both at home and at work, but instead, I'm juggling. On the other side, I am still learning what is expected of me in both places. It is one thing to be striving to build a relationship when it is just the two, another to figure out who fits where in the larger scheme of things. There are unique realities to being involved with an identical twin that I find I am completely unprepared for. I thought I had relationship skills but they are woefully underdeveloped!<br /><br />At work there is a culture I am negotiating; at home I find there is also a new culture that must be negotiated as well. I know it must be possible but I'm still trying to figure it out. What I have learned is that I need a little help in stepping up. I know that I need to get to a more competent place and I imagine that is one of the realities of relationships and continuing down the path of personal journey. When we first get into something, we imagine that we can do it perfectly. Of course, humanity and time take over and inevitably, we become a real person struggling with real challenges. It is up to me to figure out how to step up...Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-41970403968963271292010-06-14T16:06:00.000-07:002010-06-14T16:15:22.121-07:00A Little Sunshine, A Little Play, and Feelin' Groovy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAcAy5VwT-gf6WAXrRMRQPECV_IFOhEkcamnpLHIDFdRFJgvttTvrsA7xcnvwUsvFYZ3ogK9EV1zD5swlMMP_BjCMN1ZHkuswRFXojBwR_n5Q9mxAljkE99XZ0J71vHWSsq6C2NRwfJPc/s1600/0614101011.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAcAy5VwT-gf6WAXrRMRQPECV_IFOhEkcamnpLHIDFdRFJgvttTvrsA7xcnvwUsvFYZ3ogK9EV1zD5swlMMP_BjCMN1ZHkuswRFXojBwR_n5Q9mxAljkE99XZ0J71vHWSsq6C2NRwfJPc/s400/0614101011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482769705999058674" /></a> I was starting to think I was borderline clinically depressed; I was wondering if it wasn't perimenopause, hormones or some uncontrollable physical condition causing me to feel off, crabby, and generally un-satisfied. The fact was that I (and thousands of other Oregonians) just needed some bright sunshine, warm days and some play!<br /><br />Saturday, we waited with grumbling baited breath for the clouds to clear and the long-promised sun to arrive. Sure enough, by around 11 am, the blue sky shone through and it started getting warmer. Teri and I were joined by our friend Vicki (who lives in Salem) and my son Stuart as all four of us got on our bicycles and rode the trails, paths and lanes to the Saturday Market. We had lunch, sat in the sun, swatted at bees and wandered around as the afternoon warmed up. We even checked out the new Voodoo Doughnuts--lingering over our sugary confections.<br /><br />After Stuart headed off, Vicki, Teri and I rode up to Shelton-McMurphy-Johnson house and then home along the very busy river trail. After a brief nap in the afternoon breeze, we three got dressed and headed out to the Hotflash dance to get our groove on with the fantastic and energized crowd of ladies. Whooo Hoo!<br /><br />Riding, dancing, gardening and eating fresh watermelon and pineapple--what joys! Sunday morning, we sat out on our deck in the sun and ate chocolate chip pancakes as we also sipped our hot coffee. While sitting there, I noticed a strange looking little bug and realized that we had baby ladybug larvae! The ladybugs had done their thing and the new babies are hatching in the garden! Teri and I were ecstatic.<br /><br />We will likely get a little more rain in a few days but then more sun is promised. It is not nearly as warm today but just the brightness: the blue, the breeze, the waving and bending trees make a huge difference in my temperament. As I told Teri on Sunday morning after miles of riding and plenty of dancing: I feel ten years younger! And all it took was for the clouds to part.Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-83613391518672168232010-06-08T07:45:00.000-07:002010-06-08T07:56:27.302-07:00Summer, Summer, Where Are You?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-noISi-q1jIRie1dtvg8sF_xEvJdIIc6h8HeaszJ-wCtQFXf5qcYEdlXomkRaaZ4l_KPHt6p-R5wNFETjW2ghVNvIvbwljij8PIxPss3KU-FjAmG1NTfh6EHBD53TasRjhWKz-D5m3_X/s1600/DSCN1396.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-noISi-q1jIRie1dtvg8sF_xEvJdIIc6h8HeaszJ-wCtQFXf5qcYEdlXomkRaaZ4l_KPHt6p-R5wNFETjW2ghVNvIvbwljij8PIxPss3KU-FjAmG1NTfh6EHBD53TasRjhWKz-D5m3_X/s400/DSCN1396.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480415245421913442" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBOXLLbq44SRzU6VoJZP0NzAzzMA4QBmi1xtmMM9NdVpTthqCxljM2cGtWjMoDGr3zN24alQdhRnpoOT94RBTDgX2aYOOfj8yiCeUSN2exLrMWapynEIqgnF5EF3TMENdhgyQRLPJtA7N/s1600/DSCN1411.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBOXLLbq44SRzU6VoJZP0NzAzzMA4QBmi1xtmMM9NdVpTthqCxljM2cGtWjMoDGr3zN24alQdhRnpoOT94RBTDgX2aYOOfj8yiCeUSN2exLrMWapynEIqgnF5EF3TMENdhgyQRLPJtA7N/s400/DSCN1411.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480414881125051426" /></a><br />We have been in a holding pattern--waiting for summer amidst quarts and quarts of rain. The last few days have brought a little break and the garden is shaking itself off and trying to take advantage of some warmer, dryer days to GROW. About a week and a half ago, Teri and I purchased 1500 ladybugs (okay, not all of them were actually alive) and set them free throughout the garden. There are still plenty out there (I am not sure where they went during the relentless downpours)and it is such a delight to wander through the garden and see them speckled among the plants.<br /><br />Some of our early-planted "experiments" have not made it through the damp, cool period. Yes, I am THAT sort of gardener--one who risks weather and time to try to extend the growing season. The good thing is that we have an attitude of positivity about the whole thing and it is only the melons that didn't make it. Some cucumbers endured serious snail and slug attack but they seem to be bouncing back. Teri brought me some replacement and different melon plants yesterday and I plan to find space for them in the garden today (it is a perfect, overcast, transplanting day.)<br /><br />It isn't just the garden that is ready for summer, but I am too! I want to do summer things, eat summer food, and just generally slip into the mode and joys of my favorite month. I know its coming, it is just that my patience is drowning in all this rain...Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-34161139375724058362010-06-07T17:09:00.000-07:002010-06-07T17:18:36.744-07:00More Fun Please...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBFK1Q8_b3-fAv2oDiaUtTJCNZKb_L_12LXiaP7rBff0UcwAmuqtdRFHm-JOxca5-zg0se-AN5u0FwgxPElTVNkJ35B1mPMUjcqgnZAtuEybdhG0MqVSb5NUDM1Fl30TBd5tOasSH26wT/s1600/0522101852.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBFK1Q8_b3-fAv2oDiaUtTJCNZKb_L_12LXiaP7rBff0UcwAmuqtdRFHm-JOxca5-zg0se-AN5u0FwgxPElTVNkJ35B1mPMUjcqgnZAtuEybdhG0MqVSb5NUDM1Fl30TBd5tOasSH26wT/s400/0522101852.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480188550439785762" /></a>Things have been busy! Lots of work, worry and just general grown-up stuff and not nearly enough sunshine and play. Of course, the weather has had something to do with the feelings of heaviness but busy schedules and long "to do" lists have also contributed.<br /><br />Teri and I got very spoiled in that neither one of us was working the "real" job for several months and despite all the transitions we waded through, we still got to spend a great deal of time with each other. It was a decadent gift and now that we are back to the real world, I miss it!<br /><br />I know that summer is on the horizon (if ever the rain clouds clear long enough to let the sun peek through) and that should bring more fun activities, visits and general play. I find that I am very protective of my free time--I just don't want to spend it doing things or being with people that require too much "work"--it IS leisure and relaxation that I am craving, after all.Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-15814162333521912042010-05-26T13:06:00.000-07:002010-05-26T13:16:18.099-07:00Waterlogged and Wading<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRsElp0t5wYyrSmQTC7UQC5fyUKFX8T93S6N3F1Og3WtAdSTlP0ID8SfjrQRd00t7JGc0riWQY3MT_OKjb6f8vjeaWJbL6IzxqO1elpoEc7zxqwcaNA81zaLFZxMzydN6wE2u4Rlt70MG/s1600/Photo+6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRsElp0t5wYyrSmQTC7UQC5fyUKFX8T93S6N3F1Og3WtAdSTlP0ID8SfjrQRd00t7JGc0riWQY3MT_OKjb6f8vjeaWJbL6IzxqO1elpoEc7zxqwcaNA81zaLFZxMzydN6wE2u4Rlt70MG/s400/Photo+6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475672784735604482" /></a>Rain, rain go away... We have been having so much rain lately that it is starting to take its toll on the spirits of the natives. I am seldom one to complain about the weather and as long as it keeps changing, I am normally fine. Unfortunately, other than a peek or two of the sun now and again, it has been in the 50's and raining...a lot!<br /><br />I ride my bike to and from work regardless of the weather, but I've noticed that Teri and I are less likely to go out and do things if we know we are going to get cold and wet. Our activity level has dwindled a bit due to the weather and neither one of us is very happy about that. We are moody and feeling closed up and claustrophobic. Even the garden isn't providing much fun since it is just too wet and grey to get out and play around. The transplanted tomatoes, pumpkins, etc. are just sitting and waiting for a bit of warmth and sun just like the rest of us! The only happy creatures seem to be the slugs and snails who are happily munching away in the wet.<br /><br />So, I am not alone in whining for summer. It would be lovely to spend some extended time soaking up the sun, feel a little warmth on my face and be able to watch some of the veggies and flowers grow in the garden. Heck, it would be nice to just take a bicycle ride without having to gear up and prepare for the showers and puddles! As Memorial Day approaches, it does not look as though we are going to see our share of the sunshine any time soon. Grumble, grumble, grumble...Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-59254280444795125332010-05-20T14:05:00.000-07:002010-05-20T14:18:18.532-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMrFl_o2jBOPIsR3jqTW1mIkpbzCNXDN_LE97GbwLTs-ynWlbw6S1asOWp619YaFVVpZyo1_6aSgHK7QdSNmjWJQ-2YiDE0Skx4czkssEizdLXquuVODyFczcgpkVgV6eltGg7ScRe78Z/s1600/Photo+3.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMrFl_o2jBOPIsR3jqTW1mIkpbzCNXDN_LE97GbwLTs-ynWlbw6S1asOWp619YaFVVpZyo1_6aSgHK7QdSNmjWJQ-2YiDE0Skx4czkssEizdLXquuVODyFczcgpkVgV6eltGg7ScRe78Z/s400/Photo+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473461736607815234" /></a><br />My current work calls upon me to be even more politically aware than I’ve had to be in the past. As a matter of fact, I am expected to bring my opinions, viewpoints and experiences as a lesbian woman, mother, and educated female into the sensibility that guides my work. While I feel energized and inspired, there is also a discomfort—every day I read, listen, and experience more and more of the politics of inequality, racism, classism, bigotry, hate, homophobia, militarism and more; every day I am asked to take a stand, form an opinion and advocate for those who might not have a voice. I thought I was “militantly out” before but I am beginning to realize that we all have access to the responsibility to choose to take care of each other, but there are few of us who actually learn how to do that.<br /><br />I have not learned how to do that yet but I am trying. Some days I get outraged, riled up and horrified at the hateful and ignorant things that humans do to other humans. Other days, I feel inspired by acts of advocacy, love, and compassion. On other days, I feel that I just can’t hear another sad story, homophobic comment, racist slur or ignorant diatribe. I am finding that I do have a capacity and that there are days when I am more vulnerable and emotional—not always the best days for progressive advocacy.<br /><br />I am still learning to give myself permission to be a person at work—that means that I can be annoyed, short-tempered, tired, overwhelmed and occasionally unprofessional. I can be both rigid and flexible; I can be a taskmaster and I can also be someone who just lets things go. Some days, all I can manage is to just make a list of all the things I SHOULD do. Other days, I can accomplish an amazing amount and find myself thinking how studly I would be if I could just be THAT productive EVERY day.<br /><br />I try to also remind myself that all those bigots, conservatives and right-wing zealots are human people too. They might not realize the extent of pain and suffering (including death, illness, and horror) that is being perpetrated by hateful and ignorant acts of discrimination and narrow-mindedness. I can only imagine what would make a person want to destroy the life of another person or an entire population of people so I try to remain open—sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.<br /><br />Today, I spent the morning out at an alternative high school in Springfield, attending a GLAD day event. I mentored a young man who did a workshop on racism and then I participated as part of a panel talking about “What does family look like?” I experienced a range of feelings during the several hours—I was impressed, inspired, uncomfortable, nervous and proud. I don't mind speaking in front of groups, but I also really enjoyed just being a "fly on the wall" and lending silent support as the kids conducted workshops and talked about the things THEY wanted to talk about. We are talking about things that I never really had the opportunity to talk about when I was in school and in very unfiltered ways. <br /><br />My elation at participating, however, was dampened on the commute back to work when I read the news report about the young gay couple sentenced to 14 years of hard labor in prison in Malawi (Southern Africa) simply because they became engaged. <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37248649/ns/world_news-africa/">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37248649/ns/world_news-africa/</a> I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness, horror and anger. My little part just doesn't seem to be nearly enough...Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-65227161843808797962010-05-18T13:00:00.000-07:002010-05-18T13:13:35.058-07:00Weekend Explorations...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSBZJIVnlyGrsTAQ_Tv4_oxXNgpI-Ik3-Nc3gZIlzhzthHQ4vyRIyNIUWkCXHWRq_7hOxUi0wbBPLlx7BJpauY-edkeWO4n5GTrJM4MbzdxselsgQC94fmzE6Byy7GLZC4Ul7vF5EOjMH/s1600/0516101315.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSBZJIVnlyGrsTAQ_Tv4_oxXNgpI-Ik3-Nc3gZIlzhzthHQ4vyRIyNIUWkCXHWRq_7hOxUi0wbBPLlx7BJpauY-edkeWO4n5GTrJM4MbzdxselsgQC94fmzE6Byy7GLZC4Ul7vF5EOjMH/s400/0516101315.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472702619989522498" /></a><br />This past weekend, Teri and I decided to head North to Scappoose to check out an Bed & Breakfast Inn that we are considering as a possible location for our ceremony in 2011. We invited two of our daughters, the twenty year-olds Lucy and Leah to go along with us. We have had the trip planned for several weeks and, alas, I came down with a killer cold a day before we left and, yes, it definitely affected my ability to play and relate throughout the weekend!<br /><br />So much came out of the weekend: a chance for the girls to get to know each other better, opportunities to see different parts of the state including Seaside, Scappoose, Tillamook, etc., and continued explorations for Teri and I in how we relate to each other. Debriefing after the three-day whirlwind, we realized that while we are both in our mid-forties and we have both been moms, partners, etc. for a long time, we are not "old and seasoned" in our relationship. That is still quite new and evolving. We are still learning how to communicate, deal with various situations, and we are still unveiling various sides of ourselves as we get to know each other. We are definitely NOT a seasoned couple who can finish each other's sentences, read each other's minds and anticipate what might be going on. To be honest, I don't know if either of us wants to get to that place. What we do know is that we are committed to the process and we reminded ourselves this past weekend that we do need to be gentle with that process. <br /><br />We are still learning; it is NOT always a blooming bed of roses--sometimes there is rain, compost and other little pesky realities that go into growing a healthy rose bush. We might be "old" ladies but we are a "young" couple/partnership and we are definitely continuing in the explorations of getting to know each other. Fortunately, life is cooperating just fine in giving us plenty of opportunities to continue exploring...Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-69368175378032517702010-05-05T14:20:00.000-07:002010-05-05T14:31:58.561-07:00In The Garden...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHOXG3yNFmulKe7PdCCJYy2BqIRh8UQ_ugFUqp0QcAwjAIvVo5jWg5EcRuZ34EbC3mGdlvVA5gD63uezKdLSn5JkgDqqSjP_DBGZo3WJLXty081XAUaWU2AA6HC5S5iTHnzeKHMysKcex/s1600/0411101201.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHOXG3yNFmulKe7PdCCJYy2BqIRh8UQ_ugFUqp0QcAwjAIvVo5jWg5EcRuZ34EbC3mGdlvVA5gD63uezKdLSn5JkgDqqSjP_DBGZo3WJLXty081XAUaWU2AA6HC5S5iTHnzeKHMysKcex/s400/0411101201.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467899264278708354" /></a> The garden is evolving, despite the fact that it is all relatively new. Where there was nothing but moss and mud, there are now a half dozen vegetable beds full of all sorts of things: worms, plants, insects, food...<br /><br />I would spend more time in the yard if I could get away with it. While I do not have the solitary, soul-feeding experience in this garden that I have had in other ones (I am seldom actually alone in the garden and I just don't have the time to spend hours working in the yard at this point in my life), I am finding that getting my fingers muddy and watching things grow is something I have missed.<br /><br />I do love wandering out into the garden with my harvesting basket and gathering up a meal's worth of food and I am enjoying sharing the garden with Teri. It is quite new for me to have someone who is interested in weeding, planting and keeping up with what is going on out there in the beds. It is pretty typical for both of us to take visitors and guests out on a "tour" of the burgeoning beds.<br /><br />So, as we fight with the dogs and cats and try to keep them out of the garden beds, and as we negotiate around a very unpredictable onslaught of weather (do we cover the peppers? plant the peppers? let them alone for the night?), and as we share various philosophies around what should and shouldn't be grown and HOW it should or shouldn't be grown, the garden evolves. The worms are multiplying in the compost heap, the ladybugs are finding their way to the plants and a spring season unfolds in a brand new garden...Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-88552145806118459192010-04-21T12:53:00.000-07:002010-04-21T13:00:49.485-07:00Developing a Passion...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCgXWLsRZlRltcCgCZBItCwiHiSSIz_Zk0cgPvGoADWrb9W786kNvpxowmuPB3TeOUPLFns4lZuSeT2nIK1OrELhOBDQpAU8P3l_8q_NKbRqdMc6mVYikZf6LBKTTd8611pSJ33sDvK68/s1600/0420101400.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCgXWLsRZlRltcCgCZBItCwiHiSSIz_Zk0cgPvGoADWrb9W786kNvpxowmuPB3TeOUPLFns4lZuSeT2nIK1OrELhOBDQpAU8P3l_8q_NKbRqdMc6mVYikZf6LBKTTd8611pSJ33sDvK68/s400/0420101400.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462681441842973554" /></a> In a very short time, I have gone from someone who "wasn't sure that I liked it" to an avid bicyclist. Okay, so I am still not willing to dump thousands of dollars into a bike (yet) and I am neither speedy nor heading out for cross-country road trips (yet)--but I do look forward to my daily bike rides and I miss it when I am too busy to ride.<br /><br />Both Tiger and I have been tinkering and messing with my bike to make it smoother and more ride-able and it gets easier and easier for me. It WAS pretty darn sluggish there in the beginning. Yesterday, I went out for about a 6 mile ride just for the fun of it! Strange to be on my bike for an hour and not feel the urge to stop or head home. If it hadn't started raining there at the end, I might have tried to squeeze in a little more riding.<br /><br />As I use the bike to run errands, go to meetings and appointments and just generally consider riding as a way to not only get someplace, but to get out and enjoy the world, I find that I am gaining confidence, strength and stamina and just generally developing a bit of a passion. Since I can now "almost" keep up with Teri, it is much more fun going for rides together. I LOVE that we are both into it and it is great fun to hop on our bikes and head off together to Lesbian coffee or for an afternoon at the bookstore.<br /><br />As Teri said the other day, the weather is only going to get warmer and dryer in the foreseeable future so this is the perfect time to develop the passionate habit for riding!Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5822587708892805066.post-60784145607441938062010-04-13T16:16:00.000-07:002010-04-13T16:27:22.950-07:00Learning More about Advocacy and Activism<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2WkG6UaBK4j45A9WfF7h27iE6Bw1HzjGQu9MbZw8kMRDU4tfsf4ylvD_FXSShAhERyVR1lzRYMwSc1XPXonmBfKXtdnC_J_ZuS4Jif92NQkXhnkqNtyGQu4M1GQj7Mbp6LpoNOo5HdKn/s1600/0410101917.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2WkG6UaBK4j45A9WfF7h27iE6Bw1HzjGQu9MbZw8kMRDU4tfsf4ylvD_FXSShAhERyVR1lzRYMwSc1XPXonmBfKXtdnC_J_ZuS4Jif92NQkXhnkqNtyGQu4M1GQj7Mbp6LpoNOo5HdKn/s400/0410101917.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459765234413677458" /></a><br />I have decided to take on a project even though I have absolutely no idea what I am doing. I admit that it is a bit of a "personal project" although I figure if I'm bothered by it, then certainly others are as well.<br /><br />Since I have been riding my bike more and more and choosing to commute to work, I am becoming increasingly aware of what does and doesn't exist in terms of trails, paths, routes and amenities for cyclists. I have also been walking, busing, etc. for a few years since I decided to learn how to live without a car. When Teri and I moved into our house together on Willow Avenue, I actually just moved across the river from where I was living but, interestingly enough, the bike and pedestrian trails on the EAST side of the river are better cared for, newer, smoother and better lit while the ones on our WEST side have no lighting from the Valley River Center bridge north. <br /><br />The lack of lighting presents a problem for commuters and is definitely a safety hazard. Teri and I have had to take into consideration when we ride our bikes to the movie theater or to shop and wander at the mall. WHY NOT have decent lighting along the West side?<br /><br />Well, I have no idea what the process or protocol is for proposing a public works project so I am learning. I started out emailing the city Public Works department and got a very quick and personal response. They are forwarding my query on to the Parks and Open Space staff and we'll just see what happens next. I figure that I have a very clear idea of what I'd like to see happen and why, now I get to learn how to advocate and how to be an activist for such a project...Korihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07672603256078734284noreply@blogger.com0