I was typing some thank you notes on my old Remington Typewriter yesterday. Why a typewriter? Well, in my opinion, there continues to be no greater gift than that of the hand written snail mailed note. And since those that love me are honest, they admitted that my writing cannot be read. After readjusting my nose and attitude, I found Remi. He provides just as much humor in his imperfections as I had in my writing. And so far, he is just slightly clearer to comprehend!
Okay back to the real thoughts at hand. Instead of typing thank you’s I found myself writing about the upcoming change that looms before us. And so this post.
January 10, 2017
Hello my friend,
I am glad to be leaving good ole Rochester on Saturday for leadership training in New Orleans. I am glad for the distraction, for as you and I know, in ten days our worlds will change.
As I peer outside, heavy snow is blanketing the ground and changing my view, perhaps better put, blurring my vision. Oh the winds of change. There are big winds of change blanketing our America this Inauguration Day. If nature is to provide a lesson, perhaps it is that our true test right now is to stay centered and connected, so that our vision, our truths, our America does not become blurred in a storm of emotion.
We must not take anything for granted. That is a timeless truth with a very grounding presence today. Complacency is the death of much.
What is your role, your intention for you in OUR America? I’d like ideas…so please use this space to share, to tell your story.
My steps are both minuscule and ginormous: I am committed to breathing and being hope, love, peace and respect. I wish not to sound too star war-ish, and yet…..I believe we need to build a force field greater than any one of us. We are called on to be an invisible army that can swell across America and dive into oceans to reach our long distance neighbors.
It is natural to want to fight hate with hate, anger with anger…..However, we are then no better than those that we are asking more from. This thought consumes me. We must use tools of good. We must be alert, diligent, willing to dig deep, to implore and support those representing us to stand up for our constitution, to stand up for our freedoms, to stand up for ALL of our freedoms.
Here’s a bit of advice from DebbieMillman.com/designmatters, “remember, we can talk about making a difference, we can make a difference, or we can do both.”
Complacency is the death of much.
Help me be a better person a better American. How are you going to swell your spirit to impact our field force of all that is good? Together we are better!
For local ideas check out: http://www.flowercityphilanthropy.com
Welcome to Wonder 
I love this and I love you, Aunt Theresa! And I CAN read your writing, my love, so forget that type writer when it comes to me and send me your scribbles. 🙂
What am I going to do? I am going to remain a trial attorney at the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and fight like hell to protect the civil rights of minority students to be free from discrimination based on essential aspects of their being. I have renewed my commitment to volunteering in my free time and I am leaving in 15 minutes to go meet with transgender clients at a pro bono clinic where I will help them change their names and gender markers on their identity document at no cost to them.
I am going to raise my daughter to be kind, empathetic, respectful, curious, informed, strong and open minded. I am going to teach her, by example, that it is important to exude all those qualities even when in the presence of someone with whom you don’t agree. But I will also teach her that in the face of disrespect, it’s okay to hold your ground, to raise your voice and demand to demand respect.
So yes – hope, love, peace, respect…and grit, smarts, information and fire in our bellies to get out there and get it done. Xoxo.
LikeLike
You rock! You are justice. Thank you and thank you in advance for keeping me/us in the loop as we move forward in solidarity. #yeswecan #wemustbebrilliantnow #prisonersofhope
LikeLike
Thank you for your words of strength and hope. I have decided to invest my energy locally. In my home, in my community, at the farm where my daughter keeps and rides her horse and in my everyday. I have decided to engage in pleasant respectful conversations with all whom I meet. That may sound simple but leading up to and immediately after the election I was not so willing to engage in pleasantries with those who I knew had voted for the president elect. I could feel the bitterness in my soul and I didn’t like it. Take the high ground. That is what I am trying to do. Not easy. There are so many causes to fight for. The environment, equality, inclusion, education…. The list is long. We all have gifts to share. Pick a cause and give it your damdest! America needs your gifts.
LikeLike
My Canadian rebel you amaze me and energize me toward action. There are no small steps here! A step out is a step up! #yeswecan
LikeLike