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.  

An identical Santa always graced my grandmother's mantle this time of year, and so I'm happy to display this gift from my aunt, and think of them both.  

The front window.  

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. 

Start again

Fall to me is always like new year's. The weather is changing, the leaves are changing. All the transition allows for new goals, new outlook, a new wardrobe :) But it's a much better time to gain a new perspective than the dead of winter. 

Built from scratch

My biggest source of enjoyment and frustration -  

Singular They

I'm a language lover, and I've heard a lot of chatter about singular "they" again recently. It makes complete sense to me to use when intentionally not specifying a gender. NPR talks about it.  

October begins.

Hands down my favorite month of the year.