Orange Starburst

Poor orange Starburst. Undesired. Unloved. Unwanted. REJECTED. Just like the unathletic kid in PE, they are the last ones left in the bowl.

Who hasn't felt like the orange Starburst on occasion? I know I have.

Be the Bridge

Dear, my people -

I no more believe that you - my family and friends - are deplorable, racist, sexist, immigrant-hating, gay-bashing, gun-slinging rednecks than I believe that you - my family and friends - are nasty, abominable, God-hating, terrorist-enabling, baby-killing, freeloaders.

Can we PLEASE stop painting each other with these GINORMOUS strokes??

I (incurable optimist that I may be) believe that every single one of us on all sides of this circus, love this country and hopefully expressed that love through our votes. Maybe we can ALL just agree that we want what's best for America, even if we disagree on what (NOT who) exactly that is.

Let's stop assuming the worst about each other and try to understand different points of view. I am so so very thankful for every single person that can read this post, and the diverse perspectives that you teach me about all the time (YAY for social media!). In this age of social media, we have an unprecedented opportunity to share our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and experiences with each other. We can use this vehicle to separate ourselves even further or we can use it to LEARN...learn about the things that we weren't exposed to growing up and/or learn about what other people are experiencing in communities outside of our own. What a gift!

I'm not going to unfriend/unfollow/un-like anyone. You all have a lot to teach me, and that is way too valuable in my limited view of my immediate surroundings. You are my people, and I love you!

"In a world so torn apart by rivalry, anger, and hatred, we have the privileged vocation to be living signs of a love that can bridge all divisions and heal all wounds."

- Henri J. M. Nouwen in Bread for the Journey

Amazing Person #2

One of my dearest friends gave me a slap on the wrist this week for being a bad blogger. She is so right. I have neglected the blogosphere, so I thought it apropos to dedicate this post to her! Now, she needs a nickname. Let's call her.......Shiksa! That is a fitting name, and I think it will give her a much needed giggle.

April 4, 2008

This was a VERY exciting day in my world. Something I never thought possible became official. Five faces I never thought I would see in the same place again...were in the same place again. There were rumors. Lots of them. There were rumblings. There was reason to believe in the weeks prior to April 4th. But that day it became real. Very real.

Amazing Person #1

I have a very dear friend who lives in Chicago. He is truly one of the coolest people I've ever met. I'm going to give him a nickname here, but I have to tell you a little bit about him first. He and I met through a mutual friend and hit it off instantly. He is one of those people that can instigate bouts of side-splitting laughter in me easier than most...not that it's difficult for anyone, mind you (I'm a giggler), but he's just one of those people that is funny without really even trying. On top of his sheer talents as an accidental comedian, he has quite a story.

Beasley

Let me tell you a little something about my best bud. His name is Beasley. He'll be 4 in June. He is black and white. He loves me unconditionally and is always happy to see me...and everyone else. All he wants in life is to be near me and occasionally some food, water, and a squeaky toy.