Signs of the Times

Image Credit: Sisyphesse

I realized as I was driving today that I've never explained the photo I use when I blog. So here you go:

I took the photo of this sign one day during a bad manic episode. I was tired of being just a "B" online. I wanted to be me, so it helped ground me to have a concrete image to use out there in Bloglandia.

I drive by this sign almost every day on the way to pick up my kids at school (and often to drop them off as well). It's on a beautiful part of the road. It's an "S" for Sisyphesse. I love all those "S" sounds - and the S shape symbolizes the curvy road I'm taking on this trip called life. I also like that it points up. I hope to go up as much as possible, so I see the sign as hopeful.

Like the S, I'm curvy, too. Another way I identify with it.

I'm pleased with the photo because the image isn't merely the road sign. In addition to the verdant background, you can see abstract images (clouds? trees? I'm guessing both.) reflected on the sign's surface.

In real life, it looks a little different every time I drive by it. I look forward to seeing it for that brief instant on my way. Knowing that it's there reassures me, as it marks a definite place on my journey. At the same time, however, it symbolizes that life isn't always as it seems.

I lovingly call it "my sign" now. I claimed it as my own as soon as I started associating it with myself every time I post out there in Bloglandia.

So why this post today?

As I drove by my sign this evening, I noticed that it is SURROUNDED by political signs. Vote YES/NO on Prop. ___. Vote for _______. ______ for Supervisor. And I smiled. I want my sign to be involved in the discourse of the day. I didn't know most of the people or propositions standing proudly there (my sign isn't in my district), but I felt good to see them all.

If I find out they represent issue/candidates that I find abhorrent, I might have to do a little "cleaning up." After all, I wouldn't let litter build up near my sign. Or maybe I leave them there in the name of open discourse.

No Shrinking

Another indication that Dr. Shrink Wrap doesn't take things too seriously (and why he is great to work with):

Image Credit: Dr. Shrink Wrap

Fresh

Photo Credit: glennwilliamspdx (Flickr)

Yesterday, I was on a trail I always share with a dear, dear friend. This was my first time walking there alone. Without the wonderful distraction of my friend, I saw the trail in a completely different way. I noticed the other people and animals on the trail. I smelled the horse poop. I allowed myself to really FEEL the breeze against my skin.

About an hour into my journey. I felt a happy feeling at the pit of my throat. Perhaps you understand what I mean. It's the feeling you get when you know something good is coming. But you don't exactly know what that good thing is.

As if an invisible thread pulled my head towards the East, I turned and looked.

There was my mountain, looking majestic as it bathed in morning light. I stood and stared, shocked that I'd never noticed that I could see my mountain before. I had been so involved with my friend that I hadn't seen it before while on the trail chatting with my friend.

I walked on, looking at my mountain at every clearing. I was so enthralled that I could see my mountain from the trail that I missed my turnoff and didn't realize it until I'd gone 1/2 mile out of my way.

A mile well spent.

Debbie Sommerlot - Citizen of the Moment

Photo Credit: ItzaFineDay (Flickr)

As part of The Great Interview Experiment, I got to interview someone I never would have encountered in the real or virtual world, which is precisely why you should check it out if you haven't gone there to interview/be interviewed.

I was fortunate to have an opportunity to meet Debbie Sommerlot, a mom who blogs at http://realworldmartha.wordpress.com. Even if she weren't a presidential candidate, she's a fun and interesting gal. See below for our virtual conversation (my questions in black, her answers in purple, which I'm sure would look fabulous on her!).

At the risk of getting too heavy here, I really enjoyed your post about not fighting aging. From reading that post, it is clear to me that you believe that you will be going to a place called heaven (which I would expect from a Christian). I must admit that I have trouble envisioning the afterlife. What does heaven look like for you from here on earth? I mean in a tangible way. For example, you talked about angels being there - what is an angel to you?

Yes, I am a Christian. Heaven is everything God is: perfect, holy, no crying and no pain! It's also very beautiful; perfect sunsets, and mountains. God tells me that what I see here is just a glimpse. Just a glimpse? Holy Moly it's gonna be great!

I believe an angel is like God's right hand man or women :) I like this definition and hope it answers the question: The word angel comes from the Greek work aggelos- which means messenger. They are many Bible verses that talk about angels being comforting, guiding, strengthening, encouraging, and there to worship and praise God. ETC

In defining parenting you say (or maybe you found this elsewhere but posted it on your blog, but it is very interesting either way) that a parent is, "One with no particular training to be in charge of another human while not having a clue about themselves." What have you learned about yourself since having children that you did not already know? And what do wish you had known?

That is really what I have learned in a nut shell. I don't have a clue. That is why my faith is so important because I can't do it alone. I am not perfect and God's my mortar. I am praying I just don't screw them up too much and sometimes I think that's the key to parenting.

I see my imperfections via my kids as guess who they learned it from?

I guess there is things you wish you would have known but I would have made other mistakes anyways so I guess nothing. Because I will never be a perfect parent.

I loved reading about your vacation. If I only had a long weekend to explore somewhere you went on your trip, where would you say is the BEST place to go?

That's a hard one for sure. I just have to give two: Morro Bay, CA and anywhere in Oregon. I really love OREGON!

Your blog addresses so many areas of interest (which may be why someone thought you'd make a great president). In one of your posts, you indicated that you were a bit uncomfortable about not having a "theme" to your blog. Have you begun to feel more comfortable in your skin about this yet? (By the way, my blog is really self serving - it's kind of like journaling/therapy for me, which is why I don't get a lot of readers - you attract the masses).

You know what? I was just thinking about that, and I feel like I am in my own niche. I am in the Debbie-Uniquely and Wonderfully Made Category. I won't ever fit in anyone elses shoes. I feel another post coming on.

But also, the REAL Martha is a Jack of All Trades too right?

In one of your posts on homeschooling, you mention 2 side jobs. How do you manage the homeschooling, side jobs and your blog? I think lots of folks would love to know.

Well that was an older post. I only had one, a first grade-easier by far, at the time. I no longer have one of the side jobs (wedding coordinator) and my part time Pampered Chef is pretty slow as it is a lot schooling both kids right now. But my blog is a very important outlet for me, and I have to have time with it.

Speaking of side jobs, who do you think will get more write-in votes in the '08 presidential election - Ralph Nader or you?

That is also taking up my time. It's not easing running for President on the side.

Me of course :) But the way things are going I may not be a write in ..hahaha

How has this hoopla around you as a presidential candidate had an impact on your life, if at all?

It's tough because both McCain and I are from the same state. He takes up all the airport space. My pilots are struggling to put my plane down even as we speak. "No you tell him to go to another airport!" Sorry about that.

Has this strange course of events in your life (seeing your name on buses for example) changed your view of democracy or does it just seem like a blip on the screen?

My son thought it was pretty exciting and that's all that counts.

Finally, inquiring minds want to know... what does your lipstick say about you?

My lip color is a wand, and has been for sometime. But I guess if I had a traditional lipstick I would be a little Slant close to Original Shape, Wounded Tip to the Point, and a little Flat Top to boot. But I can't rule out the other traits at any given moment. :)

They Did!!!!!

Photo Credit: ComellMare (Flickr)

L'chaim! To LIFE!

Seth, David, Ruth and I just returned from an absolutely gorgeous wedding. Sitting among redwood trees on a beautiful day, we celebrated the union of two amazing people whom we love dearly and respect. They stood under the chuppah with their son and daughter. They circled each other. They spoke their vows. They said the prayers and drank the wine. They broke the glass. We clapped as they kissed each other and came down the aisle.

Hors d'eovres were passed. We ate a buffet lunch at circular tables with gorgeous floral centerpieces with burgundy, pink and ivory flowers. They danced their first dance as we all blew bubbles at them. The cake was gorgeous (and delicious). They cut it and fed it to each other, and then it was passed all around. We toasted with champagne (sparkling apple cider for the kids), and some of the folks went on and on, but we laughed during some of the toasts. We danced some more until the kids were exhausted, and then we came home.

Sound familiar (except maybe the kids under the chuppah)????????? If you've ever been to a Jewish wedding, you know what I mean. Heck, even if you haven't, a lot of this is probably familiar to you.

Well, this wedding was different. This was a Jewish lesbian wedding. So when the rabbi said, "by the power vested in me by the State of California, I now pronounce you married," there were resounding cheers. When my son David asked why everyone was clapping and cheering, I told him that it wasn't always legal for grown-ups to marry whomever they want, and that I hope if he ever decides to marry when he grows up, he can marry the love of his life. He looked puzzled. This seemed like a perfectly normal celebration to him.

Our friends have been together for 18 years, which in some ways seems like an appropriate time to stand under the chuppah and say your vows. It's a good omen because the number 18, after all, is significant to Jews, as it signifies life (the numbers corresponding to the letters in the Hebrew word for life add up to 18). But how many people do you know who waited 18 years into their relationship to get married? You figure by then, they realize that it isn't right, or they take the plunge.

One of the brides said today: "We didn't want to formalize our relationship until it was legal. We finally don't feel like we're not allowed to do this. We don't feel like we're not equal."

The tears streamed down my face.

Coincidentally, a young woman came to our house yesterday and my husband answered the door. She handed him materials about California's Proposition 8 and encouraged him to support it. In case you don't know, if passed, Proposition 8 would amend the California Constitution to declare that marriage is defined as between a man and a woman.

The Constitution? Does this have you scratching your head as much as it has me scratching mine? Why the heck do we need to amend the constitution this way. In this country where, in theory, we believe in equal rights under the law?

Aren't there more important things to be spending energy on than this?

If you haven't heard, MILLIONS of dollars are going into the campaign to support Prop 8. And some of those millions don't even come from California. What would happen if those dollars could go to truly important issues in California - let's say education?

Anyway, if I had answered the door, I would have asked those questions. Plus:

• The supporters of Prop 8 argue that domestic partnership is just as good as a legally valid marriage. Really? Was separate but equal OK for blacks?
• Interracial marriage was illegal not too long ago. Would that make sense in this day and age?
  
• If you had a child, wouldn't you want him or her to be able to marry the love of his or her life? Or would you stop loving him or her and support the denial of that right?
  
• How the heck does someone else's sexuality affect you?
• At the risk of offending the deeply religious supporters of this amendment, and as someone who believes in God, I could not believe that the kind and loving side of God that I know would encourage flat out discrimination of this kind.
  

The timing of this visit was great. Seth told the young woman that he believed in equal rights for everyone. He also told her that today, we'd be going to a marriage of lesbian friends of ours. She asked, "don't you think that is settting a bad example for your children?" And he replied, "we're taking them."

This was a bit too much for the young woman to handle, so she muttered something like, "Oh. OK," and left.

If that young woman could have been at the wedding today, what she would have seen would have felt very familiar to her. The redwood grove was full of love. Maybe if she had been there today, she'd think twice about what pamphlets to hand out from door to door.

I Do

We are about to go to an historic event. A LEGAL (as it should be) lesbian wedding. Hopefully, there will be many more legal gay weddings for years to come.

Will post later about it, but it should be fun.

Enjoy this, though....

NO ON PROP. 8!!!!!!!

Friday Haiku - Heat

Photo Credit: peasap (Flickr)

Sweat drips down my face.
Salty drops on my forehead.
Between my breasts too.

The heat surrounds me,
Envelops me, a cocoon.
My brain is melting.

Wish me luck!

Photo Credit: Kaibara87 (Flickr)

It's official! I've applied for a new job! I'm taking the "safe" road by applying for a position in my field, but I'm hoping that looking at the new opportunity will help me make decisions.

Of course, they have to decide to interview me so I can find out more, but I'm nearly certain that they will.

It's a job share and would involve a longer commute (unless I could telecommute some/most days), so it may not work for ME. But, gotta look into it.

Wish me luck!