Marching & Catching Up

Friday, January 19, 2018.

As I prepare this evening to purposefully rise tomorrow morning and go march with women in Philadelphia, I am aware that there are friends and loved ones in my life who do not agree with at least one or more of the tenets espoused by the movement. You are my friends and you are my loved ones. We need each other, you and I. I am not going to Philadelphia to support factions. Solving conundrums are for debates yet to come with cooler heads and, I hope, lots more women. I am going to Philadelphia to march in solidarity with half the world's population because to paraphrase Thomas Jefferson, I hold these truths to be self-evident; that all women are created equal. Men, it is self-evident, you are created equal to women.

It is impossible to stand by with two good legs and not march this year. While we are at it, forge ahead, my sisterhood, for sexual respect, for justice, for truth, and don't forget--equal pay for equal work. Support women's leadership in every public institution, every corporation, everywhere--top to bottom--while you're at it.

I've been hearing that so many are disillusioned with politics--that government is not working. Have you heard that, too? Well, the blood has been sucked out of that very honorable profession. Remember, Lincoln was a politician--so was Churchill. It's time to pump our governance full of thousands of informed, dedicated, experienced, positive women who are well-versed in how to work with others, excluding no one. Government is not bad. It's a framework. Plain and simple, it's as good or bad as the people who are in governing roles.

It's young people and especially women in all parts of local, county, state, federal governance, and all parts of commerce, any and all leadership, who will make this a better world for everybody. I am convinced that when we advance to at least a third of legislative and leadership roles filled, top to bottom, by women, there will be a tipping point where our entire culture begins a transformation for the betterment of all citizens--young, old; rich, poor; sick, healthy; one color, or another color; one gender, or another; one faith, or another faith; immigrant, or fifth generation, or Native American. Liberty and Justice for All.

We will do this!

***

Now it's Saturday evening.

It is time to catch up after an electric day in Philly. Transformation was happening on the streets of Philadelphia. Again. Those leaders that formed our nation out of a bunch of colonies must be smiling--Ben up there atop City Hall, too. I admired the exuberance of peaceful protest, and I admired the very large number of men marching right along with the women.

It was the energy of it that was most striking. I couldn't come close to capturing it all. You are welcome to take what you want and leave the rest.

Starting off at Lansdale's SEPTA Regional Rail Station.

After about three more stops the entire train was filled up.

Walking to the start at Logan Square.

This one was a favorite.

Marching.

And it ended up here at the base of the Museum of Art steps. I can hear the Rocky music now.

***

But life is not entirely about marching, though social interaction is part and parcel of who we are. Day-to-day living is the big story.

To catch up with some of my story...

Shoutout to Jeanenne: Happy Birthday! Earlier this week in Missouri, Sandy sent along a picture of the two of them enjoying a birthday lunch together...

Enjoying the dessert together, that is. Yum. 

Jeanenne also not long ago sent a pattern she drew up for a quilt she is making for her eldest and his wife.

For a king sized bed, no less.

And Sandy continues to pick up her pencils and draw. Today, she sent another one of Aidan. She is getting better and better...

From a photo of Aidan playing the cello a couple summers ago.

I found a couple of snowy day remembrances I'd forgotten about. From the last snow...

Peter Cottontail was here.

And, the snow before that I was amazed by the cul de sac snow clearance...man and machine...






As you know, I am ever amazed by the geese around here. This time they were gleaning in a field. I stopped the car for a few seconds...

Queen Anne's Lace in Winter

Well, Keoni made it back to college just ahead of another round of bad weather. I took my pony to get a new battery when the Gear Heads Garage opened up. There weren't many starts left on the battery. You know the sound, rrrr-rrrr-rrrr, and you hope-hope-hope it turns over. So, all's well and the holidays are now but a glow left from the taking down, picking up, putting away.

My Christmas plant life from Marge all lined up to grasp a little morning sunshine--the poinsettias are a little weary. Today, I repotted them all. I will be scouting shelving for them to enjoy a window upstairs.

On the last Sunday he was here, Keoni, with Seth and Peter played the music for the service at church. Here is the Postlude. It's a piece that I love...





Seth at the piano is Assistant Music Director at church, Peter goes to DePauw U, cello performance. Peter's dad tuned the piano--it's his business. The three of these young men make music collaboration plans for when the two students are home for breaks or holidays. It's been great watching/listening to this evolve.

Meanwhile, over in Tucson, Gloria captured a pretty moment.

And that reminds me of excellent news that Gloria will be here at the end of February and early March. It will be such a grand treat to get together. Plans so far are to take in the Philadelphia Flower Show and the Orchid Extravaganza at Longwood Gardens. We have been friends for 47 years.

One of the most interesting happenings of 2017 was that two of my sisters have turned out to be artists. Like a genie emerging from a bottle each took up brush or pencil quite independently of each other and began making art. It's really exciting watching this unfold.

It was hyper-cold last week and now taking a turn at mild again. Glad my pony is ready for the road.

Keoni shared a picture he made on a walk he took at the farm...

--by Keoni

Shoutout to Cousin Jackie: Queen Anne's Lace in winter.