tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59484399433445337002024-03-13T15:56:07.087-07:00Bugs, Books & Beauty a different kind of mom blog, by Kelli Lynn Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-16228856529139013362019-04-03T18:38:00.000-07:002019-04-03T18:54:52.589-07:00Adieu. (from the light of the San Francisco Bay) <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me @ the Oakland Airport, where I drafted this post</td></tr>
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I began this blog after having an experience with Ayahuasca.<br />
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Within that first journey, I understood that I needed to write more poetry as a means of communing with my soul. I also realized that I needed to take my work as an essayist seriously. I sensed it would be my source of income moving forward. I also felt a deep sense of appreciation for my relationship with my husband--while simultaneously understanding, and beginning the process of accepting, the deep truth that our marriage was most likely unsustainable long term. Related to this, I felt the importance of following my own intuition regarding my physical and psychological health, as well as my spiritual well being. I knew that remaining compassionate for others, while authentic with myself, was a skill I'd need to practice and honor in a way I had never before. Finally, I understood this process would take time and would be best lived through by focusing on each moment as it came--both open to its influence and grounded within a sense of my own truth.<br />
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Over five years have passed since that journey.<br />
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I am now moving through my divorce, stepping away from the leadership of my instrument company, embracing my role as a professional writer and attempting to care for myself and children in a healthier way than I have in the past. It's a slow, emotionally complex process, intensified by the fact that I am also on a journey with breast cancer, in its very early stages.<br />
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I am grateful for my marriage, and I am grateful for my husband's support of my freedom. I am grateful for all friends and family who have held space for me and my children as we've been processing trauma and moving into a space of gratitude and peace. I am also grateful for my caregivers at the clinic <a href="https://www.acpm.net/" target="_blank">ACPM</a> and for all the connections I've made on my recent travels through Las Vegas, Sacramento, Portland and Oakland.<br />
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With this post, I am retiring this blog.<br />
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Some of my best posts, and my NORML Mom series, will be available via <a href="https://medium.com/@KelliLynn" target="_blank"><b>Medium.com</b></a>. My other writing will be available via my portfolio site <a href="http://www.thewordwitch.me/"><b>www.thewordwitch.me</b></a>. Finally, I'm actively seeking supporters for my imprint <a href="https://www.patreon.com/BAMFBooks" target="_blank"><b>BAMF Books</b></a>, from which my full length poetry collection, <i>Cancer, Or Something Like It, </i>is forthcoming. Additional anticipated collections include <i>Tales from the Deep </i>and <i>Dark Swallow. </i><br />
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I'm going to conclude with a photo essay which fills in the gaps between the last months of my life and holds within it seeds of my future. Thank you all for your support.<br />
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<br />Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-54065960426577273832018-08-29T16:31:00.000-07:002018-08-29T16:31:23.483-07:00Poetry & Politics (with a nod to Mary Jane & John McCain) <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At my hotel window in legal Denver, CO</td></tr>
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All things move slowly forward. Meanwhile, time also seems to fold in on itself as I feel my core memories being re-defined by the collective energy of all the other experiences I've stored in my cells--processed and re-processed with each passing era of my short, ancient life.<br />
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I can still see a house surrounded by unkempt, but intentionally placed, plants I've chosen to ramble there, good music and sweet smells inside, original art on the walls, smoke and sunlight in the air. Now, I want a covered, heated pool as well and a bog where the frogs, and snails, and salamanders can dwell in peace. This will come One Day.<br />
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As I've aged, I've realized that I have been co-dependent as f--k and also that I like a crispness in the air--partly because I look good in stockings and knitted hats but mostly because I like the sensation of walking under cold moonlight and coming home to a living fire. The hearth is the center of desire.<br />
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There is more progress for me to make yet--circles to close with grace, new creative empires to seed, improvements to my health, and stability to my wealth--in brief. When it becomes overwhelming, I breathe and remember how much bigger the world is than me and how far it has come in such a short time. As imperfect as our system is, there are persistent reasons to hope. Here are some imperfect, hopeful things happening near me these days.<br />
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1. At the Georgia Capitol today, there was a public hearing on allowing in-state cultivation of medical marijuana.<br />
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2. In Texas, a jury found a police officer guilty of murder after he shot and killed an innocent black teen. Up to this point, the precedent has been to let the officers go free.<br />
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3. In Florida, black progressive underdog candidate Andrew Gillum won the democratic nomination for governor. Meanwhile, in Georgia, Stacey Abrams did the same and also made history as the first black woman in the USA to ever win a major party's nomination.<br />
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4. All 435 seats in the United States House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the US Senate will be contested during mid-term elections this year. I am voting on November 6, 2018 to turn congress blue.<br />
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Despite the culture of trauma, abuse and misdirected grief which persists in contemporary America (my treasured home, despite its many faults), I see pervasive evidence that destructive generational cycles are also breaking all around me. In his autobiography, the recently deceased senator John McCain wrote:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>What an ingrate I would be to curse the fate that concludes the blessed life I've led. I prefer to give thanks for those blessings, and my love to the people who blessed me with theirs. The bell tolls for me. I knew it would. ... I hope those who mourn my passing, and even those who don't, will celebrate as I celebrate a happy life lived in imperfect service to a country made of ideals, whose continued success is the hope of the world. And I wish all of you great adventures, good company, and lives as lucky as mine.</b></span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></span>
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A controversial figure himself, McCain strikes me as having more class and compassion than many. I admire the man, just as I hope for the ultimate demise of the patriarchy which produced the platform from which he grew. Such is the way of things. May there always be more to come. I will continue documenting my journey here as I grow. For now, I'm including a few pics from my landmark trip to Colorado earlier this summer.<br />
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Thank you all for showing up and bearing witness to my stories. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bdLfdwt97fs/W4crIDrcp7I/AAAAAAAAB6Q/UEA9UCzYHVkKj_VLjo5R6xAW8RCbLPXBQCLcBGAs/s1600/denver%2Bcapitol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bdLfdwt97fs/W4crIDrcp7I/AAAAAAAAB6Q/UEA9UCzYHVkKj_VLjo5R6xAW8RCbLPXBQCLcBGAs/s320/denver%2Bcapitol.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorado State Capitol Building</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uL-KHsGsQqo/W4crIJQHqjI/AAAAAAAAB6M/EJ4h5uDJuVoG9oxj3CQMQjDGZe9mHJ8PgCLcBGAs/s1600/denver%2Bdowntown%2Boutside%2Bunion%2Bstation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uL-KHsGsQqo/W4crIJQHqjI/AAAAAAAAB6M/EJ4h5uDJuVoG9oxj3CQMQjDGZe9mHJ8PgCLcBGAs/s320/denver%2Bdowntown%2Boutside%2Bunion%2Bstation.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Denver, Union Station</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vV43zLEDW4o/W4crIMYEyoI/AAAAAAAAB6I/C0C4S2hLfg4pYflrRFRWoTLbl9Ne6rHSgCLcBGAs/s1600/denver%2Bin%2Bflight%2Breading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="804" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vV43zLEDW4o/W4crIMYEyoI/AAAAAAAAB6I/C0C4S2hLfg4pYflrRFRWoTLbl9Ne6rHSgCLcBGAs/s320/denver%2Bin%2Bflight%2Breading.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In-flight Reading </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HEg_1_3lANY/W4crIbZeGMI/AAAAAAAAB6U/zAvKlTf1uRYfm_zAQ4maIvBy9XFZJuyiwCLcBGAs/s1600/denver%2Birises.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HEg_1_3lANY/W4crIbZeGMI/AAAAAAAAB6U/zAvKlTf1uRYfm_zAQ4maIvBy9XFZJuyiwCLcBGAs/s320/denver%2Birises.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irises Everywhere</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Denver's LightHouse </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i4fwe4S2q5c/W4crJB2WH4I/AAAAAAAAB6Y/VvoB9YXn6rMupZ6Mgrru-mV2MPvlNqN2QCLcBGAs/s1600/denver%2Bmutiny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i4fwe4S2q5c/W4crJB2WH4I/AAAAAAAAB6Y/VvoB9YXn6rMupZ6Mgrru-mV2MPvlNqN2QCLcBGAs/s320/denver%2Bmutiny.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mutiny Cafe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nEez5KVi6Q/W4crJvRh_lI/AAAAAAAAB6g/Fsb7d2pLxM4AkA36RgVmL1gF-R8_D-9RgCLcBGAs/s1600/denver%2Briver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="960" height="218" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nEez5KVi6Q/W4crJvRh_lI/AAAAAAAAB6g/Fsb7d2pLxM4AkA36RgVmL1gF-R8_D-9RgCLcBGAs/s320/denver%2Briver.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When I Found the River</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AENsBDysxt0/W4crJkf0rNI/AAAAAAAAB6k/nLbZXwmk6Q097BmHppb7VCrZDXNeNQt4wCLcBGAs/s1600/denver%2Brockies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AENsBDysxt0/W4crJkf0rNI/AAAAAAAAB6k/nLbZXwmk6Q097BmHppb7VCrZDXNeNQt4wCLcBGAs/s320/denver%2Brockies.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset Over the Rockies from the Train</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s81eVOb54fo/W4crKDiKdvI/AAAAAAAAB6o/0OXr2GzLMvkfHXTupToiaIaP5GhsTfqiACLcBGAs/s1600/denver%2Bstreet%2Blife%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s81eVOb54fo/W4crKDiKdvI/AAAAAAAAB6o/0OXr2GzLMvkfHXTupToiaIaP5GhsTfqiACLcBGAs/s320/denver%2Bstreet%2Blife%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bmall.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street Life on the Mall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ale0CIM9PRI/W4crKZihOKI/AAAAAAAAB6s/uHrhPbHmFo0DkNSlTWJ6RZ5jqpb1Q7oYwCLcBGAs/s1600/denver%2Bwith%2Bdorothy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="789" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ale0CIM9PRI/W4crKZihOKI/AAAAAAAAB6s/uHrhPbHmFo0DkNSlTWJ6RZ5jqpb1Q7oYwCLcBGAs/s320/denver%2Bwith%2Bdorothy.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dorothy in Denver</td></tr>
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<br />Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-48082892118538971982018-06-02T10:49:00.001-07:002018-08-29T14:42:05.572-07:00Harvest Time! Purchase Signed Copies of My New Chapbook via Etsy <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Marriage, meets the Women's March, meets Ayahuasca in this fleeting reflection on coming of age in the American South by GA native Kelli Lynn.</i><br />
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I'm elated to have finally birthed <i>Harvest</i>, my first chapbook, described above. Since witnessing Ashley Judd at the Women's March last year, I am embracing poetry on my own terms a<span style="font-family: inherit;">nd </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">using it to give voice to movements (both within my individual life & within society at large) which I hope grow to be much greater than their creators. Please go to <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BAMFBoutique" target="_blank">Etsy's BAMF Boutique</a> </b>or to<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Harvest-Kelli-Lynn/dp/0692124497/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535578904&sr=8-1&keywords=harvest+kelli+lynn" target="_blank"> Amazon</a> to purchase your signed copy of <i>Harvest. </i></span></span>A sample poem, "Allies," is photographed below.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wXDEGTlRf0Q/WxLcZyWRLRI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/s44T58IsqAwK4kX8zhNPeXDR3zKb9YExgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Harvest%2BAllies%2BEtsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1172" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wXDEGTlRf0Q/WxLcZyWRLRI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/s44T58IsqAwK4kX8zhNPeXDR3zKb9YExgCEwYBhgL/s640/Harvest%2BAllies%2BEtsy.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
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<br />Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-76516993502558311772018-04-15T04:51:00.000-07:002018-04-15T04:51:22.942-07:00Scattered Thoughts (On Power, Religion & Purpose in an Age of Trump)
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perspective</td></tr>
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After returning from the Tellus Science Museum with my parents and children, I head to the bookstore and begin eavesdropping on some kids talking
rather loudly at the table beside me. One is doing <i>Christian Cool—</i>all James Dean
swagger but without the whiff of drugs, sex or secular rock n' roll &
without any awareness of the irony. It has to be a difficult act to
maintain, grounded in repression. I'm heartened that the other two at
the table don't exactly seem to be picking up what he's putting
down—especially the young woman. She commands the conversation with
real grace, holding space for friendship with both an open mind and
reality checks. I see the same abilities in my daughter, and I am
grateful these women seem more skilled than my peers at holding their
own without burning bridges to the ground.
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On religion, I have a few observations:</div>
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<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Those with the most prominently
stated faith in God often have the least faith in themselves.
Personally, I have compassion for this feeling but anger for those
who propagate it. There is no sin in being human. Demanding people
believe in their inherent “evilness” or “failure” for the
purpose of giving all over to a more “perfect” God may seem kind
but ultimately is an act of cruelty which robs us the gift of
forgiving, understanding and embracing our authentic selves with
gratitude for life, in all its wonder and pain.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When it comes to pious leaders,
however, many define God in terms far broader than their
parishioners. Talk to them long enough, and they seem to be
spiritually agnostic people who choose to experience life through a
religious mythos, while recognizing that this is genuinely one of
many viable paths. I have compassion for them too, but I do question
why so few share this truth with those they guide.
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<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Finally, there are people who
consciously use religion for the purpose of manipulating others—to
gain wealth, territory or psychological control. I wish I could say
these few give a bad name to religion. However, they are not a
handful who taint what <i>could </i>otherwise be sacred. They are
instead parents of the movement to remove individuals from their
personal relationship with divinity by mandating organizational
control of a holy union.
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As someone who came of age within
religion and then rather nonchalantly outgrew it, a pillar of my
approach to piety is to trust that wise people will ultimately find
their own way through it. However, that approach felt safer when my
country's leadership felt more secure. There is supposed to be
separation between church and state in the USA. However, now, just
past the turn of the 21<sup>st</sup> century, moderate church leaders
helped pave the way to the election of Donald Trump—a controversial
real estate and entertainment mogul known for objectifying women;
promoting racist agenda; and removing or blocking industrial
regulations intended to protect people and the planet. As president,
he is an unqualified disgrace.
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Critical thinking and a deeper respect
for our inherent humanity may have saved us from him. Unfortunately,
neither critical thinking nor respect for our inherent humanity jive
well with religion. As a result, not only did many religious leaders
make the major mistake of directly endorsing Donald Trump, they also
made the mistake of thwarting the type of intellectual development
which would encourage citizens to critically evaluate his platform.
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I support an individual's freedom to
know and experience divinity through religion. I recognize that it
brings many daily comfort and a sincere sense of long-term security
which sometimes is actually what inspires them to be their best
selves. I want people to experience comfort, security and motivation
to do their sincere best. I also recognize that, historically,
religion strips people of their autonomy and their agency. Like
drugs, it can be used responsibly as a tool for exploring life and
one's individual role within it; however, mandating that it be <i>the</i>
tool by which <i>all</i> people understand life and themselves is a
dangerous act of oppression. In the aftermath of the Donald's
election, especially here in America's Deep South, I am on high alert
for signs that religion may be further overstepping its bounds.
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I am also looking to everyone for
common ground now. At the table beside me today, the young people
were discussing tattoos, books, <i>Kung Fu Panda</i>, travel, nature
hikes and their parents' stories. These are windows through which we
can connect with each other—the art we enjoy, the spaces where we
feel whole, the histories we share. I take heart in this. As long as
we ultimately desire a world to grow up in together, we will
evolve—moving slowly toward a more sustainable existence.
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Will we actually make it there—to
that point where our destructive tendencies no longer outpace our
ability to live in harmony with nature and each other, as proactive
members of a web of life rather than as a dominating force? Perhaps
not. But trying will mean peeling back so many layers of repression
that, even if our species ceases to exist, perhaps our souls will
finally be free. Maybe that's the point.
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The young woman from the bookstore
today did not introduce herself to me directly, but she returned her
chair to my table, looked directly at me and wished me a good night
as she left the book store. I thanked her and wished her the same.
Then I reflected on all I had heard, and I wrote this with hope that
it will bring something positive to those who find it.
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<b>Some Reminders:</b></div>
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<i>Humanity is young. </i>
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<i>We are destroying our Earth and each
other. </i>
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<i>We are still capable of changing
this. </i>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Money is a tool which can be used
responsibly, or abused maliciously, to influence the evolution of
individuals and society, until capitalism ends, as one day it will. </i>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Art matters. </i>
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<i>Nature matters. </i>
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<i>Science matters. </i>
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<i>Our personal stories, rituals,
mythologies and moralities matter. But what defines us as individuals
is not the same as what defines us as a whole. </i>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Race, gender and nationality matter
to the degree that they shape the stories, rituals, myths and laws
which define, confine and direct us. </i>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>We must pay attention to what we
create, as well as to what we protect—when it comes to personal and
cultural legacies, both new and old. </i></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For more information about what I create and protect, please click <a href="https://bugsbooksbeauty.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_18.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> and <a href="https://bugsbooksbeauty.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-72329251286027232652018-04-15T03:57:00.001-07:002018-04-15T04:00:04.601-07:00#MarchForOurLives Atlanta & The Myth of False Flags <div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M-yi1nDVssI/WtMvKuzhMQI/AAAAAAAAB3g/aZKFomIGVOw0Mc9e2oXM0NVt-NCO6mSgQCLcBGAs/s1600/now%2B23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M-yi1nDVssI/WtMvKuzhMQI/AAAAAAAAB3g/aZKFomIGVOw0Mc9e2oXM0NVt-NCO6mSgQCLcBGAs/s320/now%2B23.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & my children #MFOL ATL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After Parkland, I marched with my
family in Atlanta. As I've previously written, I support Americans'
right to gun ownership. I also support the students who are demanding
gun control. I am disgusted by the people who choose to publicly
shame them. It is a tactless move which uses intimidation and mockery
to attempt to invalidate the massacre in Parkland, the students'
response to it, the viability of American government and the mountain
of data which clearly indicates that 1) Gun control measures do lead
to fewer gun-related deaths and 2) Gun control measures previously up
for vote were squashed by GOP members who have received significant
pay-offs from the NRA. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The people who denounce the students
seem to subscribe to the general narrative that the students are
being used as pawns by the far left to deny law-abiding adults access
to guns so that the government can wield more power over the citizens
in anticipation of a major, doomsday style take over. According to
those who subscribe to this ideology, Parkland, and other mass
shootings, did not actually happen at all but were rather “false
flags” staged by the government to promote its own agenda.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The idea of “false flags” became
particularly prevalent following the destruction of the World Trade
Center on September 11, 2001. Following what are officially
documented to be terrorist attacks by way of militant, Islamic
extremists aboard hijacked airplanes, many American citizens used
the internet to generate and spread reports that the US government
was itself responsible for the destruction and had deliberately
staged it in order to justify military engagement in the Middle East
and a war on citizens' privacy in America.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7VhIvuJS3Yg/WtMu9yot3MI/AAAAAAAAB3k/XqTMm9ag-9YAPLy_Ez6jigUWX87jzYrKACEwYBhgL/s1600/now%2B21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7VhIvuJS3Yg/WtMu9yot3MI/AAAAAAAAB3k/XqTMm9ag-9YAPLy_Ez6jigUWX87jzYrKACEwYBhgL/s320/now%2B21.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Father & Son #MFOL ATL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As a journalism student beginning my
first year of university level study less than one month prior to
September 11, understanding these attacks became central to my
experience of adulthood. In the years spent exploring information
posted across the web by multiple sources, I never found evidence to
satisfy me that these attacks were set up 100 percent by our
government. I do not, however, see our government as a benevolent
force. I see it as a neutral force, with abusive tendencies, which
will leverage imminent, or existing, tragedy to forward its own
agenda when possible, as well as commoditize its citizens and
capitalize off their backs. Government is not something to be trusted
explicitly. However, it is malleable and can be held accountable for
improving the well being of both people and the planet if citizens
actively claim their right to participate within it—as the Parkland
students, and a handful of other groups, are doing right now. <i>No.</i>
I do not fully support everything they say. <i>Yes.</i> I do believe
that some of the parents are claiming their children's battle as an
attempt to re-engage with their own politically-oriented careers.
However, I do not think that those factors devalue the movement as a
whole or justify mocking its current leaders.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
#MarchForOurLives is about more than
gun control. It is about youth having a voice in government policy
and about limiting the degree to which the lobbying arm of the NRA
can purchase the loyalty of politicians.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Meanwhile, to the very strong extent
that it IS about gun control, I feel #MarchForOurLives is an
authentic effort not to remove peoples' rights, but to the call them
to exercise these rights with responsibility—for example: requiring
gun owners to purchase liability insurance, receive an education, and
pass a screen for recorded violent tendencies. For those still
screaming “false flag,” I also must pose a few reality checks:
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
People engage in smaller issues
hitting closer to home prior to engaging in larger issues having a
more widespread impact. I realize some people are concerned that gun
control is a distraction from other policies. I feel gun control is
an entry point for engagement with the government and inspires
citizens to pay more attention to all policies over time.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Should our government ever decide
to attack us, the notion that it will be brought down by a small
militia armed with AR15s feels ridiculous to me. That would be a
time of fight, flight and large scale revolution during which all
current policy would be tossed out the proverbial door and we would
all find a new way to survive.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Regarding point #2, governments
historically turn in mass on their foreign inhabitants prior to
turning on full-fledged citizens. Thus, standing up to America's
rampant xenophobia and contemporary immigration restrictions now is
probably a better way to guard against a totalitarian take over than
fighting for the already limited right to bear arms.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Evidence shows that Russia has
employed people to pose as Americans on social media and to
circulate memes designed to promote both apathy and chaos, in effect
destabilizing our nation and opening the door to foreign leadership
which I feel no Americans desire.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Beyond all concerns about our
government, we remain humans who will one day die. Many 9/11
“truthers” currently calling “false flag” feel that 9/11 did
claim lives but that school shootings are completely fabricated
events in which the alleged victims are paid and placed in witness
protection. The fact that it is easier for some people to believe in
detailed government and/or corporate conspiracies than in personal
tragedy and death bears serious contemplation. Sometimes members of
society really do become so overcome by their individual sense of
pain and loss that they kill people, leaving more pain and loss in
their wake. As I have stated in a previous meditation on gun
violence, it is important that we grieve. For some, the current
fight for gun control is a step in the grieving process, and it is
important we honor it as such.
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We have much to heal within the USA.
#MarchForOurLives can be a step toward doing that, and I am proud to
participate.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
On a somewhat lighter note, this video
by comedian Betty Bowers also speaks to the heart of America's gun
control debate. Enjoy. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zR9NHjDi4EA" width="560"></iframe>
Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-91942248884178564502018-02-16T12:57:00.002-08:002018-02-16T13:02:28.416-08:00Being Human in America: Thoughts on Guns, Grief, Rights & Responsibility<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gCv3TC8h3UE/WodFIeslT-I/AAAAAAAAB2s/j4r7STF3pIg3jl6Ye_SMVcL880YJQa40ACLcBGAs/s1600/american%2Brights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="784" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gCv3TC8h3UE/WodFIeslT-I/AAAAAAAAB2s/j4r7STF3pIg3jl6Ye_SMVcL880YJQa40ACLcBGAs/s320/american%2Brights.jpg" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughter. July 4th, 2017.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A few days after the latest school
shooting, social media overflows with debates about gun control, as
well as monologues sending “prayers and condolences” to Florida.
As a thoughtful American human right activist, I feel inspired to
share what I'm noticing within the fray.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<b>First.
</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The biggest beneficiary of the gun
lobby in 2016 was Donald Trump, who received over 31 million US
dollars. A series of other Republicans who have received anywhere
from 130 thousand USD to 7 million USD are named by the <i>Huffington
Post </i><span style="font-style: normal;">in the video <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HuffPostPolitics/videos/606248079719343/?hc_ref=ARSFzRAX2lwTkVFGTe0nBO_M2vrr-Zh3Z7tCYXYb6tXWmv-8x3kx1btv0fQCFEIYrLA&pnref=story" target="_blank"><b>linked here.</b></a></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
These leaders have been paid, more by a
single special interest group than what some Americans earn within a
lifetime, to make it easier for more people to own more guns. This is
not an example of NRA lobbyists championing the average American's
constitutional right to gun ownership. This is a reflection of the
degree to which political allegiances are bought so that specific
industries can grow their market and profits—at the potential
expense of innocent human lives.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<b>Second.
</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
More guns = more shootings. This
conclusion comes from both common sense and consistent science
detailed <a href="https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/11/07/world/americas/mass-shootings-us-international.html?smid=fb-share&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fm.facebook.com%2F" target="_blank"><u><b>here</b></u></a> and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/oct/02/us-gun-control-ownership-violence-statistics" target="_blank"><u><b>here</b></u></a>
. Since the amount of guns within the USA is record-setting, so is
the number of gun-related deaths. The USA also stands out in that it
is one of only three countries, alongside Guatemala and Mexico, which
views gun ownership as a citizen's right rather than a privilege to
be earned. These things are not opinions or personal truths. They are
quantifiable facts about gun ownership, shootings and the US
Constitution.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<b>Third.
</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
There are many people whom I count as
friends, and even respect as human rights activists, who proudly take
the position that gun ownership is an important expression of
American freedom. They argue that guns provide many with a sense of
personal security—against potential invaders, against government
officials turned into totalitarians, against dangerous wildlife and
(at times) against starvation. They also argue that guns can be used
responsibly for sportsmanship. Some of them support ownership with
greater regulation. Others take talk of gun control as a personal
slight and are quick to make statements about how criminals will just
seek out weapons on the black market and about how it is humans,
rather than the guns themselves, which commit crimes. On one end of
the spectrum, avid supporters of gun ownership will advocate for
stricter security in schools and more discipline from parents and
teachers. On the other, they will advocate for a culture filled with
more love and less violence in the media—mirroring their liberal
peers on pretty much every point except for the one which views guns
as inherently symbolic of destruction.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<b>Fourth.</b></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/oct/02/us-gun-control-ownership-violence-statistics" target="_blank">The Guardian's statistics</a> about gun-related violence in America, a few things are
clear:
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As stated already,
more guns = more shootings.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The USA holds a
majority of the world's guns. </div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While there are enough
guns within the USA to supply 88 people out of every 100 American
citizens with a firearm, only 3 percent of American citizens
actually hold the majority of guns in America. </div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While mass shootings
are increasing and becoming more deadly, the vast majority of
gun-related deaths have always been, and seem on track to continue
to be, suicides. </div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
All gun-related
civilian deaths are massively out-numbered by those resulting from
auto-accidents, plane crashes, illness or natural disasters.
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One may reasonably conclude
from this data that Americans aren't, by and large, a bunch of
trigger-happy rogues, nor has the risk of venturing into a school
building suddenly become more dangerous than the risk of riding on
the bus to get there. Nonetheless, I feel it is easy to understand
that gun-related deaths are less anticipated by victims and families
and often have a uniquely gut-wrenching impact. After all, being shot
to death is often the result of an individual or group's highly
personalized aggression, fear, or hatred—whereas dying from a
crash, sickness or natural disaster is a known, accepted and
impersonal hazard which comes with being human.
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<b>My Conclusions.
</b></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Being shot to
death—like dying from a crash, sickness or natural disaster—is
also a hazard which comes with being human. </div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nonetheless, being shot
to death is genuinely unique in that it is often the result of an
individual or group's highly personalized aggression, fear or
hatred. </div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Our society can take
major steps toward shifting our culture to foster less unchecked
aggression, fear and hate. However, this is a complex and nuanced
process. Neither “all love” nor “tough love” will get us
there. I once heard of “radical love.” That may be a start, but
even it most likely isn't enough on its own. </div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Metal detectors and
security officers can help make environments safer. These measures
can also breed paranoia, increase despair and fail due to technical
error and genuine human fallibility. </div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Evidence based data
shows that increased gun control will lessen gun purchases and
decrease shooting related deaths, even though guns are still
available illegally. </div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Meanwhile, gun
ownership is a Constitutionally protected right. In and of itself,
the right to choose is unique and worth fighting to maintain—whether
that choice relates to one's religion, gender identity, marital
status, decision to abort, decision to homeschool, decision to
vaccinate, decision to use drugs, or decision to own a gun. </div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When taking a stand
for gun ownership, it is important as a politician to do more than
take money from the NRA and offer your condolences to the victims of
mass shootings. </div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When taking a stand for
gun ownership, it is important as a civilian to understand that your
right comes with inherent responsibilities—one of which is to
respect gun safety and the many discussions on that topic without
jumping immediately to the conclusion that logical concern over
wrongful death is being purposefully leveraged against you. </div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mass shootings are
national tragedies which require mourning. Generally speaking,
humans are ill-prepared to mourn, even though death is perhaps the
one aspect of life we are all guaranteed to share.
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Personally, I mourn the loss
of life in Florida this Valentine's Day. I advocate for the right to
responsible, better regulated gun ownership. I advocate for stronger
school security coupled with dedicated counselors who are able to
focus more on students' mental health than on test scores, detention
and study hall. I advocate for gun safety education classes and mass
shooting survival classes. I advocate for literature, art and media
which illustrates the pervasive destructiveness of hatred, aggression
and fear—while also showing a way to transmute this via social
justice and radical love, for the benefit of <i>both</i> those who might
suffer from, as well as those who might perpetuate, destruction. </div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Finally, I advocate for
better victim care. In Florida today, recovering people need blood
transfusions, and the families of the fallen need a space to tell
their children's stories and to receive unconditional compassion
during a time of grief. For more on how you can step outside the
gun-control debate and offer direct help to those in need, go here:
<b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2018/02/15/world/iyw-florida-school-shooting-how-to-help/index.html">http://www.cnn.com/2018/02/15/world/iyw-florida-school-shooting-how-to-help/index.html</a></b> </div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-89724636081416802022018-02-11T16:10:00.003-08:002018-02-11T16:21:41.281-08:00A NORML Mom Returns to the Capitol <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pjuLY5IcuJw/WoDbITUmduI/AAAAAAAAB2c/CHj7OmC3f085P-EvrZMOL9-8WbGQd4X2gCLcBGAs/s1600/norml%2Blobby%2Bday%2B2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pjuLY5IcuJw/WoDbITUmduI/AAAAAAAAB2c/CHj7OmC3f085P-EvrZMOL9-8WbGQd4X2gCLcBGAs/s320/norml%2Blobby%2Bday%2B2018.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me w/ activists Kim Smith & James Meissner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Following my attendance of the town hall for the #Cartersville70, I headed to the Georgia Capitol to lobby for marijuana law reform. I had been there once before two years ago. Back then, I'd stood outside chamber doors holding a booklet about the medical benefits of cannabis. Georgia had recently passed a measure to legalize the limited use of CBD oil for treating a narrow list of approved conditions. Our hope as lobbyists that day had been to expand the qualifying conditions, as well as to add a provision allowing in-state cultivation.<br />
<br />
When I returned to the Capitol earlier this February, the Georgia cities of Clarkston and Atlanta had decriminalized possession within city limits, and a few conditions had been added to the list of approved medical conditions. While we still have a significant journey ahead, we were armed not just with the request that our representatives read a handbook and do something, but rather with the names of 10 EXISTING MEASURES for them to support: <br />
<br />
HB 465 and HR 340 for Industrial Hemp<br />
<br />
HB 645 and HB 764 to facilitate the cultivation and possession of low THC oil<br />
<br />
HB 505 to halt the civil forfeiture practices detrimental to many people facing marijuana charges <br />
<br />
SB105 for reducing penalties currently associated with marijuana possession<br />
<br />
SB 295 for regulating the retail sale of marijuana<br />
<br />
SB 296 and HR 36 to expand Georgia's existing medical marijuana program<br />
<br />
SR 317 to authorize the study of medical marijuana in Georgia<br />
<br />
Whether it takes days or years, some form of these bills and resolutions WILL be up for vote by Georgia citizens, and the majority of people reading this WILL EXPERIENCE an end to marijuana/cannabis prohibition in Georgia.<br />
<br />
Peachtree NORML had planned a rally to follow the lobbying, but the permit was pulled one day prior to the event due to an increase in the prospective attendees. <b><a href="http://www.senate.ga.gov/senators/en-US/member.aspx?Member=856" target="_blank">Georgia State Senator Michael Williams</a> </b>spoke out in favor of Peachtree NORML before the General Assembly and asked that we still be allowed to gather. While the number of attendees diminished significantly after hearing the announcement that the original permit had been pulled, a few of us heeded Senator Williams' call to come out anyway. Among those present were the typical mix of patients, parents, veterans
and civil rights activists, as well as creative and corporate community
leaders. Spanning a spectrum of political and spiritual beliefs, our highly personal experiences with cannabis have consistently inspired each of us to stand in compassionate solidarity. With Senator Williams among us, Atlanta musician and activist <b><a href="http://www.avivaandtheflyingpenguins.com/" target="_blank">Aviva</a></b> guided us in forming a circle, from which many stepped forward as individuals to share our stories and call for support. <br />
<br />
With real change on the horizon, this is a crucial time to step up and use your voice. Please be confident in telling your representatives and senators to end prohibition. You can get started doing this by going online <b><a href="https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials/" target="_blank">HERE </a></b>and discovering who your personal congress people are.<br />
<br />
While NORML operates at both the national and state level, it is also important to become active within your city and county. For those who live in my area, I am presently working with fellow activist Melissa Leachman-Taylor to form an Etowah chapter of Peachtree NORML. For updates, please <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Peachtree-NORML-of-Etowah-1645597765667632/" target="_blank">follow us on Facebook </a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">here</a>.</b> Also, please follow <b><a href="http://www.peachtreenorml.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">Peachtree NORML here</a> </b>for information about a re-scheduled rally in Atlanta. <br />
<br />
Finally, let this post be like a seed. Share it, and watch the movement grow. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-4200674793001422492018-01-30T15:00:00.000-08:002018-01-31T01:19:43.844-08:00A NORML Mom Supports the #Cartersville70 <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XNkltX5CZ6U/WnD4OOC0njI/AAAAAAAAB2I/wQaZhPgv8skEezOrhtjolxwS6FQpuLyIwCEwYBhgL/s1600/dee%2Band%2Bme%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XNkltX5CZ6U/WnD4OOC0njI/AAAAAAAAB2I/wQaZhPgv8skEezOrhtjolxwS6FQpuLyIwCEwYBhgL/s320/dee%2Band%2Bme%2B2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dee Dawkins-Haigler & I supporting #Cartersville70</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
On New Year's Eve 2017, I heard fireworks popping off in every direction around Kingston, Georgia, the small rural rail town where I live within Bartow County. A few miles down the road in Bartow's county seat, Cartersville, Georgia, fireworks were also being fired, and a 21-year-old was celebrating her birthday.<br />
<br />
While investigating a call from someone who thought they heard gunshots, local policemen found nothing in the area other than the birthday celebration, which they proceeded to raid. Allegedly some attendees were simply asked to go home. Meanwhile, in what seems to be an extreme act of racial profiling, 70 others were arrested and held within the Cartersville jail for three days or more pending charges.<br />
<br />
Rumors about a drug and artillery ring flew across the local and national news, but the only contraband actually discovered among all 70 apprehended young people was less than one ounce of marijuana. The case quickly drew the attention of Racquel McGee, a leader of the Atlanta-based Georgia Alliance for Social Justice. Racquel grew up in Cartersville, Georgia, and quickly set about bringing justice to those within her hometown. With the aid of civil-rights minded defense attorney <a href="https://www.geraldagriggs.com/" target="_blank">Gerald Griggs</a>, charges against 69 of the #Cartersville70 were dropped, and he is optimistic about the future outcome of the one person still facing charges.<br />
<br />
Clearly, the type of marijuana law reform championed by <a href="http://www.peachtreenorml.org/" target="_blank">Peachtree NORML</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/oneplantisallweneed/" target="_blank">OnePlant United</a> and <a href="http://www.gacareproject.com/" target="_blank">Georgia Care Project</a> is central to the case of the #Cartersville70. If marijuana were no longer stigmatized, it could be utilized as a versatile medicine and mind-opening form of adult stress relief. Law enforcement would no longer have grounds to disrupt and damage the lives of nonviolent offenders.<br />
<br />
The #Cartersville70 also reminds us that marijuana initially received its status as a federally controlled substance—not because of being a hazardous gateway drug—but rather because of its potential as a gateway through which illegal immigrants and marginalized American citizens can enter the prison industrial complex.<br />
<br />
While incarcerated, several members of the #Cartersville70 experienced abuse and denial of their basic rights. The arrests themselves also present multiple civil rights violations which have drawn the attention of the NAACP—along with additional social justice organizations, activists, community leaders and politicians. Many of these gathered, alongside members of the #Cartersville70, to speak last night at the Cartersville Civic Center. While all shared their uniquely engaging takes on marijuana and civil rights, the simple through line can be summarized as follows:<br />
<br />
<i>Keep learning, being active and speaking your mind—regardless of your color or creed. Remember that it is the American people's right to change laws which feel inherently unjust. Use your right to vote to elect leaders who authentically represent you. </i><br />
<br />
One such leader, <a href="http://www.deehaigler.com/" target="_blank">Dee Dawkins-Haigler</a>, pictured with me above, has been active within the Georgia General Assembly since May 2008 and is currently running for Secretary of State. While researching the possibility of introducing marijuana reform to Georgia alongside representative Allen Peake, she has visited Colorado and witnessed the state modeling how to return the profits from the cannabis industry back to the people. “We cannot legislate morality forever,” Dee says. Based on her experience, she says it's time “to let the grown folks decide what they're going to do.” <br />
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<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
For those of you
who agree, there are a few things you can do right now. While these apply directly to Georgia residents, they can be modified to
work anywhere.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Come to
Atlanta's Gold Dome this Thursday to lobby for state-wide marijuana
decriminalization and de-classification. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/139747966564836/" target="_blank">Click here for details</a>. </div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Reach out to
local officials to let them know that the #Cartersville70 matters to
you. This can happen over the phone, over email or in person at
local city council meetings.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Write
editorials to local papers and post in social media with the hashtag
#Cartersville70.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Join
<a href="http://norml.org/chapters/ga" target="_blank"> Peachtree NORML</a>, and keep in touch with me about a new Bartow/Floyd
chapter.</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Finally, I want to emphasize again the
importance of recognizing that marijuana reform is <span style="font-style: normal;">about
more than the right to use a plant for medicinal or responsible
recreational purposes. It is fundamentally a civil rights issue. As
such, it does not exist in a vacuum. It is directly connected to the
work of organizations like NAACP, ACLU, Amnesty and more. Personally,
I am dedicated to cultivating these connections and bringing them to
light with fierce compassion. </span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">As
always, if you were moved by my words, please share them. Let this
post plant a seed we can grow together. </span>
</div>
Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-13104096087653503822017-11-21T10:36:00.004-08:002018-01-08T13:11:01.676-08:00For Nini, With Love <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xwijEtDhAx0/WhRr2cDYxLI/AAAAAAAABzg/NNBXa6vTvc4hSCI1GL-L6gJ9Wmz_gIG6wCLcBGAs/s1600/nini%2Band%2Bme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xwijEtDhAx0/WhRr2cDYxLI/AAAAAAAABzg/NNBXa6vTvc4hSCI1GL-L6gJ9Wmz_gIG6wCLcBGAs/s320/nini%2Band%2Bme.jpg" width="183" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nini & I, Dec. 2009</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I wish I had reached out more to my
grandmother Nini, given her more hugs and let her know more often
that I'm grateful for the care she showed me in childhood.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Then again, life has an odd way of
distilling emotional truths from complicated circumstances.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Perhaps, the taboos of my adult life
would have proven too much had I shared more of my mature self with
my grandmother. If my stories of infidelity, agnosticism,
protest and shamanic quests had stood in the way of her receiving my
core truths, I'm confident she'd agree that would have been a
greater travesty than my relative silence—especially since I did share
carefully selected reflections on making music, running a business
and caring for my unique children. As I age, my experience with Nini
has inspired the following goals:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Never place the burden on the
children to keep in touch. Instead, continue reaching out to them,
sharing tidbits of life as an old crone, reflecting on memories of
their youth, encouraging them to discover new things and to keep
taking action always.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Keep taking action always within a
community large and loving enough to offer support to my immediate
family when I die.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Continue exercising the ability to
hold space for loved ones without casting moral judgment.
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Maybe it's odd, but I am very thankful
for these goals. I am also especially thankful for my last three
visits with Nini.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The first happened last winter. My
cousin Will, a fellow only child and thus substitute sibling, had
come to visit Nini as well. He'd made the trip by plane from
Virginia, and I drove down from Northwest Georgia, where Nini had
spent my childhood across town from me and my parents.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-of8msouzpO8/WhRtV2xzOII/AAAAAAAABz0/sE_C6cHJCAwPW0T9NntOADm6l0vfPTB3gCLcBGAs/s1600/garden%2Bdedication.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="960" height="233" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-of8msouzpO8/WhRtV2xzOII/AAAAAAAABz0/sE_C6cHJCAwPW0T9NntOADm6l0vfPTB3gCLcBGAs/s320/garden%2Bdedication.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scene from Nini's Memorial</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
On last winter's trip, Will and I had a
lot of time alone together. We delighted in the ways our paths have
paralleled and diverged. We addressed deep family stories about the
way love and fear have created limitations in our ancestry, and about
the ways we are re-writing some of these patterns in our lives. Near
the end of my visit, when Will and his father were settling into
their own rhythm at my uncle's apartment, I took one-on-one time with
Nini. We sat at the kitchen table laughing and talking. Were it up to
me, I could have stayed through the night, but there was (as there
often was) something pressing against our time together. It has
always felt a little as though my grandparents open a portal to
communicate with me—their world on the other side marked by more
complexity than they ever wanted to show. I remember standing in the
driveway hugging Nini. I showed her my new car, and she was concerned
that my children could crawl out the back seat. I assured her they
traveled safely there.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_ml4RWrLCo/WhRt6o8gqPI/AAAAAAAABz8/UHhIZTa3LUQ-CmVOd7bKK2wUmNWLaN7fQCLcBGAs/s1600/playing%2Bfor%2Bnini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_ml4RWrLCo/WhRt6o8gqPI/AAAAAAAABz8/UHhIZTa3LUQ-CmVOd7bKK2wUmNWLaN7fQCLcBGAs/s320/playing%2Bfor%2Bnini.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing TerraPan @ Nini's Memorial</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The second visit happened in a
Columbus, Georgia, ICU following Nini's first stroke. My mother
(Nini's daughter) and I were allowed back together with no other
guests. I had brought a TerraPan with me, but my mother insisted I
leave it in my car because she feared it would create a stir with the
staff and upset her father and brother. I obliged and focused instead
on a drawing my daughter made of herself and Nini standing on
opposite sides of a rainbow bridge. I also brought a stack of
photographs. Most of the time my mother and I were present at Nini's
bedside, Nini slept and snored just the same as she had on long trips
back from Florida. Fortunately, she woke before my departure. She
couldn't speak or focus well, but it was clear she knew I was
present. I put my hand on her shoulder and tried to say only what
felt most important to me:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>I love you. I see the parts of your
story which you could not fulfill. I thank you for giving me the
chance to nurture those in my own way. I live with immense gratitude
for you, for my parents, for my friends and for my children. You have
influenced how I treat all of them, and everything is exactly as it
needs to be. I will always remember you and will greet you with joy
should our souls meet beyond death. </i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My mother and I
formed a circle with her then and meditated on the colors of the
rainbow, washing through each of us, affirming our bond, giving us
courage despite our fear. Leaving that day, I felt I would see Nini
one more time.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b6wnNjl5co4/WhRwykd3pjI/AAAAAAAAB0I/s0HiscGy0F06jvW6mqgtbOBmpJQLwTymACEwYBhgL/s1600/me%2Band%2Bwill%2Bat%2Bhospice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1256" data-original-width="834" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b6wnNjl5co4/WhRwykd3pjI/AAAAAAAAB0I/s0HiscGy0F06jvW6mqgtbOBmpJQLwTymACEwYBhgL/s1600/me%2Band%2Bwill%2Bat%2Bhospice.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will & I @ Nini's Hospice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After my son's 7<sup>th</sup>
birthday and the solar eclipse this past August, Nini had a second
stroke and moved to hospice. My mother and I drove to see her there,
and my cousin had again come down from Virginia. This time, Nini was
deeply asleep and could not speak. I touched her and attempted to
connect with her thoughts. All I saw was hummingbirds. It reminded me
of an experience I had once during an indigenous ceremony when I felt myself die and then be reborn. In that meditation, I was carried back from the
depths of myself to my waking life on the wind of hummingbird wings,
which beat around me and whispered deep truths about my choices,
triumphs and fears. This August, I felt Nini readying herself for the
hummingbirds to take her far beyond the proverbial veil.
I felt her tell me only to go get my instrument and play.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Again, my mother
feared this would create a disturbance. However, I walked calmly past
her and sat down outside my grandmother's room in the sun. My
grandfather and uncle sat in rocking chairs guarding her door, and I
said I was going to play for them. When I finished, they made the
request that I play for Nini. So, I did. Her breathing seemed to calm,
and the music set a peaceful tone for the gathering of me, my mother,
my cousin, his father and our grandfather as we embraced and
connected with the few other guests who came in that day—my great
aunt Meg, always regarded as being particularly smart and strange,
and my grandmother's baby sister Patsy, the organizer of big holiday
gatherings from years past. When I left that day, I felt it would be
the last time I saw Nini. I touched her tenderly and said goodbye. My
mother drove me back to my town, and we waited in the park for my
children to greet us there. They came running toward us drenched in
the special sunbeams which fall at dusk from the north Georgia sky.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ii5z9lta46E/WhRx901oHoI/AAAAAAAAB0U/6eX38_RFoW8Wv9ln7siiPksp1JtLF9rvQCLcBGAs/s1600/nini%2Bbig%2Bgroup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ii5z9lta46E/WhRx901oHoI/AAAAAAAAB0U/6eX38_RFoW8Wv9ln7siiPksp1JtLF9rvQCLcBGAs/s320/nini%2Bbig%2Bgroup.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nini & Grandaddy's Visit After My Son's Birth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Nini's body is ashes now. My
grandfather eschewed the burial ceremonies he'd long championed and
instead made a small altar for quiet reflection within his home.
Meanwhile, my mother and I planned a memorial within her home for me,
my parents, my children, my husband and one dear friend to attend.
With my father's help, we cleared a garden area near the sun room and
placed a bird bath there. We dedicated it to Nini and hung a print of
a hummingbird on the wall inside. I shared a eulogy and played my
TerraPan. Afterward, we scattered seeds and seashells around the bird
bath in the drizzling summer rain—a group of soulmates mourning and
moving on.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I still struggle to tell all my family
how much I love them. Nini's death also helps remind me this might
not matter that much. As much as I love words, they have always
created as many barriers as bridges.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A month after her death, my mom and I
traveled to Nini's house to help my grandfather sort through her
things. He told us then her last moments there had been in the
kitchen, sitting as she had with me last winter. She had been looking
out the window, watching hummingbirds.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In Nini's honor, I would like to share
the eulogy I composed here:
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96TOt9L0Bng/WhRxRnXKjfI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/2NARl9pGjEo4AYyUIEXnBpjNK6xtBiSaQCEwYBhgL/s1600/painting%2Ba%2Bbird%2Bhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96TOt9L0Bng/WhRxRnXKjfI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/2NARl9pGjEo4AYyUIEXnBpjNK6xtBiSaQCEwYBhgL/s320/painting%2Ba%2Bbird%2Bhouse.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting a Birdhouse @ Nini's Memorial</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Laura Alice Allen Yarbrough,
affectionately known as Nini, spent 81 years alive on this earth. The
time I remember her best was here in Rome, Georgia, taking me on
after school adventures, falling asleep (against my orders) during
movies, giving tours of the plants in her yard and making sure that
everyone had enough to eat. She had a bold sense of humor and a level
of social and academic intelligence which surpassed the norms of her
time, especially for women. </i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Her final years of life centered on
the challenge to take ownership of her own healthcare. In may ways,
she succeeded in this. Nonetheless, her body still had its final say,
and she gracefully released her soul to become part of whatever
exists outside our human perception on August 24, 2017. While this
process always comes with some level of sadness and regret, it also
comes with joy and gratitude. All life is a fleeting part of a much
greater whole, and death the natural culmination of life. </i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>In addition to whatever cosmic form
her energy now takes, Nini's spirit will continue to live through
everyone she has ever touched. Together now, we carry forward her
story with a focus on gentleness, transition, change, hope and love.
</i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>We light a candle for these things
now and draw their energy into this garden grove to be dedicated in
her honor September 5, 2017. </i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The formal obituary my grandfather
wrote is here:
<a href="http://quattlebaumfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/1881/Laura-Yarbrough/obituary.html">http://quattlebaumfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/1881/Laura-Yarbrough/obituary.html</a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thank you for acknowledging these
stories. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nUNuS8Mm1xA/WhRskhkbkWI/AAAAAAAABzo/a70yQvVjoYIw-s5jkABUocokMWo3KqfVwCLcBGAs/s1600/mom%2Band%2Bme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nUNuS8Mm1xA/WhRskhkbkWI/AAAAAAAABzo/a70yQvVjoYIw-s5jkABUocokMWo3KqfVwCLcBGAs/s320/mom%2Band%2Bme.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, my mother & my children--returning from our final visit with Nini.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-27553142385595836672017-10-03T00:05:00.000-07:002017-10-03T06:59:59.011-07:00A NORML Mom Celebrates! #DecrimATL, #FeeltheBern, #MaytheFortBeWithYou, #KillerMike<b>A Mighty Step Forward</b> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96mRBokScwU/WdOXJelGaaI/AAAAAAAABvs/tH6onDat-wQ9lnuXqHU85ts2TdH_F05IwCLcBGAs/s1600/killer%2Bmike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96mRBokScwU/WdOXJelGaaI/AAAAAAAABvs/tH6onDat-wQ9lnuXqHU85ts2TdH_F05IwCLcBGAs/s320/killer%2Bmike.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Killer Mike likes my shirt! Read to the end for details.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In the midst of a culture riddled with violence, natural disasters, economic uncertainty and threats to our civil rights, small steps continue to move us forward. Tonight, I'm celebrating the good news: <b>Atlanta, Georgia, just passed a city ordinance to decriminalize cannabis! </b>It is official: Possessing up to one ounce of marijuana in the city of Atlanta no longer guarantees a criminal record. Rather, it can be resolved with a simple citation and $75 USD fine.<br />
<br />
While law enforcement officers will have leeway in choosing whether to honor the new ordinance or the harsher penalties called for by Georgia state law, today's vote shows major progress. It at least allows people a chance of escaping the dead-end downward spiral which an arrest record can cause. It also sends the message that, while cannabis use isn't for everyone, it isn't a crime either.<br />
<br />
Legalization is the next step. I have total admiration for all my friends within <span id="goog_67179262"></span><a href="http://www.peachtreenorml.org/" target="_blank">Peachtree NORML</a><span id="goog_67179263"></span> who have worked relentlessly to insure that people keep talking--among themselves, with their local government officials, at their places of work, at their places of worship, in the media, and via their personal art and activism--about the benefits of cannabis and the need to reform the laws surrounding its use. <a href="http://www.gacareproject.com/" target="_blank">Georgia Care Project</a> also deserves tremendous credit for bringing change to Atlanta.<br />
<br />
The same is true for the government officials who support our work as activists. This past Saturday I witnessed <a href="http://www.ajc.com/news/local-govt--politics/bernie-sanders-stumped-for-vincent-fort-mayoral-campaign-saturday/9uiIPwE0j3cMmxZ7QTaLdI/" target="_blank">Senator Vincent Fort</a> give voice to his promise to legalize cannabis in Atlanta should he win his current campaign to become mayor. Fort, backed by none other than Senator Bernie Sanders and Atlanta's own hip-hop activist Killer Mike, explained that legalization is a significant human rights issue. I learned Saturday that Atlanta tops national charts for limited class mobility. I also learned a leading reason for this is the crippling series of events which often follow an arrest for possession of marijuana.<br />
<br />
<b>Unintentional Complacency</b><br />
<br />
Unfortunately, one thing I've encountered in my activism is a stunning lack of enthusiasm for legalization as a social justice issue. If policies do not impact people directly, in ways they immediately feel, many become dismissive. For them, the systemic racism inherent to the drug war does not matter if they are not a person of color themselves. Likewise, the threat of arrest for marijuana doesn't hit home if they either abstain or have lived successfully under the radar for many years.<br />
<br />
The same principles apply to other issues facing Atlanta right now as well--specifically the loss of homes to imminent domain, the fight for a living wage and public education reform at both the K-12 and university level. The urgent need for solutions is lost on those who have never lived in a threatened zone, never struggled to meet their basic needs, never sought learning alternatives for their children, or never graduated with advanced degrees and no employment in sight.<br />
<br />
In my opinion, the passage of today's decriminalization ordinance can galvanize people to wake from unintentional complacency. This is thanks to its potential to eliminate some deeply held stigmas. For example, unconscious racism, passed down through generations, will abate when fewer people of color are arrested over time. Likewise, I feel derogatory attitudes toward drug use will abate when adults openly demonstrate responsible use of marijuana.<br />
<br />
Most importantly, people who have intentionally placed themselves within boxes because they wish to be "law-abiding" will feel more empowered to take ownership of their health and to fulfill their desires for the peace of mind and physical pleasure which cannabis use can bring. Signaling that use isn't inherently criminal affords people greater safety stepping outside their self-imposed comfort zones and literally experiencing new ways of perceiving reality.<br />
<br />
<b>My Grandmother's Boots</b><br />
<br />
Thanks to my maternal grandmother, Laura "Nini" Yarbrough, I've had a unique opportunity for experiencing life in another person's shoes. This is because Nini died August 24 and left me the legacy of her wardrobe. My favorite item is a pair of high-heeled burgundy boots.<br />
<br />
Nini always showed tremendous intelligence and a level of social awareness which transcended the norms of her time, especially in rural Alabama where she came of age. She always "got" my poetry and was proud I attended the Women's March on Washington. Nonetheless, she made peace with a homemaker's life and dedicated much of her personal energy to challenging healthcare providers whom she ultimately discovered had done her as much harm as good.<br />
<br />
One of the last times I saw Nini, I thanked her for the story she passed on to me, and I pledged to continue carrying her energy out into the world. I take great pleasure in knowing that I am bringing her spirit into spaces where I feel she would never have stepped, yet nonetheless inspired me to go.<br />
<br />
So far, my favorite of these places has been a photo opp with Killer Mike after the rally I attended Saturday. While Bernie Sanders and Vincent Fort made a respectful but swift exit,
Killer Mike remained longer to take pictures with fans and to chat with
the media. I find it fitting that, of the three, he is the artist, the
one who shares his cause not so much by speaking about it as by allowing
us to <i>feel </i>it--through his music mostly, as well as through the
experience of knowing him, albeit fleetingly. Very patiently, he took time to calmly connect with each person gathered around him. He looked at, not past, each of us and found something positive and unique to say. Based on our energy, he gave hugs and high fives, extended invitations to come see him in his barber shop and to keep in touch. When people asked him to back their causes, he kindly asked to see some information first, establishing a boundary with grace.<br />
<br />
When it came to me, he said he liked my shirt. I was in "NORML Mom mode," showing up in support of the decriminalization measure which passed today.<br />
<br />
<b>From a Moment to a Movement</b><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qcm7GHVIGfI/WdOWuyKQTnI/AAAAAAAABvw/i1bTJzkuwR8EeJt9yJB8ICfiY-i12otewCEwYBhgL/s1600/norml%2Bmom%2Bkiller%2Bmike%2Bfort%2Bsanders%2Brally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qcm7GHVIGfI/WdOWuyKQTnI/AAAAAAAABvw/i1bTJzkuwR8EeJt9yJB8ICfiY-i12otewCEwYBhgL/s320/norml%2Bmom%2Bkiller%2Bmike%2Bfort%2Bsanders%2Brally.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the rally</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It strikes me that Killer Mike's celebrity both protects him and leaves him vulnerably exposed. Thus, there is courage in his kindness. As I've described, he also handles himself with a striking amount of humor, humility and honor--for his own positions and for the humanity we share.<br />
<br />
Speaking to the public, Killer Mike directed us to transform moments of inspiration into a movement supporting a greater cause, and I feel this greater cause centers on the ability to recognize and embrace our inherent and shared humanity. Doing this will allow us to begin re-shaping some of our driving cultural stories so that we can better address
major challenges of our time--from climate change, to police brutality,
to affordable housing, to minimum wage, to healthcare, to education
reform, to nuclear war, to religious oppression, to freedom of
expression, to a transition from capitalism to whatever comes next. <br />
<br />
By encouraging freedom of expression and action, decriminalizing marijuana allows us to be just a little bit more in touch with our inherent humanity, and this is one of the reasons why it excites me so much.<br />
<br />
To help Atlanta take their latest victory forward into a greater movement, please consider joining Peachtree NORML or the Georgia Care Project in
their efforts to move from decriminalization to legalization. Also,
if you have the opportunity to vote for Vincent Fort, please do! I know campaign volunteers will remain welcome from now until the election as well. To explore Fort's platform and access details about election day and volunteering, please visit <a href="https://vincentfort.com/">VincentFort.com.</a><br />
<br />
Finally, I thank you for reading this column and ask always that you allow this post to be a seed. Share it, and watch it grow! <br />
<br />
<br />Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-90405033793343052442017-08-29T17:39:00.003-07:002017-08-29T17:45:45.566-07:00Support, Empathy & Truth: On Borderline Personality Disorder, Fascism & Antifa<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband says goodbye prior to a rally</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have started and re-started a
detailed post about my view of antifa, a loosely organized and
widespread group of antifascist anarchists. As I describe in my
previous post, I have marched alongside antifa. I have found them at
that event, and others following, to be a far cry from dangerous to
the general public. In fact, my experience is that people identifying
as antifa take specific measures to keep people safe and that this is done in accordance with their principles, not as a publicity
stunt.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
With this in mind, I've found much of
the conventional, social and fringe media's coverage of antifa
troubling. I agree with assertions that antifa's willingness to use
violence, alongside its broad parameters for identifying a potential
fascist threat and its emphasis on protest over policies are
inherently problematic. However, I disagree heavily with the way much
of contemporary media has placed more attention on criticizing
antifa's methods than on understanding their motivation. In my
opinion, it is both counter-productive and dangerous to marginalize
and/or condemn antifa's efforts in this way. This insight takes root
in my personal observation that both sides of the fascists/antifa
struggle exhibit signs of borderline personality disorder, which I
have come to intimately understand via both academic study and my
direct experience living with, loving and working alongside
borderline people.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Borderline personality disorder happens
when children who are born with sensory processing and integration
differences (either mild or severe) grow up within a home which
invalidates their life experience either through benign but
consistent neglect or through deliberate, consistent physical and/or
verbal abuse. Within relatively healthy environments, sensory
processing and integration differences look like anything from
learning disabilities, to ADD/ADHD, to OCD, to anxiety, to
depression, to autism—all of which require their own level of
understanding and care. However, within neglectful or abusive
environments, children with sensory processing and integration
differences also become hard-wired to be borderline—which is
clinically characterized by extreme emotional responses, intense fear
of abandonment, self harm, a tendency toward black or white thinking
(which leads in turn to the intense idealization or demonization of
people or groups), and periods of intense disassociation from
reality.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Once wired to be borderline, there is
not a chemical fix to the imbalance. The brain has to be re-wired,
and the process takes dedication and time either from unusually
committed therapists, unusually committed family members, or both. In
order for the re-wiring to occur, borderline people have to fully
express their truths to the extent that THEY FEEL heard. This often
means that they are permitted to absolutely unleash waves of intense
verbal rage, condemnation and manipulative rhetoric onto the people
around them until they feel their point is made. Then, they must be
met with support, empathy and a firm but gently issued statement of
truth which recognizes any realistic core of what they've unleashed
as well as everything which was grossly out of touch. This must be
repeated over time with understanding and persistence. In response,
borderline people eventually re-wire themselves and become healthy
people who firmly break some seriously destructive family cycles.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A commitment to healing is not
singular. It requires intense collaboration, persistence and
understanding both on part of the borderline himself/herself, on the
family members and on the therapists who all must be extraordinarily
grounded in their sense of self so as not to suffer their own severe
breakdowns in the face of the borderline's emotional outbursts.
Statistically, most people walk away from borderlines for their own
self preservation. Often, they walk away condemning the borderline,
preaching that they could have done more had the borderline simply
been able to “suck it up, take responsibility for his/her life and
stop spewing abuse and playing the victim.” That line (suck it up,
take responsibility, stop playing the victim) can be good for a
borderline person to hear if it is said in an atmosphere which
continues to offer actual support. However, I rarely hear it issued
under those circumstances. It isn't “good old fashioned tough love
and telling it like it is” as many moderate and popular
conservative thought leaders seem to spin it. It is a self-protective
measure which perpetuates an unpopular pathology currently pervasive
in America and showing itself in the current fascists/antifa
extremes.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What I think the response to antifa
should be is public support, empathy and truth—in that order. That
is an important step along the path to healing a culture of abuse,
which strikes me as a core issue right now. Transcending humanity's
violent tendencies does not heal their source. Participating with
and/or encouraging antifa certainly doesn't either when that is all a
person does. However, it does play an important role, and I feel it
should be viewed as such.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In context, I feel antifa comes at the
beginning of our culture's healing process. It represents the crash
and catharsis which ultimately empowers the public to fight
diplomatically for lasting change. It also allows people more aligned
with fascism an opportunity to see their aggression reflected and to
re-consider their own views. In my opinion, people who fall far on
the side of fascism are those whose response to abuse has been to
consciously perpetuate it. After spending formative years
consistently condemned for being OTHER, legitimizing the abuse and
claiming it as one's own returns a sense of purpose to the former
victims' lives. Meanwhile, antifa strike me more as people who have
realized there is nothing innately wrong or unnatural about being
OTHER. For them, their life experience is validated by confronting
their abusers head on.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The support I'm calling for from the
public would ideally be directed toward each side. It would need to
recognize that the fascist side legitimately feels as though it has
been abandoned by a culture which has relatively steadily evolved to
meet increasing needs of women, people of color and other former
minority groups at the same time that financial crisis has meant a
dramatic reduction in income and available jobs. It would also need
to recognize that the antifa side legitimately feels as though it has
been abandoned by a small but powerful sector of society which will
do anything it can to blot out the existence of everyone with a
different ideology than it. Empathizing with each side would mean
recognizing that each is authentically afraid and has the best
interests of humanity, as each side perceives it to be, at heart.
Empathy also means avoiding the aforementioned and seemingly all to
common pitfall of invalidating each side by acting as though their
struggles are not real, can be remedied by some hardcore self-work,
or should be met only with gratitude that circumstances are not
worse.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
With that in mind, I want to close with
some truths which feel central to this struggle and stand out most to
me right now. Some are verifiable, measurable objective facts. Others
are observational and more personal in nature. I recognize the
difference between the two and feel it's important for me right now
to share both:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cultures have enslaved and abused
each other throughout the whole of human history. However,
everyone's ability to claim this heritage does not exempt us from
taking responsibility for our present acts of oppression.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While the United States of America
does offer extensive opportunities to people of all backgrounds, it
also breaks records for imprisoning its population, and the severity
of consequences for the same crimes varies widely across racial,
gender and class lines, with a heavy bias against lower class women
of color.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is the privilege and duty on
American citizens to vote to change laws which do not reflect
justice, and there are several reputable studies on the drug war
which demonstrate that it is extremely unjust.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The United States and other global
super powers wage wars purported to fight terrorism which focus more
on the security of territories and the natural resources they
contain, which in turn are exploited to the detriment of people and
the planet.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Militarized police forces often
escalate circumstances to points of violence which lead to
divisiveness and erode trust.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Dogmatic teachings which have
repressed the rights of women, people of color and a wide variety of
non-conforming individuals are eroding despite opposition to change.
As this happens and new social norms are established, there are a
variety of approaches our society can take which have unique
consequences.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
How we express ourselves – be it
in the form of active protest, petitions, spending choices,
journalism, or the creative arts is very important to both revealing
and shaping the direction of our culture. By all means, we must use
our voices. We also must remain aware that how and when we express
ourselves makes a statement of its own and always merits a response
of some sort.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Our economy, education system,
health care system and justice system have changed in response to a
number of global factors, and there are multiple directions these
can take in the future which all bear attention right now.
Generation X, Xennials and Millenials are not simply re-waging their
parents cultural wars but rather making unique contributions to
human history.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Making uniform assumptions about
ANY group holds inherent danger. Being overly cautious of what one
says can also cripple our self expression. Fortunately, humans are
capable of expressing a wide variety of views and objectively
analyzing these to form more balanced perspectives over time.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We are all going to be drawn to
different aspects of the cultural revolution unfolding around us. We
will accomplish more from recognizing and respecting this than from
fighting it. We owe it to ourselves to do our individual parts well
and to allow others room to do the same.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As that last point is concerned,
writing this essay has been one of my parts. I appreciate the people
who have inspired me through their unique brand of opposition and
support. Additionally, an excellent resource for understanding borderline
personality disorder is the book <i>I Hate You, Don't Leave Me</i>, linked <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hate-You-Dont-Leave-Understanding-Personality/dp/0399536213/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=QED02Q0ATYQSH2SEKZV1" target="_blank">here</a>. Detailed information on
the war on drugs and incarceration rates in the USA can be found <a href="http://www.drugpolicy.org/" target="_blank">here</a>
and <a href="https://centerforprisonreform.org/prison-reform-organizations/" target="_blank">here</a> on sites for the Drug Policy Alliance and the Center for Prison Reform. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As I wrote after reviewing a Drug Policy Alliance conference in April, I still believe love wins in the end. However, love itself, in my opinion, defies easy definitions and requires its own dedication to understanding and perseverance over time as it leads us all, not above and beyond our pain, but rather through it. </div>
Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-53145255204597002802017-08-15T18:53:00.001-07:002017-08-15T19:24:06.142-07:00Re-Dreaming America (Thoughts on Charlottesville & Atlanta Anti-Fascist Rally)<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rHQ8xBD93ek/WZOidXZMzrI/AAAAAAAABuc/IvNcbDhZct4hIjhFrpR8IfJpnQkQYVHQgCLcBGAs/s1600/rally%2Ball%2Bmarching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rHQ8xBD93ek/WZOidXZMzrI/AAAAAAAABuc/IvNcbDhZct4hIjhFrpR8IfJpnQkQYVHQgCLcBGAs/s320/rally%2Ball%2Bmarching.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Children & I at Sunday's Rally</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There is a lot happening in America
right now. I think this is true on any given day. However, it feels
increasingly like we are taking solid steps to create a significant
cultural shift. We are revisiting ideals of civil rights explored and
exploded in the sixties in a way which has the potential to create
solid and lasting change. This is not to say that changes of the
sixties were not solid. Yet, I grew up in 80s and 90s America with
the distinct feeling that, as soon as we'd ended overt segregation,
welcomed women in the work force, allowed evolution into science
classes and cleared the path for divorce and abortion, people with a
mind to fight for human rights kind of leaned back on their laurels
and coasted through a psychedelic revolution, which ended in either
destructive chaos or complacent retreat into the comfort of the
American Dream, which looked a lot like having 2 children, stable
employment, a picket fence and a dog. The common refrain through all
this seemed to be something like:<i> Embrace your uniqueness and live
your dreams as long as they do not upset the status quo in any major
way. Everyone is entitled to a good life, but nothing is perfect.
Make the most of the America you have. It's better than it used to
be! Work hard enough, and anyone can go far. </i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Around the time my
generation of Xennials graduated from high school, the twin towers
fell, and our adult lives took root in a time of war. We learned
through direct experience that employment and benefits are not
guaranteed for any of us by virtue of skill, social status,
determination or education. It feels like this has meant clinging
more tightly to how we self-identify apart from our professional
titles. At best, this means taking time to explore our individual
authentic selves and to flourish in creative endeavors unique to us.
At worst, this means clinging so tightly to cultural identifiers—like
race and religion—that we become a violent force stopping at
literally nothing to exert the power of our identity at the absolute
expense of all others.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQ71TUL_4Io/WZOieBMILuI/AAAAAAAABuw/owLmfvs05GMEiUEb9WvqKQ7qjqudi9jVwCEwYBhgL/s1600/rally%2Bshouting%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bstreet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQ71TUL_4Io/WZOieBMILuI/AAAAAAAABuw/owLmfvs05GMEiUEb9WvqKQ7qjqudi9jVwCEwYBhgL/s320/rally%2Bshouting%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bstreet.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Rally Cry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A limited number of
extremist views can exist within, and contribute to, the balance of a
healthy society. However, when an extremist position moves into the
mainstream, balance becomes offset in critical ways which deeply
endanger the existence of any group. In my opinion ,American culture
has been normalizing extremes long enough that it is now in critical
condition and showing symptoms.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Donald Trump's
presidency is a symptom.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Police brutality is
a symptom.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The recent violence
within Virginia is a symptom.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
In particular, the
death and injuries left in the wake of a white supremacist rally in
Charlottesville, Virginia, represent both the prevalence of racism
and of the propensity to de-humanize anyone who holds a different
world view. Specifically, I'm talking here about the white domestic
terrorist's ability to de-humanize the people he deliberately struck
with his vehicle when he drove into a crowd of people who disagreed
with his assertions of white supremacy and radical nationalism.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Meanwhile, I also
recognize that white supremacists, radical nationalists and neo-Nazis
of all stripes can make the claim that they too are being dehumanized
by Antifa and others who explicitly condemn their actions. To this I
say, white supremacists are not being de-humanized when they are
being held accountable. Accountability can look many different ways.
Personally, I disagree with those who say accountability is
eye-for-an-eye condemnation. However, I also disagree with those who
say accountability looks like prayerful peace. And, if I have come
down squarely on one side or another, I'll stand with the Antifa
crowd before I'll stand against it.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yXAm92qp6FE/WZOidyQMcwI/AAAAAAAABuo/8mqwwXLJ6vc9NhpaDQ1ugfDeVQ4VGhtYgCEwYBhgL/s1600/rally%2Bryan%2Bmarching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yXAm92qp6FE/WZOidyQMcwI/AAAAAAAABuo/8mqwwXLJ6vc9NhpaDQ1ugfDeVQ4VGhtYgCEwYBhgL/s320/rally%2Bryan%2Bmarching.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Husband & Daughter </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Accountability
requires direct action: Sometimes that is marching in solidarity with
others against violence, shouting with the beat of a drum that you do
not accept what supremacy has done and that you are not afraid.
Sometimes accountability looks like hacking a website and exposing
the personal details of closeted supremacists. Sometimes
accountability looks like removing or re-purposing artwork and
monuments designed to celebrate historical victories which have come
to look a lot like fascism.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Accountability can
be as simple as signing petitions and labeling white supremacists as
domestic terrorists when you speak about their actions. It can also
be as complicated as dismantling and re-assembling the very systems
at the bedrock of society which have allowed covert forms of
extremist ideology to become the status quo. <b>One of these systems is
the prison-industrial complex. Connected to that, is the war on
drugs. Revolution in these areas will do a lot to end racial
profiling, modern day slavery and the stereotypes which accompany
these practices now. Another system in need of changing is that which
allows politicians to buy their power and to bow without consequence
to industries, like oil, which threaten the survival of our species
by ravaging our land.
</b></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Linked to these
systems needing change are abstract concepts connecting the mind,
body and spirit of society as a whole. Specifically, our view toward
religion, science, art, philosophy, education, gender, race,
relationships, work, money, neurological divergence (including mental
illness), drugs, morality, healthcare, technology, capitalism,
heritage and identity itself are due for an upgrade, so to speak. We
use these ideas to create stories which communicate the shared values
and goals of our culture, and many of the current stories have
devolved (or are presently devolving) into dogma, which harms <i>all
of us</i> by enforcing stigma rather than honoring our inherent
humanity and all its unknowns.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Contributing
directly to dismantling destructive human systems while shifting
cultural norms to reflect and contextualize this restructuring is a goal of my personal activism. I write and teach to educate,
introduce new ideas and spark discussion bringing about actual
change. Sometimes, I also boycott, sign petitions, make calls and
march. Sometimes I do this alone. Other times, I include my children.
To a degree, I feel their long-term well-being relies on exposing
them to current social issues, showing them firsthand the
circumstances their generation will have to collaborate with my
generation to change. I also want them to see that, when something
happens to directly counter my personal morality and threaten what it
means to exist within a country I do love despite its glaring faults,
I take direct action to voice my dissent and to draw awareness to
the need for change—even if imperfectly.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xr-awuZRiA8/WZOidTv2eyI/AAAAAAAABuw/cX6R1GvveUk-HyndaaZDImw0waqguWdLQCEwYBhgL/s1600/rally%2Bposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="960" height="206" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xr-awuZRiA8/WZOidTv2eyI/AAAAAAAABuw/cX6R1GvveUk-HyndaaZDImw0waqguWdLQCEwYBhgL/s320/rally%2Bposter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
To this end, my
family participated as a group in one of Atlanta, Georgia's, recent
rallies against racism. It began before sunset at Woodruff Park on
Sunday, August 13. Activists gathered on a pavilion, behind a
memorial to the victims of the Charlottesville violence, and spoke
about the need to combat hate with more than love alone. There was an
open mic to the public, and my 9-year-old daughter spoke. Her focus
was, arguably, the importance of love across race lines, yet the
crowd did accept her warmly despite some differences in rhetoric. I
felt very proud as a mother that she was brave enough to share her
voice. For me, showing up at the rally was equivalent to what I wrote
on her poster (pictured to the right): Our presence there meant
we stand with C'ville, which in turn means we support a better way
for all people to exist together. It is, in my opinion, not a time to
defend or destroy our collective history but rather to acknowledge,
as objectively as possible, who we have been, while creating new
stories about who we are and will become.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
After the rally,
the crowd departed Woodruff Park in downtown Atlanta with signs and
flags held high, marching to the beat of drums. We shouted
chants—against Trump, against supremacy, against hate, for
democracy and the power of the people. My 6-year-old alternated
between walking himself, resting in my arms and riding atop my
husband's shoulders. My 9-year-old walked boldly forward the whole
way, her poster in her hands, but felt exhausted by the time we
reached the destination at Piedmont Park. There, the crowd gathered
around a statue, representing peace at the end of the Civil War,
which the march's leaders adorned with chains and some streaks of red
paint. It seemed the intention may have been to pull the statue down;
however, a piece fell off injuring two demonstrators. A few
marchers, my husband included, circled around the monument and the
injured leaders, as one lone police officer joined the scene and
announced quietly that no arrests would be made provided that the
statue remain standing. The statue stood. No arrests were made. The
crowd dispersed.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-saAPz-QvM2E/WZOidQc4snI/AAAAAAAABuw/9aFMXQeRAIA3-OQ3lV-vCTJ26-pQghUjACEwYBhgL/s1600/rally%2Binterview%2Bwith%2Bthe%2Bmedia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-saAPz-QvM2E/WZOidQc4snI/AAAAAAAABuw/9aFMXQeRAIA3-OQ3lV-vCTJ26-pQghUjACEwYBhgL/s320/rally%2Binterview%2Bwith%2Bthe%2Bmedia.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Talking to the Press, Outside Piedmont Park </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By the time the
vandalism had started, I had already walked my children to the
sidelines of the event. Marching itself had felt empowering and
focused in a way I hadn't experienced even at the Women's March on
Washington, DC, but the energy upon arriving within Piedmont Park
felt different than the energy on the journey there. I commend
Atlanta as a city for the total lack of violence Sunday. I also
commend the demonstrators for knowing when to evaluate the
circumstances, make a sound judgment call and stand down. However, it
does strike me as a bit bizarre that the targeted monument was one
representing peace.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
After much
consideration, I feel the value of vandalizing that specific monument
was to show that the peace and progress brought about by the end of
the Civil War has been an illusion. In this case, the chains and red
paint symbolize the pain, bloodshed and institutionalized
prison-based slavery which continues in the present day and will no
longer be complacently accepted. This is an important message, to be
certain. It also symbolizes the willingness of the Antifa and its
supporters to fight, if necessary, for the freedom of all groups
oppressed by a society which continues to normalize extreme
prejudice. Perhaps these metaphors could have been better expressed
via some radical performance art or via the creation of an entirely
new structure giving voice directly to our contemporary concerns.
However, those projects may be better realized somewhere along the
horizon. Change has to start somewhere, and I feel the positive
impact of what we asserted on Sunday in Atlanta exceeds the negative.
I'm honored to have been there.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As the future
unfolds with more supremacist rallies and counter protests to come, I
know I will attend some anti-fascist demonstrations and sit out others. However, I'm undeniably
struck by the importance of art to the rising revolution. What we all
create and boldly share has value now. Thank you for reading my
stories. In the video below, my daughter and I speak. </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fc.r.panman%2Fvideos%2F1659008927451594%2F&show_text=0&width=560" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe>Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-35481558532092929132017-06-06T19:39:00.000-07:002017-06-06T19:46:28.760-07:00Turn Your Back on Hate. Change Starts at Home.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-472BwHE1zsY/WTdkO9yAvSI/AAAAAAAABtk/-yQdSQfrPdUkRFLbrxxm3kgwwXpsOkqhwCEw/s1600/keys%2Bto%2Brome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-472BwHE1zsY/WTdkO9yAvSI/AAAAAAAABtk/-yQdSQfrPdUkRFLbrxxm3kgwwXpsOkqhwCEw/s320/keys%2Bto%2Brome.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughter enjoying #keystorome</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Whether I'm a brave adventurer or
certified homebody depends largely on whom you ask. I will jump in a
car at a moment's notice to make the hour long trek to Atlanta,
Georgia, or Chattanooga, Tennessee. I didn't blink at loading 3
children under 10 into a van and driving them 11 or so hours to see
their father during summers he spent working in West Virginia. I
hopped aboard a bus filled with strangers and road to Washington, DC,
where I got lost after the Women's March and walked alone from one
end of the district to the other, arriving at a crowded stadium with
no clue which bus was mine about 10 minutes prior to its departure.
However, in almost 35 years of life, I've only been on 2 round trip
flights to anywhere and have never once left the United States.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As a local student at an international
boarding school, I used to say: <i>The world comes to me. </i><span style="font-style: normal;">This
notion has continued into adulthood as the future owners of my
company's musical instruments often travel from abroad to collect
their new <a href="http://www.terratonz.com/" target="_blank">TerraPans</a>. Through each of these ventures, I have helped
make Rome, Georgia, a temporary home for people from virtually every
continent. Yet, sometimes, I am still surprised by the ways my
hometown, and the surrounding areas, reveal themselves to me. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-Ggv5hwJVM/WTdlDC72o-I/AAAAAAAABts/yBDKn6PlDv8dAE50VOg6htLXYUnNpRhEgCLcB/s1600/local%2Bherbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="274" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-Ggv5hwJVM/WTdlDC72o-I/AAAAAAAABts/yBDKn6PlDv8dAE50VOg6htLXYUnNpRhEgCLcB/s1600/local%2Bherbs.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kingston garden bounty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">I had
an opportunity to revel in this a couple weeks ago when the local
group Turn Your Back on Hate hosted Change Starts at Home, an evening of merriment and music
in the courtyard of Schroeder's Deli in downtown Rome. A raffle was
scheduled during the event, and I needed to drop off my donation, a
CD of TerraPan music performed by the local artist John Hand. I
intended to attend the event in the evening with my husband, but I
enlisted my children to help me deliver the CD earlier in the day. Our journey was
fruitful. It began with a stop by the gazebo south of Rome in
Kingston, where a family of gardeners were selling herbs, vegetables,
wild flowers, painted pots and snow cones. I live in Kingston and
loved giving my children an opportunity to make a meaningful purchase
from neighbors whose child had sat in my former middle school classroom just
after my daughter was born.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Afterward,
my now 8-year-old daughter settled down at a piano on the corner of
Broad Street in Rome. She has always had an incredible knack for free
style lyrics, and the keys added a welcome dimension to her playful,
spontaneous art. We walked back and forth between Rome's new gourmet
frozen pop shop Frio's and its landmark deli Schroeder's, each time
seeing familiar faces and entertaining new ones with original songs. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">The
piano my daughter played exists thanks to the project <a href="http://romegeorgia.org/attraction/keys-to-rome/" target="_blank">Keys to Rome</a>.
Keys to Rome is one of many efforts supported by Turn Your Back on Hate, and
its sister organization Peacefully Engaging the Rome Community. TYBOH and PERC exist to empower people to find their voices through artistic self expression, and the prevalence of this goal in Rome is one of the things which makes my hometown special to me. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hhy30sb3Rqg/WTdlg1nY3lI/AAAAAAAABtw/gD7ni9oxg0o2n-blsuKR1_WZpPL57HFEQCLcB/s1600/terrapan%2Bschroeders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hhy30sb3Rqg/WTdlg1nY3lI/AAAAAAAABtw/gD7ni9oxg0o2n-blsuKR1_WZpPL57HFEQCLcB/s320/terrapan%2Bschroeders.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband, performing TerraPan at Change Starts at Home </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">One of my most vibrant memories of late childhood takes place in the
Schroeder's courtyard. I attended a poetry reading which marked
the publication of one of my favorite high school teacher's
chapbooks, as well as his farewell to the south. He would be heading
off to pursue new opportunities in New Hampshire in the morning. I
spent the evening marveling at how the combination of a sudden rain
storm clearing in the moonlight, my teacher's powerfully delivered
elegy to a friend who spent many years courting death, and my chance
encounter with a college student bound to protest with the
Zapatistas in Mexico made for powerful memories in real time. However, the
highlight of that evening was a familiar shopkeeper named Seth taking
the stage with his band The Strange. My bare feet felt so good
splashing in the puddles as I danced. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Twenty years later, with
gray weaving its way through his otherwise red beard, Seth and the
most recent iteration of The Strange took the stage at Schroeder's
again the other Saturday night. So did my husband with his TerraPan.
So did my friend Jessie Reed—not just as a performer, as I used to
know her, but also as founder of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tybohrome/" target="_blank">TYBOH</a>
and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thePERCrome/" target="_blank">PERC</a>. Observing this, I felt the power in having
spaces which hold constant. These spaces remind me how my passions have
seeded and grown over time. These spaces also root us in our own
stories—ultimately giving us more ground on which to stand and
relate to different cultures, calling now more than ever for our compassionate attention, exploration and understanding. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-74326541271614443542017-04-30T04:28:00.000-07:002017-04-30T04:28:44.279-07:00A NORML Mom Takes Not One Step Back
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6q4_XmSREUg/WQXKHoZpO3I/AAAAAAAABqc/2C6cLlWmP1sS8h2yfVExAwx7ROqVJzK7gCLcB/s1600/not%2Bone%2Bstep%2Bback%2Bnorml%2Bmom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6q4_XmSREUg/WQXKHoZpO3I/AAAAAAAABqc/2C6cLlWmP1sS8h2yfVExAwx7ROqVJzK7gCLcB/s320/not%2Bone%2Bstep%2Bback%2Bnorml%2Bmom.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Saturday, April 22, citizens gathered
across the globe to march for science. In the the wake of a US
presidential administration which candidly denies scientific evidence
in favor of “alternative facts” made up to suit their personal
agendas, international support for scientific inquiry is vital.
Climate change, natural resource management, and sustainable
technology are obvious focal points. However, the medical uses of
marijuana (and other federally illegal drugs) is another trending
topic within the scientific community. So, for that matter, is the
social science supporting an end to prohibition period. In keeping
with these causes, I celebrated science Saturday 4/22 at the
Morehouse College of Medicine, where I attended Not One Step Back: A
One Day Strategy Session on the Drug War, Mass Incarceration and
Public Health, brought to Atlanta by the <a href="http://www.drugpolicy.org/" target="_blank">Drug Policy Alliance (DPA)</a>.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Based in New York, the DPA works
nationwide to fulfill its stated mission: <i>To advance those
policies and attitudes that best reduce the harms of both drug use
and drug prohibition, and to promote the sovereignty of individuals
over their minds and bodies. </i><span style="font-style: normal;">In
other words, DPA advocates for responsible use of all drugs, as well
as for a society within which this is possible. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
One major hurdle to
achieving responsible drug use is de-stigmatizing the drugs
themselves. An even more important hurdle is de-stigmatizing the
people who use them. The de-stigmatization of people requires a major
re-shaping of society into a system which centers on respecting our
shared humanity rather than on celebrating business acumen and the
accumulation of wealth. This means, ultimately, dismantling
capitalism, white supremacy and patriarchy—you know, the trinity
which forms the bedrock of America. It's a big task and a tough
sale—especially when small, personal victories occurring between
the Civil Rights Movement and the present suggest there is not much
amiss and that anyone who thinks otherwise is either wrong in some
way or deserving of ridicule.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Rising above the
stagnant thought pattern that nothing is wrong requires people to see
on a broad scale how systemic white supremacy, patriarchy and
capitalism both sustain, and are sustained by, mass, ongoing
oppression. We must recognize that, by simple virtue of our
citizenship, we are part of this oppression. We must not condemn
ourselves for this. Likewise, we must not justify our role. We must
instead own it, as objectively as possible, and then take deliberate
steps toward a better way of existing. Furthermore, we must act from
self-motivation. No good comes from stalling your own evolution in
the name of wanting someone else to do their work first. It is
natural to evolve together, each person and group of people moving at
different paces which ebb and flow over time.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I discovered the
DPA via my work with PeachTree NORML. Unlike so many people I meet, I
have known NORML existed virtually my entire life. The primary reason
for this knowledge is simply my education. I read voraciously and pay
attention to world around me. However, even knowing about NORML and
sympathizing with the cause, I did not join until I hit a turning
point a couple years ago after someone rear-ended and totaled my car.
The investigating officer issued a ticket to the driver who hit me
and then returned licenses to everyone except me. Instead of
receiving my license, I was arrested on a bench warrant for missing
routine traffic court. I then spent about 9 hours in custody waiting
to be officially booked.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am white. I had
enough money to pay a cash bond. I was cable of navigating the system
well enough that charges against me were easily resolved and my
license restored within days of leaving jail. The officers I
encountered treated me civilly. The inmates were kind. Nonetheless, I
saw enough to know that not everyone received such gentle treatment,
despite the fact that most people I encountered were there on charges
of nonviolent drug possession. I was also acutely aware that, while
the officers were choosing to treat me like a person, it wasn't their
obligation. Until I paid for my freedom, I was a number. Being
stripped of my autonomy, albeit briefly, made me more acutely aware
of both my day to day oppression and privilege. For me, this was
motivation enough to use my privilege to help end oppression, and
marijuana reform felt like a good place to start.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Considering that
the movement to legalize marijuana continues to spread (despite
Attorney General Jeff Sessions' utter distaste for it), it seems
many may view it as a gateway to more sweeping reform. During lunch
at Not One Step Back, each table was assigned one of three
conversation topics, and one of these was marijuana. The other two,
the opioid epidemic and prison reform, provide further insight into
both the breadth and depth of the issues DPA confronts.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
On one level, the
opioid epidemic feels unique in its focus on the abuse of
prescription, rather than federally illegal, drugs. It demystifies
the image of users by portraying them as people who uphold major
social norms and usually play by the rules, so to speak. For some, it
will take little effort to draw the connection between users of
prescription opioids and users of heroin. However, for others, the
starkness of this divide speaks volumes about how deeply people are
stigmatized for engaging in behavior perceived as deviant and/or
associated with a specific social class.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The medical
community enforces this divide via its tendency to over prescribe to
one group and in its refusal to adequately treat the other. Once
members of the first group develop a clear dependency, they become
assimilated (by degrees) into the second group. Meanwhile, a third
group of individuals, capable of both exercising and benefiting from,
responsible opioid use are given little to no say in a society which
insists that users must either be exploited, pitied or shunned. The
resulting feeling of hopelessness likely affects many individuals who ultimately use opioids to take their own lives.
In this sense, the opioid epidemic may also be seen as evidence of
our culture's limited capacity to adequately recognize, treat and
accept the reality of mental illness.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
While study of both
the opioid epidemic and marijuana's history of prohibition each shed
light on the role prejudice plays in the drug war, prison reform is
the issue which brings this home. This is because understanding the
prison industrial complex makes the following clear:<i> </i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>It isn't so much
that the criminalization of drugs has led to disproportionate arrests
of people of color as it is that the US government needed to justify
its arrests of people of color and thus criminalized drugs as a means
of achieving its fundamentally racist agenda</i>.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is why so many
of the speakers at Not One Step Back refer to themselves as
abolitionists. Slavery within the United States hasn't ended. It has
simply changed form. People of color are essentially harvested from
their communities daily to fuel an industrial complex which relies on
prison populations for cheap labor to sustain a capitalist economy
run primarily by rich, white men—who themselves are dehumanized by
the very system they lead. The system feeds principally on fear, and
the counter to that it not bravery but love. Call it incredibly
hokey. This doesn't change its truth.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yesterday, my
husband shared with me the obituary of Nick Sands. In my opinion,
it's beautifully written, and I suggest you read it <a href="https://www.psymposia.com/magazine/nick-sand-orange-sunshine-lsd-chemist-dies-75/" target="_blank">here</a>. We had
recently learned about his work as a chemist via the documentary <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_sunshine_makers_2017/" target="_blank"><i>The Sunshine Makers</i></a>. This documentary focuses on the role Sands and his
colleagues played in manufacturing LSD and pioneering an ongoing
psychedelic revolution. In <i>The Sunshine Makers</i>, Sands admits to
originally thinking that widespread use of LSD would change the world
by allowing everyone to transcend their internal barriers to
experiencing authentic love. After years of successfully “turning
people on,” he remained dedicated to his mission despite openly
recognizing its flaws—made evident by the fact that widespread use
of LSD failed to bring an end to violence and oppression. Personally,
I agree with Sands that LSD (& other drugs) can be useful in
sparking real change toward a more loving, authentic, life honoring
existence for everyone. Yet, I do not think that the use (or even
abuse) of any substance can ever have as much power as the use (and
also abuse) of our voices.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
DPA does lots of
important work. It simplifies the process of alerting our elected
officials when drug policy reform is up for debate. It supplies clean
syringes and life saving medicines (like Naloxone) to people who need
them. Perhaps most importantly, it facilitates meetings like Not One
Step Back which give people a forum for sharing their stories and,
thereby, creating needed changes to both drug policy and society as a
whole. DPA will be returning to Atlanta in October for a
comprehensive 3 day long event, and you can <a href="http://www.reformconference.org/" target="_blank">register for that here</a>. I
will see you there.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-58723844442735454022017-04-30T04:06:00.002-07:002017-04-30T04:11:30.075-07:00Getting in the GROOVE<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czUGSo2_GcU/WQXEWCr2odI/AAAAAAAABqM/6IfHECmEEPUEaFdlx1Bb-3s17c1OI7GvQCLcB/s1600/GROOVE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czUGSo2_GcU/WQXEWCr2odI/AAAAAAAABqM/6IfHECmEEPUEaFdlx1Bb-3s17c1OI7GvQCLcB/s320/GROOVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Albeit not connected to my essay,<br />
I'm sharing this groovy pic of my kids & their friends.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
GROOVE feels like air. I read it and could breathe. The stories there reflect neither the popular New Age mindset nor rebel hardcore against it. They feel honest, like solid stepping stones along an uncertain path.<br />
<br />
GROOVE recently published an essay I wrote for a collection built around the theme SENSE. My essay, "Sensing the Soul of Things" walks the reader through the beginning of my journey toward understanding Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder. I'm including a direct link <a href="https://grooveforward.com/2017/04/26/sensing-the-soul-of-things/" target="_blank">HERE</a> for you to read and enjoy. Meanwhile, <a href="https://grooveforward.com/contribute/" target="_blank">click here</a> to contribute to the next issue of GROOVE. <br />
<br />
<br />Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-73066929312155948392017-04-19T18:49:00.002-07:002017-04-19T19:06:06.312-07:00A NORML Mom Connects w/ Cherokee County<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--dJIxrMNGAM/WPgS39J4OuI/AAAAAAAABp8/Lfsih11KSPAPR-FwFOKrv4KR8hQWVfXLgCLcB/s1600/norml%2Ballies%2Bedit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--dJIxrMNGAM/WPgS39J4OuI/AAAAAAAABp8/Lfsih11KSPAPR-FwFOKrv4KR8hQWVfXLgCLcB/s320/norml%2Ballies%2Bedit.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connections are NORML. Scroll down to read more.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In my mind's eye Larry Hill is always
sitting beside my husband's grandfather Dan. At 85, Dan came to live
with my family for several months last year prior to relocating to an
assisted living facility this spring. Dan bonded with Larry on the
4<sup>th</sup> of July when they both showed up at a concert in north
Georgia wearing the same hat. The hats marked them each as much
decorated veterans of the US Army, and they became fast friends.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A few weeks ago, Larry and his son
Danny were apprehended in Gilmer County, Georgia, for their work
growing and distributing cannabis. They claim the venture was largely
a labor of love, motivated less by profit than by a spiritual calling
to help people in need. Their primary focus was the manufacture of
cannabis oil formulated to treat or alleviate the symptoms of many
illnesses for which the use of cannabis oil is actually deemed legal
in Georgia. Of course, the problems with Georgia's existing medical
marijuana laws are multi-fold: </div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The process of being approved for
a Georgia medical card is much more difficult than simply receiving
a diagnosis, and many people are dissuaded from even attempting it.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While card holders can legally
consume cannabis oil in Georgia, it remains illegal to cultivate
cannabis within the state or to transport it across state lines.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The formula of cannabis oil
approved for medical use in Georgia lacks the potency to effectively
treat the approved conditions.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Immediately following the Hills'
arrest, the Gilmer County Sheriff's Department made a post to
Facebook showing grinning police officers hunkered around the plants they'd seized. While the intention behind posts like
this seems to be instilling fear and garnering support for being
“tough on drugs,” the result is often quite different than
anticipated. In Georgia, this is largely thanks to Peachtree NORML,
whose members flood these posts with comments condemning the drug
war, educating the public about responsible use and declaring that
unjust laws are far more criminal than the citizens who break them.
Peachtree NORML's response to the Hills' arrest was so forceful that the sheriff's
department removed the post. It is also thanks to our online response
that Danny Hill realized NORML (the National Organization for the
Reform of Marijuana Law) even exists.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The more I become involved in NORML's
work, the more I realize how many potential allies remain in the dark
about us. While that may initially seem disheartening, I actually
find it to be a source of encouragement. All hands are far from on
deck. I'm excited to see how much we can accomplish when all
supporters step into the light. Last night Larry and Danny Hill, who
are presently out on bond, visited a crowded room at Las Palmas in
Holly Springs. They had come to deliver a speech to members of
Peachtree NORML based in Cherokee County. Just being there, they played an important role in inspiring more people to act. <br />
<br />
For those of you who may be wondering, NORML formed
as a national organization in the 70s and has chapters within each
state. Peachtree NORML, which meets in Atlanta near 5 Points, is
Georgia's official chapter. Peachtree NORML has branches in different
regions of the state, and the Holly Springs-based Cherokee County group is one of
these. Peachtree NORML came to Holly Springs in fall 2016 thanks
largely to the initiative of its leader Connie Malhiot. However, in
addition to being devoted to the cause, Connie is also admirably
devoted to her family, and they have needed an unanticipated amount
of support in the past months.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While Connie's limited involvement has slowed momentum in Cherokee County to some
degree, last night I encountered a group of devoted, passionate and
self-directed members who have staying power of their own. I also
witnessed them attract more members in real time. A mother and
daughter duo (clad in t-shirts they custom design to protest the
Trump administration) traveled from Lawrenceville to learn what they
can do to forward NORML's work. Meanwhile, the Cherokee County
Democrats were meeting in the room next to us. As we were leaving,
their group approached us, and we began a conversation about the ways
our causes intersect.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In my opinion, this is the way of the
future. Individuals and identity groups alike need to come out of the
closet and stand together on common ground. NORML provides an
excellent platform for doing this, and there is no time like the
present. Long regarded as a day of celebration for cannabis enthusiasts, 4/20 will be here
tomorrow and is bringing with it tons of opportunities for Atlanta
activists to connect, both Thursday and throughout the weekend. Links
to recommended events are at the bottom of this post.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While you're exploring the links to this week's programs, please take a moment to check out our new allies' causes as well. You can find out more about
Cherokee County Democrats <a href="http://www.cherokeedemocrats.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. Pictured second from the right, Rebekah Shelnutt is a defense attorney whom you can connect with by emailing shelnuttlaw@gmail.com.
Harlem Howard is pictured on the far right in one of her shirts. Please go
<a href="https://whachutalkinboutent.ecwid.com/" target="_blank">here</a> to view more of her designs and to read more about her history with medical marijuana.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now, here's what's up in Atlanta this week:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://420%20safe%20access%20rally%20(thursday,%204/20,%209%20AM%20–%201%20PM,%20Washington%20Park,%20Atlanta)" target="_blank">420 Safe Access Rally (Thursday, 4/20, 9 AM – 1 PM, Washington Park, Atlanta)</a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://libertyamerica.org/event/420-rally-at-liberty-plaza-atlanta-ga/" target="_blank">Liberty Plaza 420 Rally (Thursday, 4/20, 10:30 AM - 4:20 PM, Liberty Plaza, Atlanta)</a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/not-one-step-back-tickets-32395138732" target="_blank">Not One Step Back, A One Day Strategy Session on The Drug War, Mass Incarceration & Public Health in the Age of Trump (Saturday, 4/22, 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta)</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You are also always invited to attend Peachtree NORML's monthly meetings. Information about the next one is <a href="http://www.peachtreenorml.org/event/peachtree-norml-monthly-meeting-atlanta-2?instance_id=1715">here.</a> <br />
<br />
I will be coming out Saturday and look forward to seeing you there. As always, when we're talking, we're winning. If you like this post, let it be a seed. Share it and watch it grow. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-16482085293721135002017-04-18T11:40:00.001-07:002017-04-18T11:50:03.039-07:00Easter Weekend (An Abstract Take)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1g9Zms0MQwY/WPZdXep79CI/AAAAAAAABpo/zbBWxsd6VDwu9r2Q6GS5_Dchftg_h3obwCLcB/s1600/17991501_10209390479590018_2044443226966806993_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1g9Zms0MQwY/WPZdXep79CI/AAAAAAAABpo/zbBWxsd6VDwu9r2Q6GS5_Dchftg_h3obwCLcB/s320/17991501_10209390479590018_2044443226966806993_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Usually, change comes slowly. This
insight probably offers no surprise. Nonetheless, I find myself too
often feeling overwhelmed by the creeping sensation that every day
brings nothing but more hardship, an endless string of obstacles with
no uniting thread in sight. The uniting threads are those which give
a sweet shape to the daily tragedies, weaving them together into
something of worth. I've discovered the trick is to keep going. These
threads rise up naturally from what can feel like monotony. Another
way to think of this is to imagine walking through a dark forest.
There is nothing, nothing, nothing, and then, a door.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>In the course of answering routine
email selling TerraPans, I encounter a client who connects me with a
world far larger than my own. In the process of sitting nervously
waiting for my turn to read some poetry, I accept an invitation to
make history with the Women's March on Washington. I visit my friend
Haley in her new store and suddenly I'm added to her Facebook group
discovering new opportunities for my voice to be heard after I post
photos of the walls of my office and a snake on the ground.</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>These things have happened and are
happening. </i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The most beautiful times are those with
my children. In my autistic son, there's deep, prolonged silence
followed by speech. Precious words stand together in sentence form,
and he is doing things like telling knock knock jokes, wading for
hours in a mountain stream and sneaking my phone away to snap selfies
with a pretty older girl while I speak to her mom, thinking my boy is
playing video games.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Meanwhile, my daughter is quiet and
shy, sitting alone and judging herself until she isn't. I help her
find gateways into people and places, starting with herself. This
weekend, the gateway was the creek. The children gathered there slowly,
seamlessly letting her in as she jumped from bank to bank, whispering
to the water, humming music from <i>Five Nights at Freddy's. </i><span style="font-style: normal;">With
common ground established, the children left to </span>explore
together. They hiked up a mountainside and passed round a
talking stick in the clearing up top, a clearing where I've sat
before in ceremonies which opened up so many doors inside my mind.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The things I hope they will ask me,
they do in their own time. The things I want them to see come up
gradually in their dreams. Then, on the other side of that, there's
always so much more for me to know of them. And of me. And of my
work. And of love.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Like Haley said in a <a href="https://newjackwitch.com/blog/2017/4/5/interview-with-haley-murphy-of-atl-craft" target="_blank">recent interview</a>,
“We will never arrive.”
</div>
Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-47951287157335757702017-03-16T10:14:00.001-07:002017-03-16T13:45:53.602-07:00A NORML Mom Finds Some Treasure <div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xo8V94lI5lk/WMrG8lvMuPI/AAAAAAAABoA/i1AvxFvQG9ExPJxZ9XnwViRhqdu6znmZQCLcB/s1600/norml%2Bcharis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xo8V94lI5lk/WMrG8lvMuPI/AAAAAAAABoA/i1AvxFvQG9ExPJxZ9XnwViRhqdu6znmZQCLcB/s1600/norml%2Bcharis.JPG" /></a>Treasure comes in many forms. In my world, the deepest treasures are
usually related to experiences, literature/art, and plant medicine. A
couple weeks ago at <a href="http://www.charisbooksandmore.com/" target="_blank">Charis</a> in Atlanta, I found the first two types of
treasure. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xo8V94lI5lk/WMrG8lvMuPI/AAAAAAAABoA/i1AvxFvQG9ExPJxZ9XnwViRhqdu6znmZQCLcB/s1600/norml%2Bcharis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>My loyal readers will recognize Charis
as a regular fixture in my life, but my children have been in the
dark. Sensory processing differences and Autism Spectrum Disorder
make reading extra challenging for them, so they embrace our local
Barnes & Noble more for the train set, hot chocolate, music and
movies. The books feel almost
like an afterthought.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While Charis warmly welcomes guests
with free herbal tea, it's definitely a book lover's bookstore. I
expected my children to case the floor and head for the door, but
instead they sat down in rocking chairs with stacks of books. I was
stunned.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xo8V94lI5lk/WMrG8lvMuPI/AAAAAAAABoA/i1AvxFvQG9ExPJxZ9XnwViRhqdu6znmZQCLcB/s1600/norml%2Bcharis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Then, I looked up and made another
happy discovery. On prominent display, near the area where I
sometimes read poetry aloud, was my friend Lasara's book,
<i><a href="http://lasarafirefoxallen.com/jailbreaking-the-goddess-a-radical-revisioning-of-feminist-spirituality-book-launch/" target="_blank">Jailbreaking the Goddess: A Radical Revisioning of Feminist Spirituality.</a></i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
These things may seem small, but I am
grateful: </div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xo8V94lI5lk/WMrG8lvMuPI/AAAAAAAABoA/i1AvxFvQG9ExPJxZ9XnwViRhqdu6znmZQCLcB/s1600/norml%2Bcharis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>My children and I established some
unexpected common ground.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I saw evidence that my children's
therapy is having results.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xo8V94lI5lk/WMrG8lvMuPI/AAAAAAAABoA/i1AvxFvQG9ExPJxZ9XnwViRhqdu6znmZQCLcB/s1600/norml%2Bcharis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xo8V94lI5lk/WMrG8lvMuPI/AAAAAAAABoA/i1AvxFvQG9ExPJxZ9XnwViRhqdu6znmZQCLcB/s1600/norml%2Bcharis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Finding Lasara's book felt like
some kind of cosmic hello from our mutual friend, Corina, who died
around one year ago.
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We remained there for about one hour
reading, snapping our selfies, and exploring the store's dusty
corners and bright spaces. No one questioned my NORML shirt or so
much as batted an eye. What struck me most about this was my sense of
privilege.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">In
</span><i>Jailbreaking the Goddess, </i><span style="font-style: normal;">Lasara
writes about deconstructing long held ideas as they apply to our
culture and ourselves. Offering full disclosure about her background
and motivation, she states : </span><i>I recognize the privilege I
hold and have made a commitment to using that privilege as a tool for
dismantling the system within which it exists.</i></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SFDCi1hWXvM/WMrJBInQ8fI/AAAAAAAABoM/jQyN1mFQ1b4soTxY5wYR6zFao9W6c2qowCLcB/s1600/val%2Bat%2Bcharis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SFDCi1hWXvM/WMrJBInQ8fI/AAAAAAAABoM/jQyN1mFQ1b4soTxY5wYR6zFao9W6c2qowCLcB/s320/val%2Bat%2Bcharis.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Drawing on that
same energy, I acknowledge my privilege to wear my NORML shirts
unquestioned to progressive bookstores where my special needs
children thrive. I will use this privilege to continue giving voice
to a movement whose greatest beneficiaries still struggle to tell
their stories and to attain safe access to a plant they need.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
There is much to be happy about
regarding Georgia, and the wider USA's, slow embrace of cannabis
reform. However, I fear Peachtree NORML's executive director Sharon
Ravert is still correct in her recently publicized statement: <i>There
are three words in Georgia that can get you killed: I smell
marijuana. </i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As always, these
posts plant seeds. Please like, share, and help the movement grow!
Also, here are links to some of the biggest stories and opportunities
in local and national cannabis reform right now:</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://norml.org/act" target="_blank">NORML's Action Center</a> (A petition urging support for an existing bill to end federal prohibition of marijuana is available here.) </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SFDCi1hWXvM/WMrJBInQ8fI/AAAAAAAABoM/jQyN1mFQ1b4soTxY5wYR6zFao9W6c2qowCLcB/s1600/val%2Bat%2Bcharis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://libertyamerica.org/420-creativity-contest/" target="_blank">Liberty America's 420 Rally & Creativity Contest </a>(4/20 event in Atlanta, GA) </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/not-one-step-back-tickets-32395138732?aff=efbnreg" target="_blank">Not One Step Back</a> (4/22 workshop in Atlanta, GA)</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
PS: Aside from being an inspiring read,
<i>Jailbreaking the Goddess </i><span style="font-style: normal;">fits
like a puzzle piece within a workshop I'm developing for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ATL-CRAFT-318571278540732/" target="_blank">ATL Craft</a> about magic, mental health and removing stigma. I'm excited to
share more about that in upcoming posts. Meanwhile, Atlanta readers, please go visit Haley Murphy's new shop in Atlanta's Old 4th Ward across from <a href="https://www.sisterlouisaschurch.com/" target="_blank">Sister Louisa's Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium.</a></span> ATL Craft is a great place to discover treasure within the city.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-44697002205383769222017-02-18T16:53:00.003-08:002017-02-18T16:58:33.056-08:00Letter to My Congressional Representatives<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Dear Representative Loudermilk, Senator Perdue, and Senator Isakson: </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GSNhwRk0Ets/WKjsQzcExEI/AAAAAAAABng/XeSTuxjfbxIZFY9SkAtFACEmA2AqJjTBgCLcB/s1600/16299260_10208577305861183_869182642914078008_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GSNhwRk0Ets/WKjsQzcExEI/AAAAAAAABng/XeSTuxjfbxIZFY9SkAtFACEmA2AqJjTBgCLcB/s320/16299260_10208577305861183_869182642914078008_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If economic stability and national
security require that a government undermines human rights, stifles
creativity, silences criticism, ignores logic and/or pillages our
natural resources, then either new solutions must be found, or the
whole system must be overhauled.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Proposed budget cuts to arts and
human rights programs are unacceptable, especially when military
spending comprises the vast majority of the existing budget.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Increased militarization of the
police force is unacceptable, especially in the wake of police
shootings and attacks at Standing Rock.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The proposal to withdraw from the
Paris Agreement and to continue pioneering projects which accelerate
global warming, exploit our natural resources and pollute our
environment are unacceptable.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Provisions which allow public
institutions to use religion as grounds for censorship, denial of
service and denial of healthcare are unacceptable.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Provisions which equate religious
conviction with scientific fact are unacceptable—especially within
the arena of education.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Restrictions on journalism are
unacceptable.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Suppressing and stripping rights
based solely on ethnicity and/or religion is unacceptable.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The lack of qualifications,
concentration of wealth and conflicts of interest possessed by the
current administration are unacceptable.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The absence of professionalism
which has come to characterize the present administration's
interactions with global leaders, as well as the public (via both
traditional and social media) is unacceptable.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The level of institutionalized
racism and sexism (much of which occurs within the criminal justice
system) is appalling, and the normalization of it at the personal
level is unacceptable.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The reliance on deals rather than
level-headed diplomacy destabilizes our economy long-term and is
unacceptable as well.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Understanding these points and taking
them into account while creating policy is the only response which I
will accept. Until this occurs, I will work both outside and inside
the system to make a difference. I will donate to and volunteer with
organizations, like the American Civil Liberties Union, which will challenge you directly. I
will also support and utilize organizations which provide the
services the Trump administration's unacceptable policies seek to
undermine or eliminate. I will march. I will boycott. I will call. I
will write. I will educate. I will vote for people who share my views
and will publicly denounce those who do not.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We are in danger of nuclear war. We are
in danger of environmental devastation. We are in danger of social
self destruction due to our own fundamentalism. We are in danger of
economic collapse, in the aftermath of which it will become easier
for the authoritarian regimes liberals have panicked about to
legitimately take hold.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is our shared responsibility to
recognize these dangers and work together to prevent them.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sincerely,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Kelli Lynn Karanovich</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
American Citizen, Mother, Wife,
Activist, Writer & Entrepreneur
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
P.S.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'd like to share a photo of the poster
I took to the Women's March on Washington January 21<sup>st</sup>,
2017. I scrawled the message while riding up on a chartered bus. It
reads:
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption"></a><i>In
the end, it will be our humility which heals us. We must stand in awe
of how strikingly similar and different we all are. No one can ever
fully know another person's story. We must move forward with policies
which reflect this and acknowledge the beauty of our shared struggle
to be human at this time.</i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As you can see, my daughter composed
her own message. In asking President Trump to be more like Elvis, I
think she's imploring him to be a little more creative, to show
compassion and to put on a show which entertains without threatening
our rights.
</div>
Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-44203022207055625302017-01-29T17:50:00.001-08:002017-01-29T17:51:23.647-08:00My March Story (Part One: Personal Reflections)At over 500,000 strong, the Women's March on Washington made history January 21, 2017. I was there. I rode up on a charter bus from Decatur, Georgia (near Atlanta) and then jumped out about 12 hours later to chants of "Climb the wall! Climb the wall!" as a handful of us hoisted ourselves over a guardrail onto a bridge crossing the Potomac.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Igv1jcXlfw/WI6blkj0dlI/AAAAAAAABmA/Sv_TbBn6DF0ht4zKs8-ovgLhJszKdNcPACLcB/s1600/march%2Bsmithsonian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Igv1jcXlfw/WI6blkj0dlI/AAAAAAAABmA/Sv_TbBn6DF0ht4zKs8-ovgLhJszKdNcPACLcB/s320/march%2Bsmithsonian.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scene outside the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I felt ready for anything and had little idea what I'd be facing. I followed a sea of women in pink pussy hats to a super crowded Independence Avenue and made my way as close to the 3rd Street stage as possible. Stopping about 4 blocks short, I ended up sandwiched between strangers at the corner of Independence and 7th, right beside the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. From my spot on the ground, I could see people hanging from a large sculpture for a better view, as well as scaling up portable toilets to make camp on top.<br />
<br />
I could hear the speakers from the main stage as well as watch them on one of many big screens set up along the rally space, which stretched up and down Independence Avenue and onto the historic National Mall. While I enjoyed everything, my favorite presentation is hands down Ashley Judd's performance of the poem "Nasty Woman," written by Tennessee teen Nina Donovan. Her words struck deep, and the fact that a poem could incite so much solidarity and controversy encouraged me as a poet and was itself a personal call to action.<br />
<br />
As more leaders and celebrity activists sang, spoke and led us in rally cry after rally cry, the crowd grew into a tighter and tighter mass. Our bodies all pressed close, we couldn't move independently of one another and had to shift as a unit each time we were directed to clear a path for ambulance drivers and law enforcement. The closeness required an extreme level of trust and surrender, both in one another and in the fact that the march itself would progress as planned, that we would be set free to do what we'd come to do. Anxiety began to rise, yet we strangers soothed each other, and it felt very much like this waiting was part of the process. We made it through without riots or major misconduct, and ultimately blockades moved aside, unleashing us like a flood on Washington just after the mothers of black citizens recently killed by US law enforcement led us in saying aloud their children, the victims, names. <br />
<br />
Rather than walking in the neat line from Constitution Avenue to an area outside the White House as planned (and even described in certain articles), the marching crowd spilled out across the district, peacefully overtaking streets which hadn't been fully closed down. I moved with this mass in intuitively synchronized solidarity, feeling my humble smallness within the greater whole, something at once familiar and mysterious, an angry mob shot through with a sense of purpose, whit, and even joy.<br />
<br />
I walked with the mass well past the Trump Hotel until I suddenly began to feel that I'd miss my bus if I didn't turn back. Navigating Washington, DC, alone, as the march dispersed, may be the greatest part of my journey. I'd given my energy to the crowd in order to gain something myself, which I assimilated slowly and gently over the forty city blocks I walked back across on my own--seeking limited help from locals and law enforcement, my old motorcycle boots carrying me from the Virginia/DC line, past the major monuments and museums, past the halls of Congress, through trendy, wealthy, and low income neighborhoods, all the way to RFK Stadium, where I finally boarded the bus for a long ride home.<br />
<br />
I left emboldened by my role in unfolding history, empowered to be ever more part of myself, and reflective about the society we share. The most common thread I noticed is the call to actively participate, to realize that government is smaller and more accessible than it first seems, something which we can hold accountable and shape, as long as we remain active and aware. <br />
<br />Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-60852551371142065312017-01-21T06:55:00.003-08:002017-03-23T13:29:14.747-07:00A NORML Mom Gets on the Bus<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ubHLMWBLHaM/WINz5jUIH6I/AAAAAAAABjo/uB54J7zbW8A9gpEzA8GHtpBFXKZKs9-pACPcB/s1600/IMG_7571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ubHLMWBLHaM/WINz5jUIH6I/AAAAAAAABjo/uB54J7zbW8A9gpEzA8GHtpBFXKZKs9-pACPcB/s320/IMG_7571.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am with my "Bus Buddy" Activist Mom Cheryl C.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Everything about my departure to Washington DC has been somewhat delayed, including this post. Instead of being perched behind my laptop at a comfy coffee shop, I am typing from my phone while twisted into the aisle seat of a chartered bus. It strikes me that I don't quite notice just how uncomfortable this is when I am speaking to my new friend and "bus buddy" Cheryl or even when I'm writing. It's amid the dark silence, within which the other women appear to be sleeping, that my legs and mind bend and ache. In other words, it's best to keep active, thinking forward.<br />
<br />
As I write this now though, having just departed a gas station with my Revolution Tea in hand, the women around me are waking up loudly. There are grunts, groans, cheers, doubts, apologies, and spilled coffee. It strikes me that our collective voice right now does not exactly feel like the breeding ground for a progressive revolution, and yet, I remind myself, again, that the many disparite threads uniting us is potentially this movement's greatest strength.<br />
<br />
One of my personal threads, as always, is my drive to end cannabis prohibition. I am wearing a button on my hat today to show this. I wore the same button on my jacket last week when I traveled to Athens to participate in photographer Kaylinn Gilstrap's march-inspired photo story for The Bitter Southerner. That feature is set to run after we marchers return, and my interview with Kaylinn and her assistant Devin will post then as well. For now, I can give you a head's up: They dig my button and are ready to smell change in the air.<br />
<br />
Traveling onward, I ask you think of me today. Yesterday some riots turned violent, and I need you to picture me all wrapped up in protective smoke. ;) Thank you always for spreading the word and helping it grow.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLldXeMnejI/WIN0AUWff7I/AAAAAAAABkI/9V4D8h_mU1YkpA_-OzHttUYHx8bdtkh3wCPcB/s1600/IMG_7572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLldXeMnejI/WIN0AUWff7I/AAAAAAAABkI/9V4D8h_mU1YkpA_-OzHttUYHx8bdtkh3wCPcB/s320/IMG_7572.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of my button against my yellow march hat. Yellow is the official color of GA marchers in honor of the monarch butterfly. Hats were hand knitted in GA & funds raised help finance women's bus rides to Washington.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-73515401546648663212017-01-08T18:53:00.000-08:002017-01-08T19:31:32.421-08:00The Arrow on My Arm (A 5 Step Meditation)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--mDg2EgFOsU/WHL454I3XLI/AAAAAAAABiI/GQw_g4hoyLwHxBtqoBJnHl4nHdVhuyXIACLcB/s1600/me%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bchevy%2Bproject%2Bsemicolon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--mDg2EgFOsU/WHL454I3XLI/AAAAAAAABiI/GQw_g4hoyLwHxBtqoBJnHl4nHdVhuyXIACLcB/s320/me%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bchevy%2Bproject%2Bsemicolon.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sometimes we stop. Other times, we
pause.
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The semicolon tattoo project centers on
pauses. It is symbolic of being faced with a choice to end one's life
sentence (so to speak) but opting to pause, reflect and connect with
the future instead. Per its Facebook page, Project Semicolon is “a
global non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and love for
those who are struggling with mental illness, suicide, addiction and
self-injury. Project Semicolon exists to encourage, love and
inspire.”
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I relate to that. I know many other
people who relate to that too.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I also know an overwhelming number of
friends who have chosen an absolute ending, and I have been haunted
by the similarities and differences between their thinking and mine
for years after their deaths. Ultimately, I think suicide is like any
other display of absolute power: <b>It leaves an impact spanning the
entire emotional spectrum and its judgment will always vary widely
according to individual perception and circumstance. </b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Personally, I choose to live my life,
recognizing each moment as a rare privilege and trying to embrace it
as such. At the same time, I believe people have the right to risk,
embrace and even be the hand of their own deaths. Saving people from
themselves is beside the point, an ignoble pursuit if I may be
blatantly honest. A more honorable practice is to spread knowledge
which will help people become empowered in the choices they make.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Another way to say this is: While I
feel people shouldn't take away a person's right to choose death, I
also feel people should strive for a world in which death never feels
like the <i>only</i> option. In my opinion, one way to do this is
through the stories we continue to tell. When creating new stories, I
want to focus on those which acknowledge there is no one right way to
anywhere. Likewise, I want heroes whose main triumph is not a
singular achievement, but rather an ability to recognize life's many
paths and to navigate these with a striking sense of grace.
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: 4.50pt double #000000; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; margin-bottom: 0in; padding-bottom: 0.03in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ety7AagZuEQ/WHL2QysJvNI/AAAAAAAABh0/UiK50OA3Jdczy0gZ1N_Ho1Q98mkKrO5KQCEw/s1600/tattoo%2Band%2Btea%2Bproject%2Bsemi%2Bcolon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ety7AagZuEQ/WHL2QysJvNI/AAAAAAAABh0/UiK50OA3Jdczy0gZ1N_Ho1Q98mkKrO5KQCEw/s1600/tattoo%2Band%2Btea%2Bproject%2Bsemi%2Bcolon.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My semicolon tattoo & tea @ The TapRoom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tattoos are an interesting way to tell
a new story. I grew up regarding them with wonder. As with many
things, I felt encouraged in this. It was safe for me to want a
tattoo just enough to complement other people on theirs. However, it
was dangerous for me to want a tattoo enough to actually seek one for
myself. At the point desire tipped toward reality, the fear of
lasting, permanent change took hold. At least, this is how it felt
until my 30s.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When you cross 30, something magical
happens. You gain perspective. You are finally old enough to look
back at yourself and decide if the person you've been is the person
you will continue to be. You can then step into your life with a
sense of ownership. I've found that, once you own your life, it
becomes difficult for anyone to threaten you. There is security in
your sense of self, if you claim it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My thirties are a time of tattoos,
beginning with the semi-colon arrow on my wrist. I chose the arrow
because it holds power for me. An arrow means moving forward, waiting
for the right time, and trusting your aim. It feels just a little bit
dangerous, showing up in all sorts of myths (from <i>Robin Hood</i>
to <i>Brave </i>to <i>The Hunger Games</i><span style="font-style: normal;">)</span>
as the wise weapon of choice for the rebel with a cause.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I laugh as I say it, but it remains
true: <i>I am a rebel with many causes. </i>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: 4.50pt double #000000; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; margin-bottom: 0in; padding-bottom: 0.03in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D5DgXPKgFF8/WHL456ug9bI/AAAAAAAABiE/tZMfDClsU-EQ6oZfvFDg72YOxOV-ve6-ACEw/s1600/my%2Bchildren%2Bproject%2Bsemicolon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D5DgXPKgFF8/WHL456ug9bI/AAAAAAAABiE/tZMfDClsU-EQ6oZfvFDg72YOxOV-ve6-ACEw/s1600/my%2Bchildren%2Bproject%2Bsemicolon.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Children </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One of my overarching causes is simply
the removal of stigma.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Recently, I met a young man in a coffee
shop who literally didn't know the meaning of the word. About 10
years my junior, his peers were once students in my middle school
classroom. I think I often assumed they knew more than they did. In a
concerted effort to avoid giving them too little credit, I sometimes
gave them too much, speaking about concepts they couldn't understand
because they lacked the vocabulary to do so, missing opportunities to
teach them words, the simple building blocks they needed most.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I didn't understand this failing until
I gave birth to brilliant children who struggle to read and to speak.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It has also been through exploring my
children's autism and sensory differences which I have come to better
understand neurological divergence of all stripes. From this, a few
mantras surface:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>I will meet you where you are.</i><i> Just say KNOW. We will do this one step at a time. </i>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: 4.50pt double #000000; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; margin-bottom: 0in; padding-bottom: 0.03in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ptFCDLehxI8/WHL46DoiPPI/AAAAAAAABiQ/BA1gUZ8Mcv4dzOzK-pXMJwqQ089EeOLvACEw/s1600/my%2Bshadow%2Bproject%2Bsemi%2Bcolon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ptFCDLehxI8/WHL46DoiPPI/AAAAAAAABiQ/BA1gUZ8Mcv4dzOzK-pXMJwqQ089EeOLvACEw/s1600/my%2Bshadow%2Bproject%2Bsemi%2Bcolon.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Shadow Selfie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I think the next step is to answer some
questions:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1. What, after all,
is stigma?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>According to Merriam Webster's
Dictionary, stigma is “a set of negative and often unfair beliefs
that a society or group of people have about something.”</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
2. What exactly is
neurological divergence?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>According to the Urban Dictionary,
it is having a brain which functions differently than normal. </i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>You may think of “neurological
divergence” as another way to say “mental illness.” However,
mental illness carries a stigma which can get in the way of genuinely
understanding mental health. </i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
3. What else carries a stigma?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>According to a lifetime of lived and
documented human experience, stigma is attached to anything which
separates us from what our society considers to be ordinary regarding
our appearance, spiritual beliefs, medical choices, diet, general
health, parenting preferences, sexual preferences, relationship
dynamics, gender identity, race, financial standing, politics,
employment, entertainment, education, morality, living environment,
birth plans and death arrangements—to be brief. </i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>If you are different, prepare to be
judged. If you are human, prepare to be judged. </b>
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>What I'm after is judgment which
exists outside condemnation and comes with no price. Looking directly
at something and accepting it both as it is and as it can be feels
like mercy.</b></div>
<div style="border-bottom: 4.50pt double #000000; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; margin-bottom: 0in; padding-bottom: 0.03in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0QQPhGiy-bw/WHL6eRlpcII/AAAAAAAABiY/SLKOK8QwORc-26kKihJmu-l5jnxZvdkoACLcB/s1600/totem%2Btattoo%2Bcommissioned%2Bfrom%2BAliya%2BSmith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0QQPhGiy-bw/WHL6eRlpcII/AAAAAAAABiY/SLKOK8QwORc-26kKihJmu-l5jnxZvdkoACLcB/s400/totem%2Btattoo%2Bcommissioned%2Bfrom%2BAliya%2BSmith.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sketch of a future tattoo, design by<b> <span style="background-color: #45818e;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.aliyasmithphotography.com/" target="_blank">Aliya Smith</a></span></span></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mercy, as I see
it, walks hand in hand with gratitude. At this intersection of gratitude
and mercy, is grace.
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The arrow on my
arm is a sign of grace to me.
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So are the other
symbols and totems which will mark my skin one of these days.
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Funny, isn't it?
How so much insight can come from contemplating a simple tattoo?
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is why art
matters, by the way, especially now in these days of Trump, Putin,
China's looming digital dictatorship and the fall of Aleppo. Art
makes us pause. Within those pauses, we have an opportunity to think,
to feel and to recognize that we have options beyond destruction.</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-81390135448091294702017-01-01T02:53:00.002-08:002017-01-01T02:59:29.491-08:00She Said Goodbye to All That<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mfKhI8DloiM/WGjfjlsQ6kI/AAAAAAAABhM/a0odnRM1mSoFG03MIvxMyNSuN9l_E7-zQCLcB/s1600/she%2Bsaid%2Bgoodbye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mfKhI8DloiM/WGjfjlsQ6kI/AAAAAAAABhM/a0odnRM1mSoFG03MIvxMyNSuN9l_E7-zQCLcB/s320/she%2Bsaid%2Bgoodbye.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
What exactly is <i>all that</i>?<br />
<br />
It is the worries and ramblings of her mind, the fear that she won't accomplish what's needed within its time, that people are somehow less of themselves because of her own decline in communication and validation, showing up to give them what they think they need of her.<br />
<br />
It is the weight of New Year's Eves passed--that one driving through the country to Alan's house in particular. It came of the heels of Christmas 2011, a celebration all shot through with pain and wonder, a miracle nightmare of grace. Thinking of this makes her realize just how much the years blur together. Their passing feels like one long storm--all at once familiar, steady, destructive and fruitful, a dynamic act of nature uprooting as it nourishes, fragmenting the light into rainbows, reshaping the land.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>The way to say goodbye to all that is to hold it gently until it lets itself go.</i><br />
<br />
She drinks peppermint tea from the mug she bought at the Labor Day reunion event two years ago, and she reads from a new magazine, <b><a href="http://www.taprootmag.com/" target="_blank">Taproot</a></b>, which she will soon gift to her friend, Echo, a woman who asks for nothing other than to be met with kindness when their paths cross--if after years, or lifetimes. On the morning she bought the mug, Echo was breaking down camp in the forest. Men and children asleep, the sunshine rose with the women who sat together for a moment, sharing stories, seeing themselves in each other.<br />
<br />
More of this would be nice, she thinks, as she says goodbye to all that. <br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>A Note:</b> This post is the last installment in the She is Three series, a years long writing project which its founders have decided has served its purpose, at least for now. It has been a pleasure to participate, & I make this post with wishes of a happy new year for everyone involved with <b><a href="http://sheisthree.com/">SheIsThree.com</a></b>. While this is my last She is Three post, it also doubles as my first post in a NEW series called <b><a href="https://themighty.com/2016/12/my-mighty-month-30-day-journaling-challenge/" target="_blank">My Mighty Month</a>.</b> For each month of 2017, the online wellness community The Mighty will invite its members to participate in a daily challenge. January 2017's challenge is to write something every day. I am thankful for so much, including this interesting twist of fate. </i><br />
<br />Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-83257386552007145252016-12-30T11:56:00.000-08:002016-12-30T12:12:13.248-08:00A NORML Mom Stays Home <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c6I9rah8XH4/WGa7ru1g3gI/AAAAAAAABg4/SCbCfWW2GcQRiua_AmaxQR_6cN7h1NePwCPcB/s1600/norml%2Bhome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c6I9rah8XH4/WGa7ru1g3gI/AAAAAAAABg4/SCbCfWW2GcQRiua_AmaxQR_6cN7h1NePwCPcB/s320/norml%2Bhome.jpg" width="320" /></a>I travel often, not exactly big trips, but a handful of small ones. I feel like at least half my life passes behind the wheel of my car. My children know this, and, for them, one of the biggest gifts of the holiday season has been the days I've spent at home. These give to me as well. Lots of joy and wonder comes from watching my son's epic ninja battles with his shadow. I also feel a tender pride in witnessing my daughter as her childlike wonder at the stories she's been told for years transforms, slowly and sweetly, into a more mature awe at the magic of all which remains unknown and ripe for discovery.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Since my husband filled my gift boxes with awesome NORML gear this Christmas, much of my time home has been as NORML mom. As I've been enjoying the opportunity to focus on my immediate family, it also strikes me that many people have this right taken due to an unwinnable war--not so much on the drugs themselves as on the people who are too easily stigmatized and vilified for their decision to use them.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSJ4B1KYfgA/WGa51vRJ8MI/AAAAAAAABgs/IQcKHJoeaPEaGOmjf6jy7wsOKn2Fbm-pwCPcB/s1600/norml%2Bswing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSJ4B1KYfgA/WGa51vRJ8MI/AAAAAAAABgs/IQcKHJoeaPEaGOmjf6jy7wsOKn2Fbm-pwCPcB/s320/norml%2Bswing.jpg" width="204" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NORML Dad swings in on the Christmas action</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As an advocate for responsible adult cannabis use, I'm particularly struck that even the mildest stigma against this implies users are trying to escape their lives and condemns them for doing so. This disturbs me because my experience has been that regular, responsible users are not seeking escape. They are more likely using their preferred medicine to step out of the chaotic web of thought which generally holds them back so that they can better accept and embrace each moment as it is and, thanks to this, function as more effective and engaged partners, parents, professionals and people. <br />
<br />
Whatever the case may be, I certainly feel that possession of cannabis is never a reason for there to be an empty chair in anyone's home. Our future attorney general Jeff Sessions has said "Good people don't smoke pot." All I can say to this is that he and I must have very different definitions of Good People. <br />
<br />
While staying home today, I am taking steps (if just from my laptop) to help the leaders of NORML continue their work defending, protecting and increasing people's right to use cannabis in the USA.<br />
<br />
My local chapter of PeachTree NORML is currently accepting donations to its end of year gift matching campaign, through which an anonymous donor has agreed to match all contributions up to $7500 USD. <b><a href="http://www.peachtreenorml.org/news/end-year-matching-donation-drive" target="_blank">Please click here to learn more!!</a></b><br />
<br />
Meanwhile, NORML's national headquarters is building a team of 100 monthly contributors prior to the end of 2016. <b><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/mjunion?refcode=unionmem&recurring=1" target="_blank">Please click here to learn more!!</a></b><br />
<br />
Finally, if you would like to see more of my writing and have $1 to spare per month, please consider becoming my patron. <b><a href="http://www.patreon.com/kellilynn" target="_blank">Click here for the details!!</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>As always, when we're talking, we're winning. At the very least, please spread the word and watch it grow. </b><br />
<br />Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948439943344533700.post-26536007960851473682016-12-29T19:51:00.001-08:002017-03-23T13:28:40.361-07:00From Atlanta's Cliterati to the Women's March on Washington: Here I Come! #HearMyVoice <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1kRm2xIvIpA/WGXYjJ2zDoI/AAAAAAAABgU/ZIa49UXsMJkafV81x1lRl9kXK4PtSJN9gCLcB/s1600/hear%2Bmy%2Bvoice%2Bblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1kRm2xIvIpA/WGXYjJ2zDoI/AAAAAAAABgU/ZIa49UXsMJkafV81x1lRl9kXK4PtSJN9gCLcB/s320/hear%2Bmy%2Bvoice%2Bblog.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
I discovered Charis via my friends Scott and Stephanie. Once upon a time, I'd dreamed of going to grad school for creative writing. Then I found Scott and Stephanie's series of free writing workshops, Lost in the Letters, and suddenly all the camaraderie, validation and inspiration I wanted from a formal institution cost me only a drive into Atlanta and a few hours of my time every month or so.<br />
<br />
Last year Scott and Stephanie married each other and headed to Virginia. However, the Charis Books table at their last annual conference has been a beautiful parting gift. Known as the South's oldest feminist book store, Charis has spent 42 years bringing independent voices to Little 5 Points. However, beginning in 2017, the business is moving to a new larger location affiliated with Agnes Scott College in Decatur. The new space should afford Charis and its supporters more opportunities to share their voices in the coming years. Given the current political climate of fake news, censorship and fear of our differences, I feel the timing for the move is ideal. Now more than ever, all people need a safe space for authentic, unadulterated self expression. Charis also needs your support during this time of growth, and you can offer that by <b><a href="http://www.charisbooksandmore.com/CharisCircle.org" target="_blank">clicking right here!</a></b><br />
<br />
I find it super fitting I received an invitation to the Women's March on Washington at Charis. I had ventured to the city to read on the topic of Resistance at a monthly open mic series, endearingly named Cliterati. Every poem and song shared a sense of power, passion and poise, which pulled me to attention. This was enough to seed a personal movement within my mind. However, the reader just before me asked a simple question: How many of you are going to march in Washington? I took this as a direct call to action. The personal movement I was seeding for myself suddenly had momentum and direction. In moments, it had grown beyond me, and I knew I would be coming home and asking my family to support my upcoming absence January 20-22. Fortunately, this request was very well received.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B6MFg-2_rno/WGXT5DrTcCI/AAAAAAAABgA/j37a-23YarsHL0hcwGs1qjqEeW67q72IACLcB/s1600/womens%2Bmarch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B6MFg-2_rno/WGXT5DrTcCI/AAAAAAAABgA/j37a-23YarsHL0hcwGs1qjqEeW67q72IACLcB/s320/womens%2Bmarch.jpg" width="320" /></a>My relationship with activism has grown slowly. I began as a campus activist in high school.I volunteered to be president of our local Amnesty International chapter and joined IMPACT, a small group of students living the words behind our acronym: Inspiring Minds Promoting the Acceptance of Cultures Together. With Amnesty and IMPACT, I spent many afternoons perched in the cafeteria with petitions to free prisoners of conscious, and I helped organize an annual assembly on Martin Luther King Day. As time passed, I moved from the classroom to the computer, where I actively signed electronic petitions and shared them across social media. However, it wasn't until I began volunteering with PeachTree NORML in August 2015 that I became genuinely active about my activism. I have certainly never marched before. I have also never visited my nation's capitol Washington, DC.<br />
<br />
Leading up to the march, phrases like #HearMyVoice and #WhyIMarch are trending. I want to share a few of my reasons for marching now:<br />
<br />
<i>1. Human rights have intrinsic value, and women's rights are human rights. This opinion is not universally accepted as truth and is sometimes denied. I cannot ignore this. </i><br />
<br />
<i>2. As point #1 indicates, we desperately need some new stories to help us better understand our individual and cultural identities. No more focusing on moral propriety. Instead, the new stories need to focus on what it means to be authentically human.</i><br />
<br />
<i>3. I want a hand in creating these stories, and I need to write from a position of direct experience. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>4. Our world is changing, and our rights to our individual voices are being threatened. We can counter this with a creative renaissance which educates and empowers everyone to speak with more strength and compassion than ever before, but it is our responsibility to show up and live the revolution. </i><br />
<br />
I would love to read your comments about what this march represents to you. If you choose to join me, here's a another list for you! These are some of the most helpful resources I've found:<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.womensmarch.com/" target="_blank">The Official Website:</a> </b>While registering here isn't necessary, it is recommended. It helps planners get a better idea of how many people to accommodate during the march itself. You can also search the site for state affiliated groups which are planning sister marches and/or assembling people to travel to the March on Washington as a group.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1217162705008126/" target="_blank">The Women's March on Washington Georgia Chapter:</a></b> I have been navigating my trip to the march with guidance from this group. Currently some seats are still open on shuttle buses departing from cities throughout Georgia.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2016/12/what-to-wear-to-a-protest-march.html" target="_blank">What to Bring:</a></b> This article offers great insight which pretty much boils down to sturdy boots, comfortable layers, a coat, gloves, a hat, a scarf, sunglasses, your cell phone, baby wipes, money and ID worn close to your body, a sharpie & some duct tape.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.susanschorn.com/?p=1648" target="_blank">Safety Procedures:</a></b> I choose to focus on having a peaceful experience. I also think a dose of reality and awareness helps facilitate that.<br />
<br />
As I've suggested in my reasons for marching, I genuinely feel the opportunity to speak up and embrace creativity as a means of change is huge. Here are links to some interesting opportunities to do that:<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://theamplifierfoundation.org/experiments/womens-march/" target="_blank">GA Women's March Video Project Call for Submissions</a></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><a href="http://theamplifierfoundation.org/experiments/womens-march/" target="_blank">Women's March Public Call for Art!</a></b><br />
<br />
Even though I am super excited to witness the 2017 inauguration from the perspective of the women's march, I also believe that each private act of speaking out is also a very important part of the movement. So, use your voice, wherever you may be. Also, allow for it to shake, sing, whisper, bellow and (maybe most importantly) change. <br />
<br />
<br />Kelli Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352494109339301512noreply@blogger.com0