Sick at home

 Today was spent existing at bare minimum energy levels. Kiddos and I are all just snot filled cough monsters, and so the goals are lowered to ingest calories, try to thermoregulate, and drink fluids. 

I am attempting to balance being gentle with myself with not just allowing everything to devolve. So, tissues to trash, dishes to the sink, kids get time without screens. 

And now, kiddo is requesting my focus and attention, and so I go. 

Writing

 Time to start writing again.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

2020 taught many lessons. One of which was my affirmation of gender. As I fell into anxiety, worry, and the absolute inability to change the safety of the world I leaned into the traditions of my grandmother, and her grandmothers before her. I gardened, I swept the floors, I baked, I spent time with my kids. I worked to change my tiny world, make it more beautiful, curious, and sustaining.

And now the feelings are back. So, I shall look inward. I will teach my children. I will make food. I will write, or crochet, or paint. Even if it's only my tiny corner of the world, I can make it more comforting, cozy, joyful. 

M pointed out the brilliant colors of the trees this morning, the yellow of a Norway Maple, the vibrant red of the burning bush, the stark white bark of the paperbark birch. 

I feel the need to be vocal about my thoughts and beliefs.

Today we as a nation wake up to a new President Elect of the United States of America. Some are elated, some are terrified, but we all feel a drastic shift. We all know that last night and today are going to be days that we are asked questions about decades from now when we are in nursing homes.

Today is a day of change.

I fervently hope that today is a day when we as a nation decide to actively work to change the entire government to actually reflect us as a nation. This election showed us that across the board citizens do not feel that the government is working for them. We differed in our belief in which path would lead to the desired changes, but we are united in believing in change.

Today we elected the oldest US President in history. What does that say about us as a nation?
Today we elected the least qualified US President in history. What does that say about us as a nation?
Today we elected a candidate actively endorsed by the KKK and NeoNazis. What does that say about us as a nation?

What do we want it to say?

I am hoping that it says that we are frustrated, and scared, and don't have a plan right now. I am hoping that it is us grasping at straws. Because, I cannot believe that the United States of America truly wants policies based on hate and fear. I cannot believe that a nation founded on freedom and hope would seek to actively reward bullying. I cannot believe that, because then there isn't a good path forward.

I want us, all of us to work on a plan to move forward from today. I want a discussion to begin where all Americans want to move America forward. I want to see unification and honestly, change. Today is proof that we know that we need to change our government, I hope that this is not the end of the discussion. I hope that all voices are heard as we move forward.

Sorry for the delay

Day 5:
Photography Challenge: High Angle

Fun Challenge: Something Orange

30 day challenge Day 4

Day 4: This was more difficult to blend the two prompts, so two photos today
Photography Challenge: Texture

Fun Challenge: Something that I miss

this is my Grandmother's ring, and she is someone who I miss having around

Day 3

Photo challenge Day 3
Photography challenge: B&W
Fun challenge: What I wore today

Day 2

30 day photo challenge Day 2:
So here's where I'm going to be indecisive. I've found a variety of these challenges, each with various themes or goals. I'm currently debating between one to grow as a photographer, and one that is just fun. As the prompts diverge it may mean two photos per day, but for today I was able to combine them.
-Something that makes you smile
-Rule of Thirds

It's growing in my garden, which certainly makes me smile!