Value Your Uniqueness

Uniqueness: I value what is unique in me

I value my own specialness and I dare to reveal it. Since the universe expresses itself through the differences in all of creation, I choose to acknowledge my own uniqueness. My inner self speaks through the nonconformity that I am. Today I applaud nonconformity and the differences within my life.

I am free of the need to please others or to conform to what they are. When I am true to myself, I easily and lovingly express my own opinions and beliefs without fear of rejection. My self-worth is not on the line when I recognize the uniqueness in myself and others. I do not have to agree with everyone, and everyone does not have to agree with me. Belief in my differentness allows me to understand those who do not understand me.

I praise my uniqueness and wear it proudly.

- From “Daily Affirmations for Adult Children of Alcoholics” by Rokelle Lerner

All Time is Valuable-Don't Squander It in Unsafe Spaces

I thought this site was a great idea-an inclusive feminist community-who wouldn't want that?! I mean, this was supposed to be a community where anyone could contribute any kind of post they wanted-whether it be an essay, a poem, a painting, music, a recipe, a joke, whatever, as long as the language was inclusive and that no one's privilege was held over another. I was going to let it be a safe space, meaning that there were going to be no trolls if I could help it. But no one's contributed.

I also wanted to promote feminist/womanist events from across the globe and while I have been posting what I have found and I really could post a lot more, as I am pretty involved in the community, I haven't received any news from readers either.

This is not supposed to be a solitary blog-I am the moderator, but I really, really long for a communal, supportive space. In fact, that is why I am deleting a blog from my links list. It's one of my favorites - I am a frequent commenter there and I think the blogger has a lot of important things to say. She is also extremely well-known in the feminist/womanist blogging sphere and it's not like she's getting any extra traffic from my site... But I don't always feel safe there, because of the nastiness that is allowed to carry on among the trolls and for that reason I cannot link to her site, although I still encourage people to read her very important work, but one may not want to read the comments.

Why do I care about making this site a safe space, even in the links? It's mostly selfish!

I'm going through a tough time right now, as I was just diagnosed with fibromyalgia. My health status fluctuates constantly throughout the day, so that I am only productive for short periods of time and I have come to realize that my short span of productivty is too valuable to waste in spaces where there is significant potential for extra pain. Darvocets only ease the physical pain, don't ya know?

I can guarantee that this will be a safe space for fellow paradigm-shifting folk and if it isn't, then I will close up shop!

I can guarantee that the topics will not be mainstream and that creativity is always welcomed!

But I cannot guarantee to keep this site and my dream of an inclusive, safe, creative feminist/womanist blog if there are no submissions. I just don't have the energy to provide as much as a blog like this should.

Now I am going to advertise this site a lot more heavily soon by making flyers and posting them at places that might house creative and open writers and artists. I am even going to advertise at DragonCon-the world's best sci-fi and fantasy ever! Why at a convention? Because I am serious when I say that I want to reach out to those who are usually not included, the creative, and those who have alternative ideas of reality to offer than the messed-up reality that is offered by this world.

Please submit-don't wait to let your voice be heard! femination@yahoo.com

Most importantly, do not wait for something dramatic, like a chronic illness, to teach you that all of your time is important, so do not waste your time on things that make you feel bad and/or unsafe. You are worth more than that!

You really are.

"Imagine"

My own artwork!

It's a collage that uses magazine cutouts, sheet music, metallic paper pasted on posterboard painted with bright watercolors. (My Mom used the posterboard for experimenting painting techniques and I didn't want it to be thrown away!)

Play Kick Ball for Charis Circle-Sat. 8/22/09

Join your friends at Charis for some good old fashioned kick ball fun
& help a good cause at the same time!

This Saturday, August 22nd @ 3pm
Inman Park Field
Corner of Hurt St. NE and Euclid Ave. NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
$10 Donation Requested

All are welcome to come out and cheer us on or come to the at the After Party!
Afterparty at Urban Pie in Kirkwood Village at 5:30pm
2012a Hosea L Williams Dr NE Atlanta, GA 30317 (404) 373-2778
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Ironically, I can't stand kickball-too many memories of me running off the field crying in elementary school! But I suspect that people like me are few and far between, so go, have a great time, and support a great cause! (Besides, you can always chat and cheer on the sideslines if that's more your cup of tea...)
Please RSVP to Allison@Alw62000@gmail.com so that we can be sure to have enough beverages at the afterparty. (All proceeds go to Charis Circle)

The Patriarchy is a LOL Cat!

Caption: Yes, that right. Just keep looking at the camera 4 a little longer...

Who says feminists don't have a sense of humor?! This one does! Today when looking at teh lolz catz, I thought to myself, "This photo seems like a good representation of the patriarchy, doesn't it?" and "I want some ice cream!" Discuss! Laugh! Go eat ice cream! (I know I will...)

Turn Off the TV, IPhone, Computer, Playstation, Fax Machine, Personal Robot... and Tune Into Reality!!!

"Thank God every morning when you get up that you have something to do which must be done, whether you like it or not." - Charles Kingsley

Marshall McLuhan warned that this age of electronic marvels could turn out to be less than marvelous for human development. He predicted that one effect would be the spawning of vast numbers of voyeurs - people who would rather watch than participate, seek vicarious rather than real experiences, and seemingly not know the difference.

We all know (or may be) people who would rather watch television than participate in the living drama of today´s world. Being a spectator is safe. The second-hand defeats and triumphs, the loves and losses that flicker across the screen don´t require that we take a stand or make an effort. As long as we don´t participate, we don´t have to make decisions or take risks.

But real life is lived in the trenches, and real action is never second-hand. As the years go by and we look back on our lives, will we want to remember that we played the game or that we played it safe?

"Today I pray for the courage to get involved in my own drama."

- From "Days of Healing, Days of Joy: Daily Meditations for Adult Children" By Earnie Larsen & Carol Larsen Hegarty

Have You Seen Elizabeth Monika Hunter?!

Cross-posted at What About Our Daughters

*I saw this announcement from the blog, Act of Faith in Love and Life and felt obliged to share it:

15 year-old Elizabeth Monika Hunter

has been staying with relatives in Capitol Heights, MD and is now missing as of midnight August 3rd. Her sister Renee Jennings sent a private email that’s been forwarded requesting help. Hopefully we can get this cross-posted at several blogs and across social media to send the word out.

Due to her age and their categorizing her as a runaway, the police said they cannot issue an Amber Alert and will only take information for a Missing Person’s report which takes 48-hours to kick in. Monika’s sister lives in NYC and isn’t able to monitor the situation locally and has asked for help from the blogosphere.

Prince George Country police department, Palmer Park Precinct will be handling this case. It’s been assigned to Det. Vessels 301-772-4492. Case#09-215-0405. The main number at the precinct is 301-772-4901. Let’s encourage the police to make haste with looking for Monika as the area is apparently unsafe and she is new to the area, has limited to no funds and no cell phone.

Reach Renee at: reneejennings@rmediagroup.com.

This could be your neighbor, sister, schoolmate whomever. Since only high-profile cases get immediate attention, let's make this one!

Summer School for Feminist Fighters! Aug. 8 - San Francisco

Date: Saturday, August 8, 2009
Time: 10:30am - 5:00pm
Location: New Valencia Hall
Street: 625 Larkin St, Suite 202
City/Town: San Francisco, CA

Come and hone your political skills and instincts, while benefiting the National Radical Women Fund Drive! Join a group of feisty rebels for a day of learning through presentations and hands-on activities on the following topics:

Morning sessions, beginning at 10:30am :

* How to Fight Fascism
* Understanding Gender

Afternoon sessions, beginning at 2:00pm :

* Writing to Make a Political Point
* Creating Art to Create Revolution

The workshops will take place at New Valencia Hall, 625 Larkin Street #202 , in San Francisco (near Civic Center BART, and on/near Muni lines #19, 31, 38, 47 & 49). All day registration is $20; single session only $12. Lunch will be available for a $5 donation. All proceeds go towards the National Radical Women Fund Drive.

To register, or for more information, please call 415-864-1278 or email baradicalwomen@earthlink.net.

Radical Women is a socialist feminist, grassroots activist organization that provides a radical voice within the feminist movement, a feminist voice within the Left, and trains women to be leaders in the movements for social and economic justice. It has branches in numerous United States cities; and Melbourne, Australia.
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Sadly, I must admit that when I first saw this event on facebook, I was a little skeptical, because unfortunately, I have learned that the term "radical feminist" sometimes means that the feminist does not support trans rights, which in my opinion, really disqualifies the person from being a true feminist, as feminism should value the worth of all equally. So, I checked their website and I am proud to say that they seem to be very supportive, with an article entitled, "Stonewall was a Riot-Now We Need a Revolution," which I read and fully support. My only quibble is that they have a seminar called, "Understanding Gender," when I don't think anyone can truly understand gender, but I do tend to sometimes get hung up up semantics. So, if you are in the area, go! I wish I could, but I suspect I'll be stuck selling appliances as usual...

And in case y'all are too lazy to peruse their homepage, here is their mission statement:


A trailblazing socialist feminist organization, Radical Women is the revolutionary wing of the women's movement and a strong feminist voice within the Left. Immersed in the daily fight against racism, sexism, homophobia, and labor exploitation, Radical Women views women's leadership as decisive to world revolution and trains women to take their place in the forefront of the struggle. RW is an autonomous, all-women's group, affiliated with the Freedom Socialist Party on the basis of mutual respect, solidarity, and shared socialist feminist ideals.

Get involved if you want to change the world and collaborate with a feisty bunch of rebel grrlz of all colors, sexualities and ages. Everyone has something to learn, teach and contribute!