Thoughts And Decisions And Clearing Your Mind

Take a breather.
Enjoy the moment.
Congratulate friends on their hard work.
Thank your allies.


Great.  There is a lot more work to get done.

No, not a "bring down" moment.  Just reality.

Share the moment, the glow of the decision, and breathe in the hope.  Think of the things in society that are wrong and need to be fixed.  Think of the work that will be needed to bring those who disagree with you, sometimes kicking and screaming.

I am fond of saying "It is a marathon, not a sprint" or "You're in it for the long haul".  There will always be naysayers, people who will refuse.  Their loss.  They are on the wrong side of history and they will be left behind.  The parking brake left on after the car is pulled into traffic.

Smug?  Perhaps.  I can think of other Civil Rights issues that were argued about in the past and decided and people adapted.

When is the last time you heard about someone complaining about a woman's right to vote with any sort of seriousness?

But there are many issues that need just the same attention as did same sex marriage.  Pick one.  Be involved.

If you are progressive in your society and you decide to sit at home next time voting day comes around, you are the problem, not the solution, and I will silently judge you as will many others.

If you are not progressive in your society, and that is your right, I have to ask you why.  If there is something incorrect, wrong, or broken, it certainly needs to be fixed.

Just ask anyone who crossed that bridge in Selma, Alabama if things are perfect.  They will tell you no.

Oh and that flag?  It's not a Pride flag, not that anything is wrong with flying a Pride flag no matter what your political bend.  It's an Italian Peace flag.  The word says Peace in Italian.  It's a wish for Peace towards all.  Even those you disagree with.  High goal to work towards.  I know I've got a way to go with that one too.  I have been told that I can be a bit ... "irascible" at times.

Redundant Rainbows in Wilton Manors - Picture

This comes from the "In The Right Place At The Right Time" Collection.

The other day as the rains were waning, I was on the phone with a good friend in Key West who is planning on a trip here this week.  I don't know that that that will actually happen, he has been trying to get here since June and it keeps getting delayed.

While on the phone, talking about the weather, the rain clouds opened up with a deluge.   Since the sun was still in the sky I knew that there was a rainbow in the making.

This being Wilton Manors, Rainbows could be considered a bit redundant, but the positioning was just right.  I managed to walk onto the grass in front of this house and get the picture of the rainbow over top of this flag.

The "PACE" on the flag means that it is an Italian Peace Flag, and not a Pride flag.  If you would like to read more about that, you can find the Wikipedia page here.

In the case of this particular Peace Flag, it was a happy coincidence.

Italian Peace Flag

No, this is not a Gay Pride Flag.   This is an Italian Peace Flag.   PACE is pronounced Pah-Chay and is Peace in Italian. 

It is an international symbol that I was unaware of.  That is, I was unaware of until my former neighbour, a 90 year old Quaker woman who terrorized the Utility Boards in Philadelphia had one put up.  I was driving home and nearly lost control of the car.  Was she "Coming Out"?  No, merely stating her Proud Quaker Heritage and wishing Peace to all. 

Ruth Miner, you were a fascinating woman and made my life in Chestnut Hill more interesting.  Thank you!