Thankful

Hi! I hope that your Thangsgiving was wonderful. The weather was warm and mild. I'm thankful for many things. Waking up in the morning. A roof over my head. Most of all, I'm thankful for the many people who have touched my life.

I'm mindful of those who are less fortunate because last year at this time I lived in a shelter. I appreciate the little things that happen in life yet I'm looking to make a difference in other people's lives.

During this personal time of reflection, I am thankful for so much.

Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse.

~Henry Van Dyke

HAPPY THANGSGIVING

Transgender DOR

Last night, I attended Transgender DOR ceremonies at the community center here. There were over 200 people present. A vigil was held where we all marched around the block. A few folks on the street asked what it was about.

There were speakers, words of encouragement , stories from the audience. I spoke for a couple of moments. I shared my story of transition and acceptance by family. I shared that I refuse to live in fear. I encouraged everyone to be themselves. I also read this poem that I wrote:
We are persecuted,
Yet we have perservered.
Our journey has been circuituous,
Yet we have always been.
Some have fallen,
Yet we are still standing.
My people, Arise!

I met a number folks afterwards. I shared my experiences with a lesbian couple who will be getting married. A gentleman hugged and thanked me for my testimony. This was the best TDOR event that I've been to. We paid homage to those who died this past year (221 trans people killed). It encourages me that we are moving forward. I'm happy that I participated.

TDOR

Tonight I will be attending Transgender Day of Rmembrance ceremony at the community center. I will be making a comment or two and perhaps read a poem. I find it more beneficial to encourage others because its greatly needed. I pray that others will be encouraged.

At the beginning of each year, we have conceptual meetings. How are we going to challenge ourselves this year? So we suggested a transsexual or transgender. And to be honest, I am shocked they let us do it.
~Jai Rodriquez

Transgender Day of Remembrance.

This Friday I will be attending a Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremony at the community center. I may speak and possibly read a poem. I attend every year to encourage those who may feel alone and defeated. It's important that I do attend.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

The simplification of life is one of the steps to inner peace. A persistent simplification will create an inner and outer well-being that places harmony in one's life.


~Peace Pilgrim

The Same Person

When I came out I told my spouse that I am the same person I always was. It took much time and effort but I believe that she understands this now. We've been married 31 years and I'm thankful for that. I may have changed in my gender identity but I have honored my marriage and always will.

Whenever I feel a change within I pray that it will help me to understand myself and encourage others in the process. Seeing others succeed is more important than anything that I face.

In For The Long Haul

I visited Occupy Wall Street yesterday. There were tents everywhere in this constricted area. There was a kitchen, library, tables of information, a media area, and other venues. I spoke with a few of the participants and learned much about their reasons for being there.

I came away with the opinion that these people are there for the long haul. There were mostly young people and I'm happy that their voices are being heard. I pray that they are not usurped by other groups and provocateurs which are just interested in their own agenda. I will be going back again very soon.

www.occupywallstreet.org
www.occupytogether.org

Recital; Fracking

I went to a piano recital on Wednesday and enjoyed it very much. Young people played pieces from Bach, Robert Schumann, and other notable composers of classical music.

I listened to all kinds of music growing up. I enjoyed listening to the soft and pleasant sounding music on occasion. My mother gave me the appreciation for many kinds of music.

I was unable to attend the meeting about fracking. I do follow it closely and have protested in the past about this matter. Nuclear energy is also another matter. People are trying to get Indian Point Nuclear Plant shut down here in New York. This plant is only 28 miles from where I live. We had a hurricane, an earthquake, and last weekend, a freak snowstorm. Coupled with the fact that the plant is sitting on a fault, there is a great potential for something similar to what happened in Japan.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Nature chooses who will be transgender; individuals don't
choose this.

~Mercedes Ruehl

Piano Recital and Meeting About Fracking

I will be attending a piano recital with a friend today. I love classical music and I'm excited to go to this free event.

Tomorrow night, I will be attending a meeting about fracking. This is an issue that I'm very concerned about. I will be hooking up with a group regarding this. If fracking is allowed, all the water sheds here will be damaged. I protested in front of the governor's office a few weeks along with two or three hundered other protesters.