MARCH

MARCH

Trees awaken from winter's slumber.
Silver gray clouds streak cross the blue landscape.
Warm southern winds loosen the grip of winter's chill
March is winter's last hurrah.

Tulips, enchanted by the sun's embrace,
Escape their dark prison
March blasts one last mighty roar
Only to fall silent in spring's serenade.

Taking A Break

I took a break from posting (needed it) but I have been active reading, writing (a lot), and seeing some more journeys that I will take. I have noticed that the backlash against trans people is intense. A bill in Arizona is being considered to jail/fine people if they don't have ID to prove they are the right gender when using public restrooms. On a positive note, South Korea has passed a law stating that trans people do not need to have surgery to change their gender markers.    

Reading much has helped educate me about what is going on. I will respond to some of the events in future posts. I have written a number poems. I'm working on a short story and a prose poem. Looking ahead to April it promises to be an active month for me. I may not post as much but I will keep you up to date on my comings and goings. 

Brought Granddaughter to Church

Today I brought my granddaughter to church for the first time. In the beginning she was overwhelmed because she never been around that many people. In fellowship she began to loosen up. Everybody liked her and she was feeling her oats.

After service, I and another trans woman were asked if we would like to speak at one of our sister churches. We both accepted. I'll let you know the details when they come in.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect. 


~Chief Seattle, Leader (1786-1866) 

Freedom Tower

This past Monday, I returned to lower Manhattan from a job interview in Staten Island. It was for a position as a visitors guide at the 9/11 memorial. I passed by the Freedom Tower (above) on my trek uptown. Even after all these years, 9/11 still has an effect on me.

 

TIme To Act

Today I read much news about many issues of the day. Even with all that's going on, it still boils down to whether people can come together and work to resolve those concerns. Egos and personal agendas need to be set aside. 

There is much bickering along ideological lines and belief systems. Through all this, those parties which do not have the people's interest at heart are further entrenching themselves. They are secretly working with federal, state and local officials to pass laws that they create to benefit corporations and not people. I'm currently looking at some future protests in which I can participate.

 Look at the folks in countries like Greece, Spain, and Italy. Unemployment is off the charts. People are eating out of garbage cans, and suicide is on the increase. They are out in the streets challenging the austerity measures put forth by these corrupt politicos and corporate heads. They are challenging the very people who caused this mess.  This is what is needed here in America.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.

~George Bernard Shaw, Dramatist (1856-1950)

Quiet Moments

 In those quiet moments, thoughts of where my journey has taken me fill my mind. I'm different and yet I didn't feel any earthshaking experience. This has been the way my journey has gone. I find these quiet moments rather refreshing.

I've always been a quiet and reflective individual. Quiet spaces for me is nirvana. An empty church, park, among nature. These thoughts are clearest when I wake up in the morning. This has happening with more frequency. From time to time I wonder if my being transgender was the fulfillment of a Native American prophecy.

There are those times I wish that I could travel by foot across the land. As a child I was fascinated by country roads and trails. I wondered where they would lead. Now in my middle years I still have that curiosity. Perhaps my transgender journey is an answer to this desire.

Window Shopping

I had just finished a job interview when I decided to windowship. I crossed the street and entered Payless Shoes. I was like a little girl as I oogled over the many wonderful styles and color-and in my size! I have to wear size 13 in a ladies shoe because I have a wide foot. I saw cream colored low heels, white heels, and aqua blue running shoes. Aqua blue! Right up my alley! 

Wisdom Of The Elders

I was chatting with an 85 year old member of my church. For nearly an hour, I listened as she shared stories of her childhood and young years. I marveled at the joy and wisdom she has about life. I've known Carmen only a short time but whenever she spoke it was from her years of experience.

One of aspects I believe is being lost is the wisdom of the elders being inparted on the young. I am a member of two cultures with  oral traditions. I enjoy listening to others share their experiences.

I am a nature lover and whenever I'm out in it I let it consume me.  As a child I loved venturing into the woods, against my mother's wishes. I have wondered if my being transgender was part of a Native American prophecy. The wisdom of others can serve as a reminder that we too carry the torch of being seers, shamans, and historians to younger generations.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Faith and prayer are the vitamins of the soul;
man cannot live in health without them.


~Mahalia Jackson (1911-1972)