Renovation, Renewal and Reconciliation

My church is going through renovations. An atrium is being constructed to improve access from the street. The new nursery recently opened The fellowship hall is being remodeled and new classrooms are being put in. The project will be completed some time next year.

Our personal lives go through renovations from time to time. Some old  habits will need to be dealt with. Some wrongs need to be righted. Forgiveness and being forgiven will need to take place. Whenever there is a new project or revelation the old way of thinking and doing things will need to change. In regards to transgender rights, this renovation is needed in our social institutions, schools, and families. Change is never easy but there's the time when they have to be made. 

A transgender husband, wife, or child will change the dynamics of families. There may be some anger, hurt, accusations of deception and rejection. What's needed is understanding, reconciliation and, in the case of bitter words spoken, forgiveness. We never asked to be born the way we are because it wasn't something that we had control. We just ask to be accepted as people. 

Kilauea Lighthouse

This lighthouse is locate on Kilauea Point on Kaua'i , Hawaii. The structure stands 52 feet high and was first opened 1913. The lighthouse during the duration of World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Nine Years Of Transgender Bliss

Today is the ninth anniversary of my coming out. It was such a relief when I first came out. All the internal stress and tension dissipated with that one act. Ever since that day my has been wonderful.

Over these years I grew from a struggling cross dresser to a contented transgender woman. It's wonderful when I read that many men and women come out on their own. I have tried to be helpful to others in any way possible. I have been helped immeasurably by man people on the forums and in person. 

Looking back, it has been an interesting journey to say the least. It get more interesting every day. I certainly would not change anything.

Genevieve's Gems

If there is no struggle, there is no progress.

~Frederick Douglass

Night Skyline Symbolized Ending of a Life Chapter.

I like skylines of cities especially the ones at night. Above is the skyline of Riverside, California (chose this one because it's part of the novella I am writing). I enjoy the quietness that settles over the city. I live in a different city but the skyline is magnificent. 

Late at night I peer through the blinds gazing at the lights on the dark background. I have come to view skylines at night as a changing of life's fortunes. A chapter in life is drawing to a close. Another one will dawn. It symbolizes my own life because there have been so many chapters in my life that have drawn to a close. Those chapters can last day, week, a year or years. When I sense a change coming, I use the night skyline as an analogy.     

Over the past several weeks, I have felt this. I expect these things and at times welcome them. My life journey has periods of great light and vitality. It also has periods of reflection and fogginess. It doesn't mean that there's an end; just a new beginning.

LIfe's Continuous Journey

Today I met my spouse at the Amtrak railway station here in New York. I love watching the people go about rushing to an fro for their trains. Trains were heading everywhere. New Haven. Roanoke. Newport News. Washington, D.C. Boston. I remember traveling to Albany back in April. It reminded me of my childhood when I journeyed to summer camp.

Life is a journey. There's so many directions that we can go. I see traveling on my itinerary for the future. My spouse and I will gong to Philadelphia in August. Next year, I would love to venture to the west coast. Looking at it, one could say that life is a journey that last until the end. We cannot stop or control its continuous forward progression. Enjoying the special and pleasant moments that come make living worthwhile. 

Take Care Of Today

Yesterday I sat in the courtyard in front of St. Mark's church (pictured above) enjoying a very pleasant day. Service was going on. Afterwards, I observed the people coming out. I took note of a woman in a wheelchair being wheeled to a waiting cab. 

I've seen plenty of folks in wheelchairs but this woman caught my eye. She was once young vibrant, and could go anywhere she pleased. Now she needs help.It reminds me that I need to do the tasks and projects that I have now because there will come a day when I will not be able to.

Creativity

Creative people have done extraordinary things to enrich the lives of  others and the world. It doesn't follow any particular pattern. I look at people like Michaelangelo, Gandhi, Martin L. King, and DaVinci. Some of the most creative people the world has known weren't greeted with open arms.

My favorite writers were ridiculed and criticized because they were unconventional. I list Edgar Allan Poe, Jack Kerouac, and Jim Morrison in that group. Herman Melville was ostracized because he didn't follow the prevailing convention of that time. Paul Laurence Dunbar was blasted by some African American critics for writing in slave dialect. He didn't speak it himself but heard it from the actual people themselves.

Creativity is something that cannot be stifled. I can't remember the last time I saw a movie that was unique and different. American movies are mostly recycled from the past (Batman, Superman). It hurts me when children's creativity is stifled for conformity. 

Creativity is something we all possess in varying degrees. It doesn't what age, race, or gender. There may someone waiting to influenced by the spark of uniqueness that you have.

Genevieve's Gems

Creativity is a great motivator because it makes people interested in what they are doing. Creativity gives hope that there can be a worthwhile idea. Creativity gives the possibility of some sort of achievement to everyone. Creativity makes life more fun and more interesting.

~Edward de Bono

Frying Pan Light Tower

This unusual structure is located 29 miles southeast of Southport, North Carolina. It was built in 1966. The 80 foot structure is at the meeting point of the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean.  It has two floors. THe subfloor is used at a bed and breakfast. I admit that this is different but I'm not so sure that I would spend a night at such a place. It's a great pace for the adventurous.

Frying Pan Tower is accessible by helicopter on the heliport built on the platform. It was automated in 1976 and decommissioned in 2003.


Sources:
www.fptower.com

Smelling The Roses

Now that summer has settled in it's time for me to do things that I enjoy. I share this with people the need to enjoy their lives. Sometimes we wrapped up in our daily lives that we don't take the time to smell the roses. 

Last week, I walked along the pier in the early evening. It was a mild evening where many folks were hanging out. I've gone there many times because it's relaxing. It's one of the simple pleasures that I truly enjoy. At times I won't use the computer or write for a few days because I need to recharge. When I return I feel recharged. I sometimes come away with new and interesting perspectives about life.     

I pray that you all enjoy your summer. Enjoy those precious moments that come because in a moment, it will be gone.Put down the i-pads, laptops and phones and take time to enjoy nature. Don't sweat the small stuff either.

Genevieve's Gems

Getting away from things familiar can help us appreciate what we really have.

Reconnected With Old Friends

Last night, I attended a prayer meeting at a friend's home. It was the first time in two years that I've seen most everybody. We used to meet bimonthly at the community center. There was conversation, food, and reconnecting. Later we spoke our prayer requests before going into prayer.

Some of the people have changed. A few lost weight (me included). Others are seeking jobs and stable relationships. We all thank God where He has brought us and trust Him for our needs. I was very happy see everyone. As TGLB people we have so much in common.

World Cup-USA Ousted

I am a big fan of the world cup soccer. I watch it every four years. I played soccer when I was in the service. I watch the US-Belgium game today at a local lounge. The place was packed! It was a good game and US laid it all out and lost 2-1 to a skilled Belgium team. The US has improved much over the past 25-30 years. I'm happy that the team got this far but disappointed in the loss. Belgium is a better team. My congrats to them.