One More Week

This will be the last week of politicking (thank God) before next Tuesday presidential election. Be sure you know where each candidate stands on the issues. Don't be surprised by anything you hear. Both sides are doing some horrible mudslinging. I will have a commentary the day after the elections.

Genevieve's Gems

You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind.


~Joyce Meyer

Coming Days

It's been a stressful couple of days with some family matters. I won't go into detail but it's a very intense matter. I'm hopeful that it will be resolved soon. 

Missed out on seeing Stonewall icon Miss Major speak. There will be another opportunity in the future, I'm sure. Transgender Day of Remembrance is coming up next month.  Sage is having a planning meeting about this year's event of which I will attend. I just hope that the subject of suicide will be brought up. It's a concern of mine and one that's not talked about enough. 

I will be doing another performance in November with the dance ministry at church. I'll need to work on my steps. I enjoy doing this and ministering to others in this manner. 

Genevieve's Gems

Keep all special thoughts and memories for lifetimes to come. Share these keepsakes with others to inspire hope and build from the past, which can bridge to the future.


~Mattie Stepanek 

Today's Encouraging Words

Be happy. It drives the haters crazy. 

Election Has Been Ramping Up Activity

With the election only three weeks away the activities on both sides are ramping up. Each side accusing the other of deception and wrongdoing. Can't ever remember a presidential election this cantankerous.

Last night I ran into an event at the Center about bus trips to Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire as well as New York State. Ohio and Pennsylvania are swing states which could affect the election. People certainly are getting out and canvassing, making phone calls and creating dialogue. I am particularly interested in local elections which do affect us more. I'm involved with affordable housing issues in my neighborhood and our representatives have taken note that they need to represent our interests and not the developers.    

It's said that all politics is local. Well, I'm seeing that up close and personal. Some of our reps are up for election next year. People have shown that if the politicians won't represent us, we'll vote them out. I hope that this is happening in other locales. We need change and the people will initiate that change if we all come together.

Genevieve's Gems

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are a leader.


~John Quincy Adams

Colin Kaepernick Protest-My Thoughts

It's been  a few weeks since San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick  said that he would not stand for the national anthem in protest of the racial situation in the country. I waited until all the hoopla and testosterone of opponents and supporters cooled down.

Not standing for the national anthem is nothing new to me. When I was a junior college student in 1968, the majority of black students did not stand for the anthem. I've heard all the comments about them being unpatriotic and 'disrespecting our military men and women' (Vietnam was raging at the time). My own thought is that they are saying why should they stand up for the anthem when the country doesn't stand up for them.

National Coming Out Day

Today is National Coming Out Day. Been showing my true colors for a long time now.
Be proud of who you are! Don't let anyone say that you aren't worthy because you are worthy and beautiful!

Growing

I try to anticipate the changes that will come into my life. It's hard sometimes but I see it as an opportunity to grow intellectually and emotionally. I read a lot and educate myself on many numerous topics. Gender is so broad that it seems limitless. I have mentioned in the past that I have accepted my queerness and it is wonderful. 

If one looks at me they would see a stylish, conservative dressing woman. Inside I'm like a geyser waiting to erupt. My joy knows no bounds as I trek through life discovering, questioning, and embracing. I pray that I will always remain open to new discoveries and not close my mind no matter how palatable it may or may not be.  Struggle is good because it develops character and reveal traits we may not have known we possess.

Genevieve's Gems

Some think the truth can be hidden with a little cover-up and decoration. But as times go by, what is true is revealed, and what is fake fades away.

~Ismail Haniyeh, Palestinian Politician, (b. 1959)

Can You Judge?

Someone gave this piece some time ago. I thought that I would share it here.


CAN YOU HONESTLY JUDGE?

Pray don't find fault with the man who
   limps or stumbles along the road.
   Unless you have worn the shoes he wears
     or struggled beneath his load.
There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt,
        though hidden from view;
  Or the burden he bears placed on your back
   might cause you to stumble too.
Don't sneer at the man who's down today.
   unless you have felt the blow
   That caused his fall, or felt the shame that
    only the fallen know.
You may be strong now, but still the blows that
   were his, if dealt to you
    In the self-same way at the very same time
    might cause you to stagger too.
Don't be too harsh with the man who sins
    or pelt him with words or stones,
  Unless you are sure, yes, doubly sure, that
   You have no sins of your own.


                                                           Anonymous Philosopher