Activism...organically

So instead of following what I once thought was a forced path to social activism....I quit the whole damn thing,  moved to Flagstaff, hibernated for a while, somehow got magically transported to this spectacular job, and found myself picketing on Heritage Square in downtown Flagstaff last night in support of Second Chance Center for Animals (my employer).  Self-centered as it sounds...I think I'm made to do good things in the world, no matter how I get there.  That's an insight that settles me down inside.

Another contented insight: sometimes, two people are made to be together.  Dano joined me in picketing last night (he does care about the cause, but really just wanted to spend time with me...see legal battles below), then came to dinner with the Second Chance crew, stood on a chair and loudly and proudly proclaimed to the whole pizza joint what a great job we were doing.  THIS is my kind of man. 

Facebook followers, you know we hiked the Grand Canyon a few weeks ago.  Life-changing experience.  The hardest and best thing I've ever done...spiritually and physically and emotionally.

I'm still planning a wedding...after Second Chance's battles with Coconino County are over.  It's a long, long story, so anyone who wishes to know the details can visit www.secondchancecenter.org.  Basically: someone thinks we're too noisy, we think we're not.  There's an important hearing next week, after which I intend to take some time off.

The rain clouds are gathering over the mountains here and it's gorgeous.  My porch has happy little flowers all over it and I feel like I've nurtured something into greatness.

I know, you just can't believe it.  I'm not sure I can either.  It's been a while since I visited this blank white box.

The new job is better than I ever could have dreamed.  I am challenged, focused, motivated, and appreciated ~ daily.  I am finding that I truly didn't think I could do this job, and that I really can.  These people saw something in me that I didn't believe existed, but it does.  I spend my days surrounded by a team of strong, compassionate, assertive, loving women who foster an attitude of respect.  They push me to do more and expect the same from me.  I will not leave this job until I leave Flagstaff...if THAT ever happens.

Wedding planning continues like clockwork.  We're enjoying most of it, except the part where we don't have any money.  Other than that, though, it's been a blast.

BFF LaVina came out to visit last week ~ first visit away from  her young son, and it was for me.  I'm a lucky gal.  We had a good time and a lot of good conversations.  It feels really nice to be able to choose a friendship instead of just falling into it...if that makes any sense.

A recent visit to an ELCA church in Phoenix brought this fact home with a thud: I love being Lutheran.  I never stopped loving being Lutheran.  I just didn't groove with the ELCA church I attended in Flagstaff.  Little did I know, there's always been another one that I drive by every single day and have never noticed...I suspect God blinded me to it until I was ready.  Best fiancee ever Dano came with me on Sunday and I felt I came home.  Dano said it was like watching me sway in a warm tropical breeze after a long, hard winter.  It was wonderful.

I celebrated one year in OA a few months ago.  Victory!

We have a serious problem cat.  Let's just say this: the Valium is no longer working.  On the cat.

I'd like to be here more often.