Family First

A lot of people say it, but do they actually live it?  In my life, my family has gone through many trials and tribulations.  Separation, bankruptcy, legal battles, and death, the tough times have led to a healthy loyal bond.  The troubles that we have endured ultimately have allowed us to know each other in such an intimate way  because we have never had space to hide anything.  For my family to function we have to literally have it all on the table.  This style of communication, that has developed through my family, really shapes how I see myself and the role I have not only in family but in life.  While times can be tough the outcome is something that I'm truly grateful for.

Today Catherine, Abita, and I traveled to see Granny.  And again, I'm reminded of what family is really about.  Catherine is the type of person who will drop anything she has for her family.  It's probably one of the things I love most about her.  Since Granddaddy died, her Granny has been alone in this country home and has had a desire to see family more than ever....well, really anyone at that.  Last night Catherine posed the option of taking a road trip to NC and see her for the day.  And let me tell you WHAT A DAY IT WAS!!

We ate bear, helped do yard work, saw her granddaddy's grave (on the property), and visited with extended family.  And yes, really it was bear.  Her hospitality, acceptance, and appreciation were such a needed extension since in this world life can at times feel distant, rough, and lonely.  The trip really reminds me that work and the hustle bustle is all good and well, but when it really boils down and life gets tough the people that help you get through it is family.  However or whoever that may be....family is the rhythm that keeps my life consistent.  I'm so thankful for people in my life that help me catch a breath of fresh air.

Generally my posts have been pretty politically founded, but this one is different.  I've found things on the internet or heard articles on NPR that didn't quite sit right.  Stories or posts that have allowed me the space to think about what principles I want to be structuring my life around.  The nuances in life that make me feel like i have to conform.  But truly, I'm the author of my own destiny.  No one can take that breath of fresh air for me.  So today, i take my own advice and take a breath, and get involved in a project of my own.

My passion in life is woodworking and I was able to live with it in my life consistently for the past 5 years. Since moving to Richmond that part of my life has taken a back seat to everything else (money, relationships, chores, working out, etc.).  In the past week I've taken the steps of getting back into the workshop and began to create again.  It feels AMAZING!! Initializing sensations that have fallen to the way side that remind me of who I am breeds a sense of confidence I have lost since being here.  The smell of fresh cut wood, the feel of a fine sanded product, the pressure needed to sink a screw, have all been sensations that have been accustom to me that all of a sudden dropped out of my life.  Ultimately, I have been trained to be a carpenter, from apprenticeship to habitat, carpentry has been the most consistent thing in my life, ever.  From girlfriends, jobs, vehicles, friends, homes, possessions. nothing has lasted the test of time besides woodwork.

So here is my promise (to no one but myself).  Until i make enough money to allow carpentry to be my means of income, i will never again go a weekend without a project.  I have 3 more lined up and will go about progressing my passion at each chance i get.  I've again captured a sense of who I am and life's circumstances won't get another chance to strip me of that.  This breath of fresh air is truly needed.

Through out this post are pictures of the new bookshelf I'm making.  Simple yet gratifying.

Congresswoman Giffords Shot in Tucson

While in the midst of a very hard economy many people are making sacrifices.  Men and Women are swallowing their pride and taking jobs they have to, not want to.  Kids are loosing their opportunity to enjoy the only portion of their life that is seemingly stress free.  Communities across the nation are loosing not only their patrons (i.e. Detroit) but also their way of life.

Congresswoman Gifford lost her life as she knew it today.  Yes, she may recover, and again one day, hold the title of Congresswoman, but she'll always live with the memory of today.  She didn't deserve it nor did any of those other people who were injured or killed (among them a 9 year old).  But the reality of the fact is...life is getting to be very hard for Americans.  We, as a people of the past few generations, have not felt a struggle like we do today.  Instead of joining together and working things out as one, our individual insecurity is driving us to only worry about "me".  And with this individual detachment we're also feeling this lonesome feeling when it comes to the people representing us.  We fight to keep our lives afloat while the folks in congress get a three week vacation...?  As a people we are taking pay cuts, loosing our insurance, loosing our houses, loosing our community and what response do we get from our leaders?  Arguments about who's right or who's wrong.  I'm tired of it.  Congresswoman Gifford didn't deserve to be shot, but maybe this is a wake up call to stop trying to make money off of our freedom.  Don't sign a bill because you have an invested interest.  Don't sit and watch our environment decay because it's more important for you to make $ from the larger than life oil companies.  Do your job.

But the blame doesn't fully fall on those who "speak for us".  Where has our voice gone?  The constitution starts, "We the people..." so where are WE?  Now, i know that it's far more complicated then just get up and start a revolution.  But in my mind there are just fundamental qualities that all of us can agree on.  Like everyone should have an opportunity to be housed, eat, and have clean water.  "Opportunity" is the key.  The people in the government should be paid as an average American so they can feel the affects of the bills they are passing.  You and I should have the same opportunity to receive health care as they do.  We as a people should all be able to sit back and retire when we turn 60.  These are things I believe everyone deserves and unfortunately we may not get them unless we speak up.  Take an opportunity to have a breath of fresh air and realize what some fundamental rights each of us has.