Everyday

everyday is a gift of magic

may we be still enough to unwrap 

the miracle of everyday

Inspired by a JC mate who is deeply adored by families and communities all over the world. A mother of 11 children, devoted wife of a retired Air Force Colonel, and faithful believer in Spirit, she is most magical herself. The stars call her up above much too soon. Love, peace & light to Auline (Ello) & Team Platt.

Glad to give

It's a burn some bay leaves cleansing kinda day . . . 

A couple of weeks ago, I sat in church and listened to the priest tell the story of a couple who made the choice to live simply and generously, and their story resonated with me. What is tremendously heartful is living modestly so that we can give to the common good and make donations to our favorite causes. Now more than ever. 

Whether it's the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, or any cause that our family members and friends are dancing, jump roping, running, or walking for, we're glad to be able to give in honor of, in memory of someone. 

On the eve of International Women's Day/Day Without A Woman (March 8), I acknowledge that one of my my best female role models with her compassion and generosity is my mom, who is always glad to give. She and my dad always chose to live modestly and remain in Jersey City. It's a fine balance to live modestly and comfortably and have the ability to give openhandedly. To this day, she will intimately confess how she has provided funds to put a nephew, niece or few through medical, nursing or seminary studies, of which sometimes she has also been taken advantage of by relatives. Nevertheless, she persists in her giving. 

My mom is an amazing Lola. Sure, every grandma has a right to spoil her grandchildren. And when you're currently the only grandchild, oh what fun to receive packages in the mail for no reason at all. Brown paper packages in Lola's handwriting and sufficiently taped up. Delightful surprises of treats from our favorite Bayonne bakery Judicke's, new clothes and a new toy or two most appreciated by N., whose wardrobe is complete until age 8 so far. 

No doubt that Lola is always glad to give. I am thankful to try to follow her example. 

Courage, my friends. What a blessing it is to give cheerfully, accept gratefully, and hope that we are contributing to a better world. 

Good girls revolt

So thankful to have marched in DC alongside almost half a million individuals who care about their families, each other's families. A dear friend and I perched ourselves on a rusted metal scaffolding for most of the time. High enough to see all of the mall covered in a sea of pink and creative signage -- standing room only. Except for the one creepy man with beady eyes hidden behind a ski mask and wearing a black backpack which was against the rules, whom I tried not to freak out about and wanted to alert a marshal amongst marchers unable to progress because the entire route was completely filled, I took it all in . . . 

ocean swells of fandango, 
passion fruit, primrose, raspberry,
punch, rouge, & shocking blossom
womyn, men, woke children, youngfolk, & sages
blessed to don the pussycrown 
handmade by a seattle sister
to share this herstory
with a fellow villager 
we channel past suffragists
with future sisters, brothers, & citizen warriors
in resistance
in revolution
in love
electrifying mass movement
around the world
kinetically charged
action required
caution:
high voltage