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| Lynn, me, and Lily |
Once again this morning, lots and lots of women gathered together to walk in the rain, this time because we needed the fellowship of one another in our grief about the election. More than twenty of us went out on a windy and rainy walk, right around five miles. Last night I finally got a decent night's sleep, and that has made a huge difference in my state of mind.
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| From Heidi's b00n00k Instagram page |
Then we three went to the Farmer's Market and I asked someone to take a picture of us so that I could send it to Carol in North Carolina. It turned out to be Barbara, a talented potter, who was wearing a safety pin on her collar. Lynn (who always seems to know everything before I do), praised her for the sentiment. In fact, Barbara was passing out safety pins to those who asked about it and felt they wanted to let people know that we, too, are friendly to the cause. The movement started with the "Brexit" vote and has now come to us in America so that we can let immigrants, refugees, and Muslims know they are "safe" with us.
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| One of Barbara's beautiful plates |
On this, the fourth day after the election results, I am now finally beginning to come out of my despair and feel that there will be many good things to come that it's just not possible to know at the moment. I was surprised to learn that only 54% of the electorate even bothered to vote. The citizens in so many countries around the world would give anything to have that privilege.
:-(
I was introduced to the safety-pin movement on another blog this morning. Love it. And will be joining.
ReplyDeleteBarbara's plate is gorgeous, and I am very happy that you are seeing some light in your darkness.
Cyber hugs.
i read about the safety pin pledge on msn.com. i think we have to have faith in the republican party to rein in his bravado. he is already pulling in all of his grand promises/plans because he's having to toe the political line. congress still has huge control. money doesn't just appear for walls. i think the majority of people who voted him in will be largely disappointed that he will not deliver on his huge pledges and big talk.
ReplyDeletetruly, i think if hillary had gotten elected, we'd have been in another 4 years of stalemate and divisiveness. i have no choice but to give my support to the republican party to get together and accomplish something instead of just gripe about it and tear the other side down. i hope they do it sanely and wisely. that's where my prayers are going these days.
What a great idea with the safety pin. People amaze me with their thoughtfulness and ingenuity.
ReplyDeleteDJan, it has taken me a few days to get over this election. We did all we could do, and now we can only hope for the best. We will continue to believe in our America and pray that by some miracle good will come out of all this. I've heard about the safety pins and it sounds like a good idea...
ReplyDeleteI don't "get" the safety pin idea, anyone could put one on and pretend to support refugees and immigrants. From my point of view a place that used to be "safe" is no longer because of the crimes being committed by refugees and illegal immigrants and blacks. Fargo ND took in a whole bunch of refugees from Syria and they are nothing but troublemakers. Every evening when we turn on the news there is some shooting, stabbing and they are looking for a refugee. a Mexican or a black...hardly ever a white man.
ReplyDeleteJust my observation...but then I am from rural america:)
I too am from rural American. But my rural experience included interaction wide range of cultures. Hate was not a part of my upbringing. People worked at jobs they were giving in spite of the color of their skin. I don't know what goes on in Fargo but I suspect it is a white middle class community. Maybe I am wrong.
ReplyDeleteSo I am sorry for the for the comment posted by Far Side of Fifty. The small experience of one makes it very hard for the larger population. I cannot imagine why Fargo would be a place that people from Syria would find a safe haven that would allow them to follow their hearts. Why there? The reaction of locals will shape the lives of so many and crimes can be the result of a wall that does not allow people to earn a living. It is all very sad.
As for your walk, isn't it lovely that we can find healing in fresh air and rain? Take care of yourself DJan. You are truly a lovely spirit.
b+
We all just need to take a deep breath and be thankful for everything we have. A healing walk in the woods is perfect. Does Barbara have a web site or sell on Etsy? Her plates are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI am wearing a pin and have a pocket full in case people I meet want one.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are still with Afghan refugees I met in Greece. They will find it very difficult, nearly impossible, to get to the US because of current fears here. My heart hurts for them.
The initial shock wears off. Now we have to see what he can do. I don't look for much progress and maybe a lot of harm
ReplyDeleteI was in a tour bus in South Korea when we got the news. Our entire bus was depressed and upset to learn that Trump had won. We couldn't believe it. Our Korean tour guide said their country is very worried now and feel they are much LESS safe with Trump.
ReplyDeleteI saw the pin thing on Facebook today. Nice thing. Glad your spirits are lifting, too. :)
ReplyDeleteNice simple thing you can do.
ReplyDeleteI started wearing a safety pin Friday and passed them out at our breakfast gathering. Then today I explained why I was wearing one at a mixed race birthday party. Others planned to do the same. Whether someone with evil intentions could put on a safety pin and cause harm, I have no idea. I just like the message "You are safe with me". It is a collective action that sends a message that we will not tolerate bullying and hatred.
ReplyDelete"When you sow the wind, you reap the whirlwind". That describes Trump's campaign. We will have to suffer through the whirlwind for a while yet. Hopefully things will settle down and then we will see what a Trump presidency looks like. We were all conned. No one really knows.
Wearing the safety pin is a positive thing we can do. I'm looking for all the positive ways I can channel my sadness after this election. Glad you were able to get out for a walk with friends, and I love that glass bowl!
ReplyDeleteI love the safety pin movement and wear one whenever I go out. It gives us a feeling that we can at least do something and I hope reassures those who will not get much support in the next 4 years that they are cared about and we have their back.
ReplyDelete81% of Canadians feel as you do. I just read this number on the CBC News. After the results of the Election, the Canadian Immigration site crashed due to the numbers and traffic looking to immigrate to Canada. Apparently one cannot just pack up and leave, as many thought. Know you folks are on our minds in the days ahead. I also saw how fast the stock market was hit to an all time low. Days ahead will tell the story, Eh. Safety pin, never heard of it till now. What a great movement. We have 5 new families in our little town from Syria, settling in just fine. Have a good nite DJan. Your friend from Canada.
ReplyDeleteSafety pin here I come!
ReplyDeleteI love you and your lady trekkers' stamina. Rain or shine!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd, thank you for your kind words of condolence with my SIL's unexpected passing. Much appreciated.