“Restriction of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. It is the one un-American act that could most easily defeat us.” —Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas
The week of Sept. 24-Oct. 1 is Banned Books Week (a list of the 100 most frequently challenged books is here), which celebrates the Freedom to Read. Please remember that what most of us consider one of the most BASIC of freedoms isn't available to everyone and is actually at risk in our own country. The very fact that YOU have the right to decide what you want to see and read and live means I DO TOO. Leave the books, all the books, available and step-up and do what a parent should do: decide what is appropriate and when its appropriate for your own children and realize that they have some say in it too. Opens minds = open hearts.
“I don't want to be shut out from the truth. If they ban books, they might as well lock us away from the world.” —Rory Edwards, 12
[ t ]
Spent a nice, long afternoon with friends enjoying the unpredictable, newly-fall weather, eating too much, drinking too much, enjoying the time immensely. We're not usually the type to go to such things, but, like always after the event, we were so glad we did. Commented several times since yesterday "I'm sure glad we went." Was a great reminder that we're all so much more than our individuality. Of course, I'm ALL for individuality, but ironically enough, part of what makes us unique is what we take from those around us and our collective environments. Enjoy whats left of the season and spend some valuable time just hangin' out with friends. You'll be glad you did.
[ t ]
I've noticed a little mini trend in my scrapbooking right now. Almost theraputic. Dealing with things that are so personal I don't really think about them, they are just in my head. Almost more of an emotion and feeling than an actual thought put into words. And lately they've been showing up in layouts and journaling and its wonderful. What a great way to express what makes you tick. Help YOU learn what makes you YOU. My challenge to you: in some format (visual, verbal, even audible), put something OUT THERE that expresses you. In all your glory, fear, pathos, whatever, just to get it out of your own head. So nice to meet you!
[ t ]
saw this dare issued by amber and carried forward by ali. so ok, i took on this dare because it did what all dares should do: make you uncomfortable. squirm and think "oh no, not me." and i'm glad i did. because i am not a sexy girl. i used to feel sexy, when i was 20 and smaller and had big boobs unaffected by gravity and arrogance unaffected by maturity. but it has been a hell of a long time since i have put me + sexy in the same thought. do a whole layout about sexy? are you kidding? "oh no, not me." do it any way. if, like me, you feel silly, and alt + tab to switch the screen to something else everytime someone walked by, then you HAVE to do it. it's not a dare at this point, its a neccesity. because you, too, ARE SEXY, and you deserve to remember it. i think you'll discover it doesn't have much to do with looks.
[ t ]
i love those odd times when suddenly you feel supremely happy. can't figure out why exactly, so i had to ponder. i think it literally is something so simple as this: i love my rocket dog shoes and cowboy pajama pants and today is saturday and its warm and not hot and my new computer kicks much ass and i have no agenda all day until about 5:00 tonight, at which time i get to party AND not have to worry about 1) kids (they get to come with) and 2) driving (we're walking only 2 houses down.) i also love typing without punc.tu-atio.n and CAPitals. today is a damn fine day. hope yours is as well.
much love, t