A long week

We are in the aftermath  of the election.  Which, as history will have shown you, did not go as we had hoped.  Shockingly not so, as it turns out. (for more on my feelings in the aftermath, see the ThirtyDays blog...)  Our illusions of America shattered, we have been licking our wounds, gathering in our corners, and planning the fight back.  Also, spending ridiculous amounts of time on Facebook and not nearly enough time sleeping.  It's been a long week.  12 days out from the election and I am trying to find an equilibrium, a way of going on with life-as-usual, without letting the new "normal" become the usual.  Trying to enjoy life without losing focus on change, trying to be fine without pretending that everything is fine.  I will be making phone calls, attending meetings, maybe even marching for change.  I will find a way to use my time and energy to fight back against this administration and everything it stands for.

But in the meantime.

In the meantime we have laundry and work and friends, ballet and soccer and going to the gym, grocery shopping and packing lunches and getting kids ready for school.

Life goes on, dear ones.  Just a note: If my blog updates are fewer and farther between, know that in the quiet hours I am searching for that balance, finding some extra time to give in the effort towards a life that goes on, for all people, in the direction of freedom, justice and equality.  (Lofty goals as ever, just more focused and urgent now.  Silver linings:  I can no longer sit back and assume someone else is fighting that fight.  I have to do it for myself.  Never to old to do some growing...)

A few moments from this past week:

An evening at the Art Museum with our friends.

A day out at Playhouse Square with my mom.  We saw "Finding Neverland" which was just about the perfect escape.  Believing in magic and dreams and love....  yep.
 (Plus, some pretty amazing staging and acting and singing, and even a dog on stage.  Loved it.)

 Playdates with friends all weekend long...

 And some stunning weather that begged an adventurous trip to our local treasure, Forest Hills.

Cory with her bows in from her grooming earlier that day.  Why don't we get her groomed more often??

 What's a nice walk without some breaking and entering?  We snuck through  a fence to look at the "Bowling green" area of the park..

 ... Conveniently locate next to this fascinating abandoned apartment building.  Never a dull moment around here!

 Second Sunday Soup, hosted by the Jacob's...

... and a 3 day trip to Columbus for me, attending the OCALI conference.  A work-cation for sure, especially with the 70 degree sunshine that necessitated several trips to Goodale Park and some serious walking around on High Street in the Short North.

This weekend:  Snow, of course.
Because it's Cleveland.

Kids are thrilled.  I am cold.  And busy with not one but two political meetings this weekend.  Not "action" so much, yet.  Just a lot of coming together to talk about how scared and powerless we feel. Hopefully our coming together will eventually change that feeling.  For now-- Thanksgiving preparations are underway (potluck tonight, apple pie in the oven; about to brine a turkey to roast up for school on Tuesday, looking for a good green bean recipe for Strasburg on Thursday....) and we're starting some Christmas lists.  Holidays are a good distraction.

Peace and Solidarity to you, dear readers.  May life go on.