Thursday, February 28, 2008
The Casual Ballerina
A Homophobic Encounter
My mum and the electricians keep up a "friendly" banter about the subject while I work in the stall, glaring the whole time. The religion man says that he does not believe that a person can be born gay. [In addition to saying something about it being against the Bible. Go figure.]
"Oh really?" my mom says, "But why would they choose to be...?"
"Exactly".
Of course at this point, I have to say something.
"Do you realize that you just contradicted yourself in only one word?"
I don't clearly remember what happened after this, partially because his electrician partner was laughing so hard and partially because of the dialog going on in my head. If I had been given the time, I probably could have changed this man's mind. Or at least made him think about what he was saying.
If I had been given the chance, I probably would have said something like this:
"Why would a person choose to be gay? Do you realize what kind of discrimination they have to go through in order to be open about who they are? Most of all, they have to listen to men like you. Now please tell me, Why would anyone choose to be gay?"
I know that is not the best argument possible but when I am angry, it is difficult for me to think straight. I was so mad; someone was in my barn, bashing one of my best friends, pulling the religion card and getting away with it. If it was up to me, he would have been gone at that moment. There are plenty of electricians out there.
Uggh! The frustration runneth over. I just don't know what to say. I will be surprised if this ends up make much sense.
I guess I'll go calm myself now.
The Things I Carry
I carry many things
The necessary and the not
The material and emotional
The heavy and burdensome
My purse, no matter how small, carries my life
It carries the experiences I have had
Old movie tickets, receipts
Spare change and empty gum wrappers
It carries memories
My iPhone carries my information
Without it I would be lost
Instant information and instant communication
In a world with only seconds to spare, instant is necessary
I carry gum and perfume
Lip balm, makeup and cough drops
For the days that I don't feel my best
I carry money
Sometimes it is more than enough
Sometimes it is never enough
I carry it because society says so
I carry stress
Sometimes it is too much
Sometimes it is bearable
No matter what, there is always stress
With the stress come shattered dreams
Broken hearts
Forgotten wishes
I carry things that I do not wish to remember
I am reminded of what I have not done
And of what I will never do
They haunt and plague but will not go away
I carry experiences never felt
I carry memories long gone
Of people almost forgotten
Of places that may have existed only in my dreams
These are the worst memories
Forgotten truths and lies believed
All of these things, I carry on my own
Any criticism is welcome!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
International Leana
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Equine Therapy
I want to eventually have other, smaller animals that are on the same level as the smaller children. There is nothing more intimidating than a horse when you are a mere two feet tall. Or four. Or whatever. Horses are not for everyone, I know. But, they may still want the tranquility that comes with the country. They may want to walk in the woods while having a heart to heart talk or gaze out over the pond while divulging their innermost demons. Maybe they do want the animals to help them. Thats where the miniature donkey comes in. Or the pony. Or the miniature horse. Or the chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, sheep, pigs and whatever else I might take on.
I want to be able to reach out to those who have no hope. Maybe emotionally or financially. Maybe there is a child who needs therapy but his insurance wont cover it. Maybe there is also a businessman who needs a weekend away from the stresses of the city. Part of that businessman's [or woman's] fees would go towards getting that child therapy. In addition to feeding all my therapy animals, of course :]
This is my ideal situation. Using horses and other animals to help people. People helping others who need it the most. I know it sounds very idealistic and unrealistic at best but I want this to become my reality.
This is my dream.