Women’s March Seattle Rocked!

On January 22, 2017 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Seattle, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Everyone now has had a chance to see the phenomenal turnout of passionate protestors at the Women’s March yesterday but let me tell you firsthand what it was like in Seattle. AWESOME! Families, men, women, old, young, gay, straight, black, white-diverse as Hell-all walking quietly and peacefully to make a statement. We care. And what a statement we made with our pink hats and colorful signs.

Yes, perhaps I wouldn’t want small children to read some of the expressions on the signs but our new POTUS forced our hand to have the whole “pussy” and “golden shower” conversations with our elderly parents and our children. Shame on him. Not just despicable but deplorable and icky too.

wp_20170121_09_59_06_rich — Thom on his soapbox, literally, along the March route.

But the March wasn’t about him or even Hillary on the whole. It was about protecting our hard-fought rights for affordable medical care, the right to make decisions about our own bodies, to offer a safe refuge for immigrants, quality education and support for those in need and so much more.

As far as logistics, with little time and no money, the organizers of the Women’s March did a great job. I was surprised at the lack of Seattle City support in the way of facilities and the police presence was underwhelming at best. Thank God there were no incidents because I didn’t basically see any police support until we got to Seattle Center where groups of bike cops played with their cell phones, pepper spray cocked and ready to go. They didn’t even clear the March route of vehicles-pity those who cluelessly parked on 4th Avenue. Hope they didn’t need their cars all day as the crowd exceeded 100,000+ and dominated the streets for hours.

Pink pussycat hat purchased from a fellow marcher in advance and Thom resplendent and quite popular in his “icky Trump” t-shirt (people kept taking pictures of him), we made friends along the way sharing advice on how to get involved and encouraging each other to make a difference going forward As voices raised and the silence ended, sporadic waves of joyful shouting rippled up the route, all of us rejoicing at just being together. While there weren’t any formal refreshment stations, restauranteur Tom Douglas joined in with his staff by The Dahlia Bakery to hand out free water and cookies. What a nice guy!

womans-march_tom-douglas-7284 — Tom Douglas handing out water and cookies near Dahlia Bakery at the Women’s March

This will not be my last protest but it was my first with Thom. Surprised? Those who know Thom will not be surprised that this was just one of many protests he has attended through out his life. Outspoken he is and fearless in his strong liberal ways. I have been more moderate and less active. But that all changes now. It has to because The Resistance has only just begun. We will not go silently into the night. Affordable health care saves lives. Our leaders should not lie or get elected with help from Russia. People being kind and working together will make the difference that saves us all. March on!

David Sedaris Delights

On January 21, 2017 By Travels with MelindaIn books, bookstores, Seattle, UncategorizedLeave a comment

“This will be the last decent day we’re going to have.” David Sedaris reflecting on the day before the Inauguration. Glad Thom and I got to share a fun evening with this smart, diverse, witty guy instead of watching that narcissistic, lying, cheating racist prepare to destroy our democracy. But enough about the rosy future of our nation…

wp_20170119_18_49_18_rich — Waiting for David Sedaris

Billed as a chance to help David Sedaris edit his next book, we quickly bought tickets and looked forward to time with this genius writer and keen observer of life. Used to seeing David in a large venue like Benroya Hall, it was nice to get cozy with David and about 200 other hard core fans at The Broadway Performance Hall at Seattle Community College.

“Theft by Finding” will end up being 2 books based on David’s 156 volumes of diaries from 1997-2002. Because “books get ugly when too fat”, David was editing the 630 pages he currently had for volume 1 before sending it off to his publishers next week with an anticipated May release. His next book will be coming out a year after that and will be a collection of short essays, a few of which he shared, giving us all a much needed laugh to the point of tears streaming down our faces. Much to look forward to, at least in books.

David opened his presentation by introducing two locals looking for jobs: Aaron and Julia. Peppering them with questions that HR could never ask like “are you gay?” “how old are you?”, he encouraged the audience to consider helping these fine folks out, including a recommendation that Julia appreciated sexual harassment and would never sue. Oh, David.

He has broken down his diary entries into categories: animal, people, drugs, assholes, travel, hard luck, asking for $, IHOP (a place he goes to observe people), etc. Needing to edit clumsy passages if “There’s no music to it”, the book will be a culmination of the best that the diaries have to offer and thus the enormous size of the books as they stand now. More pages are good for me, David, so don’t edit too much!

Looking back on many dairy entries of his travels including his forced visit to a Johnny Rocket diner where the waitresses put smiley faces on your hamburgers with ketchup but David requested a swastika instead and the reaction that elicited, his tales of his family really stand out as both relatable and hysterical. With a dad who is mostly angry and ridiculing, David related that when he recently fell off a ladder and hurt himself, he was amazed that his dad instantly turned caring after just having an argument prior to the incident. Family is family. Or his dad’s aversion to candlelight at the dinner table that his mom favored and his own aversion to the harshness of overhead lighting. Even a 15-year old David appreciated the softness of afternoon light and favored lamps covered with scarves to reduce the glare. Doesn’t every 15-year old boy?

Hugh is David’s partner and is featured in many of his diary entries. Relating when, after many years together, they finally had THE discussion of how many people they had each slept with, Hugh just kept counting, “moving on to a population of a small town”. David reflected that it was a miracle that they both didn’t get AIDS and when Hugh finally got around to sharing his “total slept with” number, David couldn’t help but state the obvious: “Whore!”

Always a fashion statement, David favors culottes and modelled a smock from Japan that had snaps up the front AND the back, though he couldn’t fathom why the snaps were needed in the back. I always look forward to his unique outfits befitting his personality.

In the Q&A, David was asked about his writing process and if he would ever write a book about it. Writer’s write and the only way to improve is to keep on writing but as far as writing a book about it: “No, it’s boring. Writing seems so dull to me” but David takes his observations of the world and shares them with us so we can laugh even in the darkest of times. Thank you, David.

Turning my back on politics for a day!

On January 16, 2017January 16, 2017 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Museum, Parks, Seattle, UncategorizedLeave a comment

When the craziness of the political landscape is driving me to drink and getting me down (and how could it not?), then I turn to art and music to lift my spirits. Okay, whiskey and wine work too but art and music are better for my soul AND my health. So, off to the museum we went for a day away from the madness of politics.

After waking up just in time to witness a tweet storm of epic proportions in real time on Saturday morning when “he who must not be named” thought it would be a good idea to take on esteemed Congressman John Lewis, I felt a need to disconnect from the nightmare that is about to begin. So, taking advantage of a sunny, not-so-freezing day in Seattle, we set out to experience the Seattle Asian Art Museum.

Set in a gorgeous location in Volunteer Park near Capital Hill, we were blown away by the stunning collection in the 1933 Art Deco building. Originally the site of the SAM, it now houses classic Asian art pieces and special exhibits like the contemporary Japanese artist Tabaimo Homage with thought-provoking video installations. One made me think WTF but the piece set in a women’s bathroom was interesting and the crows were subtly freakish. Art!

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The more classic art pieces featured such intricate details that you could look at just one piece all day to appreciate the artistry to make it. Carvings, pottery, tapestries, etc. from ancient times to contemporary pieces are just for viewing but the cement replicas of Ming Dynasty camel statues that grace the entrance are meant to be climbed on by the kids and serve as a backdrop for fun photo ops. We didn’t take the tours offered but there were two on Sunday at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. which would probably be very informative.

While you are there, cross the street and check out the water tower observation deck. Challenged by Thom, I chugged up the 107 stairs to enjoy the 360 degree view of Seattle. Gorgeous!

Water Tower Observation Deck

We are SAM members but if you aren’t, the museum is open free on the first Thursday and Saturday of each month. Tear yourself away from social media, turn your back on politics at least for a day and take advantage of the museum and the park-both gems in Seattle!

Xtreme Holiday Xtravaganza Rocked!

On December 23, 2016 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Boise, Music, Seattle, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Experiencing the Boise music scene at the Xtreme Holiday Xtravaganza hosted by Curtis Stigers at the Egyptian Theater was an eye opener. Who knew there was so much local talent in little old Boise?? Now in it’s 11th year, this musical holiday journey featured Curtis, who is an amazing talent I was unaware of until lately, and loads of other Boise solo artists and groups. Not a bad note in the bunch and lots of moments that just made you smile. It was sold out both nights and now I can see why. WOW. stigers-2

This fundraiser benefits Interfaith Sanctuary Housing Services that supports the homeless in Boise. I got to meet Dan Ault, Shelter Director, in the lobby while on a break and promised my future support. How can you not? We volunteer every Sunday in Seattle when we are home to feed 300+ homeless at Shared Breakfast. For those of us blessed with so much, helping others with life’s basics of food and shelter seems to be the least we can do. Stigers’ rendition of “Burden” by Foy Vance was so relevant and gave me goose bumps. Foy is one of my favorite artists that we just got to see in Seattle at the Columbia City Theater, a small venue that won’t hold the crowd for Foy’s next concert swing as he gains in popularity. Go see Foy if you get a chance. Oh, and Curtis, please come to Seattle soon and allow us to enjoy a full evening of your music. The Moore or The Paramount would be ideal venues for your big voice. Please.

stigers-3 — Curtis sings Burden with back-up from many talent Boise artists

From an Irish band that I will have to check out soon at the local downtown Ha’ Penny Bridge Pub to Pengilly’s Saloon which seems like “the” place for local artists, we need to challenge ourselves to explore all this great Boise talent. Trooping up to the stage, The Divas of Boise, a group of talented female singers/musicians started by Rocci Johnson in the mid-90s to showcase their skills and lend a helping hand in the Boise Community, brought it with big voices and loads of talent.

Silly us. We have never fully explored the Boise music scene when visiting our home here because we are usually so busy with babysitting the lovely Miss Mia or doing home renovations. Busy, busy but finding time to listen to great music is essential to a happy life, at least for me.

Lucky for us, Eilen Jewell who lives in our North End neighborhood was on the stage with her husband rocking out with some other local musicians. I would love to see Eilen give a concert in this spacious theater. The last time we saw her we were packed into the Tractor Tavern in Seattle. Her heartfelt tunes and excellent band make for a fun evening but I would prefer not to stand the whole time. Yes, I’m getting a tad older and like simple creature comforts like a comfy padded seat.

stigers — Eilen Jewell and friends rocking it out. She’s AWESOME!

Curtis and his cohorts did a great job balancing the request for support with music and frivolity. Even in bleeding red Idaho, the liberal taunts of Trump were woven into the evening and it felt good to be among fellow people with brains who could laugh and cry together at the state of our country. The 3+ hour show went by quickly and raised a lot of money for those in need. On a cold and wintery evening, we felt the holiday spirit loud and clear. Happy holidays to all and to all a good night!

Expect nothing, appreciate everything

On December 11, 2016 By Travels with MelindaIn Seattle, UncategorizedLeave a comment

“Expect nothing, appreciate everything” is my go-to life motto that I have embraced for years. Too often I’ve seen people who feel entitled and are unappreciative of the blessings they already have heaped upon them-good health, loving family, a stable job, etc. and instead are always looking for more, more, more because that is what they think will make them happy. MORE.

Wake up, folks-no one is guaranteed anything. I used to volunteer at Gilda’s Club in Chicago and hang out with cancer patients, serving dinner among other things. They coached us to just say it like it is, “Cancer sucks and shit happens. Fight it as hard as you can and appreciate each day we are given.” Having been widowed at the ripe old age of 21, I can definitely say that this tragic experience taught me to not sweat the small stuff and appreciate life. As I reminded one of my bosses when we were discussing a challenging situation, “no one died so let’s just chill and work it out”. Many variables can affect our lives that we have no control over. A 23 year old man is not supposed to die but he did. So I’ve always tried to work hard, love big and expect nothing while appreciating the hell out of everything I do have and cherishing every day the little things in life like exploring a new city, reading a good book, warm socks, or dinner with friends.

Today as I served hundreds of hungry homeless guests at our Shared Breakfast, I was once again reminded to appreciate everything. We were lucky to have received a donations of hats, gloves and socks for our guests that we will share throughout December. Our guests were so thankful not only for the hot, nutritious meal we served to them at their table but the added bonus of these hats/gloves/socks which will help them stay dry and warm while living on the streets of Seattle. Coming home to drawers full of socks, I imagined how it would feel to own only the socks on my feet. I am so thankful for my ability to have a job that allows us to have not only socks but a warm home with food whenever we are hungry. Others do not have this luxury. If you feel so inclined and want to assist this great organization that is 100% volunteer-driven and where all donations go to buying food, you can go to this site and give to Shared Breakfast.

wp_20161211_08_21_48_rich — Shared Breakfast in downtown Seattle, serving hundreds of guests in need

As we travel to Boise to spend the holidays, I will love being with my family. And I will appreciate the lovely meals we will share and the gifts we will give. But mostly I will appreciate our health, our love and our happiness to be all together as a family for even a short amount of time. That’s my true gift. And I will never, ever take it for granted. I will appreciate everything, every day. Happy holidays all!

Holiday Shopping that makes a difference!

On December 3, 2016December 3, 2016 By Travels with MelindaIn Christmas, Holidays, Seattle, Shopping, UncategorizedLeave a comment

In an effort to put our holiday $’s to good use, we visited the Giving Marketplace at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation today. From handmade jewelry to cranberry-orange chocolate bars to coconut body lotions, various non-profits highlighted their good work and offered their products to purchase, all with proceeds going towards making a difference around the world.

First stop for us was, of course, Theo Chocolate with free samples and an interesting story to be shared. I have seen their large chocolate bars in the local stores for purchase but had no idea that they were made locally in Fremont (free factory tours!) and that they also support the growers in East Congo enabling a better life. Win-win! Theo Chocolate

Alaffia was founded in 2004 to alleviate poverty and empower communities in Togo, West Africa. Their creamy and fragrant body washes and moisturizing locations were amazing-I took advantages of samples so Thom and I could experience the shea and coconut-based products that are handcrafted to nourish the body and spirit. Sold! Someone’s getting an Alaffia gift in their stocking for Christmas. Shhhh….. Alaffia

Thom stopped by the Bike Works table to discuss how they promote bicycles as a vehicle for change to empower youth and build resilient communities. Launched in 1996 by a local Seattle group, volunteers provide services for over 2,000 adults and youth each year. If you think about it, lack of reliable transportation can have a huge effect on our lives. By providing a bicycle to someone in need, you can change a life. Bike Works

If you haven’t checked out the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation yet, go. There are exhibits that interest adults AND children. Very interactive and thought-provoking. In this crazy time where all we can talk about is hate and unrest, it is refreshing to go and see all the good work that this foundation provides to the world. Taking on the real problems that affect lives, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is tackling the big issues of water, poo, natural disaster response, etc. Wouldn’t it be cool if our government cared about this as much? Bill or Melinda Gates for President!!!

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As I’ve decided this year to make a difference with my holiday shopping, our annual Christmas PJ’s will come from Sudara, founded in 2005 to assist women in India trying to escape the sex slave trade. Hundreds of women are trained and provided with a safe work environment to heal and prosper. I can’t wait to wear my punjammies with pride on Christmas morning. Sudara

I also want to support small businesses at home. Instead of driving to the mall and shopping at the big box stores, I’ll be seeking out those little independent stores in Seattle and Boise to fill out my shopping list this year. Yes, it may cost a bit more but it’s worth it. Happy shopping and happy holidays to all!

Winter Whiskey Tasting

On November 25, 2016 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Cocktails, liquor, Uncategorized, whiskeyLeave a comment

Nothing says “HAPPY HOLIDAYS!” like a flight of whiskey to savor and compare. Forget bargain shopping. Nobody really needs all that crap anyway. Belly up to the bar with the family and toast having the good sense to avoid the crazy crowds at the mall. Cheers!

Red, white and whiskey

My sis and I!

Just up the road from South Bend, Indiana, you can experience the lovely small town vibe of Three Oaks, Michigan AND visit Journeyman Distillery. Over 100 years ago, E. K. Warren offered corsets and buggy whips in this factory in lower Michigan. Journeyman Distillery opened in 2010 in the beautifully renovated factory space as a family-run business that not only turns out craft spirits but tasty food as well. The lunch crowd packed in to eat pizza, burgers and more on the day after Thanksgiving but the star of the show was no doubt the homemade hooch. A whiskey flight with their five shots was only $4. That’s right-handcrafted spirits that went down like silk for a couple of bucks. Got to love the Midwest!

The cocktail ingredients ranged from shrubs to reductions combined with their own small-batch spirits. No beer, no wine-just a wide variety of homemade gin, vodka, limoncello, and whiskey. My kind of place! Cocktails were inventive like the Beetlejuice cocktail with red arrow vodka/simple syrup/house beet-basil reduction or the Fall Classic with whiskey/navy strength road’s end rum/simple syrup/ lime juice/McClary Bros. lemon ginger shrub/house amaretto. WOW. I could go there every night for weeks and sip unique drinks. Probably good for my liver that I go home Monday to Seattle.

After trying all five whiskeys, my tongue and lips were numb but happy. I loved the W. R. White Whiskey that had notes of banana, mango and ripened fruit as well as white pepper and spices. The only thing stopping me from buying LOTS of bottles of different spirits was the damn TSA liquid restrictions. A return trip on our next visit will no doubt be a priority. Tired from shopping or dealing with crazy relatives? Try a whiskey flight (or two) and have a happy holiday! wp_20161125_12_46_01_rich

Holiday Road Tripping

On November 23, 2016 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Holidays, Seattle, Travel, Uncategorized, vacationLeave a comment

Taking a road trip on the dreaded day before Thanksgiving, declared the WORST travel day of the year by the media and anyone who has ever been silly enough to travel on this day, I keep reminding myself why this journey must take place. The rainbow at the end of the trip. Mom. She’s worth it. She’s our pot of gold.

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Living in Seattle, far away from my family, I haven’t spent a holiday with my Mom and Sister in ages, perhaps 20 years or so. This is the year to break that spell. While spending Thanksgiving away from my kids for the first time will be tough, off to Indiana we will go. Planes, trains and automobiles lay ahead of us today and I’m not just quoting a fav holiday movie title. LITERALLY, we will Uber, fly, hop on the local C line from Midway to downtown Chicago, drag our asses and luggage through the streets of Chicago to the South Shore Line and tonight at 9 p.m. arrive at South Bend airport where my sister will pick us up, if and when we arrive alive. Our travel day will take as long to go from Seattle to South Bend as what we experienced travelling back and forth from Seattle to China, which was an easy 14-hour day at most, spent in Business Class being wined and dined with a nap in between and some movies throughout to keep me entertained. Ahhh…I miss those travel days for sure.

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But, I surely don’t have it as bad as the fellow traveler observed this morning at 7:30 AM at the wine bar at SEATAC sipping a champagne tasting flight while waiting for her journey. How bad do your relatives have to be in order to do that? I walked by, did a double take and told Thom to sneak a picture. WTF! Not a wee nip to get you going or a gentle hair of the dog to get over a bad night but 3 full glasses of the bubbly for breakfast. Wow.

Reading news articles about the apprehension many people face over the possibility of interactions with dysfunctional family members, not often seen or heard from but present at the holiday dinner table, always makes me appreciate our family more. We don’t fight over who cooks the meal or what is included in the menu. Thom and I will both be very happy to just show up and enjoy what is beautifully presented to us by my sis and her husband, both very good cooks. We will let them have it and instead go see my Mom and watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade the morning of Thanksgiving before the big meal. It will bring back great memories of our time spent in NYC during the holidays, wandering the parade route in 2012, seeing the ginormous balloons up close and personal. Everyone should do that one time in their lives. It was special.

We spent this past weekend cooking up an early Thanksgiving feast so that our son and his girlfriend could partake in our family favorites of stuffing, corn casserole, green bean casserole, yeast rolls, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes and, of course, turkey. A carbolicious buffet that sent me straight into a coma after watching the new Ghostbusters movie with the kids. Not the best movie I’ve seen lately but at least it didn’t have any embarrassing scenes that weren’t family friendly. Even at 23, my son is very protective of me and filters what he considers “appropriate” material to watch with his mother. When I expressed that Sausage Party looked like a fun film, he shuddered and declared that there was NO WAY we should watch that together. What could be so bad about a film featuring a party where you cook and serve sausages? In speaking with a co-worker who experienced the film, she had to agree with my son. Apparently, I was spared an embarrassing and tragic movie-watching experience.

During and after our hectic travel day, I am concentrating on being calm, relaxed and tolerant. Here’s hoping the Trump supporters and neo-Nazi confederate flag-waving Midwesterners stay out of our paths. I grew up in Indiana amidst the KKK so I’m just being realistic of that demographic being real, not that I’m saying that of all Hoosiers, though they are a conservative bunch in general. Blinders on and diligent to avoid politics at all costs this weekend, Thom and I both need at least a brief respite from the despair and terror we experience daily reading Twitter or watching the news. Now, it’s all about family and love and kindness. Happy Thanksgiving all!

YSL Perfection at SAM

On November 23, 2016November 23, 2016 By Travels with MelindaIn Fashion, Museum, Seattle, UncategorizedLeave a comment

It was a dark and stormy afternoon with sheets of torrential rain coming down. In other words, a typical Seattle day-perfect for a stroll through the fantastic fashion exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum featuring Yves Saint Laurent in all his glory. YSL truly experienced an amazing journey from teen fashion prodigy to world famous designer and this exhibit running through 1/8/17 invites you into his world of fashion through a behind-the-scenes look at the designer’s life.

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The exhibit is so much more than the 100+ gorgeous outfits that YSL created. You can see his early sketches and paper dolls that he created as a teen fashion prodigy, the swatches and drawings that he used to create his collection, personal photos and much more.

YSL was born to create unique and original works of art that spanned a long and turbulent career. Like most artists, YSL fought childhood bullying first and then, later in adulthood, depression and addictions while somehow creating masterpieces that you can now view at the Seattle Art Museum. I loved seeing not only the final product but the genius behind the creations.

My Election Hangover

On November 18, 2016 By Travels with MelindaIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Optimism followed by shock then sadness morphing into pure terror to my core and now a call to action. He Who Will Never Represent My Values is our nation’s new leader, elected by less than a majority of our citizens. Why? How? WTF!

Spending the first Presidential election apart since we met, Thom suffered in Idaho, the most red of red states while I will forever be bonded with Whitney and Cat as we experienced the heartache together in Seattle. At one point after it became obvious Cheeto Jesus was in control, Cat pulled out the smokes and we drowned our sorrows first in tobacco quickly followed by strong alcohol at a bar across the street from The Westin where the Dems had gathered to celebrate and ultimately cry together. Normal behavior for me? Nope-haven’t had a cigarette in years and probably won’t ever again but desperate times and all.

Leaving my friends around 9 p.m., I made the cold walk home alone to walk the dogs. I went to bed amidst a self-imposed media blackout, not wanting to face the awful final decision confirming that the American people had gone crazy. Up early to take care of the pups, I caught the newspaper headlines out of the corner of my eye in the street box around the corner that verified the awful truth. Oh. Hell. No.

Spending the following weekend in Boise with our lovely granddaughter, Mia finally made us smile and forget. Sadly, Mia would not see a woman elected to our highest office. Yet. Damn. wp_20161111_18_49_06_rich

This week we looked forward to David Sedaris sharing his wisdom and wit during his appearance at Benroya Hall. Surely David, the funniest writer and humorist around, would make us feel better, perhaps even laugh. Paul Constant, co-founder of Seattle Review of Books, introduced David. “Fuuuuuuccccckkkkk” followed by “Shhhhhiiiiiittttt”. Paul shared his election reaction that we could all relate to. Election eve, Paul shared that he got terribly high as he dealt with the anxiety. Paul, you and everyone in the place could relate as we are all in this together, struggling mightily to make sense of it all while multi-tasking to explore the Canadian real estate market as we drink LOTS of hard alcohol. Crazy times.

Avoiding the topic for most of the night and sporting bold culottes cut from curtain-like fabric, David finally had to address the orange elephant in the room when one gal asked him during the Q & A, “What can you say to make us feel better?”

At that point, he called to the stage a local Seattle friend of his, Suze. He must have anticipated this type of question because she was ready to encourage the audience with a passionate call to action: spread love (kissing booths perhaps?), offer sanctuary to all who are targeted by this administration and be subversive. Really, really subversive. I like her.

David mocked recent protests where people rallied and held hands peacefully around a lake. What a bucolic scene that would be but he suggested instead that we should gather around a lake and drown those who didn’t vote. I think he was kidding. Maybe.

wp_20161116_21_29_01_rich-1 — Suze, David’s Seattle friend, encourages audience to take action

So, here we are profoundly sad, broken, pissed, fearful, and the emotional list goes on and on. We are a mess. What to do now? Get involved, make your voice heard, contribute to those in need.

I will march with the Women’s March on Washington movement right here in Seattle on 1/21, the day after the inauguration, which I will not watch. Anyone who wants to show, in a peaceful way, that women’s rights should matter to everyone is welcome to join us.

I will donate to causes who will need help now more than ever-Planned Parenthood and the ACLU among others.

I will call the House Oversight Committee (202-225-5074) to support a bipartisan review of Trump’s financials and conflicts of interest. Call early, call often.

I will call my congress person and demand they stand up against the appointment of Bannon and use this as a script: ” Hi, my name is xxxx and I am a constituent. I am calling to ask that Rep/Sen xxxx refuse to work with the Trump transition team until Bannon is removed from his staff. His history of demeaning and dangerous racist language is unacceptable. He/she needs to step up and protect American values now.”

I will encourage others to make a difference and not move to Canada or avoid the frightening news that will be coming at us daily. Stand tall and fight the good fight.

Here’s hoping that the sun will continue to rise, that people will continue to stand up for their rights and our country remains safe for ALL people. Be safe, be strong my friends.