Hopping with HAHAT and The Ravens Crossing

Be the change you want to see in the world. Cliche? Perhaps, but when it comes to fighting the diseases of homophobia and transphobia, aka intolerance, it has become the mantra that continues to lift me up. It's one reason why I'm proud to join the voices in this years Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia (HAHAT). I have very personal reasons for wanting to be involved, but I shared those last year. This year, I'm focusing on how I've tried to embody change.

In order to live by that mantra, of course, I get involved politically in efforts to stop intolerance and promote equal rights for all every chance I get. I strive to give back to my LGBTQIA community as often as I can. But, one of the ways I give back that I am proudest of is by co-creating and writing for an online project called The Ravens Crossing (TRC) with two of my dearest friends and college alums, Andi Lea and West Thornhill.

For the past two years, we have been publishing a free, online, serialized YA/NA Paranormal story that promotes diversity and acceptance for all the colors of the rainbow. The series has gathered quite a large following of readers. Thanks again, awesome readers. There is nothing better than knowing we have provided escape, entertainment, and comfort to a diverse audience. Every voice out there showing tolerance and acceptance counts, particularly for those who have to live and survive in the face of abuse and hatred on a daily basis. 

TRC is created and run entriely by a group of wonderful and passionate volunteers. We are now nearing the end of Season Three online. Seasons One and Two are published as eBook anthologies. TRC intentionally keeps the price points on our books low, to provide reading that is as affordable as possible. And a portion of the sale of every book goes back to organizations that help LGBTQIA young adults.

The project partners with organizations like the GSA's Make it Safe Project and the Straight but not Narrow Campaign among others. Anyone who cannot afford to purchase a book is always welcome to contact us, by the way. We are glad to donate books to those in need. 

Today, is the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. Like every disease that infects us, we are beyond due for a cure for these intolerances. I have faith that with the help of technology bringing the world together and a general human savvy, the cure is coming. It's written in the actions of our young adults, who have voted more than once, spoken loudly and publicly, to prove they believe in human rights for all. They want change, and people, change is happening. Progress is marching forward and it seems to be moving in the right direction. New states are passing marriage equality laws. Heck, entire countries have already beat us to making same-sex marriage legal nationwide. Like Macklemore, I realize this won't change us, it won't rid us of the disease of intolerance entirely, but "It's a damn fine place to start." It's a sign that progress will keep on marching.

Every voice counts, so thanks to all those raising up their voices today for this year's Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia (HAHAT).

In celebration, I am giving away a free eBook copy of The Ravens Crossing, Book One,  The Ravens Crossing, Book Two, and The Ravens Crossing, Book Three. All three books will go to one lucky winner. In order to be entered, leave a comment any time between now and May 27th and include your email address. The winner will be chosen at random and emailed at the end of the hop, so be sure to provide your contact info to be eligible. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you too will consider, if you haven't already, how you can be a part of creating change in your community.  Then, click the links in collection  button below to find out what a whole bunch of other cool people are doing. 

Mother's Beliefs

There she is, my mother with my father as they were leaving for their honeymoon, with a world full of promise and a belief in a bright future. This is my favorite photo of that day, and I'm pretty sure I've gotten my hands on all of them over the years, being the romantic that I am. I begged my relatives for all their copies and have gotten most of them for my collection. But, this one is the best.

My parents divorced years ago, and we are one of those extended families now, where everyone remains friends and the steps might very well be at a family event with both my parents laughing and having a good time together. I could look at this image and focus on hopes and dreams that were lost. Instead, I see that life doesn't always go as you expect, and still it comes out okay, perhaps even richer in the end.

On Mother's Day, of all days, I find myself feeling lucky because I have a Mom who is my biggest supporter. I know that many don't have Moms like mine, and so I try not to take it for granted. Sometimes, I do. I'm human. We get on each other's nerves. We fight sometimes. Yet, she still thinks I am the greatest thing to come along ever. Her belief in me is truly astounding.

Let me give you an example. Upon my graduation from Goddard with my masters in Interdisciplinary Arts with a focus on Environmental Studies, my mother began to ask about my future plans. On the drive home from Vermont, she announced with all seriousness that she had gotten Al Gore's address and mailing information, so that I could write to him. She expected me to share with him my ideas on how to use art to teach people about climate change. She said this with such sincerity that I knew she honestly believed Al would be grateful to hear from me. Surely, he would make me his new right hand girl in charge of something.

When I informed her that I wanted to be a writer, and that the one person I would love to learn from the most would be Barbara Kingsolver, my mother made damn sure I met Barbara in person and was able to have a long chat with her about writing fiction. To this day, she is awaiting my Kingsolveresque novel of quiet brilliance to be published. She believes in me that much. Without question. Without end. So, thanks Mom for your belief. It lifts me up, and I love you for it!

Happy Birthday, Cinco!

Twelve years ago today, I took in a little stray dog. Half rottie and half red heeler or Australian cattle dog, she is my most loyal and faithful companion. I named her for our finder's day, of course, and we have celebrated this day as her birthday ever since, because I didn't know her exact date of birth. Roughly six weeks, give or take, prior to Cinco de Mayo.

Anyone who knows my Cinco loves her, even if she can be a bit of a diva. She was even asked to model professionally last year as part of an art project about dogs. Her portraits ended up being the focal point of photographer Lisa Pitcher's show. Here are a few of her portaits.

Never having quite gotten over being a star, she is happily curled at my feet as I type, having gorged on all kinds of things like bacon and pork loin today. My whole family spoils her rotten. It's been a good day for a good dog, and that's all I can ask.

One for Sharon and Alex

Today at our usual coffee porn/ shinanigans/ TRC meeting, we were talking about how we use music and images to inspire us when we write and how that differs for each of us, though we all agreed that when stuck, music is the thing that can jar the writing loose. Often, when I am channeling my Sharon and Alex characters, I put on Foo Fighters Deadmau5 remix of "Rope." The song just seems to embody these two characters. With all the crazy going on in their lives, they hang on, often to each other. Friday is always the day Sharon and Alex's story posts on The Ravens Crossing. Today, of all days, Alex might "choke on a kiss." So, my man, this one's for you! 

Happy Couples Kissing

Inspiration for my stories often hits me when I see images of happy couples kissing. I don't care what sexual orientation they are, and I'm not talking the whole porn, hot, tongueing thing. I'm talking love and happiness and an obvious sharing of that joy. It's what makes me want to keep writing stories about relationships. So, today, as I walked into my local gas station to see the new Time Magazine cover, which alternates on the rack between a female and a male same-sex couple kissing, and shows the bold title "Gay Marriage Already Won: The Supreme Court Hasn't Made up it's Mind - but America Has," I can't seem to stop smiling. I now sit at my computer with a ton of fresh ideas just clammoring to get out. The Time article, "How Gay Marriage Won," by David Von Drehle traces the evolution of the same sex marriage argument. You should go give it a read if you havn't already.  Anyway, it's been a while since I posted some of the photos of kissing that have inspired me, and today seemed like a good day to do it. Because love is for everyone, and I'm thrilled that the majority of Americans agree with me.