"Out, Damned Spot!"

Heartbreaking... We have lost another gay rights activist too soon. 

Isa Shakhmarli committed suicide at the young age of 20, hanging himself with a rainbow flag. 

He encouraged the gay community to be brave, and as a gay man fighting for gay rights and living in the predominantly Muslim Azerbaijans (formerly part of the Soviet Union), he walked the talk. "I wish our society was not biased. Before hating, read about homosexuality on the Internet, learn about it. I want LGBTs to be brave.[. . . ] If you want, you can achieve." He is not alone in his plea for bravery, as I will discuss in an upcoming blog (link to come).

It is far too easy for those of us in the gay community--particularly in the comparably privileged Western society--to feel we are doing our part to further gay rights and distance ourselves from the fight in other parts of the world. Yes, we feel saddened by news of tragedy like that of Isa, but we feel our hands are clean . . . but are they? 

In a Facebook message to his friends just prior to taking his own life, Isa wrote, "You are all guilty for my death. This world cannot handle my true colours. Goodbye." Powerful words . . . and we hear you, Isa. We will stand bravely and continue your work. We burned a candle for you last night, and for all those whom we have lost too soon.

Visit Global Post: http://bit.ly/1aRNExd or on Huffington Post: http://bit.ly/LQrFAk to read more.

"Out, damned spot! out, I say!"
-Shakespeare, Macbeth, Act 5 Scene 1

Basking in the Glow

Dad and I were walking back to my apartment after a wonderful Sunday brunch yesterday when Dad interrupted me mid-sentence, stopping me with a whispered, "Shhhh… Wait… What's that?" 

I swear, my dad is part canine. He tilted his head to one side, narrowed his eyes, raised his nose up to the sky for a couple of good sniffs, then glanced over at me expectedly . . . When I recognized the noise as well, his eyes lit up, excited that I was sharing in his discovery. A cat's sweet meow… but where was it coming from? 

"Ah-ha!" he declared, and pointed up. And there was Itchy, the neighbor's cat, named after his

multitude of allergies and medications, high in the tree. He must have seen us walk by beneath him and paused his bear-like branch scratching to temporarily relieve his chronically irritated skin. It's as if he was calling to us, "Guys, guys, hey come say hi! Look at me, I'm in the tree! It's sooooo great!"

My dad, of course, went into firefighter mode, telling Itchy, "Don't worry, kitty! You must have known I am a retired fire captain and can rescue you from that tree!" I laughed. "Dad, step down. That's just Itchy, probably the friendliest cat I've ever met. He doesn't need saving! He loves trees, but he loves people and love and conversation even more." 

Itchy stayed in the tree for a bit, chattering away and posing for my iPhone camera as he made his way down the jungle gym of limbs before expertly scurrying down the tree trunk. In a flash, he was purring away at my feet. My dad continued home to put the leftovers away, and I stayed behind to bask in the warm rays of the sun with Itchy.  

My dad returned shortly, and I reluctantly got up from my happy place on the sidewalk with my feline friend. As I walked my dad back to his car, I turned to see Itchy watching me fondly, reveling in the afterglow of my attention. I smiled, grateful for my dad's keen hearing and appreciative for a life that affords me the comfort to pause, listen, and pet.  

Such a Wise Bear: Brief Thoughts on Winnie the Pooh

What a wonderful collection of Winnie the Pooh quotes to start my Monday, posted by Huffington Post. I've loved Winnie the Pooh since childhood, and it's a love I will never outgrow... 

Through the characters of "Winnie the Pooh" and his many adventures, Milne shared with us the gift of a creating an accessible dialogue about both common motifs in literature and also the seemingly small idiosyncrasies that--when not addressed with compassion--cause heartache, despair, and debilitating negative self-talk. I most appreciate the art and skill with which A.A. Milne wrote about difficult subjects--death, separation, love, loneliness, rejection, fear, friendship, grief, depression, anxiety, growing up and aging, and even the common belief that creative people are scattered. Most of these subjects are common motifs in literature. 

I loved Pooh as a child through several mediums--books (of course), Disney cartoons, and even a ritual that I continued into my teens of watching the "live" version on the Disney channel where actual people dressed as the characters. Of course, we can't forget the stuffed animals. I sewed my own with felt and embroidery thread using patterns found in a book on the second floor of the Escondido Public Library (the Children's Library, one of my most favorite places as a child). I'd like to get a copy of that book for my home library... Maturity, age, and experience have only added more layers to the depths and complexities of this simple bear, his friends, and their adventures. Don't worry, Pooh Bear, I will never forget you... and you will forever be in my heart.

I invite you to revisit your childhood with me and get reacquainted with my favorite bear, Winnie the Pooh, by visiting http://huff.to/1igPpM1

Here are two of my favorite "Winnie the Pooh" quotes from the Huff Post article that speak to me as the person I am today:

“One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly making exciting discoveries.” 

“Some people care too much. I think it's called love.”