"Live for something that will outlast you..." --My Mother
Tonight, there were three generations of women in my living room. All going through different stages in their path, all having some very insightful things to add to conversation. My cousin, just recently graduated from high school, about to take her journey into college life had little to say, but was very attentive to what we were discussing. My aunt, a middle aged woman dealing with the difficulties that are menopause who is not a holy roller, per say, but certainly spiritual, dissaproved of my tattoos, as I thought she would. She doesn't believe in "Defacing" one's outter shell and I can respect that. However, I learned tonight that she thinks on a much more global scale than she did say twenty years ago. It was quite interesting to hear her speak about this skin that we live in. About all of humanity being one, and how sad it makes her to see the everyday judgements passed on one another simply based on race and religion. She has come to believe that we are all related through a spirit that no one understands, but one that everyone wants to label, package and call their own, then point the condemning finger at those who don't believe as they do. My mother, on the other hand reminded me, well all of us, that one needs to shed a little light on situations every now and then. Being so serious all of the time is a certified ticket to the ER with a massive heart attack on the horizon. Then there was Granny. Yes, Granny. At 80, she is losing her hearing, but not her mind, and it's so refreshing to see her overjoyed by the simple pleasures in life. A lonely penny found on the sidewalk with it's head facing up is going to be a good day for Granny. Or, she WILL let you know if she's had a "Green Light" day, yknow the ones where every traffic light you come to is green?
So, what did I have to offer to this conversation? Well, really I was pretty much addressing the tattoo situation. I wanted my aunt to understand that I am trying to defy catagories and stereotypes. I don't think that getting tattooed should rank your intelect, nor do I think it inhibits it. I think one wears many hats and until you sit down with someone, you are never going to know what they really think, or feel or desire. Furthermore, I'd want people to look at me, or any tattooed/pirced/eccentric individual and stop themselves for a minute. When on the brink of passing judgement, realize we are all cut from the same cloth. We each live out different paths, different stories to tell, but in the end, still a part of this thing we call humanity.
Also, on a VERY side note, date went horribly. Was about as exciting as watching paint dry. Whoo-fucking-hoo. Told one of my sg buddies that this dude giving me a verbal lesson on a heating and cooling system of a freshly remodled basement isnt exactally what I'd call first date material. I mean, jesus, am I going to meet ANYONE that I can see/feel that certain spark with? I am starting to feel hopeless here, folks!
BUT! Then I remind myself about what my dear friend Ray told me about putting things in perspective. A year after his father passed, he was dating this girl who was cheating on him for the better part of their relationship. He was like, "Y'know what? After losing my father, that didn't seem so important. It was like so minute compared to losing my best friend". So every time I feel a little lonely, I just think about what he told me. And though I'd not ever met his father, those words actually kind of help. 
Tonight, there were three generations of women in my living room. All going through different stages in their path, all having some very insightful things to add to conversation. My cousin, just recently graduated from high school, about to take her journey into college life had little to say, but was very attentive to what we were discussing. My aunt, a middle aged woman dealing with the difficulties that are menopause who is not a holy roller, per say, but certainly spiritual, dissaproved of my tattoos, as I thought she would. She doesn't believe in "Defacing" one's outter shell and I can respect that. However, I learned tonight that she thinks on a much more global scale than she did say twenty years ago. It was quite interesting to hear her speak about this skin that we live in. About all of humanity being one, and how sad it makes her to see the everyday judgements passed on one another simply based on race and religion. She has come to believe that we are all related through a spirit that no one understands, but one that everyone wants to label, package and call their own, then point the condemning finger at those who don't believe as they do. My mother, on the other hand reminded me, well all of us, that one needs to shed a little light on situations every now and then. Being so serious all of the time is a certified ticket to the ER with a massive heart attack on the horizon. Then there was Granny. Yes, Granny. At 80, she is losing her hearing, but not her mind, and it's so refreshing to see her overjoyed by the simple pleasures in life. A lonely penny found on the sidewalk with it's head facing up is going to be a good day for Granny. Or, she WILL let you know if she's had a "Green Light" day, yknow the ones where every traffic light you come to is green?
So, what did I have to offer to this conversation? Well, really I was pretty much addressing the tattoo situation. I wanted my aunt to understand that I am trying to defy catagories and stereotypes. I don't think that getting tattooed should rank your intelect, nor do I think it inhibits it. I think one wears many hats and until you sit down with someone, you are never going to know what they really think, or feel or desire. Furthermore, I'd want people to look at me, or any tattooed/pirced/eccentric individual and stop themselves for a minute. When on the brink of passing judgement, realize we are all cut from the same cloth. We each live out different paths, different stories to tell, but in the end, still a part of this thing we call humanity.
Also, on a VERY side note, date went horribly. Was about as exciting as watching paint dry. Whoo-fucking-hoo. Told one of my sg buddies that this dude giving me a verbal lesson on a heating and cooling system of a freshly remodled basement isnt exactally what I'd call first date material. I mean, jesus, am I going to meet ANYONE that I can see/feel that certain spark with? I am starting to feel hopeless here, folks!
BUT! Then I remind myself about what my dear friend Ray told me about putting things in perspective. A year after his father passed, he was dating this girl who was cheating on him for the better part of their relationship. He was like, "Y'know what? After losing my father, that didn't seem so important. It was like so minute compared to losing my best friend". So every time I feel a little lonely, I just think about what he told me. And though I'd not ever met his father, those words actually kind of help. VIEW 17 of 17 COMMENTS
gersguy:
Have fun....got mine at thier show when the opened for the Rev a year or so ago. Haven't been able to find them anywhere. I do however have all of them....think there is three total. Thier website hasn't worked for over a year now. It is hard to catch them on tour because you never know where they will be. Great band live and just to listen too. That is if you like old b-side R&B stuff.
laceyglove:
Hope you are doing good and are happy! 