I am mad as hell

I just can't do the same old song and dance while women's bodies are being controlled and stripped of rights in the United States. Fuck the people in power and those that think this has anything to do with the sanctity of human life. What a world...

So, here are some links:

"Roe v. Wade has been overturned. In these states, abortion access will no longer be accessible."

From Elizabeth Warren: "What Comes Next After Roe: In the face of this dark post-Roe reality, I have three words: Hold onto hope. Do not give in to despair. Here’s how I’m staying in the fight"
Elizabeth Warren Video Link

From the ACLU: "See you in the streets"

Find a rally near you at https://map.wewontgoback.com

Donate if you are able

I don't have much but I give what I can - we have to fight like hell and keep fighting.

Besides supporting pro-choice candidates running for election, consider giving a donation that is split between all these abortion funds and advocacy groups (link below): The New Orleans Abortion Fund, Holler Health Justice, Carolina Abortion Fund, Yellowhammer Fund, Daily Kos Liberation League, Access Reproductive Care-Southeast, Missouri Abortion Fund, New Mexico Religious Coalition For Reproductive Choice, Blue Ridge Abortion Fund, West Fund, Kansas Abortion Fund, Cobalt Abortion Fund, Arkansas Abortion Support Network, Jane's Due Process and The Roe Fund.

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dkabortionfunds22

And that's all I have for you this week.

Women and those who identify, please take good care of yourselves and each other - this one really hurts.

So, I leave you with solar Buddha- the only thing comforting me right now (besides knowing of the intensity, love, brilliance, and the raw power of women).

Until next week, keep fighting. x

After the way

On an 8-mile local walk this week

There was the blog that I wanted to post today and the blog you are getting. 

I started the first option yesterday, writing about the 10 days on the John Muir Way with my niece Elena, but found it quite overwhelming as I just couldn't focus in the way I wanted. But I have started and will finish it eventually. I decided to just post something for this week and take some of the self-imposed pressure off. I can't believe it has already been a whole week since we got off The Way and took a train back to Edinburgh from Dunbar. 

This week was a return to some sort of normalcy. I hadn't been on a holiday in so long that I forgot about the odd phase right after. So, I tidied up the house, unpacked, did laundry, and watered the plants. I checked in with friends and some family. I caught up on some sleep (I didn't sleep that great while on The Way) and took a few naps. I returned to some work and mentored an artist and took care of business emails, I recorded my Tuesday Studio Video Visit and attended scheduled appointments. I applied for and received my Scot Rail "Club 50" Smart Rail Card (for reduced-priced train travel). I visited a few friends, took myself out for a chai latte, and I made sure to walk daily, anywhere from 2 to 10 miles. I threw in a couple of sessions of aerobics and some yoga for good measure. I realised that it is these more or less daily exercise habits that enabled me to "just go" on the 135-mile (official) John Muir Way (it was 170 miles in total with extraneous walking) over 10 days, spontaneously without too much issue or injury. 

I must admit that right now everything seems a bit dull. I miss my effervescent niece and I miss the task of simply putting one foot in front of the other with a pack on your back and winding up in a farmer's field, a scenic glen, or in a grove of trees by the sea and sleeping somewhere new as you go. The nomadic life (of sorts) appeals to me. Constantly moving forward, exploring, with only a few responsibilities, and all under your own steam seems like a good way to spend time on the planet at least periodically. There are so many lessons and learnings on the way.

Getting out on a few longer walks this week (I even stepped out on a bit of the local John Muir Way again) seemed like a good way to transition and to remember how much local beauty there is that I get to explore each day. I feel very fortunate.

I know this is an art blog - but I also know that walking factors into my art. It certainly factors into my enjoyment of life and allows me the space to listen to my head and heart and to get clear about things. 

I think that is all I have for you this week, a return to normalcy - a simple post about a simple joy. 

Until next week, take good care.

The Holiday Continues!

I am still out walking somewhere between Helensburgh and Dunbar Scotland. Perhaps I am by the sea or in the middle of a farmer's field. Wherever I am, I am loving it.

See you next week.

Holiday!

I am away on holiday walking the John Muir Way with my niece Elena, from the west to the east coast of Scotland. This is the first holiday I have had since December/January of 2017/18. Nature is everything. Normal service will resume when I am back from the trail. 

I recorded this week's Tuesday Studio Video Visit from Balloch, the first stop on the path. 

Scotland, you are a magical wonder and your people are golden. I am so proud to call you home. 

And to everyone else, thanks for stopping by. I hope you are well, happy, and inspired and if not today - perhaps tomorrow. Perhaps on a path somewhere in the sun, you will be. Sending love and gratitude your way.