I spent some time In Community this weekend. Gathering with friends, meeting strangers who became friends, and just being immersed in people stew. I learned about preparing a Lombard garden for winter with Green Garden Mama and Prairie Food Co-Op.
I visited Chicago for a comedy show at the Chicago Theater, and was delighted to discover that the Arts In The Dark parade was the reason for the significant traffic around the venue. Lots of reasons to gather, and this one was a celebration.
I also got to spend time in downtown Lombard for the Spooktacular family/craft/vendor event. Vendors like: James & Lauren of JL Vintage Odds & Ends, Kim Kulton & the Illinois Bee Rescue, Brian & Amy of Retro Glow Cycles, Brooke & Joe of Soapy Roads of Lombard, Nick & Jason of Spiritus Coffee, Shannon of Shanios Sweets & Treats, Antonella of Undici Gelato, and so so so many others <3
I dressed up as Jessie the Riveter --- a play on Leslie [Knope] the Riveter from Parks & Rec, which was, of course, a play on the WW2-era Rosie The Riveter. In my eyes, the message is the same: a powerful, feminine call-to-action in a time of great need in our country and around the world. In our communities. I felt powerful. Connected. Grounded. Activated. And seen. From that magic, the following poem has sprouted. It's a new flavor for me and I'm savoring its gentle flow. I hope you do, too. Love, Jessie
Click the triangle below to listen to my narration of the following poem (I almost typed "power" instead of poem... twice) :) Then feel free to leave a comment below if this resonates with you like it did for me.
Thriving In Community --- Here & Now I am found in the sprouts of spring and spent petals of autumn. I get lost in multitasking screens and "fine, thank yous". My world comes to life before our eyes on this page (screen) and in our minds when my voice carries these seeds into our consciousness. We set the world aside holding the full embrace of our presence of our aliveness here & now. A breath before... ...the next distraction... the breath brings it back. Here & Now. No before, no after. We have nothing but here & now. Here & Now. Witnessed by life itself falling in love with life itself I see you there seeing me seeing you of the world in our world (we are) our world reflected back upon itself We bloom We flourish We thrive In Community --- here and now.
Love,
Jessie
You are a BEAUTIFUL Rosie the Riveter!!!❤️