What Is Life?

"I love your feet because they have wandered over the earth and through the wind and water until they brought you to me."

~Pablo Neruda



Today is a happy day in the universe. Not only is today my birthday, but all of San Francisco is celebrating the freedom of being able to marry the person of one's dreams. No matter who they are! As you may have noticed, the Supreme Court Of The United States ruled earlier this week that the Defence Of Marriage Act was unconstitutional, and not just that, but Prop 8 was thrown out! California as of yesterday, and finally, one more of the states in the union that allows Gay Marriage. Hallelujah! It's about time!

San Francisco has it's rainbow colors on in honor of Gay Pride week, but now those colors have an extra special meaning... the celebration of love and marriage! The whole city is happily celebrating the official go ahead to resume conducting gay marriage. Wait, it's not really gay or straight thing, it's just marriage. Equal. Fair. Crazy in love marriage. The City Hall will be conducting marriage ceremonies all weekend, and Coit Tower will shine in beautiful rainbow colors for all to see upon arriving in the city!

 

There is something about watching other people express joy and happiness that can't help but wear off on those around them. Everywhere I went last evening, there were couples, families and tourists all smiling. It was a good feeling. Happiness... true happiness... is so easily shared. A smile. That's all. Just a smile from one human to another is all that's needed.

Try it! :)

Be happy for someone today. Anyone. Love them no matter what, and embrace them for who they are! Life is so short, much too short to be filled up with intolerance. Be happy for someone... anyone... smile at them and then warm yourself in the glow of their smile back at you!

Mood: Happy

~Me :) PS: I will share about my birthday tomorrow. As of this posting it was still the middle of the night, so I am sure I will have plenty to share in my next post on Sunday. :)

Stay Tuned!

D*I*V*O*R*C*E California Style

From For Ellipsis

"When two people decide to get a divorce, it isn't a sign that they don't understand one another, but a sign that they have, at last, begun to."

-Helen Rowland

Apparently, there is a movement here in California to ban divorce. Can you believe it? Now I understand that the man behind the movement is doing this as a satirical statement in regards to the passing of Prop 8 last year, but I find it dangerous all the same. You remember Prop 8 don't you? That was the proposition "protecting the institution of marriage" by denying the civil right of marriage to the gay community. The divorce ban's author, John Marcotte, puts his mission this way...

"Since California has decided to protect traditional marriage, I think it would be hypocritical of us not to sacrifice some of our own rights to protect traditional marriage even more."

Marcotte would need about 700,000 signatures by next March to get the measure on next year's ballot. A tall, and very expensive order. If it does make it there however, and passes, it would amend the California Constitution to disallow divorce for married couples, but instead it will allow annulments. So, it seems there is somewhat of an out clause if you find out after marrying your perfect someone that he/she is an adulterer or a spouse beater, or maybe a compulsive gambler or any one of a million things that can range from mildly irritating to completely dangerous.

Ok, yes, I know this is all being done in jest, but I really do find it dangerous all the same. What if the idea actually took off? What then? You can't go back and un-ring that bell. Marriage is wonderful. I love being married. I highly recommend it, but it is not without it's challenges! Every marriage will go through trials, and sometimes even moments of devastation, but if you are as lucky as Alan and I, you can ride them out and actually grow as people. It takes a lot of work to make a good marriage, but I also know that sometimes folks get married who never should have. I saw that with my parents, who fought every day of their 50 year union. As a child I used to pray they would get a divorce, so the screaming would just stop already.

Two abusive people one marriage license.

Sigh.

Sometimes it's best to stop while you are behind. At least it gives you a chance to stop, catch your breath, think things through, and move forward for the good of everyone.

Prop 8 was a hateful thing. I support Gay marriage, because I can't see any real reason not to. I hope one day the people of California will grant that right to the Gay and Lesbian community. I will be right there supporting them all the way! This, however doesn't seem like the way to go, if anything, it's a big sarcastic distraction from the real issue... civil rights.

Marriage should be about love.

Period.

If it's about anything else, it won't work. Just ask the 50% of straight couples who divorce each year.

-Carly

Movement Under Way In California To Ban Divorce

The Week In Review...

"In all matters of opinion, our adversaries are insane."

-Oscar Wilde











Which is Cheesier?

A plate of assorted cheeses and pecans?

Or



















Miss California, Carrie Prejean?


Ok, here's the thing. Everyone is entitled to live their life as they see fit. Just as everyone is entitled to their own opinion. We can all agree on those points... right? With that being said, I am having a great deal of difficulty understanding some opinions. Like the idea that marriage has to somehow be protected. I am in favor of marriage. Period. Man and a woman, woman and a woman, man and a man. Marriage is a lifelong commitment to the one you love. How is that a bad thing? To date, I have never heard a clear and concise explanation as to how Gay marriage endangers the institution of marriage, but I am open to opinions, so, if you feel differently then I do, feel free to leave your opinion in the comment thread, but be forewarned, messages of hate will be deleted, so be respectful of others. Fair enough?

Opinions, opinions. What do you think?

-Carly