why we marched

 

Today we participated as a family in the March for Our Lives. While we were unable to join the masses in D.C. (as I did for the Women’s March), we are proud to help amplify their voices by supporting the movement on a local level. It was our children’s first protest, and I can’t think of a more worthy cause. They recently had their first lockdown drill – huddled in silence with their 5 and 6-year-old peers, lights off, in a windowless room. While they don’t know all of the gruesome details (as it wouldn’t be age appropriate), they know enough to understand that gun reform is desperately needed. They eagerly agreed to protest with us (we gave them the option), chose the messages for their signs, and helped to make them. I was so proud to watch them hold those signs high for as long as their little arms could manage, and chant along with the crowd. It felt amazing to show them democracy in action, and the power of people. It made me feel proud to be American, which I haven’t been feeling much of lately. This is our country. This is their future. Enough is enough…let’s get it right.

add your name to make your mark.

bon weekend

Untitled-1

 

“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.”

Benjamin Franklin

The day after I shared this image on Instagram of an everyday mantra in our home, the disgusting white supremacist rally and subsequent attack in Charlottesville happened. It rendered me speechless to be honest, and left me feeling a bit hopeless. Then I saw this tweet from Mark Ruffalo on Twitter and realized…I’m not doing enough. I’m not doing enough to resist this presidency. I’m not doing enough to resist hate, and assist love. A few days later many bloggers were able to articulate their thoughts so eloquently, which I’ve linked to below, as well as some direct action links. I’m checking my privilege, educating my children, and channeling my rage into action (and not just sheetcaking). Silence is approval.

BON WEEKEND

this tee supports the splc

thoughts on white supremacy

bedtime stories about race + social justice

balancing silence + action and creating safe spaces

we the postcard

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Today happens to be (not my) Presidents’ Day, and I can’t think of a better time to share this project by my friends at Curious + Company. Full disclosure: this is not a sponsored post, but I am a bit biased as those ladies have designed my website and are also personal friends. They recently launched their latest project, aptly named We the Postcard. Celebrating some of their favorite quotes about America, human rights, and civic responsibility, these cards make it easy for us to stay in touch with our elected officials, as well as patriotic friends and family. Most importantly (in my opinion), is that 50% of the proceeds are donated to the ACLU, Natural Resources Defense Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Head over to their site to order (don’t miss the Presidents’ Day sale) and show your postcard pride!

bon weekend

bonweekend

 

Happy Friday friends! I’m trying to be productive from bed, as I battle the flu – it hit our household hard and fast this week. I took this photo not long ago, at Valley Forge National Park (a few minutes from where we live), and it reminds me to look to nature when feeling overwhelmed. It’s been quiet here on the blog, as I’ve been contemplating these wise words, and struggling to share anything that feels “fluffy”. Many bloggers are struggling to find words and share their regular content right now, and some are debating whether or not to use their social media presence to speak out. I applaud those who have chosen to do so, despite the very real possibility of losing readers, sponsors, or followers. I’ll say it again – this isn’t about politics–it’s about humanity. I will continue to use this space to share ALL that I am passionate about, and I will never stop contributing my voice to the resistance, and fighting for what is right. If I lose followers or readers, so be it.  I’m sharing a few of my favorite posts on this topic…I hope you’ll weigh in and show them some love.

BON WEEKEND

love trumps hate

on politics + social media

what will I tell my children?

fighting for what’s right is worth it

how to be an ally for refugees + immigrants

bloggers speaking out against the current administration