Equality in the South- Charlotte Pride 2013

When I got in my car tonight after working 30 non-stop hours in 2 days, I was exhausted. My head pounded, my ears were ringing, my feet were so sore it hurt to push the gas pedal, my back ached, my face was burnt and my voice was completely shot.

After about an hour of driving, the relief of caffeine, water and 3 ibuprofens melted away the stress and fatigue, letting in a tidal wave of thoughts, emotions, reflections and revelations.

My head raced, my heart swelled and I spent the last two hours of my trip deep in thought, alternating between fighting back tears and grinning like a fool.

I was overjoyed thinking back on the thousands of eager supporters who jumped at the opportunity to help change discrimination in our state and make the workplace safe for all LGBT employees.

I was thrilled basking of the memories of marching in a parade with 50,000 on-lookers screaming and cheering for an organization dedicated to securing their rights.

I was touched remembering the people who call Charlotte and the Triad home who were amazed by the acceptance and support their community was showing for all people.

I was encouraged to see and hear about so many companies and employers who treat their LGBT workers the way every employer should- the same as everyone else.

I was saddened thinking of the five people I talked to who, once they had outed themselves at work, mysteriously lost their jobs within a few weeks.

I was encouraged when I looked back on all of the couples, families and individuals of every sexual orientation, gender identity, race, nationality and age who mingled together and celebrated being in a space of equality, acceptance and love.

And I was proud. Proud of myself for the work I did, proud of Equality North Carolina for all of the amazing, important causes they fight for, proud of my leaders and volunteers for everything they accomplished and proud of the state I live in.

Proud of North Carolina?

I am all too aware of the political situation in North Carolina right now. I am often scared, angry, discouraged and downright overwhelmed by the discriminatory and unethical laws and practices our representatives are putting in place at break-neck speeds. 

But this weekend, I didn't see hate or discrimination. I didn't see fear or sadness. 

This weekend, I saw people in the street ready for change and willing to make it happen. Not for the sake of a political agenda, but for the sake of equality.

And that is why, although I wasn't born here, I am proud to call it home.

THANKS FOR READING

Workshop/Bedroom Makeover Part 1: DIY Light Box Under the Bed- FREE PROJECT!

My sister and I switched rooms a couple weeks ago. Her room was twice the size of mine with a bathroom and sink and walk-in closet and she wasn't using most of the space. 

Most people think switching rooms sounds simple, and I guess it does. But most people don't understand how much stuff I have and how long it takes me to "nest" in a new place. I moved out here with a load and a half in my tiny Honda Civic and I own hardly any clothes or shoes, my toiletries are few and I have 2 necklaces to my name. Why so much stuff?

In one word: Etsy

Well, Etsy and working as a seamstress.

A short list:

Sewing supplies, fabric, tools, hardware, ongoing projects, completed projects, thread, buttons, ribbons, zippers, velcro, snaps, eyelets, paint, painting supplies, markers, colored pencils, paper, glue, iron, ironing board, shipping supplies, photography set-up/supplies...

(And that's just off the top of my head, there's more)

Anyway, here we are a few weeks after the move and I'm JUST settling into my new room. I'm very happy and proud of all the work I did and the space is organized down to every last inch so I've wanted to post about it for a few days. But there's SO much going on in there, I didn't even know where to start, so I just didn't.

So, let's start with one of my favorite, most simple and FREE projects I did that makes me very, very happy and proud- my light box.

I've wanted a light box for a while to trace designs onto both paper and fabric for various projects. They're expensive and it seems like such a simple concept, I didn't feel like spending much money on it. I looked into using some old wood box frames I have but didn't want to deal with finding Plexiglas and cutting it to size. Then I stumbled on the most obvious solution online!

I already had this storage box under my bed for all the random kitchen things we don't need in my current house but that I'm hanging on to for when I get my own place. It wasn't very full so I purged some of the stuff, shoved it all into the back - and - VOILA!

I also already had the LED lights inside and wasn't using them- I had bought one for a buck or two for my last closet which didn't have a light in it and the rest were hand-me-downs from a friend.

I love just pushing it back under my bed and not wasting any space since I don't use it all that often. It's still right next to my work table and i just sit on the floor to trace. It shine through at least 4 sheets of paper!!

So, that's it for today. This was by far one of the easiest, quickest and cheapest (well, free) projects in the room but I'm so happy with it's simplicity that I thought I'd share it first.

Trust me, there's plenty more to come... 

SNEAK PEEK!!

THANKS FOR READING