the year of yes.

The sun has been kind, the sky has been nonviolent, and the air has been gentle. No storms, not very many clouds, a sprinkling of rain here and there to wash away the dirty snow. Clean, sweet air. Thank you, January.

I am spending these days biking downtown several times a week for my Contextual Education internship at Emmanuel College's Campus Ministry. Experimenting with the Vita Mix that was a gift from my parents (strawberry margaritas and salsa on a Saturday evening). Listening to my favorite women (Natalie Merchant, Duffy, Sarah McLaughlin, Ella, to name a few good ones). Curling up under blankets for long chats with dear friends. Obsessing over Downton Abbey. Basking in gratitude for the people I love, for this city I love. Discerning. Dreaming. Struggling to get out of my cozy bed on cold mornings. Drinking too much coffee.

All is well in life and in my heart. I made a hard, much-needed decision last week. I stood up for myself. Finally. After a year's worth of heartache and confusion. And it feels good to look at myself in the mirror again, and to know I am being honest with myself.

Because we all deserve to be loved in good and honest ways. We all deserve to be treated fairly and justly and with respect and tenderness. And I am finally demanding the same standard of care for myself that I would wish for any of my sisters or female friends. We are women who have been told that we ought to be "nice." But being nice is not the same as being silent. And I will no longer be silent when it comes to injustice.

So, this year is off to a good and honest start. Surely, there are plans to be made, art projects to be completed, books to be read, letters to be sent, meals to be made and shared, trips to be had, weddings to be attended. But all in good time. I am simply enjoying these quiet January moments. G'night.