It took me almost an hour to answer comments this evening. I wasn't even going to do it. I was going to beg off due to feeling so flattened, and in so much despair. As deep as my despair has gone in the moments and days and months and years of Trump's presidencies, it has now deepened to previously unknown and unimagined depths.
I know that all of us who have read about the horrors of what Hitler and the Nazis brought to this earth have reassured ourselves that this could never possibly happen again.
Guess what?
Guess again.
And if we wondered how it could have happened, I think we are getting a very quick education on that issue.
I've got to step away from all of this. I have to. And yet, right now I cannot seem to.
Okay. Here I go. I'm going to show you pictures and talk about a few nice things, not in an effort to distract myself or you, not to pretend that none of this is happening, but as a reminder that there is another life, other lives, happening even as the evil gains more hold on us every day.
First off. Hank sent a group text this morning with part of an email that Cornell University sent to him. For an explanation about why Cornell would be sending Hank an email please go to the the post HERE.
The email Cornell sent him contained a link to a page in their Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections at their library. Please go visit it.
HERE.
I am so proud I could bust wide open.
That is my child. That is my son who was absolutely part of the Queer Evolution and Revolution, or at least as far as I understand it. I could write volumes on Hank and how he was not only furthering communication with communities who were all fighting so hard to establish their places in this movement, but who also enlightened and educated me and his family in ways that I can't even begin to describe.
He was so patient with us, mostly his parents of whom he had four. His siblings just got it and understood it and we all accepted that he knew exactly who he was and what he needed and what he was about.
But none of this is about us. It is about Hank Thigpen who is now and forever more a part of the Cornell Library.
Damn. Okay. I really don't know how I could write anything after that which would have any real meaning at all.
But here's some of the other stuff.
Truth.
Boy, things have changed. I wouldn't smoke a joint before I tried to wash the dishes these days.
What a joy to be part of all of that.
Kudos to Hank for achieving academic recognition from Cornell.
ReplyDeleteAs for current political matters and matters of war, I think we would go mad or become terribly unhappy if we did not turn our heads away from that stuff from time to time. There is still joy and splendour in the world and we must not forget that.
Congrats to Hank. That's big!
ReplyDeleteAs for the orange piece of shit, his time will come. He truly is an evil man, and the people that support him and his "policies" are truly evil as well. I never thought I'd see this in my lifetime. It's too bad he didn't die at birth, and I don't say that lightly.
We made it up to 90F today and I do not like this weather one bit. The dogs don't either and we had to take short walks this morning because it was too damned hot. It's supposed to cool down tomorrow. I hope so.
Sending hugs and love woman.
The same country that produced the piece of shit, also produced you and your family, so there must still be good in the world.
Wow, Hank! Just wow!
ReplyDeleteI echo Pixie's sentiments about the orange piece of shit. If we somehow survive this we will all have PTSD.
Big congratulations to Hank! I think we all have ptsd right now. Cruelty for its own sake. And that fucking ai meme our own government posted with alligators wearing ice hats is as cruel as it gets.
ReplyDeleteXoxo
Barbara
Mary, I feel that as Hank’s awesome mom , you had great influence on his wonderful writing and explaining.that has helped so many. Yay Hank and Yay Mary!!! Hank that was brilliant! Sending love and peace to all of you. Carol in Atlanta
ReplyDeleteI remember reading that about Hank. I think very highly of intelligence/creativity/bravery and find that so impressive he broke through blind-spots that needed to be broken-through. Obviously. He's clearly himself. As a mother, I'd be extremely (!) proud of him. I am thankful for Hank and his accomplishments and bravery.
ReplyDeleteDriving-so glad your man stopped when he needed to. Loved the side story. (haha.)
Pottery-I think it's very artistic and think you express what you see in life and express it? Who cares what I think, but I think original art, as long as it is who we are trying to express, is very pleasing. I liked what you created. Thank you for sharing it. -Nicol
I don't find that pot beautiful, to me it would look better without those oversized blossoms on it. But I can admire the skill needed to make it.
ReplyDeleteMr Moon's new boat is a thing of beauty in my eyes. I would love to be out on a lake in that. But an alligator-free lake!
You have so much to be proud of when it comes to Hank, and indeed all of your children and grandchildren.
Hank should be rightfully proud of the initiative he took to help grow and connect the queer community in Tallahassee. My favorite zine title from the list on that Cornell archive page: "Him? That's Billy, He Hits on Everyone."
ReplyDeleteThat pot is amazing, and will be even more so when it's glazed, I'm sure. Very sculptural.
I think the aim of the dictator is to keep us all in despair so that we don't have the energy to fight them. They do one horrific thing, and before we can process it and react, they've done ten other more horrible things that we need to address. That way nothing ever gets addressed. The trick is not to try to address it all, just get out in the streets and demand that they get taken down and prosecuted.
ReplyDeleteIf that is the pot you made, you absolutely do not suck at it. It is beautiful.
I am in awe of and grateful to Hank. What an incredible, admirable accomplishment. I loved scrolling through the titles. That clay “pot” is a marvel. I love your top photo still life.
ReplyDeleteYour Uplifting Topics were appreciated even tho', as you said, the dichotomy of all that is Evil happening Daily can't be ignored or pretend it's not going to impact all of us, it will. But, Yes, Life goes on and we find a way to rejoice in what we can and do, that is the stuff Life is made of and worth Living for. The Boat is a nice one. Congrats on Hank's recognition, it is something to be so Proud of!!! And, that Pot is lovely that someone has Created, it will look Magnificent once Glazed and Fired.
ReplyDeleteKudos to Hank and especially being recognized by Cornel. We can resist as much as we can...which is what is called upon us now. As serfdoms of the past, the autocracy will eventually fall. We, the serfs, know this, and sure are going to be protesting many more times! We also have to keep supporting each other when the going gets tough. Democracy is a good idea and I've faith that good will prevail.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Hank!! Well done. I'm sure your entire family is applauding.
ReplyDeleteMary--I have something to share with you that I think is amazing!! Bamboo has started growing in our front yard by the trees (that's not the amazing part). My husband has a garden. He could not find his roll of cord to tie the veggies up. So--he cut bamboo, ran it from fence hole to fence hole (chicken wire fence) and up along each side of the rows so the veggies can lean on the bamboo. Fucking genius I told him. It looks beautiful too. I'm very proud of him!
Patricia
Patricia
Congratulations to HT that's an amazing accomplishment. His work is impressive and shows great insight to a topic that needs more recognition. Will Hank visit Cornell to view and maybe even give a talk about his works held at the university? You must be very proud!
ReplyDeleteThat's a very good-looking boat. I bet the boys are already planning their first fishing trip on the new boat.
Wow! Congrats to Hank! That's a wonderful achievement. Thanks for the happy news! We need to hear all of the good things we can these days.
ReplyDeleteHope Mr. Moon is safely home soon.