Zooming Out, Zooming In
Hey folks!
No February or March reading update, huh? That's because it's been a quiet month for me, at least on the reading front. My brain's focus shifted away from books and towards work and play in the past two months. That's not to say I read nothing... but I finished little! Both books I checked out from the BPL returned partially finished.
When I finally took the time to dig into Black Sun, I really enjoyed what I found. Fantasy that works within the political machinations of religious organizations is so far up my alley, it may as well be smoking Newports with the kitchen staff. I'll have to return to it when all is said and done. Last month, my partial read was The Fox Wife, because I am not immune to Húxiān propaganda. It too has returned to my wait list, because I am curious to see where the mystery novel aspect goes. Unfortunately, as I mentioned, I have been shifting out of book brain and into social brain.
On the zoomed out scale, everything continues to suck. As freedom of speech has become deeply under attack, I hesitate to discuss the Horrors, but I persist. I have become increasingly interested in getting to know my local organizing scene. I do not know that I will ever have the spoons to be an organizer, but am hopeful that I can at least communicate what's going on to people who are less involved. A certain level of my free time has gone to listening and learning related to these efforts, and I only wish I had the time and energy to get more deeply involved.
One project I've been delighted to be keeping an eye on is Boston declaring itself a transgender sanctuary city. While the non-binding commitment is not enough to protect us, it is a first step in that direction. The City has put together a team whose job is to build actual legislation regarding our trans sanctuary city status, helmed by Chastity Bowick. More on this as it comes.
Now, let's zoom in. When I haven't been keeping my brain glued to the political hellscape, it has thoroughly belonged to three things: soccer, druidry, and family. As anyone who pays any attention to me knows, I spent the tail end of February and the start of March non-stop focused on helping members of my chosen family flee an unsafe state. I am so delighted that they are here and settling in to life in Massachusetts! There is little in my life as dear to me as these folks, and I cannot begin to say how much of a relief having them home has been to me (even at the cost of spoons and finances).
Immediately in the aftermath of the move, the NWSL season started. I've been involved with Boston ISA as a part of the membership committee. This has mostly meant tabling at NWSL watch parties in the area, but I also have been helping moderate their Discord. It has by far been the easiest moderation gig I have ever had... let's pray it stays that way! Boston's team has finally announced their name: Boston Legacy FC. While some people think it's a little generic, I have just the right amount of New England Nationalism that it works for me. Until they take the field next year, I have elected to support the Portland Thorns, in honor of our family connections to that lovely city. Unfortunately, they've not been performing so well, but isn't that just the way of things? It keeps games interesting, at least. If you're ever interested in watching a game, definitely shoot a message my way!
The last of these is the one I'm most hesitant to discuss here. Traditionally, I've kept my spiritual life fairly segregated from the rest of my personal life. I'm still waffling on if I want to keep a separate blog for things related to all things spirituality in order to maintain that separation, or if I want to keep those posts here since... I'm barely using this blog anyway. Short version: I've recently gotten involved with the local druid community, though I'm not sure that druid is yet a word I use to describe myself. I got to participate in an Spring Equinox ritual with a local group this month; my first ritual in community since leaving my former organization. It's been wonderful to flex my spiritual muscles again, particularly in an incredibly different space. More to come, here or elsewhere, as I decide what to do about those posts.
Spring is slowly beginning, which historically means seeing more of me out and about. The hazards of being solar powered include going full hermit in the winter months... If you want to be in touch, definitely shoot me an email! This blog now has a domain (smackadoo.gay), feel free to message the contact[at][domain] address to get in touch. If you have my private contact info already... you know where to find me. Let's make spring plans!