Letter-writing: it's important!

It breaks my heart to even fathom that a person could think that they are entitled to more civil rights than another person... and it's even worse to think that the government of the state I live in would want to discriminate against people. But it's happening, and it could get worse, so again I'm writing letters to our legislators. Today's letter is:  

First, thank you for your service to Indiana. 

Second, as an active, registered Hoosier voter, I am depending on you to reflect the opinions of the people who voted you into office, and reject any legislation (HJR3, formerly 6, for instance) that makes discrimination legal in our State. 

I am a forty-something woman, married to a forty-something man (our three-year anniversary is coming up in two weeks), and I oppose any prospective law or resolution that says that fellow Hoosiers, together for, say, 10, 21, or 39 years, even legally married in other states, are second-class citizens, that their family somehow counts as "less than" ours. We are all building lives, trying to be good, kind, and respectful people, and I shudder to think that I would not be able to recommend Indiana as a good place for anyone to live... but if people have fewer civil rights here, then that's exactly what would happen. 

I moved to Indiana by choice 19 (almost 20!) years ago, and I love it here, because every Hoosier I have ever encountered would go out of their way to help a stranger in trouble. Well, thousands of strangers (and some of your and my friends and neighbors and relatives) are in trouble, and this letter to you is how I'm trying to help. Please join me, and embody Hoosier hospitality by rejecting HJR3. Thank you kindly. 

And then, following my full name and address, for those in whose districts we don't live: 

P.S. I know my address might not be in your district, but I work in Fishers, my husband and I have family from Pendleton to Bargersville, we travel and spend our hard-earned dollars in businesses all over the state, so I hope you will consider my request even if our house is not on "your piece" of the map.  

So, that's how I've chosen to express myself. If you want to read a much more eloquent summation of why HJR3 is "un-Hoosier," please read what my friend Kit wrote. If you somehow don't think you know any gay people and you have no idea how this hateful legislation could effect someone's life, please read Peter's essay. Then go write your letter, and send it, and tell me about it.

I'm excited about tomorrow!

Yes, that part about the "yarn spinning demo" is me!  I figured, hey, since this handmade holiday pop-up shop is the public's first opportunity to see my yarn in person, why not share the yarn-making process with you while I can?  I'm looking forward to meeting some fellow artists, too... and loading up on more handmade gifts while I'm there!   

Handmade Promenade opens tomorrow!

I dropped off a big bag of my handspun yarns last night (sneak peek below)!  The colorways are named after Indianapolis neighborhoods, famous Hoosiers, and some of my favorite Indiana places.  I'm so excited about this experience that I call that pink one "Promenade!"


It was already dark outside when we got there, and let me tell you, the twinkly lights beckoned.  Martha and helpers were working hard setting up, and I had to resist making eye contact with soooo many of the delightful handmade products already on display; must wait until Wednesday when this holiday pop-up shop pops up!  People have asked me where to park when they come to visit Handmade Promenade; it's easy: park like you're going to 45 Degrees (it's just south of 45, on College Ave.), Yogulatte, or the Fringe Theatre building.  Look for these gorgeous white "SHOP LOCAL" letters in the window. 

  

It's time! #indylgbtfilmfest

Did you know Indianapolis has a big gay film festival?  It's true; it's a fundraiser for IYG - and my best friends work hard to put it together every year - so go!  Support your gays and mine - and see some great movies in the process!  36 feature, short, and documentary films are screening at the IMA this weekend: the 13th annual Indianapolis LGBT Film Festival starts tonight! 

As I wrote for the Film Festival's faceplace page: not to be a name-dropper, but... this weekend we're showing films featuring Megan Mullally, Leslie Jordan, Patricia Field, Divine, Willam Belli, Allison Scagliotti, Ruth Dix, Marc Samuel, Bruce Vilanch, Starlady Nungari and James Franco - just to name a few!  

This thing is not to be missed!

See you in November (and December)!

Yes, that's some of my handspun yarn pictured in this week's Handmade Promenade vendor feature!  Up until now, my yarn sales have been online; I'm so excited to be offering my yarn in a brick-and-mortar holiday pop-up shop on one of the busiest avenues in Indianapolis, where people will be able to feel the yarn, and not have to rely solely on how it looks in photos!  Side benefits: I'll be able to get my own Christmas shopping done in one place, too, buying handmade and supporting local artisans!  Wheeeee!

P.S.  Like Handmade Promenade on faceplace so you can stay informed about my fellow vendors, special events in the shop, etc.  See you SOON, Indianapolis!

October?! Yeah!

How have you been, lovely readers?  I took a little break from blogging after our piano got to its permanent home (though I still have to get over to Day Nursery and tighten things up). Things have been busy here, but I knew I needed to get over here and give you a recap!  Among recent highlights:

1.  We got a new baby nephew!  This is the first time I've become an aunt as a grown-up, or lived nearby, and it's thrilling!  He is easily the most adorable boy I have ever seen, and Merino and I keep wondering what we ever did before we were so busy texting each other our pictures of him and changing our computer backgrounds with updated pics!  

2.  Have I mentioned I finally bought my own spinning wheel?  She's beautiful, but it took me a while to get her adjusted like the one I have been borrowing for years!  

3. I'm volunteering for a local "exotic" animals rescue (EARPS.org), which has led to us fostering two single gerbils, and man are they different than hamsters!  (Which reminds me, Carmelita's birthday is coming up; she wants sunflower seeds!) 

4.  I'm having fun conceptualizing custom knitting orders.  Coming up: an elephant hat and an owl hat!   

5.  The Film Festival I volunteer for is next month - yay!  Just so you know, I may have an embarrassing fan-girl meltdown if I get to meet Del Shores.

6.  My sister came for a visit, and we got to meet her husband!  He has laugh lines, and they held hands; it was very heartwarming.

7.  The Yarnburners yarnbombed the Indyfringe Theatre Festival, and I attended a couple of Fringe shows... LOVE!

8.  I applied to, and was accepted into the Handmade Promenade, which is a holiday-shopping-time pop-up shop that will be in downtown Indianapolis!  In November and December my yarns will be available in person, in addition to on Etsy!  

Yes, these are just a few recent happenings!  I'll keep you posted on these and other developments - but if you think I'm being too quiet on my blog, be sure to connect with me on various social media platforms for more frequent updates; I hear Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook are all the rage.  

Thanks for reading; I appreciate you!

Tickled Pink about her forever home!

This just in... I think the Yarnburners' piano is going to be well-loved in her permanent home... take a look:

"Tickled Pink" arrives at Day Nursery thanks to the GO Ahead & Play project! @womensfundindy @Stockannette @ece pic.twitter.com/QFL6IWVp6o
— Ted Maple (@TedLMaple) August 21, 2013

Read about Day Nursery here.  Oh, how it warms my heart to know that our piano will be able to bring joy to the children, families, and the staff there!