Down the Rabbit Hole

Lilacs and the Femal Politic

"Blogging Circle of Friends "
Day 3415: March 16, 2022
Prompt: Political: Women in politics - This does not have to be about a woman in office or running for office. It can be about a woman you think should be in office or one that has done something for your state, city, or country.

As a woman raising a young lady, I have always been adamant that she develop her own "voice". Learning to stand up for what you believe is so important, especially when women have fought so hard and so long for that right. I make sure I always exercise my right to vote as an example to her.
I remember watching the historical race between Hillary Clinton and Trump and, although I wished it had been a different woman, feeling pride and faith that one more important ceiling had been broken through. Even in her losing the election, she inspired a whole new generation of women in politics and that was very effective for me. I will say that one woman in politics has really stood out for me. Keisha Lance Bottoms was the governor of Atlanta from 2018-2022. I heard her speak several times during some turbulent times in her city. Atlanta has always been powerfully and politically charged. She always commanded the podium, speaking with authority but also compassion as she told the angry protesters to "go home". She simultaneously conveyed empathy for their hurt and rage while also condemning their actions that were hurting their fellow black community members. It was a difficult line to draw but she did so with grace, humanity and unquestionable strength. I found her a very compelling and impressive leader. I can only hope she inspired more than a few of Atlanta's female youth to seek out leadership roles at all levels in their communities.


"Blog City ~ Every Blogger's Paradise"
Day 2520 March 16, 2022
Prompt: "Flowers bring joy. They elicit memories. They mark occasions and they brighten a cold, harsh winter's day." Emily Von Trapp Write about this in your Blog entry today.

My favorite flowers are lilacs. When I was younger, my grandmother's yard was bordered by six or seven big lilac bushes, twice as tall as I was. She and I used to hang clothes out on the line and you could smell their perfume every time the wind blew. I would pick the blooms, lush and heavy, just before the little purple star-shaped flowers fully opened. We'd bring them inside and over the next days, they blossom and fill the whole house with their sweet scent. Even now, when I catch the scent of lilac on the breeze, it takes me back to those sunny afternoons hanging cloths with my grandmother, there was never anyone, then or now, I preferred to be with more. When I got married, lilacs featured prominently in my bouquet. They were off season and expensive, but it was my one indulgence to honor my grandmother and the warm, wonderful memories they will always evoke. I wanted those sentiments to be forever part of my wedding day too.