Feminist

My best friend, who is a man and strong supporter of women's rights, ask me if I was a feminist.

"I don't know, I guess so"
He was a little shocked. "What do you mean 'you guess so'? You're a woman! You are supposed to be a feminist!"

Being woman can be perceived in two different ways: biologically and through society. There is always going to be a difference between the sexes and that starts with biology. As far as humans are concerned you need a male and female to procreate. The female will carry and nurture the child, and in order to do so her body and her emotional attachments will be adapted differently. There are differences that exist between genders as a result of biology. That is the world we in.

Society, on the other hand, is the world we create. Society tells us how we should look and how we should act. Society tells me that I should wear certain clothes, be a certain weight or wear certain kinds of makeup to be perceived as feminine. But I have always identified more with the biological factors.

I like being a woman and the inherent power that comes with it. And I'm not talking about dressing pretty so he can buy you a drink. That is the opposite of feminism. What I'm talking about is the endurance and fortitude, the physicality of it all. I love my curves and softness. It has nothing to do with makeup and clothing. Those things don't define who I am. When you walk through museums and you look at most nude sculptures of women they look more like me than the models you have been accustomed to seeing. I'm not exactly sure when society decided that a work of art should fall out of favor, but I'm here as proof that good things don't go out of style.

To me being a feminist is about where you put yourself between biology and society without anyone else defining it for you. For example, I love to cook and I believe in the power of a home cooked meal. But I've got goals that are more ambitious than making you a sandwich. My mother, who is the most loving and nurturing person I know loves to tell me that it's not lady like to swear. To which I reply "Well that sounds like bullshit."

Every woman has had to deal with some form of discrimination. Being a feminist allows you to set the terms of your own life, which is a privilege that was offered all to rarely to the women before me.

I remember a college class I had where we were discussing a piece of feminist literature. I was only girl who didn't raise her hand and my curious professor called on me. "What did you think?"

"Honestly, I think it's outdated"

I could feel everyone staring at me.

"I'm sure this piece was important when it was written but we've come so far since then. There is always going to be bias and discrimination but what I have now is the ability and education to fight it. At a certain point it has nothing to do with gender, biology, or society. What ever you are up against is just an obstacle and I have everything I need to move it, get around it, or destroy it."

To my best friend who asked if I was a feminist: "Yes, just not the way you were expecting."

I love who I am. I love that I can take control of my life. I love to be the force they don't see coming. If you are only seeing me a just a woman then you are missing the point. My definition is bigger than that.

Oleaginous (Part 3)

My 1997 Nissan died for the last time early in January 2015. It was my first car and I rode it for thirteen years.  The 230,000 miles were a testament to its toughness. One persistent problem was the oil leak and as annoying as it was I couldn't help but turn it into art. 

Feeding Time

On a visit to St. Petersburg, Florida I made a stop at one of my favorite places: The Sea Bird Sanctuary. I found my favorite bird, the Red-Tailed Hawk, but to my surprise we caught her right at feeding time.

Between her talons and beak she made short work of the rat while two of the sanctuary's free roaming Vultures waited by the back of her enclosure; tantalizingly close to the scraps.

To view additional photographs from a previous trip to The Sea Bird Sanctuary please click the following link: http://currentsandcolor.blogspot.com/2011/08/sea-bird-sanctuary.html

Succulents

My best friend has a little collection of succulent plants on her patio table. I was over letting her dogs out early one morning and the colors were just beautiful. 

I could see little gems of dew tucked neatly among the cradling arms of the plant.

Protected by red, spike tipped leafs the glittering beads are safe until the sunrise.

Bearded Dragons

A while ago I went to a pet store with my boyfriend just to look around. I would consider myself a cat/dog person. I have a hard time with birds, fish, and rodents. It's not that I don't appreciate them, I just find it to be a lot of work to maintain an animal that requires any type of enclosure. 

So when we went to the pet shop I was surprised that I was so intrigued by the Bearded Dragons. They are medium sized lizards that are found in desert climates. They have a good reputation for being docile and easy to care for. I remember a friend of my had one a few years back. She let me hold him and he snuggled right up in the warm nook between my neck and shoulder. 

These particular Bearded Dragons from the pet store seemed very inquisitive. They were just as interested in me and I was in them; following my every movement as I tried to get the best photos. Their skin was a lovely textured mosaic of swirling, earthy patterns. I found them surprisingly sweet and intelligent. 

The Undeniable Appeal of Clean Laundry

It's tough to keep laundry clean in my house when it seems like such a comfy playground. 

Leu Gardens

My boyfriend and I decided to got to Leu Gardens. It is one of those lovely little hidden gems of Orlando that tourists often miss out on. Nestled away in a modest neighborhood it is easy to overlook. 

Leu Gardens is most noted for its Rose Garden and the staff works hard to ensure blooms are present year round. However, I found that the Arid Garden was much more captivating. What can I say? I guess I'm a sucker for unconventional beauty.