Tiffany Painter

I call myself a silent protester. I won’t buy alcohol at the grocery store (this is a relatively new thing in my state) because next to practically every grocery store is a little independent store trying to survive selling just alcohol and it takes away valuable shelf space from food I used to be able to buy. I stopped buying books on Amazon and look for independent book stores or local ones who support local authors. These are just little things that make me feel like I’m doing good things. But let’s be honest, it doesn’t really matter. This week though, I “attended” a webinar that focused on making an impact. I learned of kids who are making a difference. Kids in high school and college who are taking a seat at the table to get their voices heard. They are speaking out against banned books. They are uniting their classmates. They are going to Washington to make sure all sides are heard. They are not being silent. When so many people are growing more and more disenchanted with our democracy and not even voting, there are young people who are standing tall and challenging the old ways for the right to read. I am in complete awe of these kids. It gives me hope for the future to know there are some who were able to learn how to think critically even when the establishment did all it could to prevent it. These kids are the future leaders.

4/8

another Monday
things to do, yet here I sit
doing all I can

4/9

taking in the view
before a cool morning swim
all is good

4/11

caterpillar tree
dawning of spring renewal 
watching for next phase

4/12

take your dog to work
had to adjust to make room
guess we know who’s boss

4/13

new day’s arrival
bright things are coming today
full of so much hope