"Solitude is a human presumption."

I finished this novel last week. Written by Barbara Kingsolver, it includes three different stories all tied together by the setting, which is southern Appalachia. While the novel focuses a great deal on descriptions of plants, animals, and nature in general, I really enjoyed it. I am, by no means, an outdoor girl, but this book made me want to get away and hike through the forest (I didn't, of course, but I really REALLY wanted to!).
What I enjoyed most about this book was how it mirrored the connectedness of nature with that of humanity. All animals and plants are somehow connected, and when one suffers they all do. The same is true for human beings. Our families, our circles of friends are our own ecosystems. We have a niche in these places. We perform necessary tasks. We, as human beings, fill roles in our relationships that no one can. Some of us are protectors. Some of us are encouragers. Some of us create problems. Some of us find solutions. Some of us bear burdens. Some of us bring comfort. We all have a part to play. Kingsolver goes even further to explain that human beings weren't meant to be alone. She writes, "Solitude is a human presumption."
We all need someone...

What women are worth...

Do you know the possible penalties for Criminal Domestic Violence in South Carolina?

I am sure that you, like me, are thinking that it must be something huge. I mean, why shouldn't it be? No matter the situation, no man has a right to act aggressively toward their spouse or girlfriend, right? Well, apparently the Court System does not agree.I read today that in one case, a man was found guilty of Criminal Domestic Violence and his only punishment was $75 or 30 days in jail. $75!

According to an article, South Carolina has the highest number of domestic violence fatalities in the United States, and no wonder with punishments as minimal as $75 or 30 days in jail. Also, all over this nation, 4,000 women die at the hands of their husbands or boyfriends each year. These women could possibly be saved if there were worse penalties for the beginning stages of domestic violence.

Apparently in South Carolina, though, no worse penalties are needed. It is like they are screaming loud and clear that women are only worth $75. As a young woman living in this state, that is comforting to hear...

The Messy Bits

Yesterday, I went to my friends' son's birthday party. He turned one recently, and a bunch of friends and family members got together to celebrate. His dad made an awesome jungle animal themed cake (the top portion seen here...well, what is left of it anyway), and the excited one year old tore into it. As I was watching him go crazy with the bright green icing that left a sugar stained mustache on his adorable face and bright splotches of color on his shirt and pants, I thought about how much fun he must have been having.

As adults, we have learned the importance of image and outward appearance, but here was this little boy who did not care that his face was ridiculous or that his hands were gooped up with icing. A cake was placed in front of him, and he was going to enjoy it... no matter what! When was the last time that I did that. When was the last time that I fearlessly and unashamedly embraced what was placed in front of me, messy or not.

In my mind, this reminded me of the poignant line from the new movie Letters to Juliet. Charlie explains that his grandmother should not be too upset about being separated from her love for fifty years. When she finds him, he will have gone from teenager to fully grown adult without her having to witness all of the messy bits. Clare responds by explaining to him, "Life is the messy bits." Life is the uncontrollable moments. Life IS the messy bits. It is the icing laden faces and hands of children. How we react to the messiness of life determines our happiness.

Needless to say, I will never look at cake the same way again, and the next piece that I get to eat, I may rub some icing on my face and fingers... just for good measure!