Saturday Hodge Podge

First, a sad little joke I ran across in my e-mail this morning:

What's the difference between northern and southern fairy tales?
Northern begins, "Once upon a time...."
Southern begins, "Y'all ain't gonna believe this . . ."

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I haven't had much time to blog this week. I also haven't had a lot to say that I thought was worth putting into print. My father-in-law continues to improve, but it is a long process and he is old so he will only get so well. When family members become ill it puts a strain on everyone.

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This week I had great interviews with women for articles that will appear in print soon.

On interview was with a female pastor in the Church of the Brethern. I was quickly reminded why I was drawn to that religion 25 years ago.

The Church of the Brethren is a pacifist church that preaches the teachings of Jesus, not the Old Testament. It teaches conservation and is pro-green movement, likely full of Democrats, and I am thinking about going back to it. First, however, I will have to buy panty hose and a skirt, as I don't think I have a thing that's fitting to wear to a church service.

I stopped attending the Brethren Church after my pastor, for reasons of his own, wouldn't marry my husband and me. Then I began attending my husband's Baptist church but I quit in May 1987 after a searing Mother's Day sermon from the new evangilical preacher informed me that I was a sinner because I worked outside the home and wasn't barefoot and pregnant. I have rarely attended a church service since.

The other interview I had was with a woman farmer and her partner (also a woman). They were a hoot and I really had a good time talking to them. While I was there I couldn't help but think how sad it is that the Virginia General Assembly's hate-mongers would pass laws that would harm these two wonderful souls simply because they found one another. I don't know if these two are lovers or not and really don't care, but the laws about deeds and ownership and who can be at the hospital bedside and such apply because they live together, regardless of what else they do.

We are governed by fools.

Both of these interviews came at a time when I really needed to be out and about and doing something. They affirmed my belief in life, women, and community. Through these interviews I am able to remember that people are good, kind and caring and that loving and giving are never bad things.