Best. Monday. Ever.
Last night the twins and I went to a karaoke night at Edge NJ. It was MC'd by the fabulous Kay Gorgeous, and it was a blast! The night was full of the love and kindness you see when a group of people who are used to being the outcasts all get together to support one another.
There was a lovely older transgender woman who hadn't been able to live as her true self for most of her life. We bonded over her stunning Burberry purse she found at a yard sale for $3.
There was a poet who lost his partner of 28 years 7 years ago. He poems expressed a love as pure and true as can be. How anyone could possible say it was not valid is impossible to fathom.
There was a young poet who shared her work for the first time ever. She read a poem about her trials and journey of embracing and becoming her true self. When she finished the room was completely silent and she whispered so softly "please have a reaction", and the room exploded in cheers and applause. She did the cutest happy dance and we were all aware we had witnessed a pivotal moment in her life.
Both the twins sung. So did several others. Of course there were some drag numbers with plenty of lip syncing and dramatic dancing. We even had a drag king.
It was the best Monday every. How do you top that sort of evening?
Happy Pride Month!
I know there are plenty of sites and businesses doing special fund raisers and such for pride. I am not - and there is a reason.
First, let me be clear, I am a straight, cisgender (I identify as the gender the doctor announced when I was born), woman. I am not part of the LGBTQ+ community. That being said, I know that ally is a verb, and I strive every day to be and ally and to earn that label from the LGBTQ+ community.
All year around, I donate my time, skills, and often finances, to two LGBTQ+ organizations. I am the human on the end of the donations email address from Knit the Rainbow, where I also help with their booth at several shows a year, as well as helping in various other ways. Currently I organized and am running their community project, which includes shipping out nearly 4 dozen kits to make small pride flags to volunteers all across America. I'm paying that shipping myself, which isn't a small amount of money. I also volunteer at Edge NJ twice a month. Once a month I run a Sit & Stitch, and once a month I teach a crafty make & take. Most of the supplies for both come from sponsors or from the supplies Edge NJ has, and anything that is remaining is provided by me.
So, as you can see, I give to the LGBTQ+ community in several ways every month, which is why I don't feel the need to have a special fundraiser for June.
I may not have a special fundraiser, but I still shout my support from the rooftops.
In that spirit, here's a roundup of crochet patterns made in rainbow colors!
Community Corner
Join all the community fun, make new friends, and have a yarnie and crafty blast at our community events. You can find our full events calendar HERE. We look forward to seeing you virtually or in-person at some of these events!
June 10th Lunch with Jessie
Be sure to join Jessie at noon EST every Wednesday for yarnie and/or crafty info and details on what's new At Home. You can watch live on the Jessie At Home®, LLC YouTube. To comment during the livestream, you will need to have been a subscriber for at least 5 minutes, be sure to subscribe so you can get your questions answered!
June 10th Sit & Stitch
The Sit & Stitch happens on most Wednesdays at various times. It's a great way to share what you're creating, get answers to your crafty questions, and make friends with other creatives & makers. This week you can join our LIVE Zoom Sit & Stitch on Wednesday, June 10th from 2-4 pm EST; register HERE.
