Momentarily donning my Halloween costume of a brown frilly tank top, billowing at-the-ankle pants, beaded headdress, and golden peace symbol at my neck transported me to the spirit of the ’60s. So much so that when the lyric “Fuck the man” from an Iron and Wine song came on, my only thought was to give the number two hand gesture and say, “Right on.”
Counterculture is a part of who I am.
As a college student, I stood in front of a post office holding a white construction paper banner every Wednesday. It stated, “Silent Vigil For Peace.” For an hour, along with the university’s librarian, a few other students, and community members, I stood on the steps, not uttering a sound.
It seems like Tom Petty knew a thing or two on the topic. “She’s a good girl, loves her Mama. Loves Jesus, and American too… And I’m FREEEEE. FREEE FALLIN [into a new way of being].” Is my interpretation, anyway.
And I am not above a good protest either. Especially when a value of mine is compromised.
Unlike people who believe everything is corrupt, I believe in the power of my voice. So I show up and know there is strength in numbers.
I’m sitting with a leg up at the outdoor table with Archie at my feet; the breeze is sending yellowing Alder leaves a sailing.
Soon the sun will tuck behind a large cedar, and I’ll conjure the motivation to drive to Fred Meyer for ingredients to make Chicken Marsala. (I hope I do it justice; the one I had at La Spiaggia Ristorante in Ocean Shores still makes my mouth water all these months later).
My perfect day off; sipping in the day nice and slow.
I hope you had a good one.
Love, Jaclynn
Going On 40 