...the Start of Summer

Memorial Day Weekend signals the unofficial start of summer. Fill the propane tank, hose off the patio, fluff the lounge chair cushions because the weeks to come are filled with plans for backyard gatherings, picnics in parks, beach days, lake kayaking, and oh so much more!

Eileen and I enjoyed our first mini-vacation of the season a few weekends ago, and for me, the first celebration following Memorial Day Weekend is PRIDE month.

I came out when I was an older lesbian. Up until that time, I didn’t understand the significance of PRIDE. I had spent so many years HIDING, that the whole idea of being authentic was foreign. The thought of being OUT was terrifying.

As I tiptoed out of the closet, I gained a new appreciation for the many individuals who have played pivotal roles in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and shaping history through activism, advocacy, and cultural influence.

I’m not sure if Northeastern PA, my hometown area, or your hometown celebrates PRIDE, but in the Pacific Northwest, throughout the state of Washington, all month long, communities celebrate PRIDE with pride.

Olympia is recognized as one of the most welcoming cities in Washington, with a lively LGBTQ+ community and venues. Compared with larger cities, like Seattle and Tacoma, Olympia is small scale, but our Capital City's PRIDE events are jam-packed. This year, Olympia's PRIDE takes place on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29. On Saturday, the waterfront boardwalk and parks will feature over 200 vendor booths, several drag performances, lots of music, and good family fun. The following day is the PRIDE parade -- a dazzling, joyful mix of people, each adding energy to the celebration of love, identity, and activism.

You’ll see:

·         Drag performers – Gliding through the crowd in larger-than-life outfits, bringing glamour, humor, and sheer artistry.

·         Families and allies – Parents proudly waving rainbow flags in support of their LGBTQ+ kids, friends marching arm-in-arm, showing their solidarity.

·         Activists and community groups – Organizations carrying banners, chanting for equality, and reminding everyone of the movement’s roots.

·         Queer youth – Overflowing with excitement, wrapped in pride flags, dancing to the music, and celebrating their identities.

·         Elders and history makers – Pioneers of LGBTQ+ rights, often wearing shirts with messages like "Stonewall Survivor," reminding everyone of the struggles that paved the way.

·         Local businesses – From LGBTQ-owned coffee shops to corporate sponsors, showing their commitment to inclusivity.

·         Musicians and dancers – Bringing the heartbeat of the parade to life with live performances, energetic beats, and choreographed routines.

·         Fantasy and cosplay enthusiasts – Dressed as everything from mermaids to superheroes, reveling in the creativity and freedom of expression.

·         Pet lovers – Yes, even pets get dressed up! You might see dogs in rainbow tutus, cats in tiny Pride hats, or even the occasional Pride-themed reptile.

Those who attend PRIDE events -- especially the parades -- find the energy contagious. Maybe this year will be your first! If anyone asks you, “Why are you here?” You can say that a lesbian friend (me) invited you!

Happy PRIDE

Adjusting to a one-butt Kitchen

So we did it. We made it through the downsizing experience. We somehow kept our sanity and now look forward to summer when we'll celebrate another anniversary. The last six weeks weren't easy, though. The decisions regarding what to keep and what to re-home might haunt us for a few months. But, so far, a month into apartment living, we haven't 'needed' anything that we've given away. That's a good sign. And right now, the only item we've been searching for and wondering about is the round, glass pyrex pie plate. I still need to shop for the ingredients for spinach quiche, so there's time. I am 99% sure the pie plate made the move.

Which brings me to our kitchen. A lot less cabinet space than the house we vacated, but it's certainly doable. It's all about sticking to Mom's mantra "There's a place for everything, so keep everything in its place." With limited room, there's no letting dishes pile in the sink or sit on the counter. Finish one project THEN move onto the next task (ie. prepare Suzy's meal, feed her, while she eats, clean up, and then begin to prepare supper). Not enough room to multi-task and certainly too crowded for both of us to be in the same area at the same time. Every once in a while we find ourselves slow dancing around each other, balancing plates or glassware. And that's fun, too.

Suzy is adjusting nicely. She's keeping a good routine which helps us with appointments and fun activities. She hasn't been in the mood to play with her toys, so we bought a new squeaking duck and after some serious squeaking, Suzy fell asleep with the duck under her chin. I think she senses the stress of moving and adjusting to new routines like using an elevator and stairs. She's a trooper.

Time to get ready for this year's book events. Stop by for a visit. www.judykiehart.com/events Later this month I'll be chatting with Sammy Downing at Orca Books (open to the public) about her new release When Darcy Met Lizzy -- described as a 'queer Pride and Prejudice remix.' Fans of Jane Austin and the Bridgerton series will find the book an enjoyable read, as I did.

My second book, Mixed Shorts, will be launched on June 1st. I'm excited about this book and hope to hear from you once you've read it. Currently, it'll be available through Amazon and my website. Yes, I am aware that many are boycotting Amazon, but for Indie Authors, Amazon is the best -- and sometimes the only -- way to promote our books, so please reconsider this when you shop for Mixed Shorts!

A final thought: No matter how spacious your kitchen, take a moment to slow dance with your partner while preparing a meal—because cooking together is more than just food; it's connection.

The Big 'D'

www.judykiehart.com/postings

The Big D

Eileen and I owned several properties over the almost 30 years we've been together. For the past seven years, we've had the luxury of a 1500sf house with a huge attached garage -- the largest space we've ever shared. We used every inch of it, never giving a thought to the stuff we accumulated on top of the stuff we owned. After all, we planned to stay in the house for another seven years or maybe more.

Maintaining a property is a huge responsibility, and, a huge expense. More recently, we've had THE conversations: "What happens when one of us dies? How does the remaining person deal with all of this and where would the survivor go?" We couldn't imagine leaving the Pacific Northwest.

For several reasons, we decided to take advantage of an opening at a Senior Living Apartment Complex. Early in March, we signed a lease for an 850sf apartment. We rented a storage locker for larger items that we knew would not fit in the apartment and would eventually find new homes.

For three solid weeks, we worked 15-18 hour days sorting through closets, drawers, cabinets, and shelves while asking the same questions: "When was the last time we used this?" and "How many sweaters/shoes/boots/tee shirts does one person really need?" and "We haven't had a CD player in five years, so why do we have all these CDs?" and "Do we still need 36 rolls of toilet paper and two dozen coffee mugs?"

Our new space has made us realize Mom's mantra of "There's a place for everything, so keep every single thing in its proper place." Days of jamming linens on a shelf and tossing miscellaneous items in junk drawers are over. Think "tiny home" with cruise ship amenities." The furniture and knick-knacks from our last three residences owe us nothing. It's all good!

We sold what we could through local 'marketplace' sites meeting buyers in parking lots and greeting others at our front door. We made countless trips to various charities. The move-into-the-apartment happened without a hitch. Until the house sells and we give up our garage space, we'll be sorting through the remaining items---maybe doing a quick Garage Sale--an excuse to say 'bye' to our neighbors.

In the meantime, we are meeting new people at the complex, enjoying evening swims and hot tub soaks in the complex pool, and looking forward to the many other activities available. Without the responsibilities of home maintenance like power-washing the house's siding, moss treating the roof, and high property taxes, we will plan day trips and week-long adventures.

And, Suzy? What a trooper she has been. She overcame her fear of the elevator's movements and finds her way to our apartment door. Many residents have dogs and she hasn't barked at any of them. She loves all the sniffs around the complex and the adjacent trail where daffodils in clusters bloom and birds chirp happily.

A friend told me that downsizing was intimidating and yes, downsizing is a challenge---but not impossible!

As we begin a new chapter in our lives, we wish you success in the next chapter of yours.

Cheers!