hillary: i saw you

The worst thing happened and the next day she walked quietly, gracefully out of sight.

It devastated me, what she’d lost. I was a woman too. I had ambitions too. I, too, have been misunderstood.

She's smarter, more worldly than me and she’s faced bigger obstacles in pursuit of accomplishment. So it must’ve hurt. A lot. Especially when she knew every trick in the old boys club and could beat them at their game and change the rules. 



For the good of all.

If we let her.

But we didn’t.

And a month later my sadness, my madness, continues. I should've called everyone, knocked on every door. I should've invited each and every person I know to my blog where I posted art and writing about the good life and work of Hillary.

But I didn't.

And now we're in trouble. And I don't know what to do or say. Except this...

Dear Women in My Life,

I am you. You are me. We are us. Old, young, in great health or just fair, with wealth or struggling, college degree or not. We have children, or we don’t. We’re married, divorced, widowed. Straight, lesbian, bi. Born female or transitioning. With religion or atheist. Or somewhere in-between. In any event, we are women. We. Are. Us.

So, when a large chunk of gals shrug their shoulders, apathetic or annoyed, and decide not to vote and when 53% of white women decide to cast a ballot for the most divisive, elite, dangerous, corrupt group in the history of our country, I must ask, did you think of me when you made your voting decision? Because I thought of you.

I thought of your pain. Your hurt. Your struggle and sacrifice. I thought of your past, your future, your dreams and goals. I thought of your fears. I thought of you and refused to fall for propaganda parading as fake news and the persistent lies and made-for-television drama from the Republican side. I read. I researched. I learned the facts from long-time credible sources. I thought of you, and all the women like you, who have been bullied or punished for being smart, motivated, interesting, success-seeking. Like Hillary. I thought about equality and equity and how you're worth investing in and deserve of a fair shake. And because I have no reason to exaggerate or mislead you, I won't mince words... Without Hillary in the White House, it was less likely that you'd get the prosperous, joyful life you're after, so I thought of you and voted blue. Because when you do well, I do well. We are us.

Now, if you're one of those who didn't vote for Hillary and I'm hurting your feelings, making you mad, or you think I'm full of shit, I understand. But please remember, we are stronger together. And if we keep to the trail she was blazing, it'll be for the good of us. For the good of all.

So, a favor...

More than ever before women must resist the urge to look the other way. We must not say we're too busy, too tired, too overwhelmed. We must, in fact, make a decent and noble sacrifice and get involved in politics. Politics of women, by women, for women. We can't waste any (wo)manpower. Because it's going to take every one of us to stand up and speak out in the name of what's truthful and right and good. We have to talk to each other, our Congressional representatives. We have to make phone calls, write letters, sign petitions. We have to cast a wide net with our democratic efforts. Yes, democratic. Women need to be tough, persistent Democrats. It's our only hope. Sincerely. Truly. And if we come together, women of all colors and kinds, if we embody The Gender Gap, women will change the economy, the environment. Politics. Culture. Women will change the world.

In peace and love,

Rhonda

PS: If you need help finding a path to daily activism, follow me on Twitter and watch my posts and retweets. You'll find researched, reliable news and links to suggested actions and people and stories that open the mind and grow the heart. Also, humor and bossy-pants opinions. Mine and others.

hillary: i see you

Four Days until Election Day & I'm still obsessed with the

The Forty-Five Pin Project

What Is It: 
A campaign button collection that includes 
29 large pins & 16 sets of smaller pins (not shown)

Who Made Them: 
Artists & Graphic Designers supporting HRC for President

Why Did I Buy This:
It's clever, makes me smile, and backs both my candidate AND artists...
in other words, gongoozler art love at first sight
(click on the link above to view the full collection & each artist)

hillary: i see you

eight days until the election

hillary: 

stay focused. 

ignore the nonsense.

it's about a better future.

me: 

stay focused. 

ignore the nonsense.

it's about better art. but...

i'd like a better future too.

and i think 

(hope, dream, wish, believe) 

it's on its way.

hillary: i see you

Have you ever been on the receiving end of aggressive name-calling by the opposite sex?

I have, many times, and it always hurts.

On occasion, it's also bolstered my spirited or helped me dig in my heels so my voice would be heard. In other moments, my male counterpart didn't have to call me a name to hurt me. He just had to assume a loud or condescending tone of voice, cut me off mid-sentence, or argue with me about something minor, trivial, inconsequential. For me, the voice, the words, the conversational style are everything when I consider whether a man respects me or not. Even standing taller, stepping closer, imposing on my personal space doesn't rattle me like verbal confrontations with a pushy, rude, arrogant, or scary guy. The thing is, words matter.

It's been several days since the third debate and Trump's "Nasty Woman" slur continues to make news. On one hand, it's become a badge of honor and has inspired many good jokes. On the other, women everywhere are pausing and remembering a time when they were the target of harmful comments or labels. In the end, there are a few things girls and women can do to maintain personal power.

1. Vote. Preferably for Hillary.

2. Be informed. If you need more information about Hillary and the idea of female power, Michael Moore's film Trumpland is a good place to start.

3. Be you. And that means....

Being as persistent and serious as you want to make your point.

Being as big and loud as you want with your laughter and joy.

Being as passionate and intense and emotional as you want when standing up for what you believe.

Ladies, gals, women of all political stripes, this is our time. Don't tune out or give in to apathy or frustration. Go learn what Hillary has done and will do for women and the people women care about and care for. Go learn why we need a Nasty Woman for President.

*photo credits, Harper's Bizarre, CNN still photography, NBC News still photograpy

hillary: i see you

on a lighter note...

hillary: i see you

Dear Lady Voters,

There are 23 days until the election, and if you've tuned out, it's time to tune back in. Even if it's only for the 27 minutes it takes to watch this week's call to action by Michelle Obama.

If you've heard about Michelle's heartfelt speech, but haven't seen it, I'll tell you that once you see and hear Michelle you'll realize why none of us can continue looking the other way while the opposing candidate makes excuses for and jokes about his hideous behavior in the now infamous bus video where he degrades women. Never has there been a more important time for both women and men to say enough is enough. And, Lady Voters, it's up to us to stand up, stand tall, and prove to the entire world that American women, regardless of their political leanings, will unite and demand decency and equality. Because this is not one moment in time for the Republican candidate. This is a deeply embedded character flaw and no one running for President should say, "I'm sorry, but..."

There are no buts about it. Saying it is wrong, laughing about it is wrong, and his on-going degradation of the women coming forward to say it happened to them is not only wrong, but disgusting. Further, by dismissing it as locker room talk, he disrespects men.

So, what do we do?

Well, in this political climate it can feel scary to share your opinion or correct a misguided statement. But Lady Voters, please do not let fear quiet your voices. The most powerful tools we have are our brains, hearts, and voices, and if those are in good working order, we'll be okay. By good working order, I mean that one must be informed with facts (brain), confident in their position (heart), and practiced at graceful delivery (voice). And if you happen to be someone who isn't convinced Hillary deserves your vote, but you want to speak out against the antiquated and oppressive woman-shaming, I encourage you to research Hillary and both the Democratic and Republican parties.

Here's the truth...

Democrats (and Hillary) are for sensible, active government, because sensible, active governments help people prosper. Democrats (and Hillary) are for equality for all, because we may look, sound, love, or worship differently, but we're all human and deserve the same opportunities. Democrats (and Hillary) are also for lifting everyone up, including and especially women, who serve as the majority of caregivers for the aging and caretakers of children, all while adding value to workplaces and propelling the economy in creative ways.

All I can say about the Republican platform is that it contains principles that divide, control, and help only a few. Their ideas are outdated, especially when it comes to women.

And please (please, please) don't fall for the fiction that that Hillary is untrustworthy and has even turned on girls or women. I promise you, I've done the research and in her personal and political history, she hasn't stepped on other women to get ahead. She may dismiss accusations with an air of coolness or ignore allegations, but that's because the claims are nonsense and she is drive to focus on the important things that need to be done for our country. Just remember this, she may play to win, but she isn't corrupt.

And this, I believe, is why Michelle, 17 years younger than Hillary, is driven to defend Hillary's candidacy. In Michelle's generation, our differences began falling away because good ideas mattered more. In Michelle's generation, glass ceilings existed, but women were rising, and fast. And because Michelle's generation lies between Hillary's and that of her daughters, her perspective is unique.

In one direction, she looks back and sees older women putting on armor and assuming a tough or manly persona to achieve success. In the other, she looks forward and sees young women just being themselves to reach their goals. In essence, Michelle's speech thanks the bridge that carried women over. And now, women voters must show their gratitude to past generations too. By discussing the truth, outing the lies, and casting ballots for the most qualified candidate in presidential history. Who happens to be a woman.

hillary: i see you

The summer issue of Ms. Magazine featured an important article titled The Gender Gap. In it, they prove that women can rule the vote and sway any election.

At this important juncture, with 29 days until the election and the opposing party's candidate trying to incite disdain between and infighting among women, females of all political stripes must refuse to turn on each other.

In the end, if you are or have a mother, sister, wife, or daughter...if you are a friend of women...please cast your vote for Hillary Clinton. No one in recent history has more drive and ability to promote gender equality and equality is good for the whole family.

Republican women, Independent and Green Party women, women who've never voted, Democratic women welcome you to this movement. You're our sisters and we're looking out for you too.

hillary: i see you

Forty-two days until the election,

six and a half hours until the first debate.

Good luck tonight, Hillary.

hillary: i see you

 51 days until Election Day

Hillary Rodham met Bill Clinton in 1971. What strikes me about their story is the admission that they were attracted to the other's confidence. Smarts. Spirit. With this kind of attraction, a partnership can survive a variety of challenges, even the push-pull of success. While one steps into the spotlight, the other accepts the supporting role, and at a later point in time, they'll switch places. This trade-off can happen many times over before the pair recognizes the cycle. And the cycle doesn't exclude upset or disappointment or failure. But tough times only spark new beginnings and fresh starts. Did these two somehow know there would be amazing high points and heart-breaking lows? Did they know that controversy often turns up when one's large and small moments are lived in full view? I'd say that in some subtle, nuanced way they did understand their future. Especially Hillary. Things were changing for women..things NEEDED to change for women...but the writing was on the wall. It was going to be a rough-go and she would soon be a politician's wife. In the south. Where women were expected to look, sound, and behave a certain way. Hillary decided to go forward anyway, which says something about the heart and the soul of a woman. She must've believed she could have love, a family, and be an equal partner in marriage. And work. And life. But what would her turn in the spotlight look like? Certainly it was difficult to know for sure, and she probably didn't anticipate how troublesome center stage would be for a person who prefers behind-the-scenes work to star performances. Still, Hillary has always had vision. Confident, intelligent, spirited vision. And as the campaigns roll on, I hope this unique and powerful part of her story gets more focus. Because vision always trumps drama. 

hillary: i see you

The zinnia is often called the hardest working flower in the garden. It's also one of the most long-lasting as a cut flower. If Hillary Clinton were a flower, she'd be a zinnia.

Today, once again, the transparency of HRC's campaign is under scrutiny, but this time because of Hillary's health. They ask:

Why didn't she shout from the rooftops that she has pneumonia?

Why didn't she tell the world why she was leaving an event early?

And after her campaign announced she overheated, why didn't she stop and explain it all to reporters?

As a woman who wakes up everyday to symptoms of chronic illness...

As a woman who aims to do what needs doing despite those symptoms...

As a woman who doesn't want to be judged or defined by my aches and pains...

As a woman who sometimes pushes too hard and stumbles, who then must rest...

I take great offense to this so-called news story regarding Hillary's health.

In the end, anyone who is suspicious of why Hillary wouldn't admit to pneumonia, overheating, or any other passing ailment, only needs to look at the response by the media and her opponents to understand why Hillary kept quiet. Immediately it had legs as a mystery, a cover-up. Is she too weak and unfit to work? This is the same ridiculous, outdated, and sexist judgment that women across history have had to endure when their wellness falters.

For some perspective, consider this:

As a young singer, Cyndi Lauper, pushed her voice to the point of damage. For years, she struggled with resting, as her vocal coach advised, and it took time to accept her limits. She kept this problem secret for most of her career, and now 68, she admits that she continued to overdo it from time to time because she didn't want to be dismissed as incapable. The good news is she still tours today, singing her heart out, but with control and wisdom.

Or this:

A few years ago, I heard Judy Blume speak at a writing conference. She explained how, as young woman, she had frustrating and debilitating chronic pain. She carried on, as a wife, a mother, and even took up writing. Eventually, she came out on the other side of illness and she credits the continued pursuit of her creative goals. Later, she overcame both cervical and breast cancer, and with each of these illnesses, she didn't go public until it felt right to do so. Today, Blume is 78 and just published another book.

I could list many other examples of modern woman, aging woman, woman who get sick from time to time, who keep going, who stop and rest, who don't tell the whole goddamned world their private health business, and all these women end up succeeding at what they set out to accomplish.

So, dear skeptics, back off. Give us room. Because illnesses come and go, but the bright bloom of our efforts last and last and last.

hillary: i see you

59 days until
Election Day

Feet, What do
I need you for
when I have
wings to fly?

Frida Kahlo

hillary: i see you

61 days until Election Day

To be nobody-but-yourself in a world

which is doing it best,

night and day,

to make you everybody but yourself

--means to fight the hardest battle

which any human being can fight--

and never stop fighting.

E.E. Cummings

photo credit: Sygma/Corbis

hillary: i see you

62 days until Election Day

We can start now, start slowly, changing the world. How lovely that everyone, great and small, can make a contribution toward introducing justice straightaway. And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness.

Anne Frank

photo credit: Sygma/Corbis

hillary: i see you

66 days until Election Day

In 1965, Hillary began her freshman year at Wellesley College. She ended up serving as the President of the Wellesley Young Republicans, but by her junior year her views became more liberal and Democratic. Still, unlike many youth in the 60s, who adopted the stance of radical activism, Hillary decided on affecting change from within and joined student government. 

When she graduated in 1969, she became the first student to speak at a commencement, receiving a long standing ovation. This gained some media coverage, which she handled well. Learning this, I was struck by a thought:

It's said that Hillary's work ethic and drive for positive change are innate, but it's also nice to find early examples where she so successfully presented herself to her audience. To the public. Why? Because today, there are questions like:

Where is she? Is she hiding from the current opposition and criticisms? Or is she avoiding the public because she's unwell, frail? Or does she care more about fundraising than answering to her audiences or the press?

My guess is she's doing what's innate to her...working hard to make great changes from within.

Look, the truth about Hillary Clinton is written in her past. She has little patience for nonsense (like continued alarm over emails or sexist acquisitions about her health) and she'll probably always be more comfortable in small groups than large gatherings. And because colleagues on both sides of the aisle describe her fair-minded nature and good sense of humor while doing business with her, it seems foolish to worry about her public image. Or the fundraising. Because, for the moment, the political process includes spending money and at least she does what needs doing, liking it or not, so she can get on with winning an election we need her to win.

hillary: i see you

75 Days Until the Election

Across time, many of the wisest among us have offered advice regarding the ridiculous, the unjust, and well, the stupid. In her time of political service, Hillary has certainly seen more than her fair share of all three, but her current opponent must take the cake. In honor of how gracefully she's handling the opposition's swing between fear-mongering and buffoonery, I've found some words of wisdom that I think we can all appreciate. Enjoy.

Whenever one person stands up and says, 'Wait a minute, This is wrong,' it helps other people do the same.

Gloria

Steinem

hillary: i see you

77 Days Until the Election

Across time, many of the wisest among us have offered advice regarding the ridiculous, the unjust, and well, the stupid. In her time of political service, Hillary has certainly seen more than her fair share of all three, but her current opponent must take the cake. In honor of how gracefully she's handling the opposition's swing between fear-mongering and buffoonery, I've found some words of wisdom that I think we can all appreciate. Enjoy.

Great spirits

have 

always

encountered

violent

opposition from

mediocre

minds.

Albert

Einstein

hillary: i see you

78 Days Until the Election

Across time, many of the wisest among us have offered advice regarding the ridiculous, the unjust, and well, the stupid. In her time of political service, Hillary has certainly seen more than her fair share of all three, but her current opponent must take the cake. In honor of how gracefully she's handling the opposition's swing between fear-mongering and buffoonery, I've found some words of wisdom that I think we can all appreciate. Enjoy.

I am

patient

with stupidity,

but not with

those who

are proud

of it.

Edith

Sitwell

hillary: i see you

In the days since my last post, three things have occurred to me:

1. It's impossible to maintain a daily ritualistic art practice when life tosses several

challenges that need immediate solutions into the mix all at once.

2. It's important to attempt to regain a foothold on the ritual as soon as possible.

3. It's equally important to remain flexible and accept limitations.

With that said, I'm going to flex off my original plan to create a daily art piece for hillary: i see you, and instead, begin a countdown. To election day.

And today marks 89 days until the 2016 election.

If you saw any news yesterday, you probably saw the reports that Hillary Clinton's opponent (he who must not be named) suggested the use of violence to stop her should she be elected to office. Hideous, awful, scary. Whether you like and support her or not, there's no room for this. It does, unfortunately, reaffirm the reason I picked Hillary as the focus for my daily art ritual. It's time she be shown as a person, who was a child, a teen, a young woman (a kid) with aspirations for herself and the world.

Inside all of us is a kid like that, who had a vision for the future. Who wanted to put it all on the line and see if the risk paid off. Sometimes it did, sometimes it didn't. Sometimes fear or practicality stopped us from even taking the first step. Other times we messed the whole thing up by saying the wrong thing, including the wrong people, or making the wrong choice. Many times we met people who didn't agree with our ideas and offered only critique and road blocks. We may have made them our enemies, despising and fighting them.

In the end, we grow up, look back, and shake our heads, wishing for a do-over or laughing off the missteps. And we try to do better. Every day. In every way we can. And if we've gained emotional intelligence, we understand that enemies make our pursuits difficult. A struggle. Ugly. So, we learn to argue, disagree, and compromise with wit and grace. We avoid hateful, aggressive behavior and we never (never) suggest violence as a solution. Because we recognize, deeply, that inside every opponent is a youthful spirit that should never be extinguished.

My wish? As the days click off and we near election day, I hope more voters see candidates as people. Who were once children, teens, young adults. Kids. With big hopes for the world. If you want to try it, find a photo of any candidate as a kid. See if it doesn't soften the heart, even just a smidge. And from that place, it becomes a lot easier to speak out against violence toward anyone.

hillary: i see you

day nine & day ten

so, i wondered... 

i see hillary my way, but how do others see her?

"Hillary has spent the last thirty years proving what she sees in us. Not our color, gender, or economic status, but our capacity to grow into thriving adults able to contribute great things to this country."

American Ferrera in speech to DNC


"You are the smartest, most qualified person for this job... If I look at other candidates, equal rights for women--the only person I can look at is you."

Ellen DeGeneres speaking to Hillary

hilllary: i see you

day 7 & 8

this past week, I've learned many interesting things about hillary, the child, the teen. as innate traits, these things explain a lot about who she is today. why she takes a certain path when faced with opposition. why she responds a certain way when critiqued. why she laughs when others wouldn't. and why, when others shrug their shoulders, she gets down to business. here's my list:

has deep inner courage

trusts herself

accepts challenges readily

follows through

finds value in helping others

persists in the face of gender inequality

has confidence in ignoring nonsense

takes ambitious action

inspires

connects