Kevvo Live!

Tolstoy Says...

Kevvo — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:20:15 GMT

I read this quote recently and I love it... maybe because I relate to it:

"Attack me, I do this myself, but attack me rather than the path I follow and which I point out to anyone who asks me where I think it lies. If I know the way home and am walking along it drunkenly, is it any less the right way because I am staggering from side to side!" (Leo Tolstoy)

Love Conquers H8

Kevvo — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 18:48:37 GMT

I wish I’d blogged about this sooner, but I guess late is better than nothing…

On November 5, California passed Proposition 8, which amended the state constitution to restrict the definition of marriage to a union between a man and a woman. The official ballot title language was “Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry” and it overrode the recent California Supreme Court decision that had recognized same-sex marriage in California as a fundamental right, leaving approximately 18,000 same-sex marriages in question as to their legal validity.

Of course it has already been challenged and even Governor Schwarzenegger has expressed a hope that it will ultimately be overturned, but the question remains as to how this will affect similar legislation in other states as California tends to be aprogressive trend-setter.

Unfortunately, the results of this vote were overshadowed by the previous night’s presidential election and it didn’t get the attention it deserved, but since then demonstrations have been on-going and today was a national day of protest in major cities all over the country.

I was able to go to the protest in Indy, even in the midst the cold and wet weather, and it was a good turnout and spirits were high, despite a handful of counter-protesters a half a block away. I forgot to take my camera, but my friend Shan said I could use one of his pictures:

The Old Job

Kevvo — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 22:27:05 GMT

I've not been very good about blogging lately - mostly because the last couple of weeks have been extra busy as I've been working at both jobs... by the time I get home every night I've got just enough energy to make dinner and crawl into bed to start over again the next day. Tomorrow will end the "two weeks of hell" and then I'll be on my new schedule, working at the Athenaeum three days a week and doing freelance the rest of the week. I can't wait!

Today was my last day working at the UIndy bookstore. While it's not my ideal job (my feet don't appreciate eight solid hours of standing), I was glad for the opportunity to work and my manager was particularly generous with me, giving me hours even when she didn't really need to and working around my schedule when necessary. I enjoyed the people I worked with and I LOVE the students I met... I'm a people-person and this job certainly gave me my fill. I'm glad for the next chapter I'm embarking on, but I'm going to miss this one...

To celebrate my leaving (I don't think it was intended to be quite as mean as that phrase sounds), I was treated to a free chai tea in the morning and a pizza party for lunch. While I did manage to squeeze some work in, I mostly had a fun day saying good-bye to folks and goofing off with the customers who came in. I was even given a drawing by Mica Russell, one of the student workers:

It's a pretty good likeness - though I'm not sure my shoelaces are really that stiff! It also gives me the idea that it would be fun to collect drawings people make of me... hmmm... any takers?!?

Anyway, things are alright here. I look forward to a little quieter schedule to come and more opportunity (and energy) to visit this page... there's a lot I've been wanting to blog about!

Stay tuned...

A New Job!

Kevvo — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 07:33:03 GMT

Things have been kinda crazy around here and it's prevented me from posting about this sooner... but don't worry, it's still news...

As the title of this entry says, I have a new job! I'm still pursuing my freelance work and I'll still be working at the bookstore on an occasional basis as they need me for busy times, but I've begun work for a non-profit in downtown Indianapolis called The Athenaeum Foundation.

You can check out their web site to learn a little bit more about what they do - I say that particularly because I'm still learning what all they... er, "we"... do myself - but I can tell you that my position is that of Administrative Assistant. Basically, I have two people who I report to and assist on a variety of projects. The projects are as varying as helping with setting up and staffing events, putting together mass mailings, working on the Foundation's newsletter and typing letters. This job draws from some of my administrative strengths and it gives me the opportunity to work for a non-profit again... and it doesn't require me to stand on my feet all day! Plus, the job is only three days a week so I should still have ample time to work on freelance projects that come up.

I guess if I want to keep the job I should get myself ready for work now. I'll keep ya'll posted on how it's going and I do hope to get an email out soon to update everyone on my job and address change (I've only been living at this address for over two months... you'd think I'd have sent out and update email by now!).

From Odes to Orphans

Kevvo — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 19:55:58 GMT

I teased you with a detail from this drawing a little while back when I thought it was going to be included in a book of poetry I was helping to illustrate. As it turns out, this piece was declined in favor of another work (don't worry - that one is mine, too!), but I've been given the opportunity to donate it to a benefit auction to support the Josiah and Bethany Children's Home in Mexico.

Since there won't be another opportunity for people to see the full image anywhere else (unless you're the high bidder at the auction), I thought I'd post it here:

This is the first colored pencil work I've done in a VERY long time and I'm pretty pleased with the results. I will need to produce one more piece to accompany this one at the benefit, but I'm supposing I'll use the same medium... I've gotta hone my skill, after all!

Happy...

Kevvo — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 19:56:58 GMT

... fill in the blank. It seems there's lots of things to recognize today: Happy Halloween (belated), Happy Birthday (Valerie), Happy November (period)... and "happy" as a state of being - as I feel today.

Happy belated Halloween to all. While it's not my favorite holiday of the year, I did have fun trying to come up with just the right costume for what-I-don't-know.

For the last few years I've always had the same costume and it's never been a challenge to try to think of what I'd be for Halloween; though I don't remember the last time I actually dressed up so that might explain why I decided to get rid of said costume. Suffice it to say, I realized two days before The Big Day that I didn't have my standby costume on hand and I was left to try to figure out what I'd wear... this challenge was compounded by the fact that Jeffrey takes great pride in coming up with some pretty incredible costumes and I'd be expected to share space with him during the evening - I couldn't let his public down! Fortunately, by throwing some things together and having Jeffrey do my makeup, I was able to become a goth vampire for the night.

Happy Birthday to Valerie Corby (I edited this to include her last name since I'm not sure she reads my blog regularly and I wanted her to find this if she decides to google herself - who doesn't do that from time to time?!?)... I hear rumor on facebook that she's not feeling so hot today so I'm sending healthy thoughts and prayers her way. For those who don't know, she's my cousin and the best grilled cheese maker I know - I won't spoil her secret but I will say that I've not been able to do mine the same way... of course I add apples and that makes a difference. Anyway, I hope her birthday is great!

Happy November! Fall is still my favorite time of year and even with the warmer weather we're experiencing this weekend you can still see the beautiful colors and smell the change in the seasons, so what better way to celebrate than to add an extra hour to the night! I'm not sure how everyone else will be spending that time, but I intend to be in bed making up for the sleep I lost last night... hmmm, maybe we should always have the time change the night after Halloween...

Things are good. I feel peace in my heart and it takes more than all my fingers and toes to count my blessings.

Time to sleep through an extra hour...

Remembering: Get a Second Opinion

Kevvo — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:40:54 GMT

Here's an entry I originally posted on 28 October, 2007:

I almost named this entry something along the lines of "Get an HIV Test," but then I thought someone might read that and drop what they were doing to get one before they read the rest... and then it might be too late... of course, I may have been overestimating my power of persuasion.
On Friday I got back from Lancaster, PA, where I'd spent most of last week doing HIV Test Counselor training. I'm now certified to do HIV testing anywhere in the state of Pennsylvania and counsel about HIV prevention and test results. I'll type more about what all of this means another time.
My goal with this entry is to raise awareness of something that I'd never heard about until this week. Young people in particular are risking future insurance coverage when they try to be responsible and do the right thing.
When a person gets an HIV test from their doctor, and their insurance (including parents' insurance) is used to pay for the test, the results become a permanent fixture on their medical record - whether positive or negative.
Why should this matter?
It could potentially affect your ability to get health and life insurance in the future. Even if you have a negative result that would still work against you as an insurer would see the fact that you got the test in the first place as a sign of risky behavior. The reason for the test isn't on your medical record so it's not really relevant as far as they're concerned.
People need to be wise. Pregnant women, those applying for a passport, even people getting a routine physical... all of these could be reasons for having an HIV test and it's a common practice for doctors to include them with all the other tests they'll already be running. It's the patient's responsibility to make sure they're not signing approval for such a test and if there's a question about it, it needs to be addressed right away.
And what if you need the test?
Go to a state funded organization and take it there. It won't cost you anything - that's the state funded part - and the results won't be attached to your permanent medical record. As long as you're not testing anonymously, you can have a copy of the results that you can show to your doctor or whomever else is requiring you to take the test. What's more, you'll be offered counseling that you might not get in a doctor's office in the unfortunate event that you should test positive. And if you test positive, most HIV/AIDS agencies will be able to advocate on your behalf to help you get the coverage you'll need, since that's almost certainly going to guarantee difficulty getting insured.
Get tested. If you have any question about your HIV status or you engage in potentially risky behavior, you owe it to yourself and those around you to find out. It's a quick and painless procedure that can bring a sense of relief and could potentially stop the spread of HIV and AIDS.

It really is important to get tested and to be wise about how and where it happens. Making the decision to get an HIV test should be made using the same considerations you would use for having any kind of medical procedure or test - you want to see someone who knows that they're doing and who are looking out for your best interests. While many doctors believe they're looking out for your best interests, most are not properly trained to do HIV testing - despite the letters behind their name. If you're not sure where to go, visit the CDC's web site National HIV and STD Testing Resources or send a text message with your zip code to KNOWIT (566948).

If you think you might be at risk, or you're not sure, get tested today.

I Love This Time of Year!

Kevvo — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:15:16 GMT

It's been a little while since I've posted... it's not that I haven't thought about it, but I've been pretty consumed with working on freelance projects, doing the "regular" job, and the places that my have been taking me... oh yeah, and living.

Fall is my favorite time of year but one of the things that I've always liked the least about it is the fact that it usually seems to last for such a short period of time. In response to that, I feel like I need to make the most of the few fleeting days I actually have to enjoy the colors and the crisp air, the smells and the foods of the season. To that end, I've been trying to spend time outside or with friends... or even at home just looking out the window... but not sitting in front of my computer, blogging.

To recap the last week, I was able to complete the three pieces that I'd been commissioned to do for a book of poetry to be published this year. Once I have a title and order information, I'll be sure to pass that along. I've already posted a little bit about the project here and here, so I won't say a lot right now - but I'll refresh everything once more when the book is available...

Yesterday, my friend Kevin and I went to a local cider mill to brave the cold for an afternoon of fun. This trip was prompted a couple of weeks ago when, in an effort to savor the season, I purchased a gallon of cider at Kroger. It was pretty terrible. I tried to salvage the pricey gallon by making spiced cider and then drinking from it over the next week or so, but I was still left lacking the delicious taste of fresh cider that I'd known as a kid - so I googled local cider mills and I found Tuttle Orchards (everyone local should check it out!)... so I grabbed Kevin and away we went. While I didn't get to watch the actual cider being pressed and they didn't have fresh baked cider donuts available (I guess that must be a Michigan thing), I was treated to my very first corn maze. It was located on two acres and there were so many twists and turns that we were able to really get lost for awhile. It was great! Here's Kevin and I inside the corn maze:

Today is my Sabbath and I hope to spend as much time as possible taking advantage of the lovely weather before the cold snap that's promised for this week arrives. I'll try to do better this week... now get outside and enjoy the weather!

I Meant to Post This Yesterday

Kevvo — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 14:41:20 GMT

I went for a walk along the canal downtown yesterday morning to do some thinking and trying to get some inspiration when I came across this scene:

Huh?!?

I've Never Gotten a Scorpion or a Snake

Kevvo — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 11:27:58 GMT

I hate money.

... or maybe it's the love of money that seems to pervade every aspect of life these days...

Either way, money doesn't make me happy.

The politicians are focused on how they intend to spend money for our greater good, people who invested money in the stock market paid a hefty price last week when things came crashing down, and our prison system is filled with people who were so motivated to acquire more money they were willing to lie, steal and sometimes murder to get it. (Why can't we just barter?!?)

I think what makes me the most angry about money is the fact that I need it. I don't particularly want it, but if I'm going to have a roof over my head and gas in my tank and food for my table, I need to have something to trade for these things... and money seems to be the ticket. When I look at my bank account, I have to consider all of this and make sure I'm saving enough to meet these needs - and when I'm not, I start to get nervous. I've lost sleep, I've worked longer hours and I've gone without just to make sure I'm able to survive long enough to do it all over again next month. What's worse, I know there are plenty of people reading this entry who can relate... why?!?

The irony to this dilemma is that I've never been without the things I really needed. I was even homeless for a time and I can't remember ever missing out on anything unless I denied myself for fear of not having enough to last until tomorrow. Despite my worry and anxiety about how I can fund the things I want, I have never known what it's like to truly be without... and I can think of just one reason:

"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11:9-13)

(To be clear, I'm not saying that those who are truly without aren't asking God hard enough; I think God is trying to use those of us who have resources to help those who don't. Check out this entry to see what I mean.)

In my own experience I still seem to doubt that God will come through for me, despite His proven 100% track record and His promise to always hear and respond. Instead of waiting with expectation for God to meet and exceed my needs, I'm doing exactly what He tells us not to do in Matthew 5 when I worry about how I can take care of myself. I don't need more money, I just need more faith!

God is our loving Father. He wants to help us... all we have to do is ask... and then let Him answer.

Prompt: Today's To Do List

Kevvo — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:25:31 GMT

The prompt for today was only too perfect: "One thing you (I) must accomplish today is..."

I say it's perfect because I've started to include a Goals for the Day part of my morning quiet time and so to answer this particular prompt requires just reading out of my journal. Today's goal was to do the second of three illustrations that I've been commissioned to create for a book of poetry due to be published later this year. I actually finished the first piece on Monday and I was hoping to get the final two finished within the week as I want to leave time to redo them if they don't get approved... and the final deadline is October 23.

Needless to say, I finished the second piece today... I think... I did one proof of it and it didn't feel exactly right so I continued working on it. I think it feels much better now but I'm getting a second opinion before I submit it to the author. Because it's a commissioned work and the author has given me specific instructions not to show anyone before the book is published, I'll only be able to post a detail on here. I will also mention that it's done in colored pencil... I've only used them for one other illustration and it didn't turn out so hot. I think this one is much improved:

Once I'm allowed to, I'll post the entire illustration somewhere... or I'll just post the link so everyone can buy the book. I'm only one of a number of contributing illustrators but I expect to have at least these three pieces included so it will be well worth the money! *grin*

It's nice when I can check off my To Do List at the end of the day.

A Little More Therapy

Kevvo — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:02:36 GMT

You Don't Know What You've Got Till It's Gone

Kevvo — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 21:18:33 GMT

When I read the title of this blog entry I think of the Joni Mitchell song "Big Yellow Taxi"... it's also the phrase that's been going through my head a lot lately, but most frequently during my brief visit to State College this weekend.

I've commented to a few people about the fact that while I appreciate the opportunity and challenge to go to a new place and meet new people, there's something to be said for the "ease" of being someplace where people know you and you know people. That's State College for me. I'm not sure that there's anyplace else I can go where I can't help running into someone I know every time I walk down the street... and that's a good feeling. It's my "Cheers." Unfortunately, I didn't realize how much I miss that town until I was back for the weekend. I saw so many familiar people and places - I hope my friends there realize how much they truly mean to me, despite my absence. Now I have to figure out when I can visit again!

On a similar vein, I had the opportunity during my visit to spend some time in silence with God. I've not had a lot of opportunity to get into nature since I've moved to the city, but with the craziness of getting acclimated to my new environment, I didn't really notice... just like I didn't notice my quiet time slipping away. The last few weeks I've had a nagging feeling that I need to spend more time with God but that was brought home Sunday morning when I stood on a bridge listening to the birds sing and the creek bubble while the sun rose over the dew. I remembered God. I'm not sure how I forgot Him... but I'm glad that He didn't forget me. Of course, I'm not saying I have to be surrounded by wildlife to get in touch with the Father, but it's hard to miss Him when I do.

Don't it always seem to go,

That you don't know what you've got till it's gone.

They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.

I'm back in Indy now... refreshed and ready to apply some of what I've remembered. While I look forward to making new friends and having new adventures, I'm not going to let the old pass too far from my thoughts. And I've rededicated myself to putting my God-time first - even if that means I have to get up an hour earlier.

Before I sign off, I'm posting a comic strip I sketched this morning. That's exactly what it is - a sketch... but it's therapy to me and I know there are a few people out there who understand the significance.

Quick Post

Kevvo — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:22:11 GMT

For those who knew I was traveling and might want to have an update (Mom)... I made it safely to State College last night and I will be here until sometime Sunday, when I'll be making the eight hour drive back to Indy. Hopefully I'll get some pictures to post from the trip.

For those who are in town, look me up!

Remembering: Gays Shouldn't Be So Blatent

Kevvo — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:18:10 GMT

Gays Shouldn't Be So Blatent

by Pat Parker

You know, some people got a lot of nerve.

Sometimes I don't believe the things I see and hear.

Have you met the woman who's shocked by two women kissing

and in the same breath, tells you she is pregnant?