Got up and got going this morning so I could leave for Topeka by 8:10. I had to stop and fill the car with gas and then I went to my friend’s house and picked her and her husband up.
We drove through a brief downpour on the way to Topeka. The cloud cover kept us out of the heat for the time while we were in Topeka.
There was not a very big crowd at the rally in Topeka at the state capitol building today. I saw an estimate of 250 people – I had guessed higher but I am never a good counter of people.
I took my sign that said “I stand in love with all Free Hug”. I got about 8 hugs today! Each time I told the person we have to stop with the hate and step into love. Everyone agreed and had a smile when they left. I truly believe that is how we start to change the world.
We gathered around the south steps for a bit. A couple of different people spoke and led some chants and then another lady led some songs. We all then stood on the steps for pictures.
The crowd then dispersed to line 10th street for a bit. Group by group they peeled off and did a march. When it was our turn to peel off we walked to my car and left.
Most of the chants were positive today although they did do some that I couldn’t say with them. Exchanging hate filled messages does not do anything but add hate to the world. We have got to exchange hate for love and stop the name calling and negativity.
When I got to Cottonwood Falls and was turning onto Union St there was a lone protester. I stopped and talked to him and found out he is the son of a friend. We talked about the detention center and had a good conversation. Kudos to him for standing alone on a hot summer day to protest. He didn’t know about the rally in Topeka today.
After I dropped my friends off at their home I stopped for lunch and came home. I was hot and tired so laid down and took a nap. Got a phone call that woke me up. It was my Aunt Marylyn and it is always a good thing when she calls and we get to visit.
A reporter from the Emporia Gazette called and we talked about the Detention Center Project. Not sure how she is going to turn that into a story but I guess I will read the Gazette for the next week or so and see if there is something in it. It was a nice conversation regardless if she does something with it or not.
Another lady that does media contact work for non-profits is calling me tomorrow. Not sure what she has in mind but it will be fun exploring options with her. I’m concerned the Detention Center will stop the card and stamp project if it gets too much publicity as they really aren’t supposed to accept things from the outside.
It got to the mid 90’s today. We are in a heat wave and it is to be in the mid to upper 90’s for the next week or more. Summer has hit hard in KS now. It is dangerously hot outside now and I will not be venturing out unless absolutely necessary. Heat and I don’t get along well.
Nothing planned for tomorrow. I do have some thank you notes I need to write. Maybe I will find the motivation to get those done. Also will need to do some laundry and housecleaning. It will be good to have a quiet day at home.
Next week is still looking fairly free. Kathy and I are going to KC Tuesday for a medical appointment Kathy has. We are having lunch with Nicole before her appointment so it will be a fun day. Not sure how long the appointment will take. We may stop at Costco afterwards if we aren’t too tired.
It is nice to have several empty-space days on my calendar. It has been a bit since that has happened. Things might come up to fill in some of them but so far they are free and clear. I always have things around the house I can do if I can find the motivation to do them.
Hoping to get the paper about Max’s probate next week so I can finally close out his bank account and put a forward on his mail. Those are the last two things that need to be taken care of that I am aware of.
Kathy has a couple of pending things that I hope get resolved this next week too. Waiting on others to do something so we can do what we need to do to finish up some pending items. Maybe next week will be a week where I can clean several things up.
It felt good to be at a protest today but am wondering if they are doing any good. Our elected officials continue to vote the way they do and ignore many of their constituents. The crowd size was very small today and not sure why. Maybe people are giving up on protests? The next one is August 2. I may organize one for Cottonwood Falls that day so I don’t have to drive to Topeka.
Feeling a bit frustrated this evening and I keep reminding myself that the universe operates on a different time table than I do. Good things are happening and change is coming. It is taking longer than I want!
Three more people donated funds to the Detention Center project today. I hope I can find more ways to let people contribute in a positive way to those being most affected by the change in our immigration rules and laws. I know these changes are disrupting many lives and causing much pain and stress. My challenge is finding those that need help. I am so privileged and have not been personally impacted.
Grateful for the right to protest, grateful to my friends that went with me, and grateful for the lone protester in CWF this afternoon.