Today was interesting. This week was interesting. (I use ‘interesting’ for lack of better words, even after referencing the thesaurus to find another.) Beginning with the present, I’m currently resting atop of my mother’s bed with a hair bonnet / dryer on my head. COPS is on the television as I wait patiently for my mother to join me so that we can finally watch Doubt on DVD. I’m getting sleepy.
The earlier part of the day was spent in the sun handing out samples of ice-chilled liquid awesomeness to parade attendees in St. Petersburg. It was all about Pride, today, for just about everyone on the streets. This being my first time at Pride, it was much about being a spectator as it was providing patrons with cold beverages. I’m no stranger to homosexuals and I’ve had some fun times in West Hollywood, a.k.a. Boys Town. So it’s odd that I’ve never been to a Pride weekend event before this one. Then again - I’m straight. It’s not that all that strange after all.
Let me skip past all of this though. I’ll rewind. I started a new 10-week job this week at the Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County. It’s a summer position with Americorps. For those who aren’t in the know about Americorps, it is best described as a domestic Peace Corps. I had always wanted to join the Peace Corps. It was through an orientation several years ago that I learned about Americorps. I placed it on my to-do list as well. This summer, one way or another, it has become a dream come true. Or has it?
Hillsborough County has the largest numbers when it comes to the homeless in the state of Florida. While I’ve been jet-setting all across the globe to patch up a roof or paint the dwelling of a new Habitat home owner, I haven’t paid much attention to my own surroundings. Sure I’m speaking about the homeless in my community, but also the very own bubble that is Adrienne-is. I haven’t paid much attention to myself and my own situations. One wrong turn or unfortunate event and I could easily be out there like the individuals I will soon encounter on a much more personal level. I’d love to keep sailing adrift in my magical hot air balloon nicknamed ‘Day Dreams,’ but reality comes like a speeding bullet. Many will refer to a pills, but bullets a have a harder impact. I imagine it that way. I’ve never been shot.
In short, I will be focusing on two main projects for the summer. One is assisting with the Speaker’s Bureau which I am still getting a foot-hold as to everything involved with this particular program. Another responsibility will be surveying the homeless about violence against the homeless.
It should be interesting. Time now to watch Doubt and then off to bed.
Then followed that beautiful season… Summer….
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape
Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood. -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Press close, bare-bosomed Night! Press close, magnetic,
nourishing Night!
Night of south winds! Night of the large, few stars!
Still, nodding Night! Mad, naked, Summer Night! -Walt Whitman
Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time. -John Lubbock
Yesterday night (or early this morning) just past the stroke of midnight, as promised, I met Zek at the Tampa International Airport. He traveled a long way from Istanbul to spend his summer here in sunny and rainy old Tampa, Florida. As a gesture of my hospitality and the least I could offer him as a fellow couch surfer it was my please to meet him down at baggage claim. I was expecting anything in return and wah-lah! Zek busts out with a sweet treat from his native land - Turkish Delight! Never had it before, but this type of dessert is right up my alley.
A poem I recently found and like by Fereydoun Moshiri titled, “Agar.” For practice and perhaps for memorization, I have written the text above and included it here for those who can understand it as well. Forgive my elementary penmanship.
What was supposed to be a build in Madagascar this year is now a project scheduled for Kenya. The political unrest and change in government has placed a hold on GV projects on the island nation of Madagascar. However, Kenya needs a few helping hands too! I’m still very much in need of adventure-minded individuals with a willingness to work with others while building community in Kenya. If you’ve ever given Habitat for Humanity a thought, please visit the link here and let me know if this sounds like something you or someone you know is up for getting involved with. Additionally, I’ve created a dedicated GV Kenya blog with many more trip details and video to give you an idea about what Global Village is all about. All are encouraged to apply.
This month is my blog anniversary. I don’t know the exact day because I’m bad at that sort of thing and right now I am too lazy to go back and see. I just hope that in the time I’ve been present on the web that I’ve said something meaningful or to make you laugh and/or smile.
