Hopes and Dreams

Earlier this month, an artist we represent visited the store. He shared with us a bit more of his personal history. The pain was apparent in his words and in his eyes as he told stories….

December 24, 2012

Earlier this month, an artist we represent visited the store. He shared with us a bit more of his personal history. The pain was apparent in his words and in his eyes as he told stories of his parents – who have passed – and his brother who has no time for him.

Our Children, 2006
Our Children, 2006

What causes our friend the deepest pain is not knowing his brother’s children. As a man who educates children for a living and who carries a deep love of art into his personal and professional life, he is at a loss. The love of family is missing. But the love of the family he has built with his adoring friends is what holds his heart intact. He has built a home for himself – a place where he lives a happy, joyful life – with just a few bricks missing. He told us that he follows our family history as it evolves in our blog, and he admitted to being a wee bit jealous.

We are an open and affirming family. To us, that encompasses our lifestyles and our “mode of being”. Our house has no room for hate. The windows and doors are shut to those who judge people based on their sexual orientation, skin color, or choice of faith. We reminded our friend that the greatest loss is the one his brother is experiencing – which is not knowing true brotherhood.

It is our dream, in this joyful season of wishes, that our children continue the fight we are waging to ensure civil rights for all of Earth’s people. We are handing this dream to our children because we believe they are finally the generation that may see beyond all the silliness to look deep within the human before them before making a judgement.

Our children continue to be our hope for a free and just world.

Happy Holidays to you.

Casey & Sloane

Casey & Sloane SImmons
Sisters & Co-owners

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Laughter Solves Everything

Yesterday my day was filled with laughter. It was all I could do to survive the comedy of errors my day was destined to offer.

Yesterday my day was filled with laughter. It was all I could do to survive the comedy of errors my day was destined to offer.

Here is a quick snap shot.

  • I lost my credit card.
  • I wrecked my car.
  • I fell on the ice.
  • I peed in my pants.
  • And the dog puked in the car…twice.

Yep, I live a life of grace and luxury. My friend said it best in a late night text: “Ahhh, parenthood, the gift that keeps on giving.”

I hope your holidays are filled with as much laughter as I shared with loving people yesterday. It really was a great day. Now, Friday…bring it!

hApPy HoLiDaYs!

Casey

 

 

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The Face of HIV/AIDS

Last night she said to me, “I spend time speaking to people my age about being HIV positive.” Not for the full 10 hours a week that she volunteers, but it is part of what she does for Good Samaritan Project in my town. It has been part of what she’s done nationwide for over well over a decade.

Last night she said to me, “I spend time speaking to people my age about being HIV positive.” Not for the full 10 hours a week that she volunteers, but it is part of what she does for Good Samaritan Project in my town. It has been part of what she’s done nationwide for over well over a decade.

Jane Fowler is the face of HIV/AIDS for me as I recognize World AIDS Day today. At an age “well over 50,” she contracted HIV from a partner. She knew the man, but clearly not everything about him.

She changed my life last night, and I told her so. She said, “sometimes I don’t know if I’m making a difference, but I speak up anyway.” I told her, fully choked up and with tears in my eyes, that she made a difference in me and I will never be the same. I barely got the words out.

We spoke about why I was involved with the AIDS fight in Kansas City. We spoke of my son and my wish for his children to live in an AIDS-free generation. We spoke of the holidays with her children. We spoke of mutual friends. We spoke of caring and of love.

Then I checked her out and wrapped her presents. All of this took place where I work. At the counter and in front of the Christmas tree. With people in clear hearing range.

When you hide from AIDS – when you whisper and turn your head – you give it power to make stigma and hate. But if you are like Jane, you speak up and you tell your story over and over until you fear you aren’t making a difference.

And that’s exactly when grace steps in and you change another life. Like mine was changed last night.

Sloane

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Copyright Casey Simmons and S. Sloane Simmons. People who steal other people's words & thoughts are asshats. Don't be an asshat.