To Belong: Earth Day 2011

As I sit here and type yet again another blog entry, I am recuperating from a two-day annual event that my city hosts: huge art show/parade of many cultures and walks of life. These two days are seemingly the only two days out of each year that I truly feel *a part of* my city in all its tarnishes and joys.

I can confidently say I am a weary young woman wandering through a city of many petals--some bad, and some good, all exposed in full bloom like a dandelion, trying to find the place she will settle. I have met open hearts, and closed minds. I have met the lightest spirits, and the darkest souls. Through my journey, I have found one thing to be true: I will always belong.

To me, "to belong" is the reassurance of love, acceptance, and happiness in wherever you decide to stay, to a point it feels entirely right. My city holds just that for me. The morals of those around me may frustrate and disappoint me, and the burdened minds may throw me off,  but while I may not fit in, I will always belong.

My city holds a special spark not many others do. My city is crafted by Mother Earth in a unique, simply perfect way, as if She never had to try. There is never a more flawless destination for compassion, equality, or togetherness. This Earth Day, I thank God for the planet, country, state, and city I am a part of. I may never understand the viewpoints of majority, nor will I ever give up the fight of our minority, but I belong. On this Earth, in America, and in the Pacific Northwest.