' Because our team Is dedicated to providing the best possible service to all people, we are proud of our ties to the GLBT community. Specializing in Addison County George Brewer www.Iangteam.net REALTOR: (802) 388-1 000 CRS, GRI, CRB, ABR REALTOR, MPM & OITM volunteer Jennifer Ponder REALTOR 802-655-3377 x23 800-639-4520 X23 email ]ockie@logeiher.nei website: www.]ockiemcirino.com ’’Out” and Servin Community since 0UI' 989 Con/e(y Country FROM THE CONNECTICUT RIVER TO THE, CANADIAN BORDER REAL ESTATE AND INSURANCE 179 Main Street * Derby Vermont 05829 phone (802) 766-2401 * 800-243-2401 fax 7664731 * e-mail-mickccre@together.net Log onto V V www.rea estateverm0nt.c01n to view our current listings. iangmidd@sovernet Q jennponder@hotmail.com North Professionals fackie Marina My North Professionals (802) 655-3333 EXT. 17 www_condoguy_cQm EXT. l7 CASH OUT refinance? winter vacation college tuition ' snow tires! join a gym home repairs a new snowmobile The interest on your mortgage is TAX DEDUCTIBLE Why not put it to good use? mE COMPANY KEN KAUFMAN AND JEFF OTEY 30 DEPOT STREET LUDLOW, VT 05149 tel: 802 228 2288 - fax: 802 228 8222 - TOLL FREE: 888 613 5626 oth daytimers beyond reach and clock facing out into the room, my writing day can commence. Sketches of rooms, streets and buildings hang in plastic sleeves up above the computer. It is still new to me, this writing thing. And the visual work of designing and mapping out a world, even when it is a small piece of one, is a sur- prising corner to turn. A makeshift sign keeps me company. It’s a blown-up clipart of a flying fish cap- tioned: ‘NO BOXES .. - %§ &2%‘§.§\,S .\\\x, we \ ~ \ ‘-\\£ § §‘\ ~ No Bo Allowed stand what is and is not acceptable about them- selves. Isn’t it important to fit in and grow up to be ‘somebody’? Somebody? Why not grow up to be yourself? Self-worth is essen- tial in completing the well- ness within us. Understanding what enhances our well-being and believing in its impor- tance, it is our responsibili- ty to choose wisely the way in which we care for our- selves. Let’s face it, beyond sharing a carbon-based her- itage, our individual needs Staying true to my inner voice is easier when the outside noise is turned off. ALLOWED’. Creativity is an ele- ment often diminished as it becomes defined. The very words describing something can quickly begin to limit and control how or why a creation is viewed or appre- ciated. And do we not fall into this trap with our- selves? Considering self- worth as if it were a mar- ketable product? The very act of judging-implies mis- trust. If we accept ourselves as is, judgement is unneces- sary, right? Creating a work of fiction requires an open mind. Self-worth is differ- ent. People have to under- vary considerably. Yet, our species spends so much time and energy being irri- tated and trying to control these differences among us. As it is true in the global community, so is it true in the GBLT community. Using ‘GBLT’ denotes a kind of ‘box’. . Many voices declare that leaving out the letter ‘Q’ is unfair and exclusive. The word queer is as abhorrent to those who’ve lived under its dark connotations, as it is a breath of freedom to those would be empowered by its use — equally under- standable perspectives of a yet to be detennined con- clusion. ' February 14th is a merchandiser’s dream for impulse buying brought into frenzied proportions. As with any widely recognized day or season, we can cele- brate the natural essence and ignore bastardized out- growths. There are other ways to appreciate affec- tion. adoration, and love for one another. Here is a sample alternative listing: in per- sonal daytimer, note a small token gift of a foot massage or take over spousal chore for the day. Do this for every week for the month of February. Not everyone is in an intimate relationship. A random act of kindness for anyone we choose holds the same potential. ‘It is not by how many we are loved, but how well we are loved’ goes the phrase. My spouse and I love one another. We are doing so, as are many of you, ‘outside of a time- entrenched box’. And the lines that so strongly defined which kind of love was acceptable, forming that box are not so strong or well-defined. The intent or aim of a being is so impor- tant, while the outer or superficial design of said being, are not. “Tell yourself, his exhalation feeds the plants." (Soul Stories, Gary Zurkav) This is a delicately power- ful phrase. There are moments when the person facing you is easier to curse than bless. Summarily curs- ing one another is a nasty habit to acquire. As part of a species prone to being socialized into a we-they mental box, avoiding sand- box scenarios is essential. Staying true to my inner voice is easier when the outside noise is turned off. Since the plight of the rain forests is very serious to me, the above silent bless- ing comes in handy. I . . u - . v - v - . - . . u v . u u c . . w ~