Just a small town girl, living in…Lenawee County.

I am a lover of words, the woods, books, good conversations and lifelong learning. I live to geek out, dip my toes in the River Raisin, try new foods and spend time with my family, my pets and my plants.

What I need right now is HOPE and a soft landing space with like minded folks closer to home to remind me of why our county is AWE-INSPIRING and to confirm my steadfast belief Lenawee County is worth fighting for and investing in.

If I choose to stay in my county then I will be part of the social reform needed to elevate us, I will work to this end through staying informed, educating my community, listening to those whom feel unheard, giving a voice to the voiceless and challenging the status quo.

I want to brainstorm solutions instead of simply identifying a problem I see in my county’s small towns or public schools. I want to feel part of a genuine community. I want to look to our history to ensure we’re making the best decisions now, with no less than than the next seven generations in mind.

We have an opportunity to be leaders in this moment; we have a civic obligation to model how the future can look when dreamers, storytellers, music makers, and all of us proud FREAK FLAG FLYERS come together and have access to social, political and financial capital. Imagine a world where we all live for today, in peace, no hunger, no hate. Let’s try something new, can we try to truly be as one?

While I am not always certain of what I can believe in, I do have a philosophy on life. I was once told, which I hold to be true, “you can have a philosophy on life without a religion, yet you cannot have a religion without a philosophy on life."

Some things I don’t believe in; failed institutions, incompetent leadership, inaction, inefficiency, inequality, injustice, and those are just a few of my lower case “I” words.

I hear folks talk about what they see wrong yet we’re not coming together to demand edible food and potable water for all, better healthcare for all, better schools for all.

That is NOT me!

I also see some people quietly working away, not bothering anyone and creating a microclimate of their own; an oasis. These folks give me HOPE!

I see the world renown bakers and their wives, the diligent doctors that listen, the thorough tailors, the passionate tattoo artists, the resourceful veterinarians (girls, you know who you are!), the chefs cultivating our palates. It’s also the kind lady who helps a stranger. The Man Dog and his pack, the street corner dancer, the phenomenal teachers and support staff in our schools. It’s the helpful librarians, the hard working garbage, recycle, yard waste removal armies, our street sweepers and city workers. When I come upon these beautiful souls in my community, I am so PROUD!

We have a rich history in Lenawee Country of accepting ALL color, creed, gender; a county where you fit in as long as you’re wiling to work hard and honor your family’s name. Our county is bountiful in it’s beauty of both it’s people as well as the scenery. Similar to the brave souls whom gave safe quarter to Slaves along the Underground RR whose rails ride right along side those of our trains.

Unfortunately, I am not quiet and loud, smart, articulate women are off-putting. Especially if they cuss like a sailor, spit like a cowboy, drive like a racecare diver wanna be. The domestic lifestyle is boring me, this isn’t the 1930s, it take money to make money and if I don’t get to quit money and live in a cave then I guess ya’ll better watch out.

I show up. I listen. I search for solutions. I follow through (when I want to…wink).

Let’s be people with solutions instead of problems to solutions. I need to find some humans to make me believe in humanity again.

I also have a lot of opinions and I will not be quiet when I know there are marginalized people in my county who have no voice. While I will operate a bicycle repair shop, my passion is an exchange of ideas so I know I am not fighting the good fight alone.

I’ve been searching for my tribe; I have never felt like I fit in here, yet I refuse to leave. The history of this place, my familial history here, my own personal history is so entwined with this land, the rural backroads, and the banks along the River Raisin (and it’s many tributaries) I feel if I leave surely part of me will wither away.

I fear, If I stay, the surly part of me will continue to grow, but only if I allow it.

I will create space in my community to be me, unapologetically!

Lastly, I promise I will not be the same person in a year, or five, or ten! (and if I am please check my brain for smoothness…and kindly let me know I’ve lost my wrinkles).