I've been farting around

And apparently I want to tell you about it.

Hi Friends,

My story in Taproot Magazine is pictured above! Thank you to those who ordered up a copy for themselves—it means a lot to me. If you want one too, they are still available to order here. The shop was such a huge part of my life and becoming who I am, and this is its story. What a gift to be able to share it so widely. It feels good to honor that part of myself in this way. (I keep joking that it’s a kind of an unofficial obituary for the shop.)

I did something wild this past week. I have some time on my hands, and when I saw that the Oklahoma State Board of Education added a last minute agenda item to reconsider the Tulsa Public Schools accreditation status (per the perceived violation of HB 1775), I went to witness the meeting and make a public statement. Here is an article about it. I am quoted in it! Ha.

My sense from many friends about the current political and social atmosphere is a feeling of overwhelm–”I don’t know what to do!” I feel this in my body too. Especially with women’s rights and the current treatment of Tulsa Public Schools. It feels too big and impossible to make a difference. But I keep thinking about how to localize and bitesize our capacity to make change. I told a friend my goal is to just show up. I’m trying to show up to groups and meetings to see and hear what there is to see and hear.

My goal is to just show up.

I started attending the Moms Demand Action (gun violence prevention group) election team zoom meetings. I went to that State School Board meeting. I plan to go to Tulsa School Board meetings. I’m trying to talk to people who I think know things.

Frankly, it’s a gift that I have time to explore this wilderness. I’m thankful for the time. And I do not think everyone needs to do this leg work, but I think we all need to feel in our bodies what we care about and try to show up places…especially at the polls on November 8, 2022. Fellow Oklahomans Vote Jena Nelson for State Superintendent! Vote Joy Hofmeister for Governor!

I know this isn’t as light as garden stuff. But it’s as important as my daughter’s school having the support and encouragement to teach hard history and learn the science-based truth of biases and racism. I’m planning to share what I learn on this path. Let me know if you’re here for that journey with a reply to this email. I plan to share ways to be involved in a variety of fashions. The first note is to be registered to vote, then know the name Jena Nelson for State Superintendent and tell five people her name.

Meanwhile…here are some photos of flowers from our garden:

Flowers for a friend

Our pathway in mid-July. Photo by Molly Thrasher.

Photo by Molly Thrasher from our family photo shoot in mid-July.

Photo by Molly Thrasher from our family photo shoot in mid-July.

Photo by Molly Thrasher from our family photo shoot in mid-July.

I’m in charge of my school’s garden program now. So that’s funny.

This book was INCREDIBLE. “The world is in transition. Out of this darkness, we have a chance to birth a new world — a healthy, multiracial, and sustainable future. But we need you to last. Your life matters. Your voice matters. You have a role to play.” - Valarie Kaur

I want to wish you a safe, peaceful week.

Love,

Ashley