Living in Topeka (Kansas) we see HATE on a daily basis thanks to Westboro "Baptist" Church led by Fred Phelps. This group has made national attention with their anti-gay and now ani-American messages picketing at the funeral of soliders. This fall a case will come before the Supreme Court dealing with funeral picketing. For awhile I saw bumper stickers that said "PHUCK PHRED" which I thought were pretty clever. Needless to say I reguarly see people standing on corners with signs - unfortunately that messege is one that is very negative.
A group of young professionals created a group called "Think Big Topeka" about the time that Google announced they were taking nominations for a commuinty to be the experiment for the Fiber Optic Internet. I am on the outskirts of this gorup. Right now their major focus is going to be Google until there is an announcement (crossing fingers) saying that Topeka is the test site! I've never seen so much positivity in Topkea.
One of the guys involved created this website, and started "positive picketing" on April 28, 2010. Several more, including myself, joined in on May 4, and next week hopefully even more will join.
I am an extrovert, but usually not the center of attention. Standing on a corner holding a colorful sign, waiving at people, and hoping they will acknowledge you with a wave or a honk in return is exciting. Everyone should experience this at least once in your life. The biggest vehicle we got to honk was either a city bus or a fire truck. We were amazed to get a honk out of an ambulance with lights and sirens going - we got a wave from the guy in the passenger seat so we know it was meant for us.
People are always dogging Topeka, but I have lived in worse places. I'm to the point in my life that I'm realizing we have the power to change what we are unhappy with in our lives. Even sometimes if you fake that happiness it will become real. I used to constantly live for the next stage in my life: high school, then college, then getting a real job that paid, then marriage. I was just existing, and realized I was wishing my life away. What happens next children, then getting the kids out of the house, then retirement, then what - death? Why not live in the moment and enjoy where you are with what you've got? That's what I'm trying to do know.
-Disaster Chick
.jpg)
.JPG)
9 comments:
Hell Chick, don't just live in the moment, be the moment and make it yours. Keep on trumpeting Topeka while the puke that is Fred Phelps walks a slow walk to Hell. Cheers DC!!
Phuck Pfred... ROTFL!!
I've been guilty of wishing my life away, too, but trying to slow down and enjoy things more now.
Chick -
Thanks for the Think Big Topeka shout out, and thanks for participating in John's last peaceful picketing. I wasn't able to attend, but my husband and son were there representing for the Sheley family. I hope you're planning to attend the next picketing on the 26th. I think our numbers will grow - I bet we could have up to a dozen people or more.
Topeka, as with anywhere, can only be what we chose to make of it. I for one, have decided it's a great city to live in and raise my family. I appreciate your community spirit and your ability to live in the moment!
Looking forward to meeting you in person,
@AlissaSheley
It is great that y'all are positive picketing...
That whole Westboro "Baptist" Church group are haters pure and simple...and God does not condone haters
FYI, the I Love Topeka link isn't correct, you need to add http:// in front ;)
I kinda like it when I get honked at too even tho I pretend that I'm above it. Don't tell anyone tho, okay?
Love the positive picketing idea. I hope that catches on all over the country.
That "Ph" thing is cool. We have a bar here named Phoenix Hill and it was the "center of the universe" during the 80's for rock and roll. They made bumper stickers on many subjects and used the "ph" instead of the "f" in a similar way. I'd make one of the "Phred" variety, but no one around here would get it.
Post a Comment