Monday, June 13, 2016

Courage

School's finally out! Yay! I can actually post stuff semi-regularly! ^_^
For this week's Diva Challenge, Beads of Courage, I decided to do a fairly simple Rixty-inspired string of beads. We're leaving for New York tomorrow (!!!) and also going to Rhode Island for my CZT seminar (!!!!!) so I still haven't had a whole lot of time to draw but without AP tests and finals and the ACT hanging over my head I can finally really start focusing on it.

Tangles used: Rixty

And, now, to a rare moment of somberness here.
I think Laura has a special skill for creating challenges that aren't just inspiring and fun, but also can really reach out to people and be genuinely meaningful under certain circumstances. This week was one of those circumstances for me.
Most of you have probably heard about the horrible shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando on Sunday. If you haven't, I'll direct you to this NY Times article. Around two years ago, before I had this blog, I emailed Laura in early October about National Coming Out Day, asking if she would create an LGBT-themed challenge to help support the community. She did, and I've always been grateful to her for it. We've come a long way in the US since October 11, 2014, but events like these are sobering proof that hatred and prejudice still exist. The strength and courage of the LGBT community is incredibly moving for me, and I want to add my voice to the chorus of people supporting them. And I want to ask everyone who reads this if they are willing to as well.

Thank you.

-Daniel