VT (for all of my design-obsessed peeps)

imagecourtesyweheartit viadelectable-collectibles/indigenousdialogues Peeps, It seems that less-enlightened voters in North Carolina have won the battle, but may have lost the war for marriage equality, and inherently full civil rights for certain individuals (and groups) who have yet to be accorded all the rights and privileges guaranteed by our Constitution.  I admit that last night I felt quite discouraged and disappointed upon learning that Amendment One had passed by a 69-31% margin.  It was disturbing to read that over four million registered voters choose not participate in the civic process, and 1,303,876 persons voted for Amendment One.   While I acknowledge that exit-polls reveal that many folks did not fully understand the ramifications of amending the state's constitution to define marriage as only between a man and a woman, being informed is not terribly difficult in this, the information age.  Sadly in many areas, slick politicians practic...

imagecourtesyjjjjound Peeps, I had the pleasure of visiting Charlotte (NC) this past weekend, and in the true spirit of Southern hospitality, the Queen City did not disappoint this weary traveler.  Having the good fortune of mild temperatures, long walks through lovely gardens abundant with ferns, roses, azaleas, magnolias and irises were made even more memorable under the gaze of the fullest moon this side of the hemisphere.  Not unlike Williamsburg (VA) and our local regions, boxwood shrubs were quite plentiful, as were colorful placards on almost every front-yard, either in support or in opposition to Amendment One, scheduled for a public vote tomorrow.  My hostess proudly pointed out the nays outweighed ayes, at least in the more civilized and enlightened parts of the state -- with the exception being counties to be found in that particular intersection of bible belt and gun belt, allegedly located down in the 'south-eastern bit.' And irrespective of wh...