Beware the Pure Spirit, Let the Flesh Instruct the Mind

I love this time of year. This is the weather that I thrive in, that is, nice warm days and cooler nights.  I didn't go to Bridge Day this year as I am finishing up my manuscript to Graduate Studies. I did have some time today to process plants for their winter storage and up keep. Here's what is going on in my world today: Harvest time for Castor Beans Took this picture the other day. She and her web are no longer there.  Quietly waiting  Kale sprouting  Aroids - my favorite ornamentals. Voodoo lily here.  Elephant ears

I'm writing the last chapter of my dissertation. I plan to defend before fall classes begin (optimal but not likely) or the first weeks into the fall semester (probable). To keep me on track, here's my outline for discussion. Already immersed in whittling this down as I have been writing already: Discussion Restate the purpose of the research, making note of intersections Identify the main themes the emerged from the data Under Place and Cultural Identification Rural Appalachia Religious orientation Seeking Health Services - Theme One  Rurality Quality of Services Accuracy in Treatment Positive Experiences with Health Care Professionals HIV and General Care Issues HIV Medicines Alternative Therapies Challenges in Obtaining Medicines Ancillary Support Specific Supporting Spiritual Practices  Adherence Issues Missed Dosages  Stigma - Theme Two MSM Religious Stigma (homophobia) MSM Appalachia as Place Related Stigma MSM Related Stigma MSM...

Purple Cherokee Tomato - an heirloom variety Finally! The big boys are coming up (voodoo lily) I've missed growing elephant ears. So here is one being guarded by a dangerous raptor Seed collecting - day lilies and japanese maple

I’m an admirer of both Queer Theory http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queer_theory  Critical Race Theory   http://spacrs.wordpress.com/what-is-critical-race-theory/   and as someone who has definite leanings toward social justice issues, public health, and sexual minority causes…I feel as though I see the world through a slightly different set of eyes. Rainbow colored glasses anyone?  I observe, I critique, I document, and I (try) to contribute where I can. Today, I was faced with a myriad of student issues related to work and my responsibilities. I had an epiphany of sorts, where I could clearly see where race and SES intersected to produce disadvantages for students of color on an institutional / structural level. As a white male, I am knowledgeable enough to know that I am taught by my own white privilege NOT to see or recognize these things. But I did see it today and I’ve been wondering what my response and responsibilities are. I’m not trying to be colorblind no...

Notes from… Stigma As A Fundamental Cause of Population Health Inequalities – AJPH March 2013 Stigma is defined as a coocurrence of labeling, stereotyping, separation, status loss and discrimination in a context in which power is exercised. Discrimination at the individual level (i.e., the unequal treatment that arises from membership in a particular social group) and structural level (i.e., societal conditions that constrain an individual’s opportunities, resources, and well being) is a constitutive feature of stigma. Fundamental cause theory – posits that some social factors remain persistently associated with health inequalities over time despite dramatic changes in diseases, risk factors, and health interventions. ·          A fundamental social cause influences multiple disease outcomes through multiple risk factors among a substantial number of people ·          A fundamental social cause...

So quickly: I've been working orientations for two days - I'm tired and my voice is as well My engine light, that black hole of need and money, has returned and as such I will be having my vehicle looked at AGAIN, next week... But not in time that I could go and  Visit my family in WV like I had planned all along. My plans were to travel to WV to visit my grandmother, sister, and my relatives who are in from NH. I'm not going now due to said car murmurings and I'm simultaneously pissed and sad. Was looking forward to visiting AND to finding some time to travel to the New River Gorge to view and make my connections to that wild and wonderful natural space. Talked to my grandmother and aunt briefly and I'm left with this longing to be around family even more so right now  My body is sabotaging me, stress this week has now resulted in a zoster break out. FML.  So, I'm hiding away in my apartment ... blinds drawn  I think I'm bound for the bed... Bu...