The Short Goodbye

I don't need to tell y'all that this blog is over. Unlike my past here, I'll keep it short and sweet: On Sunday, August 1st (the day after my birthday), I'll take down the blog and all content and refocus ronntaylor.com as my personal site for my writing. It won't have a blog and will be very static.

If you'd like, join me at my new(ish) blog The Black Lion.

Peace!

Spike & Linda: Taschen "Design For Obama" Signing

Spike & Linda: Taschen "Design For Obama" Signing, originally uploaded by ronntaylor

At a book signing at the SoHo Taschen

With essays by Spike Lee, Perry-Zucker, and design historian Steven Heller, Design For Obama serves as a matchless historical document of the widespread visual creativity that helped spur Obama to victory.

The Nines (P-Town, June 2004)

P-Town, June 2004, originally uploaded by ronntaylor

The Nines = 09/09/09 marks our 9th Anniversary. Can't believe it's been nine years since we first met in-person at the Union Square Barnes & Noble. There's been plenty of ups and downs and tons of fun and some sadness. Here's to plenty more years with my Shorty...

I'm sooooo playing 999 and 9999. Hey, you never know.

Bloggers & Friends, 2009?

Convo from my Facebook Inbox:

It's probably too late to organize a get-together soon with the end of summer and Labor Day plans in place. But I was thinking about something for early Fall. When it's not too hot, nor too cool. The last one I recall was about three years ago!! Hmmm, the middle weekend of October is looking good.

This would be an update to the original Brunch get-together [A(annual?) Bloggers of Color Dining Extravaganza] organized by photographer, designer and cultural icon Donald Andrew Agarrat.

Love is Patient...

From A Thesis for the Gay and Lesbian Citizens of the State of California News (but really for Queer Folk everywhere):

Love is patient and kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. Love is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but delights in truth. Love always protects, love always trusts. Love always hopes, love always perseveres, and love never ends. Three gifts have been given to us — they are faith, hope and love — and the greatest of these is love. Therefore, make love your aim. — 1st Corinthians, Chapter 13

The often-cited quote above is from today's essay by Los Angeles-based freelance musician, singer, and composer Ken Potter. He was inspired by German theologian and Augustinian monk, Dr. Martin Luther's posting of the “95 Thesis” and argues that now is the time for a well-coordinated response, not just protest. I agree.

Celebrate Loving Day

[ VIA Mombian ] :

Surrounded as I am now by wonderful children and grandchildren, not a day goes by that I don't think of Richard and our love, our right to marry, and how much it meant to me to have that freedom to marry the person precious to me, even if others thought he was the "wrong kind of person" for me to marry. I believe all Americans, no matter their race, no matter their sex, no matter their sexual orientation, should have that same freedom to marry. Government has no business imposing some people's religious beliefs over others. Especially if it denies people's civil rights.

I am still not a political person, but I am proud that Richard's and my name is on a court case that can help reinforce the love, the commitment, the fairness, and the family that so many people, black or white, young or old, gay or straight seek in life. I support the freedom to marry for all. That's what Loving, and loving, are all about. (emphasis mine)

From Mildred Loving’s statement of June 12, 2007, the 40th anniversary of the decision in Loving vs. Virgnia (striking down laws against inter-racial marriage).

Reminder: Home To Harlem

I won't mention tomorrow/today's 3rd Annual Black Pack Party Mix and Mingle (google the phrase if you're interested), BEA Saturday when the event is held here in NYC. Instead, here's a reminder for an upcoming and very, very worthy cause:

2009 Spring Benefit | Mosaic Literary Magazine

Join us Sunday, June 7, 2-5pm for some wine, food, and art as we celebrate spring and Mosaic. Proceeds will go to benefit Mosaic Literary Magazine and its education programs.

Featuring poet Cheryl Boyce-Taylor
and the photography of Marcia E. Wilson
(Preview video presentation)

Wine · Food · Art

AALBC.com Brownstone Gallery
64 West 119 St
Harlem NY 10026