Shout Out // Fruitvale Station

I heard about the award-winning film Fruitvale Station months ago.  I heard some small story on NPR about an Oakland artist, Ryan Coogler, who was telling the story of Oscar Grant, a 22 year old black man who was shot in the back while in handcuffs here in Oakland in 2009.  Even though I heard some buzz about it, I didn't really know what to expect.   More recently I heard that it won both the Grand Jury Award and Audience Award at Sundance and the Prize of the Future at Cannes.  Then I heard some other artists, like Oakland's Goapelle, encouraging people to go see it.  I went on Monday night at The Grand lake Theater, with the Trayvon Martin protests roiling in downtown, the helicopters overhead.

I am a firm believer that art is a powerful tool in bringing darkness into the light.  I believe that art can spark dialogue, change minds, penetrate hearts, and build new ways of seeing what is happening around us.  I have found in my own life that keeping my heart open has been a challenge; sometimes it feels like there is so much wrong with the world and so little I feel I can do about it.  Sometimes it feels so unsurprising how wrong things are.  I have never had a film so urgently strip away my own emotional protections and ask me, kindheartedly, to look.  See what is here.  Connect.

I am praying that this movie helps spark the discussion, get us talking to one another, get a movement underway, bring much needed healing to our community.  I hope that you take the time to see this movie (bring tissues!), encourage your friends to see it, talk.   It is beautiful, poignant, tragic and well worth our attention.  Thanks to all the brave people who decided to tell this story-- I am forever changed for seeing it.  xo

L O V E + M E T A L 

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This is Oakland // Love is Love

It's about time!  I'm so thrilled that ALL Californian's can legally marry.  This is a big deal, and even though it wasn't the sweeping result we were hoping for, it along with DOMA reversal seems like a momentous start to that end.  I celebrated with queer and straight friends in the streets of Oakland, people dancing, kissing, shouting, waving flags and rejoicing.  I snapped a pic at the festivities and won the Visit Oakland Instagram photo contest this week with my image of the party!

I cannot tell you how many times I have welled up in tears this week: listening to deeply personal stories, reflecting on all the people who fought so hard for this day, watching couples embrace proudly in public as married  or soon-to-be married people... the energy has been totally electric.  I can only imagine that this year's Pride will be incredible!

My favorite part of my job is working with couples who are deciding to get married and commit themselves to one another--I stand humbled and in awe of people who can do this.  I love hearing the stories of first encounters, first dates, first kisses, obstacles overcome, and I especially love being "in" on an proposal surprise and getting the happy news that the answer was "YES!".  A true romantic to the bone, I guess I am in the right god-damn line of work!

Celebrate with Pride this week California!  #loveislove

L O V E + M E T A L

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Marriage Equality // Elena and Marlene

My dear friends Marlene and Elena were featured in this beautiful video story in the SF Chronicle about their lives together, I just teared up watching the two of them so I had to share with you all.  Marlene was one of my studio mates at The Hive, I met her right when I was really digging in and starting Kate Ellen Metals.  She was always an incredible bright light and positive, encouraging friend to have nearby.  When she and Elena decided to adopt, I held my breath with them through the long and emotional ups and downs of waiting for their baby to come to them.  When Nia finally arrived, it was beyond magical.  And that girl is LOVED.

The Supreme Court is expected to hand down a decision in the next week or so that has the potential to legalize gay marriage [here is Washington Post article about what is at stake].  I am holding my breath with the now majority of Americans who believe that same-sex marriage should be legal.  It is about love, equality, and what is just plain right. And it's about time.

Enjoy this lovely video; let's hold our breath together as this important moment in history approaches.  May love prevail!

L O V E + M E T A L

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