Ramblings about fandom, and being a Lokean

I don't even know I write stuff occasionally and reblog stuff sometimes. I'm a fan of Doctor Who, Supernatural, Harry Potter, Outlander, Marvel. I'm a wife, Godspouse, mother, Lokean, and the mother of a transwoman.

[skaldish]

I'm having many thoughts today it seems, so I want to talk about something I usually avoid commenting on: God-marriage in the Lokean community.

I'm not bothered by god-marriage itself. Deities have all kinds of relationships with us and this is one avenue of many.

I'm also not bothered by Loki's numerous sexual and romantic relationships; homeboy has always been a voracious thot and nothing about him has ever suggested "monogamy" to me.

Hell, I'm not even bothered by the fact people marry Loki. The arrangements Loki makes with his followers are, frankly, none of my concern or my business.

What I AM bothered by is the way god-marriage is portrayed in the Lokean community. It's used almost like a mark of significance in the community and a way to show off how important someone is to Loki. And I'm really not about that for a few reasons:

It implies this is the most desirable type of relationship to have with Loki.

It implies someone's importance to Loki is based on whether or not they're married to him (which I can assure you is complete BS).

By virtue of it being "marriage," certain sexual/romantic orientations are needed to achieve this status or make this a comfortable option for people.

Gaining this status involves making a contract with a deity, which is NEVER something you should do while wearing rose-colored glasses.

I don't think this is anyone's fault, but I also don't think people realize the social impact it has. People mirror people to feel included, and if marriage is what it takes to be special to Loki then that's what people are going to learn to aim for.

Oftentimes I don't see Loki-spouses stick around for long. Loki is often one of the first deities people work with when figuring out their pagan practice, and there's still A LOT of room for exploration during these early stages.

Marry this crust-ball of a trickster only after you think long and hard about it, and once you get to know him well…and preferably after the rose-colored glasses wear off.

[all0nsyidjits]

I married Loki while still fairly new to paganism, but it has worked out surprisingly well. We've been together for a little over a decade now. I still love him maybe not in the starry-eyed way I once did but isn't that the way of most marriages that last. The honeymoon phase wears off and you gain a easy familiarity with each other. You go through some stuff together and yeah there may be times when you fuss and fight but you persevere you made vows and you stick to them. I still have those moments where I'm a starry-eyed, lovesick, fool for him. He still has his moments where he's amazed I still put up with him.

It doesn't make me special though, especially not in a community where Loki has LOTS of mortal spouses. I doesn't give me any special status as far as I'm concerned. I've seen Loki be just as loving and protective towards people with different relationships to him. You're a truly lucky duck if Loki adopts you Loki loves his kids fiercely. Loki can be an awesome friend, mentor, sibling, drunk uncle, vodka auntie, mother, father whatever you need don't ever let anyone tell you being married to him is the be all end all of having a relationship with him.

I can only speak to my own experiences though and I experience him as a husband and yes that includes a romantic relationship and all that comes with that. Sometimes, it sucks holding back things I have or that I'm currently experiencing because I'm afraid people will take them the wrong way. I've pretty much learned that beyond acknowledging the fact that yes I'm married to him it's a topic best kept between Loki and I.

[all0nsyidjits]

So I have been absent for a bit. Things happened, my husband got worse not better and then decided to blow up our lives and everything we had worked for, for twenty years in one spectacularly destructive move. He's in jail, my kids have temporarily been removed from my custody, my house is in foreclosure, and I'm living in a tiny one bedroom apartment. You might think we'll Loki really blew up your life didn't he?

No, not really. My husband's mental health declined to a point where the courts declared him mentally incompetent he has a very long road back to sanity if he ever comes back completely. I had put keeping the family together and the stuff we had accumulated over my own and my kids health, happiness and sanity. Loki had been okay with trying to help and me sticking it out until it became a dangerous exercise in futility. Loki had only had two conditions for my allowing me to marry my husband. One was that he take care of me and the kids to the best of his ability. The other was that he never purposely harmed any of us. He broke both those oaths.

The day it all went down I fell apart Loki was there assuring me it would be okay he'd help me rebuild my life and we would make it a better life this time. He let me cry and rage and have an anxiety attack, and then cry some more. He made it clear get help, get on some medication you're going to need it at least for this first little bit. I was a mess at first and he stuck so close nhovering like a worried mother hen. Then he started gently nudging me to start moving forward doing what needed to be done starting to live again, starting to learn to live this new normal, making plans, setting goals, working on self and relearning what makes me happy.

No not everything is resolved just yet there are miles to go yet before everything is as it should be but I have reconnected with friends and found family, gotten closer to my kids, learned to be happy and comfortable by myself, come to the realization I don't have to ask anyone's permission to plan and to do the things I've always wanted to do anymore. I'm free. For the first time in 25 years my life doesn't revolve around putting others first all the time. I'm learning my kids never liked watching me sacrifice pieces of myself to keep my ex happy taking on more and more roles in life as his health and mental stability declined. They had come to resent him for how they saw him treating me and how he had turned cold and demanding towards them.

For the first time they've seen me happier, lighter, less burdened. I smile more, I have the energy for fun stuff, I have more patience, I'm calmer. People comment on how I look different now even.

So here's the thing sometimes Loki will let you hit the wall or rock bottom so he can help you rebuild. Sometimes you need to redirect, rebuild and reimagine your life. Sometimes the status qou is slowly killing you. Sometimes you and those around you are not as happy as you pretend to be and things need shaken up and shaken loose. It's okay to flail around a bit and cry but then you pick yourself up draw up new plans and start building the life you've only dreamed of.

[all0nsyidjits]

And just like that I go from wanting to kiss him to wanting to kill him. Loki dearest I know you want alone time and I know you wanted The whole weekend but did you have to get me suspended from a job I really love to do that Honey, Dearest you fucking asshole. You know I love you and you know I’ll forgive you but right now I wanna scream.

So just what did the redhead do this time you ask? Well let me tell you. Loki wants his camping trip Because of my new second job and not having been there long enough to ask for time off it was just going to be overnight on Beltane after I got off work from my second job at 5. I’d have to leave the campground early Sunday morning to be back at that job by noon. I guess Loki figured out a way to get me off without getting me fired.

I’ve worked at this job for about a month already and really love it. I’m working as a DSP (Direct Support Professional) taking care of someone with intellectual disabilities on the weekend. Mostly my job consists of taking them out and doing fun things with them on the weekend. I also help them clean and cook healthy meals. Really it is an awesome job and I really like the person I work with. To work as a DSP you have to get a criminal background check done. My employer did one but hired me and put me on shift before it came back because I was already working for another company as a DSP and had passed the background check with flying colors and I’ve been there for two and a half years. Knowing that they felt safe in hiring me. Well the criminal background check came back today and apparently I have a felony assault and battery charge from 1998 that I know absolutely nothing about. I’ve never gotten into a physical altercation with anyone. I’ve never been arrested, went to court, or been in jail over it. I honestly haven’t got a clue what it could possibly be about. Back in 1998 I was a stay at home mom with a 2 year old. I wasn’t out getting into fistfights with anyone. Aside from a girl hitting me back in like 9th or 10th grade I’ve never been in a fight in my life. I called the courthouse in my hometown they have no records of this. It couldn’t be from anywhere else because I didn’t do any traveling at that time. I contacted the state police and they are requesting information on it and will get back to me sometime tomorrow hopefully. I have a sneaking suspicion that nothing will get resolved until next Monday after Loki has had me all to Himself for the weekend.

[all0nsyidjits]

So he wants the camping trip and he wants a rededication/vow renewal and in true Loki style he’s went over the top with the planning. Loki gets excited and turns into a kid in the candy store He wants everything He wants to do everything. When Loki is on fire for something He is a force to be reckoned with.

I told him we’d buy a tent and some camping supplies and I’d include lots of his favorite foods and drinks. Then Loki was like I want you to buy a pretty dress last time I begged for a dress that really wasn’t your style I want you to feel beautiful this time. My thoughts were Loki we’re going to be camping I’m not wearing a pretty dress that I like out there. He’s like you can put it on in the tent after we get everything set up just wear it for the ritual. Loki I can’t afford to buy a dress right now part of me is feeling worried and guilty for spending what I have already spent on this. Please don’t He implores I will take care of everything you’ll see.

Go to the Goodwill he insists your dress is there. Okay I think maybe I’ll find something I sorta like. Loki points out a strapless red prom dress. Loki no it would get ruined and there might be some teenage girl who needs that dress for her actual prom it’s the only plus sized prom dress here. Okay he says sounding a little disappointed. I found a short flowing thing in colors from coral to a smokey grey. That’s pretty I say Loki is very Eh it’s alright. Next I find a short low cut red dress in a soft comfortable fabric I know Loki likes this it’s not THE dress but I know he likes it. I’m getting this one because I know you like it. But it’s not what you want He reminds I know but I know you like it and I will wear it for you just not for the ceremony. Alright He says then draws my attention to another rack of dresses look there He says. I see it and it’s beautiful. Lacy, long, cream colored lace with a blush pink lining and just my size. Loki I love it! I knew you would He says. Now lets find you shoes to go with it. Loki wants me in high heels I don’t want a broken ankle we compromise over a pair of wedge healed shoes that go nicely with the dress.

Next He made me cry. No not in a bad way it was tears of joy. I’m so damn happy right now it’s ridiculous. Asked for Saturday off from work Loki wanted the ceremony on Beltane. I haven’t had a Saturday off in about a year. Got the call from my boss I have Saturday off. Next I got a text confirming the tent would be delivered Friday. Lastly the lake where I want to go camping last time I was up there a couple years ago the road was a nightmare. Like fuck up your car the potholes and ruts were so deep. I was like Loki we are going to go check and see what that road looks like if it’s bad we’re finding another spot. The road had been completely redone. It’s as smooth as any dirt road is going to get. Loki is grinning like the cat that ate the canary. Loki did you do this I ask? Yep I may have lit a fire under the state of Virginia’s butt to get the road up to this campground fixed so people could you know get up here and enjoy it without owning a four-wheeler. You did this so I could get my car up here? I asked. Yes Love I did I wanted you to have the ceremony here because you love it here. I cried I was amazed He a God would do all this for me. I’m still just sitting here smiling in amazement.

[tyrannuspitch]

when ppl say “let men wear skirts/dresses” that also means

without people being creepy / treating them like a fetish

without people acting like being gnc is “”adult”” or “”private”” or somehow dirty

without people expecting them to alter the rest of their appearance to “fit” (not everyone who wants to wear a dress also wants to wax their whole body or apply a full face of makeup)

skirts and dresses are literally just clothes. they’re just clothes. leave gnc men alone

[all0nsyidjits]

As sexy as I think guys in kilts are I'm sitting here thinking yeah, guys should totally start wearing skirts again this should be a thing like regular everyday fashion for all men if that's what they want to wear. I mean everyone used to wear skirts back on the day so why the hell not?

[quantumshade]

doctor who: heaven sent (2015)

[all0nsyidjits]

[all0nsyidjits]

[all0nsyidjits]

[all0nsyidjits]

[all0nsyidjits]

Some words of wisdom for those of us who follow Loki

[timemachineyeah]

Ugh that post has gotten me thinking about fat acceptance in a way I haven’t in years. I’ve read more studies about weight and health than probably any other topic I’ve ever researched. And every time I see someone wail about health I am just like

Did you know that in post-mortem examinations there is zero correlation between weight and levels of arteriosclerosis and related diseases found?

Did you know that people with an overweight BMI have the longest life expectancy, that those with an “ideal” and an “obese” have about the same life expectancy, and that being “underweight” raises mortality rates more than being “morbidly obese”?

Did you know that losing weight and then gaining it back is worse for your heart than remaining at the weight you started consistently?

Did you know that 95% of people who lose weight do gain it back, and there has never been a single documented weight loss program that has been demonstrated to keep the weight off for five years or more in the majority or even a significant minority of people? Like, telling people to lose weight isn’t much use if we don’t know HOW to make that happen.

Like I have read The Obesity Myth by Paul Campos and Rethinking Thin by Gina Kolata and Big Fat Lies by Glenn A Gaesser (Ph.D!) And Fat!So? and several other books that I don’t own and so don’t remember all of their names I spent like four years reading every single study coming out and looking at the methodology and noting which ones had huge holes or terrible methods and which didn’t (the holes were almost always in the pro-weight-loss studies) and like

Big Fat Lies has 27 pages of bibliography. 27 pages worth of scientific citation. The book content itself is only 197 pages. That’s a page of references for every 7 pages of book. Reading the book is just reference after reference and study after study. Most of these doctors (like Linda Bacon, author of Health at Every Size) started out the same way. They wanted to use the scientific method to find a real weight loss program or health solution that worked and could be proven to work, and so studied everything they could about weight and fitness only to find out that we didn’t need weight loss in the first place. That all the studies calling for it were lacking or nonexistent. That weight and underlying metabolic health have very little relation. That the history of our relationship with health and obesity has little basis in fact and a LOT of basis in capitalism, politics, and fashion. No, really, the association between weight and health was first proposed by insurance companies looking for ways to charge people more by claiming risk. They also charged tall and short people more. And people with different skin colors. When they got in trouble for charging people for things they had no control over and had no bearing on their health, they set out to prove that weight was controllable and that fat was unhealthy to make money. 

These are also a lot of the same people who went on to invent the President’s fitness program, so if you went to public school you probably already hate them. 

Anyway, if you want a place to start reading about the issue, this article is a pretty good launching pad. 

[heavyweightheart]

This casual rant is like a primer on weight science. Amazing. I second their book recommendations, and would add to the list Body Respect by Drs Bacon & Aphramor, Body of Truth by journalist Harriet Brown, and What’s Wrong with Fat? by UCLA professor of sociology Abigail Saguy.

[lokis-bookish-boy-deactivated20]

I fucking hate big business.

[scarletarosa]

Thor

Norse god of thunder storms, war, strength, and protection

Thor (Old Norse: Þórr) is the archetype of a loyal and honourable warrior, the ideal towards which the average warrior aspires. He is the indefatigable defender of the Aesir gods and Asgard, from the encroachments of the Jotunn and Loki, who became the enemies of the gods. The father of Thor is Odin, the All-Father and god of wisdom, while his mother is Jord (Earth; also called Fjörgyn). She is a Jotunn goddess and was a lover to Odin.

Thor is also known to ride across the sky of Midgard (Earth) in his chariot pulled by white horses. He also owns a belt of strength (Old Norse: megingjarðar) that makes his power doubly formidable when he wears it. Although Thor’s most famous possession is his hammer, Mjöllnir (“Lightning”). Thor’s great courage and sense of duty are unshakeable, and his physical strength is virtually unmatched among the Norse gods. His particular enemy is Jormungandr, the enormous sea serpent who encircles Midgard, the world of human civilization, and seeks to bring its destruction. During Ragnarok, Thor and Jormungandr are predicted to finally face each other in combat, ending both of their lives.

Another enemy of Thor ended up being his half-brother, Loki. This god was an illegitimate son of Odin and an unnamed Jotunn goddess. Overtime, Loki became full of malice towards others and became a god of betrayal and deception. One of his most notorious acts was tricking the blind god, Hod, to kill the most beloved of deities, Baldur. For this act of murder, Loki was restrained and held prisoner in a cave. During Ragnarok, Loki is predicted to break free and bring the end of days to both humans and gods. Fenrir and Jormungandr will be set loose upon the world to bring horrific catastrophes while Loki will arrive on a ship made from the fingernails of dead humans, bringing with him his army of Jotunn. Currently, if a person comes into contact with Loki, he always wears a façade of friendliness before eventually stabbing the human in the back, destroying their life in some way. If needed, both Thor and Odin have long been staunch protectors against this malign deity who represented everything the Nords held in contempt.

Appearance: a tall, muscular Nordic man with shoulder-length blond hair, blue eyes, and a short beard. He wears traditional Nordic armour and wields his hammer as his weapon.

Personality: Thor is often serious, straightforward, courageous, noble, and loyal. He does not like cowardice, pretentiousness, slyness, liars, and conniving people. When injustice is committed by those who are strong, it enrages him and he will punish whoever he can. Thor also tends to be bored with many things that are slow-paced (like mundane conversations, weddings, get-togethers, etc). He also takes his strength and masculinity very seriously and refuses to do anything that would contradict this (even with the foods he chooses to eat). For this reason, the Norse myth of Thor disguising himself as a bride strongly angers him, even though it was written as a joke. He also tends to not have any hobbies besides fighting and causing thunder storms, so he is very focused on his singular divine role. Also, like all other Nordic gods, Thor is very select with who he decides to work with since he chooses to assist those who aren’t weak-willed, overly aggressive, or ignorant. So if a human who is a warrior at heart wishes to prove their worth to Thor, he may accept and become a guide to them.

Offerings: mead, ale, roast boar, roast beef, venison, steak, ribs, acorns, chestnuts mixed with raisins, brazil nuts, walnuts, chestnuts, hammers, carved oak, chime bells, torcs, polar bear pelts, Nordic drinking horns, runes carved on oak, platinum, titanium, plutonium, diamonds, tanzanite, blue star sapphire, lapis lazuli, white marble

*no milk, bird meat, fish, or fruit (hates these and sees them as “weak foods”); also hates vegetables

[lokahjarta]

aajjkkkl I’m absolutely rolling - I have nothing to add to this that anyone hasn’t said besides -

“Currently, if a person comes into contact with Loki, he wears a facade of friendliness before eventually stabbing the human in the back, destroying their life in some way. […] Thor and Odin have long been staunch protectors against this malign deity who represented everything the Nords held in contempt”

Holy FUCK is there a lot to unpack in just two sentences. I mean goddamn where does one even start. OP really got on tumblr.com and typed out this whole post while getting maybe one thing correct, if I’m being generous. This is embarrassing, sis. I’m embarrassed for you. And that’s saying a lot coming from me, an absolute clown. Here’s your red nose Jesus christ

[all0nsyidjits]

Oh my like others have said where do I start.

Okay been a Lokean since about 2010 Loki has never betrayed me, stabbed me in the back or ruined my life. Things have been mostly good.

Now lets try to set some things straight Odin and Loki are most commonly from the lore considered to be blood brothers. There is some evidence pointing to Loki being Odin's actual brother. Loki is not and never has been Odin's son adopted or biological. Get the Marvel universe stuff out of here. Marvel Loki is not Loki Laufeyjarson. One is a comic book character very loosely based on the Norse God the other actually is the Norse God.

In the lore Loki's parents are listed as the earth giantess Laufey and the fire giant Farbauti. He is said to have two brothers Helblindi and Byleistr.

In the Marvel universe we see Loki portrayed as a frost giant. Anyone who has gotten to know the God Loki knows he is heavily associated with fire.

On to Odin.

Odin is not just a war god, he is also a powerful user of magic and a lover of knowledge. He's even a bit of a Trickster figure himself. There is a reason when together Loki and Odin are often refered to as the two man con. But Odin isn't such a one dimensional entity as to only be a war God. He'll definitely hang with the bookish, nerdy, love for learning types and the witchy types as well. Honestly if I were to compare Odin to any pop culture character it would probably be Dumbledore or Gandalf.

Thor

Marvel stuck a little closer to the lore with Him but still got a lot wrong. For starters Thor is half Jotun his mother is the giantess Jord not Frigga. Like Loki Thor is a redhead in the lore. A bit easy to anger and incredibly strong. Oh and his chariot is pulled by goats not horses.

Honestly, you can find most of this info on Wikipedia after a quick Google search so we all know you did zero research outside of watching a few Marvel movies or reading a few comics.

Hilarious, that this person claims to worship Lucifer and Lilith but then goes on to throw the Christian devil trope onto Loki. You'd think a person devoted to the two most maligned characters in the Abrahamic faiths would know better than to put the evil tag onto any other deity.

[millerdoc]

[all0nsyidjits]

Adding to their alter

So Loki and family have an alter in my bedroom it's getting a bit out of hand it's actually three bookshelves with a shelf for each God/Goddess. It's a stealth alter because most people would look at it and think wow what a random collection of bric a brac. It's stuff they give me little nudges that they like.

Loki and the family love it whenever I go to yard sales, thrift stores or auctions. Loki like candles and anything weird. Sigyn likes pretty delicate things she found an antique bowl with the prettiest floral design. Laufey (Loki's mom) loves tea sets and plants despite the fact I'm not very good at keeping them alive.

Anyway last night we went to an auction they all picked out this or that and I bid on the items they wanted. All together my purchases were probably about 30 dollars. Loki knows I was a bit nervous about spending too much now that my husband isn't working and I'm barely covering the bills with my two paychecks. It will be alright He reassures. I go to pay for my purchases and what I know should be about 30 dollars worth before taxes rings up to $10.90 after taxes. I made the cashier recheck she does an assures me that nope that's alI I owe. Loki I have no idea what you did but thanks for the discount.

[hekserie]

Casual Witchy Things ✨

🌱 Working in glamours with your morning makeup 🌱 Watering your plants with growth spells 🌱 Making healing soup spells when you’re sick 🌱 Sewing protective sigils into your clothing 🌱 Making herbal teas based on magical correspondences 🌱 Painting your nails with colors to match your intent 🌱 Using shower scrubs to scrub away negativity 🌱 Chanting your favorite song lyrics as spells 🌱 Tying knot magic into your shoelaces 🌱 Writing sigils on your skin with concealer

[pechebeche]

yknow it would be really nice if everyone into like cryptic culture and ~cottagecore~ and all that actually like....gave a shit abt appalachia

like i people don't INTEND to commodify or sensationalize us, but every time i see people hyping up cryptids i always get the unpleasant reminder that people only care abt my state for ~mothman~ or to conveniently stereotype in debates abt gun control. please please if you have spent any time learning abt cryptids, also learn abt wv coal miners, who work a dying industry because it's the only job a cycle of Incredible poverty makes accessible to them, have had absolutely no protections against COVID enforced, despite not only working in incredibly cramped, dangerous positions, but Already being at high risk for respiratory diseases like black lung. learn abt the governor who was reelected in the midst of all the other major politics last year, the only millionaire in west virginia, who at one point owed 7 billion dollars in fines for mine safety violations that he still hasn't paid and whose family STILL owns most mines in the state.

that's just two things! in one state!!! the opioid epidemic and the steady defending of education and the absolutely abysmal conditions that people live in across appalachia are staggering in their weight. if you love cryptid culture i am begging you, please please love and care for and talk abt the people who created it and keep it going.

[pechebeche]

if you have ever bought merchandise abt how much u love the flatwoods monster or w/ever, please please also consider supporting one of these organizations (these are mostly wv-centered because it's where i live, i encourage ppl from other states to add links if they have them!):

Holler Health Justice, a queer BIPOC-led nonprofit that provides access to abortion, free EC, and other mutual aid across Appalachia

Appalachian Mountain Advocates, which works across Appalachia to shift towards clean energy and end fossil fuels and fracking

Mountain Justice, which works in West Virginia to fight environmental damage, in particular mountain top removal

WV Free, a group that advocates reproductive rights in west virginia

Fairness WV, a group that advocates lgbt+ rights in west virginia

WV Can't Wait, a political group that focuses on helping & promoting candidates across west virginia who want economic change

[nick---mulligan]

This is literally the only time on the internet I’ve seen anyone not blame poor people in rural areas for being poor? “They work in coal mines and they’re uneducated, ew” Do you understand how poverty works?? Do you?? Anwyay @pechebeche​ mad props for sticking up for Appalachia. I have been yelling about it for years but nobody on ANY side of the political balance beam wants to listen.

[nick---mulligan]

Ooh I forgot I had resources to share looool

Foxfire  - in 1966, a bunch of high school kids in Southern Appalachia (Georgia) created a magazine featuring interviews from their family and community members about Appalachian culture and history. Now, not only has the magazine creation been passed down from generation to generation of high school students, but there’s an entire center and foundation for Foxfire.

What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia - don’t read Hillbilly Elegy; read this book instead. It genuinely changed my life and my understanding of this nation. This is a “why didn’t they teach us THIS in school” book filled with important knowledge, defense of minority groups in Appalachia, dispelling of myths... seriously it’s such a good book.

How Half of America Lost Its F***ing Mind - this article is less Appalachia-centric, but it offers a pretty balanced look at why rural counties glowed red in 2016 and 2020 (note: this article was written back in early 2016, when liberals never fully believed Trump would get any votes, but the also liberal author of the article knew more than he thought he did). Again, one of the few articles on the Internet that doesn’t use “uneducated” as an insult.

Gone Home: Race and Roots through Appalachia - this book was filled with interviews from black Americans who grew up in Appalachian coal mining towns. Fair warning, the editing and formatting in this book is fully atrocious, but the information is still insanely valuable!

[all0nsyidjits]

As a fellow Appalachian very very true. I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia the state that often forgets that the state doesn't end at Roanoke. Live in eastern Virginia and your schools are well funded, you can access healthcare without driving over an hour to see a specialist, there are jobs, there are a variety of businesses, ect the list of convienences goes on and on. Live where I do and those convienences start to disappear. We still have many areas without any cell phone or internet service but kids are expected to do classes online because of the pandemic.

Also I'm not ignorant and I fought hard for the education I have.

I can't stand Trump or the Republican party.

I'm not a member of the KKK and no my parents weren't first cousins

Yes we do have a horrible problem with methamphetamine and prescription pain killers. However, that does not mean every poor person from Appalachia is a pillbilly.

Our kids should not have to leave the area for college or join the military to claw their way out of poverty.

There is great beauty here and close family ties, the witch in me loves our wild places these mountains and hollers. There's lots of talent here as well our traditional crafts and music. These are the reasons I stay.