Loving Day 2021

– Carmen Baylies

June 12, 2021:  Loving Day and The Art in Bloom

National Loving Day serves as a special day to remember that fear knows no limits; truth and love win. Period. American society’s struggle with race and status reveals the many problems and accomplishments our community experiences collectively. 

I would be remiss not to state that the gaps in equity and fairness still exist within each cultural group and cliques of identity (however, you define yourself.). Disregarding the tugs and pulls I struggle with when trying to fit into an ideal persona would stamp out my own progression. I battled with anxiety and fear and chose to ignore physical and mental pains to placate others. My health dictated I get a grip on a few fundamental truths and move forward boldly and unashamedly. Once I accepted the truths without the shiny trappings, I began to heal.

I strive to live with an optimistic opinion of the world, and more times than I can count, the world shows that the growing process is a journey, and it takes time.  I am from Durham, North Carolina, and a proud product of the 1980s. I attended an integrated private catholic school in my formative years, and also, an integrated public school rounded out my academic structure. I shared classrooms and a myriad of activities with children from all backgrounds, and some of those friendships I still call on to this day. 

Case in point, my husband and I met in grade school and connected later in life. The connection of friendship opened the possibility for us to explore and dream of a future together. I learned that people are People (even me). They make mistakes and can try to amend them. I do not believe that people are only one way. The belief that growth, forgiveness, and acceptance are possible bears the weight of my testimony. Learning and knowing your history (herstory) and acknowledging the bad and good to progress to a more enlightened way to live helps the healing and coping process. Personally, turning to my faith to guide how I interact and set my boundaries clarified how to live an optimistic lifestyle and appreciate my past, present, and hope for a better future. 

History exposes hardships that appall and horrify as well as achievements to honor. However, painting a broad brush of dismissiveness over people because of the past will cut out the process of growth, deny the beauty of the full human experience, and opens pathways for the atrocities to return.  A mantra I hold dear, “The Struggle Continues,” means the story is not over. 

For National Loving Day, my husband and I attended an art exhibit called ‘The Art in Bloom,’ held at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, North Carolina. Artists from around the state created pieces of art sculpture based on works the museum displayed using blooms of all types. We also explored the bonsai garden and found a sculpture of a bull. Since my husband is a Taurus sign, I felt it fitting to pose there. A very lovely gallery-goer stopped us and offered her assistance in grabbing the snapshot. 

While allowing the pearl and rose dangle earrings to shine, I wore an ivory lace top with wide-leg pants featuring roses around the bottom hem. Peter sported his Pi Approximate Day shirt. We closed the day out with a scrumptious meal at the Texas Steakhouse near the airport, then home. An excellent way to celebrate loving the person you know is meant to be in your world regardless of circumstances and proclaiming to the world that they are your spouse. We stood amongst artists who exemplified passion, purpose, inspiration, and hope with floral notes.

A Toast to Love! May your light continue to shine throughout time and space!

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