Today's Ten Percent

This is what I understand about having a blog. Moderately organized (or not organized) thought about any stream of consciousness in my head recorded online for all, whom I choose, to see.
I cannot guarantee myself this is what will be here 100% of the time.
Belonging to several minority groups on this planet (of which, ten percent are homosexuals don't you know- super I belong), I will endeavor to represent ten percent of my minority selves here, at least ten percent of me & ten percent of my perspective on ten percent of what's out there. Ten percent of ten percent is what you get. Here. Is it? Wait...
Okay, plus ten percent of me as a woman on this planet, ten percent of me as a mother, ten percent of me as a writer, ... so somewhere in here there should be the sum of 100% of me.

Anyway, on with it eh.

Speaking of ten percent ... I found myself unexpectedly at an event this weekend. Quite by accident, myself & my family stumbled upon the city's Aids Walk for Life, while waiting for the library across the square to open. I must say, it took me about fifteen minutes of being at the square to figure out what everyone was doing there. Hey! A big jumpy thing for the kids so off we went to the jumpy tent marked with local hockey farm team logos, as were the attendants. Oh! A hockey fundraiser. Yep that must be it, look there's a net, some pucks & sticks for slap-shot strength practice. Alright, it isn't snowing yet, I suppose I can deal with a little hockey presence, you know, its for kids. Or is it? Wait a second ... there seems to be some of my kin folk here, you know... the 10% I spoke of. Uh huh, fashionable men arm in arm, folks in drag. Oh! A burlesque show on stage - maybe this isn't a family event at all. Pretend like there is nothing wrong with it so as not to tip off the child. Hum di dum...
A young woman approaches us & passes us a coupon for a local organic grocery store. She then points us to her tent where she says we can get all kinds of free food & drink. By now we have noticed the red ribbons, people (volunteers) wearing red shirts with the purpose of their event (AIDS Walk for Life), a few participants gearing up with their placards & teammates to begin the walk. Which starts in about 40 minutes! WHERE are all the people, the square should be teeming with supporters!
So we advise the food store lady that we are not in the walk, just passing through. "Its okay, we have lots." she says. "Too much." More coupons.
So we hit all the booths & sure enough find that we are able to score a myriad of freebies that seemed to be in surplus.
After the raunchy burlesque show (which, believe me, would have been supa-fly any other time than a sunny Sunday morning with the family) it was time to stretch before the walk. Great, there go some people. Oh now five! We join in to bulk up the crowd a bit so the media has a teensie bit more than holes to film. Okay so maybe twenty people do the 8 minute pre-walk stretch. Then off they trickle to the start line.
A volunteer tells me that there are so many more walkers this year compared to last year as we watch what looks to be about five bus loads of people huddle together through the downtown core. On their way. That day happened to be a beautiful mild sunny Autumn day, as compared to last year's frozen gloomy cloudy AIDS Walk for Life day. Perhaps it is a sign of things to come; a brighter warmer future?
In their defense, the what I must call heroes who gave their time & efforts to this cause did help to raise the goal of $120,000. Along with some generous businesses. Couple of 'em.
However, I was appalled, disgusted with the apparent lack of general support, Edmontonian support - we can rally! Even the volunteers (thank goodness for them in all other aspects) stood idly by saying "here they come, should we cheer them on?". Hell Yeah! I clapped, I whistled, I cheered them on ... all by myself?
*Sigh*
On the eve of supporting another of humanity's great causes, Run for the Cure, I felt shame & guilt for overlooking this cause; one I had no idea was desperate for strength & backing.
I know we can't all give to everything, especially during times of economical duress, and you can call me a communist, but I think the numbers should even out a little better. A lot better. I know, I know, there are many causes that are undeservedly overlooked, which is why next year my 10% has to go elsewhere.

http://www.hivedmonton.com/