Sorry Kate

I've received news from Germany....a few days ago that the lack of posts here was noted. It's been crazy busy but no excuse - so sorry, Kate, and here's a recap of the last 1/2 month.
1) A short story of mine has been accepted for an upcoming anthology. More news upon publication, because I don't want to jinx it but very, very happy making.
2) In my world, holidays means I'm running a trade show both for a gay wedding show here in Toronto. Fabulous vendors and I got to meet four very nice couples....out of four very nice couples. Horribly promoted and planned, I doubt this event will be repeated. First trade show of any nature that I've done where I've heard "class action lawsuit" bandied about in the afternoon...Got to do a re-commitment ceremony for the cake ladies, though, and that was very nice. The absolute highlight, I'd say.
3) Two weddings on the 25th, the Saturday of Pride Toronto. One couple were celebrating 25 yrs together, the next met here 10 yrs ago. Absolute magic. One of the grooms was concerned that he'd mis-hear me and not repeat quite the right thing...he did mishear me, but what he said was so much more meaningful and poetic (and totally accidental) that it brought me to tears.
4) Four day weekend from the first to the fourth of July centered on participating in the renaissance Festival at Casa Loma - our fight club, the Academy for European Medieval Martial Arts (see link) had a demonstration. Since I'm so shiny and new, this meant two days of 2 hr private lessons and then walking around a castle with a sword all day to ad to the atmosphere. BRILLIANT.
5) Wedding yesterday, absolutely flawless. Stunningly beautiful brides, well matched in every way. Supportive family and gracious hosts, and I was thrilled that they were thrilled with some last minute changes I'd made to their ceremony to make it more 'theirs'. First time I've felt compelled to raise a glass to toast a wedding (normally I just enjoy the vibes of others and of course, the bubbly) which I think was in no small part due to a legal change a few days ago when
6) Finally. The first same sex couple I had the joy to marry in 2003 had been together for 32 years, and they wept a the thought that they had a piece of paper that might keep them from being separated by institutions in their final years. For the past two years in Ontario I've seen love, imagination and dedication bring together some truly fine people and I've been blessed to be there for their unions. And now Canada is the third country in the world to allow same sex marriage. From sea to shining sea, two consenting adults can now not only love, cuddle, antique shop and bicker but also marry. Marriage, as a lifetime commitment between two people is a huge proposition, scary and big promises are made. It's not for everyone. Sometimes, it doesn't work out. When it does though, in those moments of radiance when two people have agreed to participate fully and rationally in one another's lives and do it to the best of their abilities - I think it makes people grow. I think marriage can be a stabilizing influence in your life - it's not, as I said, for everyone. But this should be determined by whether you want to marry or not. And now, in Canada, it is.
Yay! Now, if we can reverse the national flag back to the red ensign and change the anthem to "northwest passage", we'll be fabulous...