Let's start out with our "two cents worth!"  Yes, one's religion is chosen, and yet has long been a protected group.  To claim that "GLBT didn't choose to be this way" in hopes that those who are anti-gay/trans will one day accept us, sends the wrong message.  It implies that there is something wrong with us, and that if only we could change we would.  What if being GLBT is chosen?  The question we ask about nature/nuture simply focuses in the wrong direction.  The real issue is one of discrimination, and discrimination against being GLBT, whether chosen or not, is simply wrong.  Discriminating against either GLBT (or religion) does not empower us to be a better society.

Before sharing about our travels to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where we spoke at the SW Michigan PFLAG, here's "Notes from camping in the Walmart parking lot."

Last week in Indianapolis, it got a little chilly as our propane ran out, and it was bedtime.  No problem!  We had our Buddy heater, and that was great until our little propane screw in cannister ran out in the early morning, and it was our last one. 

Dotti: Truthfully, the memories were good, reminding me of being at Grandma's in Kentucky when I was a child.  We were  always toasty under the blankets and yet could "blow smoke" in the cold air.  I love thinking of grandma. With Rylee Joy hugged close to us (we also put her blankets over top of our comforter), the the "memory connection" gained a new connection. This week, we are back in the Walmart parking lot in Indianapolis as we head south to Nashville.  It’s different this time.  The propane tank is full and the temperature is warmer.  All seemed well until we went to bed last night.

If there was a moment when I felt anxious on our journey, it was last night. No, we didn't encounter any violence (physical, emotional, or spiritual from any person or situation), we simply encountered the wind!  The Scotty was blowing back and forth, and I was glad when morning came!  We are now on our way to Nashville, where we have an interview with Nashville's GLBT newspaper, The Freedom Press.

We promised to give the link for viewing the recent interview on Fox News in Louisville, Kentucky.  Click here.

Remember to send us your nominations for Stand UP Speak OUT Wind Changer honorees.  Click here for form.

Please give your prayers for Bill Merrell, who I just discovered had a brain stem stroke in 2003.  Bill and I met in Lynchburg in 1999 when I went to Lynchburg with Soulforce to meet with friends of Rev. Jerry’s Falwell’s.  As we sat together and drank water at the church (we originally were supposed to have dinner together, but Rev. Falwell changed his mind after receiving negative responses from supporters about “dining with sinners.”).  Dr. Merrell, Sr. Advisor to the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Conference, gave me his card and encouraged me to call him if I was ever in Nashville.  I did, and the last time I saw him was in 2000 as we sat together in his office in Nashville.  He shared with me then that his favorite nephew had died of AIDS, and that he had preached his funeral.  Though we agreed to disagree on many basic viewpoints, I nonetheless have always had high regard for Dr. Bill Merrell.  He has always been courteous enough to reply to an email, or to a phone call.  This time was no exception.  I had written and told him I would be in Nashville this week, sharing with him about our journey and letting him know that I would enjoy getting together with him, and having him meet Roby (who I identified as my spouse). He wrote back, and in one part of the email said,

“I won’t be available then.  I no longer serve at the Executive Committee as I had a brain stem stroke in 2003. Sorry.”

I wrote back, sharing that, regardless of whether he was still serving with the Executive Committee, I would have loved to have seen him.  I told him, “I am interested in you as a person.  I am sorry you are not available when we are in town.”

In further email exchanges, he shared that he has done very well, although most of this kind of stroke is usually fatal.  He said that he has  made progress in very small increments.”

Back to last week.  Interested about what happened in between the same Walmart parking lot where we stayed on our way north to Kalamazoo, and where we stayed on our way south to Nashville, Tennessee?  Keep reading for the adventures of two women and a poodle.

We finally meet the “Scotty Goddess!”  Of all places, Nancy Kroes lives in Delton, Michigan, just outside of Kalamazoo, where we spoke at PFLAG on February 26.  She is one lady who knows all things Scotty (the brand of our trailer, emblazoned with its mascot, a Scotty, on the decal).  If it were not for her help, advice and encouragement, we may still be in Blaine trying to get the Scotty ready for a road trip!  Back in the summer of 2005, after being gifted our beloved 13 ½ foot Scotty trailer by Barb & Sandy, Roby got to work researching everything she could find out about these little rigs.  Anyone that really knows Roby, will understand this quite well.  After all, she did research dogs for two years before deciding upon Rylee! She also made a career out of it for many years.

Nancy bought her first Scotty in 2004. Prior to this, she knew little about these little RV’s, not recognizing their popularity.  In the past 1 ½ years, Nancy has rebuilt two Scotty’s and has purchased two 1961’s that she’s working on restoring now.  Click here to see Nancy’s handiwork!  Nancy also featured us on her recent Scotty Newsletter.  Click here to read.

With her Scotty newsletter freshly emailed, we immediately received an invitation to visit Topeka, Kansas.  No, it wasn't Fred Phelps, though we would welcome the opportunity to meet with him.  Even though he is not "wrestling," meaning that there is no current movement in him to create a greater understanding and be welcoming and affirming, we will still avail ourselves to those whose opinioins differ, even Fred Phelps.  His daughter, Shirley, at one time corresponded with me (Dotti) until she realized we were sharing our lives with one another.  At that point, she blocked my email and I have never heard from her since.

Yes, the Scotty newsletter sparked new connections! "Howdy fellow Scottyites" was in the subject line, followed by this email.

Hello ladies,

Saw your trek linked in Nancy Kroes's Scotty newsletter. Admire your courage and your quest. As you may know Topeka, KS is the home of the infamous Fred Phelps. Paradoxically he makes this a pretty gay friendly town for the midwest, surprisingly. I have 2 gay sons and while they disliked the smallness of our town, really never met with any overt hostility. In fact my oldest about 8 years ago asked the principal if he could bring a male date to the prom. I was shocked when he got approval...Dont' know if you plan coming anywhere near our fair city, but if you should and are in your Scotty, we'd be glad to host you. We have 4 wooded acres and plenty of space for your Scotty.

Good luck and keep on Scottying. Bob and Robin

So, Topeka here we come (at some point in our journey!).  Somehow we knew we would go through there at some point, and it is nice to know that there is someone there to welcome us!  Thanks Bob and Robin! 

On Nancy’s land. we snaked along the 400 foot bog walk she has built over the past two years, heading to the lake. Look at the natural beauty! 

We also visited her folks, Keith and Dee, and their long haired Chihuahua, Sophie.  We went to their home, since two of the Scotty trailers that Nancy is restoring, are in their garages.  Not only was it great to meet them, but when asked why we were traveling around the country in our Scotty, we shared and connected with new folks! Families connecting and sharing...inspiring!