I am writing to you regarding federal voting lists following Executive Order 14399 in which Trump mandated federal verification of voter citizenship before federal elections. The constitution states that federal elections are conducted by the individual states, although Congress has gradually enacted laws that regulate those elections.
This is not the first time that Trump has attempted to override the powers of Congress.
I see that Secretary of State, Steve Hobbs and Attorney General, Nick Brown have sued the federal government because of Executive Order 14399 which is unnecessary and doesn’t improve election security. I believe it represents federal overreach, makes it hard for homebound people to vote, and takes the rights of the state away.
Please continue to defend voter’s rights to free, fair, and accessible elections.
I was reading a post yesterday regarding Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), which is a program that allows eligible individuals to receive long-term services in their homes instead of institutions. The author was concerned because of our nation’s history with improper care of disabled people in institutions.
After a search online, I learned that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will bring dramatic changes to Medicaid. This bill does, in fact, make cuts to HCBS, even though institutions are more expensive and less safe than letting people stay at home. The bill also requires people to check and recheck eligibility for Medicaid every 6 months, which sounds like more paperwork and cost to me. This seems like a waste. As a chronically ill person, as I understand it, my 13 diagnoses are never going to get better. I manage them, but 6 months or 6 years from now, they will still be here, just like they have been here for the last 12 years, I have known about them. Blatantly, senior citizens, families, rural and low-income people are being targeted by this bill. Yet billionaires and trillionaires got their tax cuts.
Our country found $100 billion for a useless war that created even more debt than we started with. We have $400 million for a ballroom at the White House, which was never necessary before now. $14 million was wasted on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, but it’s ok to treat United States citizens like animals because we don’t believe in Universal Healthcare like the other free countries in the world. Yep, I am proud to be an American!
I am writing regarding Social Security and Medicare. I am wondering how Congress can justify cutting benefits to people who are currently receiving Social Security and Medicare by 2032. Social Security is funded by employees and employers every month. How can anyone rationalize calling it an entitlement? SS is not a privilege, we paid for it and I pay for Medicare out of my Social Security benefits.
I have read that some leaders have suggested that the cap on taxable income be raised in order to bring in more dollars. Others have said we should continue to raise the retirement age. But politicians have been borrowing from the Social Security Trust Fund since Vietnam and they never pay back these “loans.” If the trillions of dollars were paid back, people needing SS and Medicare wouldn’t have anything to worry about.
Why is it we have billions of dollars to throw at futile wars or demolishing wings in the White House or useless downgrades to national monuments, but when it comes to caring for United States citizens, we are fighting about necessities? I should not have to say this to you. You should already know that people who have worked hard and paid into Social Security and need their money, should have it. But here we are; Please fight for me and my fellow United States citizens who need our Social Security checks and Medicare. We worked and we paid for it. Now it’s up to you to make sure we get it.
sometimes I hurt all over
and I don’t know why
I remember Mom asking me why
I was angry when I was a girl
and I didn’t know then
and I don’t know today
I just hurt all over
all over it hurts
and I don’t know why
~
every day I offer this pain to God
I give Him these tears
and every day there are more to give Him
He told me to give up the things
that no longer serve me
but I feel like this is a job
to serve Him
this collection of tears and pain
to give to Him that will never end
~
last night I sang with my brother
there were other performers
but when he sang
we sang to God and the Spirits moved
and souls were ruffled because angels
were with us and Jeff broke the sound barrier
and we were in a bar
and that is not an offering normally sold there
but we gave it freely
~
today I have collected new tears
and the pain has assembled
because humanity is prolific
this is not what God meant
but He knew what we would do
when He said to be fruitful and multiply
I can’t bear children
but I am aware of pain
I collect it even without trying
~
so I stretch and do my workouts
to remain flexible
I talk to God as much as I remember
and it doesn’t sound holy
I must read the good book regularly
or my mind gets negative beyond healthy
and I leave many humans alone
because they are not safe
even if I love them and they love me
It occurred to me I am no longer afraid of the things in the dark
The things that scare me most
happen in the daylight People arrested for peacefully protesting A baby shot because his mother stole diapers Small businesses taxed so high Police officers who can’t arrest homeless people who defile the businesses My mother has had a tumor on her liver for years now
She has insurance but her doctors just keep watching it
The paper plant in my hometown had a catastrophic event
because the tank holding caustic liquid was above ground
so it didn’t have be inspected by anyone so 11 men died on a Tuesday in May
~
Maybe it is because I have stared death in the eye
more than once
Cancer lost and even blood clots didn’t win
Maybe it’s because I am older now
and my perspective is coming from a different angle
But the things that made me cry when I was a child
still make me take a pause and a breath
My fear is for things I really don’t understand
Like senselessness, selfishness and people who don’t listen to their soul
No matter what side of the sun they are on terrify me
~
“Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together
and all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 4:31 through 5:1
~
I want to trade my traditions and religious training
for freedom
to love and laugh and speak life
into my fellow humans who feel tired
forgotten, overworked and heavy burdened
Because our Spirit is supposed to be free
to do the things I just said
And the contract is easy if you love
And it doesn’t matter what time it is
or where you are
Because religion stalls
but the Spirit feeds us
and creates even if you aren’t used to it yet You can grow into it
~
Note: Jamie Holloway colored the art and inspired the scripture to polish this poem which was started at the Songs of Hope Fundraiser for the families of the Nippon Disaster that happened in May 2026. I started writing this poem while I was listening to an artist talk about one of her songs at Fei’s Carriage Restaurant and Lounge.
I am writing to you regarding the electoral college. We must end the electoral college. We no longer live in a society that is uneducated. We no longer live in a world where information is difficult to come by. We as learned people must be heard. Our votes must be counted. We do not need to rely on electors anymore
I see that Washington State has enacted a National Popular Vote Compact on April 28, 2009 and it was signed into law. I would like to encourage you to continue to support this law and to talk to other states to establish the National Popular Vote Law.
I want to promote the National Popular Vote Law which would guarantee the Presidency to the candidate who receives the most popular votes in the entire United State of America. This plan which has already passed into law here in Washington State, would ensure that every vote, in every state, will matter, in every presidential election. Please oppose any attempts to repeal it.
I do know that it is not March, but it is always time to read and it is also time to celebrate what being a nation that is 250 years old. Just as being 3 months late with this post, proves that I am not perfect, I can look at any media outlet and see that our nation is not perfect either, however, I can also walk down the street and see people who are trying to be their best selves. This last month, Cowlitz County has seen a terrible accident at a papermill in Longview, Washington, where I have lived nearly my whole life. People died. People were injured. All of us were affected. And all of us have come together in some way at the many fundraisers and GoFundMe accounts and vigils and ways that people collect and say, “I love you,” when something like this happens.
These children’s books are one way I pull myself together. I hope you have a healthy way you unwind too. So here is to reading 5 Books for March 2026…
The quiet beauty and excellence of Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus is as much told in the few poetry stanzas as the illustrations by Kadir Nelson. This nonfictionpicture book is The United States in art and patriotism on pages that is appropriate for children. It is thoughtful and beautiful. I really enjoyed this book.
Hello Hello by Brendan Wenzel is a wonderful book about animals and colors, patterns and size, and shapes and sounds. It is perfect for any toddler who needs to work on their vocabulary. The illustrations are delightful and make you want to keep turning the pages.
I checked this book out at the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Hello Hello by Brendan Wenzel on Amazon.
Ms. Rachel and The Special Surprise by Ms. Rachel is a book filled with surprises and communication and music. The illustrations by Monique Dong are cute. This book didn’t excite me because it didn’t have a real story, but I could have fun with it as a children’s learning tool.
Manfish A Story About Jaques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne is a wonderful nonfiction memoir that brings the life of Jacques Cousteau to life, while sharing the history of how he helped us to learn about the ocean and science. The stunning illustrations by Eric Puybaret help bring the story alive. I think this biography would inspire any child to want to follow their dreams and be curious about what makes them feel excited. The only things I would change about this picture book is that on the pages with dark color, it is hard to read the words with dark font, however the story, itself was wonderful. I believe every page offers ample opportunity to talk not only about the story itself but vocabulary and concept building strategies for children who might have short attention spans.
A Cow For Jaya by Eva Grant takes place in India where cows are sacred because they provide milk to sustain human life, they also provide fertilizer and can plow fields to help grow crops. Because they give so much, without harming anyone, their peaceful existence is central to Hinduism. This book was precious to me from the start because it is only a few years older than me and I appreciated the layout and illustrations by Michael Hampshire.
Jaya’s family saved for a long time for their cow. A cow was a sign of prosperity because it meant they would have milk, cheese and butter. Jaya had expected a fat, white cow, but when he came home from school, he met Khubi. Khubi was small, skinny and no particular color. Jaya also didn’t know how much care and attention Khubi would require. He was very disappointed.
As much as he pushed against Khubi, Khubi loved him. She even followed Jaya to the market place one day. While Jaya was admiring a flute, another boy stole the flute out of his hand and ran. It looked like Jaya had stolen it and the angry storekeeper wanted to chase him down but Khubi stood strong and protected him. No one would touch Jaya because cows are sacred and if the cow was protecting him, he must be a good boy. The other boy was caught and and Jaya and Khubi were able to go home. Jaya finally understood that Khubi was his friend.
This beautiful story tells us about culture, morals and friendship. I really enjoyed this fiction story.
I checked this book out at the Longview Public Library. New copies of A Cow For Jaya by Eva Grant is not available. You may have to search eBay and other used book store outlets for your own copy of this book.
~
I hope you found some inspiration in any of these stories. Living in a chronically ill body I can’t be a preschool teacher anymore or even travel to some of the places I read about but that is the power of reading. Reading is a way to do the things in your mind that your body can’t do. I encourage you to travel as much as possible. It is always worth it.
I love you. Be blessed.
~
Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Jesus Follower, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Jesus Follower…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
The spots on my pillow
are from when I bled in my sleep
The tears of my people
who have walked with my feet
The groans I hear inside
usually do not overcome
the ringing in my ears
To suffer is to have lived
To have looked at your fears
Many can ignore this
But I am uniquely wired
~
The water tasted different when I was a child
Delicious and refreshing
Now metallic and pithy
But I think the change came
as a choice to protect us from Industry and Commerce
so that our needs for bills to be paid
For homage to the Almighty Dollar
would not strip us of our need
for a glass of water
~
The men came home yesterday
from the medical examiner in Seattle
Soon they will be laid to rest
among their people
May we never forget the light they carried
May we hold it for them
and honor them in our love and laughter
May we hope and dream
May we learn and lean
May we never let what happened at Nippon
happen again
~
But let us cherish the way we came together
How we loved each other
in honor of these every day people
Who just showed up to work
on a Tuesday in May
But didn’t go home to their homes on earth
So we rallied and supported their children and each other
Because there are many kinds of families Cowlitz County isn’t perfect
but we are family
We don’t say drive safe
because you are a bad driver
But because sometimes you might be tired
from working overtime so you can pay your bills
And what about people who get sick
Because a stroke of genius
is not the only thing that can
happen behind the wheel
And what about people who just don’t care
because no one makes you hand over your keys
when you take a toke or a drink or however you escape
That’s why we wear seatbelts
and they don’t care what color you are
~
The same goes with White Supremacy
it tastes different in everyone’s mouth
Because we know it at different degrees
You might not actually hate
but you might know someone who does
You might hold beliefs born of this disease
But if you don’t or you won’t look at it
it wont change
You might not hate me
or my Black wife
But if you won’t even look at it
what does that say to me? Fear is an equal opportunity employer
~
Dr Samuel Johnson said in his 1775 treatise Taxation No Tyranny “How is is that we hear the loudest yelps for liberty among the drivers of negroes?”
Most of our founding fathers owned slaves
because they had never known a world without them Black people were seen as property
and used against us even by the British
It was wrong but if you can’t see it
How do you change?
But 250 years later we are celebrating our freedom
and it is time to look at our foundation and
see if there are holes to be filled
~
We are the United States of America
We are not a continent
We are a community
and together we need to live
To do this we must take our good medicine
Take our seatbelts off and move around
I want to see if we can trade any of this fear for love
then maybe we can be on the solid ground Celebrate all of us
Even the hard parts because we deserve it
Acknowledging everyone is scary
but only for a little bit
Because freedom is found in the daylight
He’s not too much
if you understand him
because he sees the beauty
in the quiet softness and it isn’t an act
The soft voice and black fingernails aren’t for you
They make him happy
while he sings songs about eyelashes and dinosaurs
and purple because
that is where his magic is at
~
“When you dream will you dream of me”
All he wants is what he gives
Because he doesn’t want to live alone
But its hard to carry
a chronic person
when you’re a chronic person
and that’s who he picks
Instead of someone who gives
and doesn’t keep score
~
But he’s always a gentleman
no matter the temperature
of his songs you’ll never know
how cold or how big
the history of him is
Because like an iceberg
You only see a bit
He deserved happiness and rainbows
but instead that is what
he writes songs about
~
Tattoos and hats cover what he hates
His 2nd wife calls him a loser
But I see how he takes garbage
people who don’t know throw at him
and he makes custom guitars and beautiful songs
So like the term raptor means “to seize by force”
that is what Jeff does with life
And what you take from him
He makes it into a treasure
My friend sent an article today
about people I’m related to
And I don’t see it her way anymore
Because I can’t
Because even though our skin looks the same
I got some skin in the game
and I know things I didn’t know before
things I can’t label but I definitely believe
~
I might have overreacted
The article was written by a Black man
She doesn’t understand why that doesn’t apply
Since everyone is an individual
If you can pay your way out
or you are smart enough
You might be able to get better faster
But it is not her job to make me comply
~
I educated her again
But she would not look at my pain
Would not acknowledge she brought it up
Just a week after a local catastrophe
I’m still trying to catch my breath
In fact we’ve had a few lately
I get she has her own trauma
I don’t understand the self sabotage
~
I have been here before with her
this plateau before goodbye
Where you consider whether
to jump or not
Because I won’t be abused
I had hoped her mind
would catch up to her big heart
Maybe it will before I take off
In the dark is where the secrets sing their truths
Where intentions are authentic
Whether awake or in dreams
these revelations
if you can remember them
and stay focused
to represent them
You have the ability to change the frequency
To move the energy that keeps the record playing
While we dance together in this world
~
And who am I
to share with you what isn’t mine
Yet what you most deserve
But what we share
but can never carry or change
Such a beautiful sage and glorious ritual
has been established
by tradition and folly
And we may anoint with oil
and pray over it but never own
~
And I hold before you
an enchanted mirror
to show you what you have refused to see
And in your rage
you strike and shatter
the truth of ages and bring a curse of vanity
and hate and violence and shame
Because you will not repent
You have chosen
not to be redeemed
~
So we stand in front of
this cauldron
with fresh rosemary, lavender and mint
And we sing
the song of our ancestors
because it is natural
And we don’t know anything else to do
And we stir in the black pepper and basil
We work the craft of our people
knowing we want the inflammation to subside
I had an appointment today to see my hematologist. I had already rescheduled it once so even though everything hurt this morning and I still randomly cry, we went. I am a little frustrated with the fact that my body has plateaued at 95 lbs lost and won’t budge so it was also an excuse to make myself walk more.
I will be on Eliquis for the rest of my life because of complications from cancer. But Dr Dong said she was happy to see me looking better. It’s been a year. I have lost about 50 lbs since she saw me and also I had just had a heavy dose of radiation after fighting cancer for 3 years. My body, which rebels at any chance she gets and does not care what normal bodies do, completely freaked out and both my lungs had tons of blood clots in them, which was way worse than the first time and required surgery. So I can see how she would notice a huge difference in me today.
I was happy because I fit in a chair in the lobby that I didn’t fit in at the beginning of my cancer journey. I know this because Dr Dong and Dr Westhoff are in the same clinic at Legacy Salmon Creek. But also my dosage of Eliquis is now at maintenance level so that is a step in the right direction. June 18 is the anniversary of my one radiation treatment. I was supposed to have more but so many things happened and I said no more and then Dr Westhoff decided to order a PET scan and found that my cancer was gone.
Dr Dong asked if I was going to have surgery. I needed to lose weight to have the hysterectomy, but I now need to lose fat to be well. During stays in the hospital, where they do the tests that they do to see what they need to see, I found out I have fat on my heart and liver and so now that I have figured out how to lose it, I need to keep losing fat to be healthy and help my organs heal. I have decided I won’t have a hysterectomy unless cancer returns.
I will be telling Dr Westhoff at my appointment in a few weeks. If I have a hysterectomy, it could take a year for me to recover and, especially with where I carry my weight, this could be very hard on me and stop me from losing weight. So for now, I will keep doing what I am doing to be well and move as much as I can in a body that never stops hurting. I will deal with cancer if it comes around again.
Look for pretty things
But lately I have learned that my Spirit is powerful and connected in ways I never imagined and even though I have known for a long time that I absorb the emotions of others and I can generate change, I didn’t realize that the feeling of belonging I never felt, and always wanted, was blocked for some reason, because I do belong here and I love Cowlitz County. I love Kelso-Longview. And yes I see these two cities as one, but I don’t think that takes away from their individual experiences, because sisters can still hold hands and love each other but still be individuals, who abide together to share resources and a future.
Because today was the first time I left Cowlitz County since the disaster at Nippon, I was discombobulated. My twitching was pronounced, but maybe only to me. Karen G Clemenson keeps telling me things that I can’t remember much beyond what I need right now. I started to feel more normal when we stopped by to see Jamie Holloway after my doctor appointment, but she is home too. Although I distinctly missed home several times while we were away.
We didn’t take our normal exit when we came home because we wanted to get coffee at the Kelso Red Leaf Organic Coffee Co. so we could support the fundraising effort today. As soon as we hit Kelso my arms started hurting and it continued up and over my body. It was my skin. It burned slightly and was heavy. At first I sat with it, wondering if it would go away; maybe my body was having a moment. But it didn’t stop. As we got closer to where we were going, I started giving Karen directions because the traffic revisions, in that area, still throw her off. Finally I asked her if she felt it too and she said yes.
I have been home, in Longview, and even taken a nap. It still hurts. We still hurt. We are hurting. And, as someone who is chronic and has faced death and had to come back from it a few times, its gonna hurt for a while because healing takes time.
I love you. Be blessed.
~
~
Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Jesus Follower, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Jesus Follower…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
I don’t struggle with my faith
or what I believe about God
because He and I are as solid as the fact that
He never changes
And His love never leaves
But while I live in this earth
this body I live in is subject
to laws and expectations
set by human hands
Not the ones that carry me
I love the trees and tall grasses
The sound of the water all around
He made those for me
~
As people label the Triune or Trinity Yahweh or Elohim Allah, Brahma,Zeus or The Great Spirit
I don’t care if you don’t believe
in a Creator or Supreme Being
I know what I know
and I don’t have energy
or I won’t give energy
to sell you mine
Because a God that created this magnificent earth
can advertise
and close the deal on a relationship with you
~
I am not brittle
though I have been broken
I am not afraid of you
because my left leg weighs
more than most of you
If you attack me
I will just sit on you
until the authorities arrive
I enjoy the silence because
I enjoy surrender
I don’t trust people
but I do love you
Let’s dance on this earth together
~
Faith is strength
when seated in the correct plan
because it isn’t found in control
or people, time, money
or what humans understand
and efficiency that leaves no room for release
Because fear is a tool and currency
when we go to the author of our faith
and let Them carry us when
we must let Their faith be enough
because ours is not
When our tears are many
we can trade them for love
~
Because love is what we are here for folks
I saw it yesterday in a parking lot
When 5000 or so gathered
to feed our family
When people from Kelso-Longview
and Kalama and Castle Rock
and Woodland came
to hold up our brothers
Even though we aren’t perfect
and we mount coffins in the wrong spot
We still are Cowlitz County
And our Maker is holding space for us
And we are holding up each other
~
So don’t worry if you’re broken
If you can’t walk without help
If you can’t quote scripture
If you can only smile
Because we are here to love our neighbor
If we did it wrong yesterday
Do it right today
Perfect is not found here
just give us the best you got
~
Donate to Nippon Families
Now you can Venmo your donation to the families affected by the Nippon tragedy. Use this QR code to transfer to the fund established by Cowlitz Wahkiakum Labor Council and the Longview/Kelso Building Trades Council held at Longshoremen’s FCU. You can also donate at ANY Cowlitz County credit union. Or, donate through our Online Banking by transferring to 788370-02-Community.
Somewhere over the rainbow
the world is exactly the same
because God
doesn’t like illusions
But He is love
and there is no evil in Him
So we don’t wear masks
or play mind games
and every person is important
~
White Liquor has a pH over 13
it can take hours to wash off
By itself it causes deep tissue damage
Mix it with any other substance
and you’re adding more trouble
Hours under running water to
remove this corrosive compound
sounds like a reason to want to die
or at least disassociate
~
If you are new to Kelso-Longview
you might not understand
Why we walk carefully
around the topic
We were created to be a Mill Town
and that is what we are Shift work and rough hands are our foundation
But we rally to care for
brothers and sisters
~
The same love that is God
that keeps you chasing life
even when chemical burns are eating you alive
And neighbors who may never have met before
join at a barbecue
to raise money for our family
It brings us together
because no matter what you call love
We have it in Cowlitz County
My insides are raw from crying
and they aren’t even just my own tears
My muscles ache
and my joints pop
from clenching
and power surges that keep me awake
I woke the ancestors of many
I saw them gather at the foot of my bed
~
I am not afraid
I have known I was here for a large commitment
I have dreamed of and tried to leave
But I always returned
and now I am here to stay
So I might as well be the catalyst
But the goal is not calluses
It is new growth for a new generation
~
I hear the edge in my voice
I hear the roar in my veins
I see it also in my sister’s eyes
as she fights her way back from death
Again
What I am experiencing is carnal
I am at capacity
It isn’t that I don’t care
~
I am not angry
or I would not be communicating at all
I want to be understood My soul is mourning
and she doesn’t want to lose anyone else
I don’t hate actually
I love so thoroughly
I want the hurting to stop
so let’s do something we’ve never done
I’m on fire again
but I have been knocked down
so many times
I can function at any level
I find myself at
I’m not always at my best on my feet
because I have spent so much time getting back up again
~
I’m used to the smell of cinders
I have considered changing
my name to Cinderella
but I like Birkenstocks
I am sure they are better for plantar fasciitis than glass high heels
Plus I love my queen
I don’t want a mere prince
~
It’s tragic how the water in the slough
turns black
when it gets flooded with White Liquor
But who needs wild life and fresh water
Even in a Mill Town
that requires trees
How many more defensive attacks
will we experience before we are through
~
Dispatch called in EMS
because my heart stopped
But I will be ok
I just needed a reboot
Give me a minute
I will be with you shortly
Thank you for your patience
We have just experienced a catastrophic event
Holy, Holy, Holy Is The Lord God Almighty and I am one of His but there are people running around screaming Trump Derangement Syndrome And the odd thing is I am sure they have it and they scream DTS to throw off their scent while they don’t realize that we are not in Washington DC
~
I love them but what they are doing Never feels, looks, or sounds like love to me Lord Jesus I need an ice pop because hell fire is right here It’s all in the bible but it is the opposite of what You said to do The fines cost less than compliance and no one made them comply The mess is so dangerous to clean up and some of them they will never find
~
My hometown is suffering catastrophic consequences due to ignored due diligence Because economics sometimes outweighs the needs of people Because even though some try to sell us the lie That religion is our foundation Back room deals and doctored balance sheets are the real leader of the US of A
~
Thank You to my Creator for the people who are working together The Kelso-Longview community who will support each other When the president has said nothing The GoFundMes the fundraisers and the soft words mean the world to me Because we are Cowlitz Strong We don’t even realize the shoulders we are standing on and the tears I cried today were not just my own
This Store has been set up as a fundraiser store to help raise money for the Families affect by the tragic events at the Nippon Mill in Longview. With tragic events such as this, we have to come together as a community and do what we can to help. We would like to donate a portion of our proceeds(10$ per shirt/15$ per hoodies) to the Lower Columbia Longshoremen’s credit union donation account for the families affected. We will make and ship orders in batches, roughly every 2 weeks. Thank you so much for your support!
If you are curious about us and how we make your gear, check out http://TGArtCo.com.
PLEASE NOTE, CREDIT CARDS WILL SHOW TEAM UNIFORM ORDERING (TUO) ON YOUR STATEMENT. PLEASE DO NOT DISPUTE THE CHARGE OR YOU WILL BE ASSESSED A $15 FEE THAT THE CREDIT CARD PROCESSOR CHARGES. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS, PLEASE CONTACT US DIRECTLY BEFORE ORDERING
Sometimes we moan
whether in our body or Spirit
when words aren’t enough “The Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words and God who searches hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to His will”
~
We are His creation and He is mine
Though I wasn’t born here
I am a daughter of Kelso-Longview
I have not slept for longer than and hour or two
since Monday May 25th of 2026
Nothing would shut down this Washingtonian body
wired and rebooted in Cowlitz County I know this pain I feel is not just mine
~
The sounds and sirens and wailing
whether imagined or real
was louder than the ringing in my ears
or the music on my iPhone
So as the electric pulses shot through my face
as I Googled electromagnetic force field
because even though science is a topic
I never excelled at, words intrigue me
and this phrase flashed in my mind
~
This group of words explains why opposites attract
and why being neutral goes nowhere
I think that is why I hate ignorance
and stagnance
and I love questions
This town was built by people with rough hands
but people without calluses run it
I love the color green because I love trees
not because I love money
~
But financing is necessary to keep
currency flowing in all fields
However love is free when we want it to be
and right now 2 people are confirmed dead
and 9 humans are missing and 8 injured
and I can’t look at the picture of the implosion
that happened at Nippon yesterday without feeling sick
I love you
Be blessed
There is a monster in my closet
I didn’t put her there
But I remember a life
before it wasn’t
and then it was
because my father put it there
~
I remember always being happy
when I had rainbows on my curtains
When I dreamed of being a singer
When I helped him build our shed
But then he got a job at the gas station
right next door to The Woodshed it was different
~
And the yelling probably slowed down
because he didn’t come home as much
I remember going there
and waiting in the car
I remember lots of crying
and the phone being hung up
~
I remember being afraid
and the lawn mower being stolen
even though we had grass
and he didn’t
I remember meeting the monster
and thinking: she looks like a witch
~
The scandal was great
and we paid dear
He even had to move because
the guys he worked with didn’t want him near
The monster and I hated each other
and she always won
~
Eventually I left
partially because he told me
“If you are the only one with a problem
then you are the problem.”
I remind myself of that
to avoid wrongful retribution from a narcissist or two
~
I keep cleaning out my closet
but I ran into her the other day
I worry about him because
he seems smaller in some ways
But I can’t be concerned about him
because he made his choice and it wasn’t me
~
Men’s loud voices still make me jump
and sometimes cry
But her voice
The monster’s voice makes all
the hair on my body stand up
and I get very quiet inside
~
I have fought with him and I always win
Because he is a coward
What kind of man leaves a wife and children
for a demon who will help him conquer
everything in their path?
~
I am a warrior because I have learned
To wage my battles
My scars are many
And she is not worth the fight
I have been made small since I was about 4
My gestures
My words
My thoughts and feelings were often too big
not to mention this big body of mine
that doesn’t fit in all chairs
and doesn’t do what I want
I have been thanked for giving you space to be you
and then been criticized for being me
It doesn’t feel like love if I can’t breathe
~
When I was the only one
I was worshipped
But when I was no longer singular
I became a target and
eventually I was too much
Only fit to serve
and often alone
But I am capable of doing great things
And there are people worthy of trusting
I will wait for them to find me
~
The team I have chosen is only 3
but they got me through 13 diagnoses and cancer
They ask me when they don’t know
They let me choose I can be my full self I don’t play games that don’t sit on a shelf
I don’t have to take pictures to prove I love them
because they are with me always
Even if it is just us
~
So I am done being made small
If you don’t want me
If you tell me one thing in September
and then show me another in May
I will walk away
Because my chosen family is
unpretentious but enough for me
And I would rather have honesty
then be part of an emotional shit show
or whatever you think I want
~
I have always hated Reality TV shows
because I live authentically
I think we all have an innate need to be known. I am Summer. My name is sometimes easy for people to remember and all my life, I have heard people say, “Oh, that is Summer,” but I had no idea who they were most of the time. I have always been a behind the scenes person. That is where the people who are great at getting things done but not so great with people go; that is also where they put the fat people.
I am a great person for finishing jobs. I hate lists but I can get them done, not in order but I can accomplish things, in my own time and probably 10 other tasks you didn’t ask for, and maybe, not how you intended them, and most likely you would have preferred that I followed the itemized list, and even though I brought value to your life, you didn’t know you needed, you still need me to finish #2, #6 and #9 and you are wondering why the books had to be alphabetized because you had them in an order, that made sense to you, before I touched them. But don’t worry about that because I will make sure to always bring you the book you need, when you ask, because, remember that is now my job and your way was too hard for me to remember.
If you hand me a manual, I will read it. I will follow all the rules to a T, unless they are about clothing and then I might question to see if there is leeway for my Birkenstocks, piercings and whatever else I want to wear because I prefer modesty, and I don’t like to wear what people tell me to wear, and I have plantar fasciitis.
I am a sensory person. I didn’t know that until a few years ago. It would have helped to know that when I was younger, but here we are. I live with several chronic conditions that cause constant pain. I have had to learn to read a room and myself because sometimes my brain lies to me, but I am a great reader and a fairly good actor so you might never know that I am suffering, unless it is so great that I can’t cover it, in which case, I will either stay home or go there.
I have danced with politics several ways. I have hated politics, but learned that it touches everything so I need to be aware and communicate with my representatives about what I want, or why vote? I have been a republican, democrat, independent and currently I am disenfranchised. However, I believe there are good humans in all people groups and if we find the right ones, I can support those people.
After years of reading and learning about different people, I see that the freedom to marry, which Karen G Clemenson and I did vote for, even before we realized we were voting for our own civil rights, had been hard fought by many before us. People all over the world have been persecuted, criminalized and even killed because they loved someone that went against what other people decided was wrong. They even rewrote the bible to make it a sin in 1947. So even though I have always loved rainbows because they are a promise from God to never destroy the earth, they also are a promise that God loves all of us and the colors signifying: Life, Healing, Sunlight, Nature, Serenity, and Spirit. So Pride Month is important to some of us, whether all of us like it or need it, and I can think that is great.
I have always had an ability to interact with children. Adults and peers have always been hard for me to trust and relate to. I started caring for other people’s children when I was 10. I often had other people’s children with me until I was at least 25, and my nephew, Casey, was born. Then I often had my nephews and nieces with me. Around that time I was trying to learn to interreact with the people around me. I met Karen in 2003 and she was so natural with everyone. I wanted to be like that. Between therapists, books and lots of time with Karen and Jamie Holloway, I have put a lot of time into learning how to listen and respond to people in a more gentle manner.
I started writing, I think as soon as I could put words on paper. I remember writing stories and drawing pictures to go with them even before I could really read. I was a very smart child. My parents saw that and I tested beyond kindergarten so I skipped it and went to 1st grade early. I don’t think that was a good idea. I think there are things I was supposed to learn in kindergarten that I missed. I have often felt like I didn’t fit with people my own age. When Casey was super smart, and my sister was talking about having him skip a grade, I asked her not to. He was a little awkward like me too. I told her I thought there were social things that I missed and I didn’t want him to miss those things. I am thankful that she considered my words.
I have a lot more confidence in my writing than I do my speaking ability. But I don’t just want to be Jamie’s friend or Casey’s auntie or Joanne’s daughter or Karen’s wife. So maybe since I have noticed that people don’t like to read as much as they do listen, I should learn to speak as well as I write.
If you notice, my mouth is small, that is on purpose. I have nerve pain in my face. There might be times that I can’t speak at all. I tend to try to keep the movements in my face small so that I don’t aggravate the muscles in my face.
I was always an active as a child. I rode my bike everywhere and danced every day. I was not wired for sports at all, but I could outdance all my friends. Yet I was always fat. Not as big as I am now. I wish I had known that when I was growing up. I wish that it hadn’t been an issue. Because that is why I would not go to the doctor unless I thought I was dying. I didn’t want to be told I was fat. Duh! If I could change that I would have. I didn’t figure out what I needed to do to lose weight until I had been chronic for 10 years, working to be as well as possible, got cancer, nearly died twice from blood clots, caused by Megestrol. After lots of learning to set boundaries, making myself important, making good habits, and even telling my doctor no, I was losing weight. I have lost 95 lbs so far.
Do I have a reason for this message other than to be known? Maybe but just like, the fact that I didn’t learn my middle name until I was in 4th grade because Summer Clemenson took a long time to learn, Summer Deanne Clemenson was even more of a mouthful, being known takes time.
I have been a receptionist, a Vacation Bible School teacher, a preschool teacher, a nanny, a janitor, a manager of a retail store, a website designer, and Executive Director of a nonprofit. I am a Creative Director of an LLC, a wife, a sister, a daughter, an auntie, a friend, a reader, a writer, a cook…and I am not dead yet, so there will be more to come. How do you really know someone if you have never at least sat with them and had a cup of coffee with them? Are you up for it? Let me know.
I love you. Be blessed.
~
~
Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Jesus Follower, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Jesus Follower…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
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