I am plodding along on my art journal and, while it’s still a work in progress, I thought I’d share what I’ve completed so far.
This entry began around the time that New York passed the equal marriage bill. I thought that, since Jeff and I were married in New Paltz, NY in 2004 with several other gay and lesbian couples (for an update on that CLICK HERE), and my “journal” is to document personal growth and musings, that I would pay gratitude and respect to the brave men and women of New York’s political system in my journal.
As I said, my journal entry is far from complete, but there it is so far . . . (I know, the pic is blurry but you get the idea …)
Oh, here’s a snapshot from our New Paltz, NY wedding — (BTW this straight Unitarian minister [in the photo marrying Jeff, Evan & I as a family] was one of two who were arrested and thrown in jail after the weddings for marrying gay couples. It is the only time in the history of our country — even during the Jim Crow laws — that a religious was jailed for marrying a couple).
If you have the day off from work today, do something creative! Why not try your own hand at creating a simple art journal page to document what’s happening in your life! xoxom
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Mark Lipinski's Blog 
Thanks for sharing the photo Mark. And the push!
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That’s lovely, Mark. Thanks. You and Jeff (and Evan!) are a wonderful family.
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First of all, congrats on your wedding! Looks like a lovely event and I am happy that you get to share your lives the way you want to.
Secondly, I love your journal page, great drawing of the statue of liberty. I am hesitant to draw, but it looks like it doesn’t have to be perfect, so here I go.
Happy Holiday!
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Happy 4th of July and freedom for everyone! Congrats!
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Beautiful! You make such a loving family!
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Yes Beautiful…. You have a lovely family. filled with so much love and caring.
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Lovely picture of your wedding—-and I love your journal page!
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Congratulations to you and yours! That is what our country is all about… “Land of the FREE and home of the brave.” I have been happily married for twenty years and I think everyone should have that opportunity in life. AND, your journal page looks awesome! I just don’t need another hobby… knitting and quilting are enough! XOXO your devoted cupcake
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It’s a shame you’ve had to live in a sort of legal limbo re your marriage. Hopefully you can get remarried soon and have it be recognized legally.
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I think I will start an art journal because it looks so fun!
I am a Unitarian Universalist too. 😀 We are a Welcoming Congregation, and I have made a rainbow banner that hangs inside our church. It is the traditional rainbow stripes but each one has several white “equal” signs for equality. (We also have a commercial rainbow flag hanging from a tree in front of the church on the busiest street in town.)
xoxoxo
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Thanks for sharing your journal pages, Mark! I admire the risk you’re taking! Working on setting up a blog today. I sure wish I was more techo savvy!
Very special to see your wedding picture. You have a lovely family!
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Love your statue of liberty with the flag! Too bad I won’t be able to make my own page for the 14th of July with the Eiffel tower and fireworks…
Next year will be the one! Love you ❤
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Bastille Day NEEDS a journal entry! It’s the first July 14 since you’ve moved back to France — it’s BEGGING for an art journal piece!
What’s stopping you, cupcake? C’mon, you can do it (and knowing you, it will be exceptional!). xoxom
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Lovely, happy day! Wonderful family.
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OMG. Look how young Evan is in that picture! Compare this picture to his recent graduation picture and WOW!!! Now I don’t know how it happens (and quite honestly I don’t want to know), but isn’t it amazing how our children change with age but we don’t? Well, that’s what happens with me anyway, or so I choose to believe.
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Yes Beautiful…. You do have a lovely family, filled with so much love and caring. Wishing you mamy more years of happyness. We just had our 46 last week
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Great journal and picture…thanks for sharing!!! Lots to celebrate this year!
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Congratulations on the union. I’m glad you shared your day with us all.
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Thank you for sharing this, Mark! A happy 4th to you and your wonderful family!
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So glad you shared the picture–the ones you sent when it happened got lost in a dead computer. Much happiness, many more years and your Freedom Family is so proud! Love to you all!
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So, will you guys re-marry now? Or would you do it if New Jersey legalised it? I am just wondering if you would consider it for the legal benefits it would entail, as I gather from the article your original wedding didn’t grant you them.
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Most likely, although we have a valid license on file in NY for the New Paltz marriage that will be challenged to be recognized. You would not believe the hoops we had to jump through to marry there — lawyers, advocates, lobby reps, etc. We have both a legal Domestic Partnership and Civil Union in New Jersey. Our Governor is a Republican Catholic who vows veto to gay marriage in New Jersey, so it’s not likely to happen here anytime soon (and while he seems to be the darling of the GOP/Teabaggers, those of us who actually live here are less than pleased with his high-handed, pro-business/anti-working class policies). Gay marriage or not, this country is in big trouble on so many levels. We’ve lost our way (and our grip). God help us.
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Amen to the last statement. You have a great family and your family happiness and pride shows in your words and pictures.
I’ve made many quilts in a lot of years but never made a journal, just noting facts about the measurements, etc. I started paper foundation piecing a “Gummie Dots” quilt about the time you showed your journal. I now have a journal started for my quilt and hopefully, many more. Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement. PS-I’m also including the cuss words I’ve muttered for each time I’ve had to rip out the 1.6 (length) stitches in this sucker. Ada
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Congratulations on your 4th wedding aniversary! Gay mariages are very common here in the Netherlands, thank God, and hopefully it will be all over the world.
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My stepfather is a Unitarian minister & did commitment ceremonies for years for gay couples – in NY. Maybe Long Island is more progressive?? Didn’t think I’d ever say that!
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