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[riaria]

i took part in yet another fast and vigil to abolish the death penalty. i've been trying to explain to j how the four days under extreme conditions accelerate the bonding process between the vigilers. what he considers to be meeting someone once a year, i consider to be an incredible shared experience. it's difficult to articulate

Comments

[planetten]

yes, it's difficult to articulate what the fast and vigil means to someone who hasn't taken part. i kind of try to emphasize the continuity of being there (even if i do take off once or twice), without "interruptions" for meals or anything else, to emphasize why it is really more than just "i see you for a few days every year." it's a focused, spiritual thing; not just a bumping into someone in the hall. but yeah, it's hard to explain.

happy being back, and trying to save your squash plants! when i was staying with (another) friend in arlington, he was explaining how he is currently engaged in a "war against the aphids" on his balcony plans, which consists of dousing them with soapy water several times a day. he would take the bottle to the little buggers and squirt gleefully, exclaiming "DIE, aphids, DIE!" ...which was somewhat amusing, vegan quaker pacifist that he is.

[riaria]

balcony bugs are unstoppable! they just will not die. i'm currently at war with ants that keep trying to take up residence in my kitchen. i also have been know to mutter, "die! die!" as i smush them.