I’ve been watching and posting videos pretty much around the clock for a week. And when I haven’t been watching and posting videos, I’ve been on the radio or TV talking about Billy and Justin and Cody and Seth and Tyler and now Raymond. Feeling a little raw, a little worn down, a little weepy, I shut the computer off and went for a walk. I needed some light and I needed some beauty.
There’s a pretty county courthouse in the middle of Bloomington, and there’s an obelisk on the grounds. The obelisk, a war memorial, is made of Indiana limestone, and it dates back to the 19th century. Limestone is pretty porous and this is where I’m supposed to say that “time hasn’t been kind” to the war memorial outside the Monroe County Courthouse. But I think time has been more than kind to it—I think time has been transformative. There are carved reliefs around the base of the obelisk and time—and wind and rain and pollution—have transformed each relief into a little masterpiece of abstract art.
Thank you, time, wind, rain, and pollution. I needed that.
Dan, we all thank you for what you are doing.
It looks like the cat corpses they’re always hauling out of those crazy ladies’s houses on “Hoarders”.
Thanks for RUINING IT FOR ME, Fnarf. Jeez.
Without sounding too cheesy, I am convinced that the ability to find beauty in the seemingly insignificant or mundane things around you is what keeps people optimistic and sane.
@3, god, I’m sorry. I’m a horrible person.
Here: it looks like a group of cartoon frogs dancing in an all-frog version of “Oklahoma”.
Fnarf, I know we don’t know each other well, but… dear gods, your new icon is traumatising.
As you age you’ll find decay more disturbing.
Are you watching Twitter, Dan? Everybody is tweeting it gets better messages: Dave Navarro, Kylie Minogue, Andy Cohen — and that’s just the famous ones.
@6, I know, it’s too much, isn’t it?
Beauty is nourishing. I’m glad you found some, Dan.
That’s a really cool, melty effect. It’s soothing in the way that the ocean is: enormous, timeless and utterly indifferent to us.
It’s been an amazingly shitty couple of weeks, but Holy Moly, Dan! What you have started with the It Gets Better Project! The impact has already been astounding, and it’s going to keep rolling on. And maybe, just maybe, we can get that Student Non-Discrimination Act passed….
Also: Bloomington, limestone, the University… Have you seen the movie “Breaking Away” http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078902/ ? Highly Recommended!! It’s a goodie, and is an almost guaranteed spirit-lifter….
Bloomington is such a beautiful city! I just moved to Indianapolis a few months ago after having lived there for a good 5 or 6 years. Man do I miss it!
Thank you,Dan for all you do. I’m worn out just watching the videos this week. I can’t imagine what your week has been like… the e-mails, interviews, etc. Take care of yourself.
@9 First, the gold suit where we could see your dangly bits…now you are sitting in a tub typing on a computer that is PLUGGED IN! If it weren’t for the booze within handy reach (A+), I would seriously question your sanity.
@ Canuck, I’ll have you know that I slog all the damn time while taking a long soak. Now granted I’m using the iPhone and it’s a generous snort of whisky (usually bourbon) beside me. I think Fnarf is indeed sane.
@ Fnarf, I love the new profile picture.
Thank you for what you’re doing, Dan. Hang in there.
Yes, add me to those wondering if bike-friendly Dan has recreated any parts of Breaking Away.
kim, while I would never question slogging at any time or place, my concern was more to do with the *plugged in* part…didn’t you see “What Women Want”? If that computer falls into the tub and electrocutes Fnarf, he will know what we are really thinking, and then we’ll be hooped!
This is the coolest thing you’ve ever done, Dan, and it’s having HUGE impact on the people who need it most. I’ve felt more despairing about the state of our country and politics during the past year than I’ve ever felt, there’s so much venom and hatred directed at people who are already struggling. This thing you started is positive and loving and I’m really, really glad you did it.
Thanks for sharing that frog sculpture with us, too, it’s really cool.
I’m sorry, do you think I can be stopped by mere electricity? Hah! If that computer falls in the water, the water will die, not me.
(The computer is dead and not plugged in; the whisky and cigar are real).
And now, Fnarf’s ability to outwit WiS time and again becomes clear…he is a SUPERHERO! (even without his costume…)
The fact that it is before 7am on a Saturday morning, I am supposed to be getting ready for a trip, but I am instead checking Slog and finding myself reassured that Fnarf didn’t die in the tub overnight due to a tragic combination of hand-rolled Havanas and voltage has me questioning my own sanity…….carry on Fnarf, bottoms up! (The *glass*…please don’t turn around…)
Dan, I wish I could hug you – you make so many lives better every day you do what you do.
Fnarf – the new one is making me giggle hysterically. Thanks! <3
You should go find the statue of Herman B Wells on IU’s campus if you haven’t already. He sits on a bench in a plaza, it’s a lovely spot. I miss Bloomington sometimes – thanks for the photo! And all your good work!
You should go find the statue of Herman B Wells on IU’s campus if you haven’t already. He sits on a bench in a plaza, it’s a lovely spot. I miss Bloomington sometimes – thanks for the photo! And all your good work!
Dan, thank you so, so much for this incredibly important project. My heart won’t stop aching for Tyler and every other LGBT young person who has committed suicide, but I’m convinced that this project can and will give other kids who are suffering the encouragement they need to make the difference between ending their lives and finding the strength to go on. This may be the most important work you ever do. Thank you.