random thought: the beauty of different

Ixora from my grandmother's garden in Trinidad.  Photographed with Nikon D300, 60mm micro lens.

When I was about 12 years old, like most 12-year-olds I suppose, I was obsessed with being just like my friends.  I wanted to dress like them, I wanted to look like them, I wanted to act like them, I wanted hair like them. You can imagine my fresh hell as a kid right-off-the-boat from Trinidad, newly living in the decidedly homogenous community of Kingwood, Texas.

I'm sad to report it took a very, very long time for me to stop wanting to be like everyone else.

But now?

Now, it's almost 30 years later.  During that time, I have been exceedingly fortunate to have traveled all over the world.  I've visited over 25 countries on 5 continents and several islands, and have made meaningful connections with people from many cultures, nations, religions, orientations, backgrounds. 

Now,

I've learned viscerally,

deep in my soul

and

beyond a shadow of a doubt

that different is very

very

beautiful.

Song:  All this beauty, by the Weepies