Friday, August 29, 2008

The Adventurer Begins Another...

She's been a pilot. A hunter. A TV announcer. A small business owner. An ice fisherman. She's a sportswoman, a former beauty queen, a governor and a mother. She's a brash, beautiful, ambitious woman who wants to make a difference. She's Sarah Palin, and she's the kind of "every man" woman I dreamed of being when I was a girl.

I swore to myself that I wouldn't get political on my blog, even though as a former Sumners Scholar and reporter, politics is in my blood. But today I just had to say, I am shocked and enthralled by McCain's selection of Palin as a running mate.

No matter where you fall politically, this is an astounding and interesting election. I can hardly wait for November. -Brin

65 comments:

jan said...

I check your blog every day. You are so inspirational. I am with you all the way. I got chills this morning watching it on tv.
I am also a proud Texan.

Harbor Hon said...

Amen, sister girl, amen. xxoo

Terri Steffes said...

What a stunning announcement! So unexpected. I am going to go and find some article to read about her. This election has now become interesting!

linda t said...

I too am beyond thrilled!!!
I have been glued to FOX all morning, antsy to exclaim my support for this amazing, inspiring, dedicated woman!
WOW! Anything can happen now!

Chrysanthemama said...

I was in tears when it was announced today. We were stationed in Alaska for two years and spoke with her once at a community event. She was so down-to-earth and wonderful!

~The girl who asked about your leftovers~

Susan said...

I'm Canadian but if I were an American I would be, no question, a died in the wool Democrat. But I have to say what a smart, smart choice John McCain has made in Sarah Palin. And I must agree, even for your neighbours to the north, this is an astounding and fascinating election ... and one the whole world is watching.

Gracie G. said...

hear hear! I am excited about his choice of running mate too! What an unexpected surprise.

Shelby said...

Yes, YES, and Y E S !! So glad I dropped by here. I'll be back.

Happy day and happy early Labor Day weekend :)

laurel said...

I am just AMAZED that he picked her! She sounds fabulous, and this seems like a very, very smart move for McCain. This election just became infinitely more interesting and hopeful to me.

Amanda said...

Another Texan here. I just LOVE her!! I am soo excited. She is an amazing woman. I teared up this morning watching it. It made me giddy inside...

Essential Oil Premier University said...

I am thrilled with John McCain's choice of Sarah Palen. How EXCITING. Now Sarah, go to Washington and kick some butt like you did in Alaska!!!

Blessings,

Sher

Jenny said...

I'm with you guys! Go Sarah! There seems to be no better choice! What a strong woman!

CoachZ said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Linda Z said...

That choice completely caught me off guard. Pretty smart I think. She seems like an exceptional person who has accomplished a great deal in a short time.

Like others have said, it just got very interesting and exciting, and its certainly going to be a ground-breaking election either way.

Seawashed said...

I agree...she does make it exciting now. I was dreading elections. But now I'm intrigued.

Sue said...

I too am thrilled by his choice!!! She is an inspiration for women.

Kristie @ Comfy Cozy said...

I was in Dayton with my husband for his work yesterday and I attended that rally!! Wowser!! I think he made a very wise decision. She's awesome!!

Anonymous said...

So far she sounds like a great choice. I hope she does well in the debates and I am excited to hear her views on the issues.

Vee said...

I, too, am very pleased. Can't keep the grin off my face. I commend you for taking the risk of being political. I haven't yet, but I may have to toss my cap in yet before November gets too much nearer.

Anonymous said...

Uh Oh This makes me so sad to hear . I wish you had remained un political in your blog but it is after all your blog and I know you are free to express whatever you wish . Still makes me sad to hear ..........

judy in ky said...

I am sad to hear this, too. Many of Sarah Palin's views are frightening to me. She is anti-conservation, wanting to remove polar bears from the endangered species list and advocates drilling for oil in the wildlife reserve. She is anti-gun control and anti-science. She opposes stem-cell research and supports teaching creationism in our public schools. I hope those who are excited by the fact that she is a woman and a "breath of fresh air" take a closer look at her views.

Susan said...

Rock on Judy in KY ! I agree completely ... just to be clear I did say it was a smart choice, a shrewd choice ... but still a very scary choice. I hope Barack blows them out of the water. Fingers crossed from the Great White North.

Brin said...

Ooooooh, I knew this would be a slippery slope.

I'll say this, and then (hopefully) no more: it is precisely because of Palin's beliefs that I wholeheartedly adore and support her. I never, under any circumstance, would have cast a vote for Senator Clinton, regardless of her gender. Governor Palin embodies all of the conservative values I hold so dear, including those on: gun control, health care, stem-cell research, the economy, oil and gas exploration and drilling, the sanctity of marriage and abortion. (Why are we so concerned about the not-even "endangered" polar bears and not the lives of our unborn children, anyway?)

Uh-oh. Here we all go. So I'll say this: vote your conscience.

Brin

Sue said...

I am so glad you took the slippery slope! I am thrilled to hear someone with conservative values speak out. Palin is one classy lady. Abortion is a travesty that we should be ashamed of as a nation. People need to reexamine just which lives are the most valuable- human or animal. Thanks Brin, for sharing your heart with us.
Sue

judy in ky said...

No hard feelings, Brin... I have people in my own family who feel as you do and I still love them.
Boy, I really do appreciate Susan's "rock on" though!
Judy

Anonymous said...

Hi Brin
I wanted to be real clear about my previous comment . I am very proud democrat born and bred . My best friend of 35 years is a republican . Now I can debate the issues head to head with the best of em but when it comes to my friendship I would never challenge her core beliefs nor would she mine . We each know where we stand and make a choice to not say anything . My sadness about your choice to reveal your political beliefs in this particular forum was not because I could not handle your difference of opinion but because I think of you as an old friend that I go to for comfort to see what new adventures are happening at the Freeman house . What new recipe are you trying out for dinner ? Or what the garden is doing today and not a dish of controversy and stirred up emotions among the readers commenting here . Thanks for your time , Liane

Anonymous said...

Thanks Brin.
As a woman, I was continually insulted by the assumptions that I would vote for Hillary because she was a woman too. I kept telling people "I vote with my Brain not my Gender!"
I have been very unhappy about this election ever since Ron Paul droped out, none of the "presumptives" lived up to my expectations... this is great though.
The research I've been doing on Palin so far, shows me that this is a woman I could agree with on politics: economy, ecology, and ethics. It really gives me hope. If McCain's smart enough to pick such a great running mate perhaps he won't be such a bad choice for President after all.

Jen said...

Thank you, Brin.
I wholeheartedly agree with you, but even if I didn't, I think it is so important to SAY something. It seems like too many people aren't speaking up, or they are ignoring how important this election is. So, thank you for sharing your heart. Now, I'd better say something on my own blog!

Gracie G. said...

Brin,

Thank you for saying what you did about how you love her for the stand she takes on tough, controversial issues. I feel exactly the same way.

Actually, when I first heard McCain had chosen a woman as his running mate I groaned. I figured this was just an attempt to get votes from women. But when I heard the things she had to say and researched her a little bit, I became very excited! I think she is so cool because her life more closely resembles the average American's life than any of the other candidates. I mean she has 5 kids, one has downs syndrome, a son in the army, her husband is a commercial fisherman. That sounds more like the average person than anyone else running and I am hoping she will be a good representation of the average American people.

But that's just my 2 cents worth. I'm not meaning to get up on a soapbox and preach at everyone.

Elizabeth said...

Brin,
I too am so glad that you spoke up. More people need to do that. I too enjoy reading what is happening in your world, your recipes, your adventures, etc. BUT you are not just a "fun in the sun" type person. We need to be able to share the really important things in this life. I just got back from Alaska, it is an awesome state. Yes do some real research. Find out the truth about things "like the oil"...WHERE do they want to drill? It is out in the middle of no where. The other oil fields have NOT hurt or endangered any animals. You can see herds of animals wandering around and huge flocks of birds there. It is NOT like you read in the tabloids. Thanks again Brin for adding another dimension to your awesome self.

Life is 5 Minutes Long said...

We adore her too! Amen to picking a dynamic woman for a running mate McCain!

Life is 5 Minutes Long said...

A follow up comment to support Brin. This is an amazing year in politics. Our family too are conservative right wing pro life christians. So for us this is a victory. It is wonderful Brin that you had the courage to express yourself. Never ever feel like you shouldn't God honors truth and justice. Jenn

jodi said...

I need to know who she is better. Yes, she is an interesting person but I need to be sure that she has what it takes and was just not chosen on the basis of her beliefs and gender.

Thanks for the discussion.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Brin for saying so much so eloquently. I share your pleasure.

Anonymous said...

I have to agree with Liane. I love your blog but this blog is no place for politics it is after all an art/gardening type blog. If I wanted peoples opinion on politics I would turn on the TV. I come to your blog as a refuge from that kind of stuff, its sad you had to go there too.

linda t said...

I can not believe that some people think they have the right to say what Brin should put on HER blog.
Makes me wonder if they would be so opinionated had Brin had said what THEY believed.
Makes me sad...

Anonymous said...

I have known Brin for over 10 years. She is one of the most wonderful people I know. When she was still in college Brown County named her Woman Of The Year. We still remember her telling every body that she wanted to be a political correspondent and go to Washington. After she left CBS she had a standing offer at Fox News and ABC too, she could have gone anywhere. If you all knew Brin and knew how deeply political and concerned she is about the issues, you would be shocked that she IS NOT saying more. Brin was an award winning law debater in college and then a strong voice and volunteer in the Dallas County Republican Party and has personally met and interviewed President Bush and lots of Senators and Representatives. I know she continues to give money and time to support the causes she cares about

Some of y'all need medication. Or a good knock on the head. Brin may be holding her sweet tongue, but I'll stand up for her, so if you don't care for the innocent observations and opinions she has offered on HER WEBSITE, then you need to get over it. And be glad you aren't getting the tough as nails reporter and crusader side of her.

Love you Brin!! :>)

LTP

Anonymous said...

And who ever said this was an "art and gardening" type of blog???!!!!! Omg, some people. I want to kick some anonymous bootie...

LTP again.

Athena is a ... said...

While I may not agree with your thoughts, I love the fact that on YOUR blog you can speak YOUR mind. Thanks for doing so and allowing the space for others to do the same.

Anonymous said...

OH YEAH! Loving this post...seriously, I am ecstatic about Sarah Palin...she sounds absolutely fabulous! Thanks for writing about it!

Anonymous said...

No replacement for Hillary, especially not Palin. He's a desperate man and that is the ONLY reason for a woman as his VP. You'll not too smart if you're this easily fooled. Careful now, I didn't think you'd be so obvious about your politics, you've already done that with the religion thing

Cyra

Kathi~Lavender, Lace and Thyme said...

Brin,

:D that's my cheshire cat grin...I am LOL! I'm with LTP, you're an incredible writer, woman and news reporter, I only hope to see you somewhere on tv someday, perhaps you'll be someone's running mate, I can hope can't I? This is your blog, write what ever you want! Let the adventure begin!

Hugs to you!
MN Kathi :)

PS,
You may want to change your blog to Brin's Messy Gardening blog! :)

Anonymous said...

me thinks Brin and Anonymous (LTP) are one and the same person. Post Brin, comment LTP, sad

Pudgeduck said...

What counts now is what we are for- not against!! I am thankful you are still free to write about any thing you want on your "ART & Garden blog!!!

Lochlanina said...

Can I just say -- Glory be that Palin isn't a Clinton replacement. She's much, much better. (Careful now, Cyra, I don't think you should be so careless with your censorious worldview.)

As a long time lurker on this blog, I believe I can say with some authority that Brin's post on this issue (no matter where the comments might have taken things) was very much in keeping with the adventuresome, honest, beautiful and personal tone we all so enjoy on her blog.

Brin, dear, I think this might now be one of the "messy" parts of your life, but THANK YOU for expressing what so many of us feel and did not have the courage to say on our own blogs.

My little Spanish style cottage said...

I never, ever get in a political debate...but....a voice needs to be put to this. I was raped by my brother, I was an innocent 17 year old..he was older..he beat me up...afterward I thought I was pregnant..took an over the counter test..it came out positive..he was the families "mr. wonderful" I knew if I told it would be the end...so I decided to die...I starved myself, drank no water..a neighbor found me..I was in the hospital for a month.The doctor told me I was not pregnant and that the test at the time was coming out with faulty answers.The point is, it should be my choice. I should not have been expected to carry my brother's child. I know there are people that do, and God bless them. But I couldn't. See, they have a choice to carry the baby..and all women should.Your beliefs are your beliefs and mine are mine.We should all be able to get along and not judge.Years later when I did tell, half the family disowned me. My Mom is now dieing and I am the one left to take of her. There is no family help because they said I should have just let it go.I just want people to know that just because I think it should be a womans choice, it doesnt mean I am a bad person.I never did have kids because of medical problems. But I am left with nightmares from that time of long ago.I usually am funny with my posts. But I just wanted it to be known.Just because a person thinks it should be a womans choice. It doesnt mean we are all bad. I know most of you are disgusted, but we all have our own feelings and lifes journeys..thats what makes us "us"
Geneen from Calif...

ancient one said...

Sure shook up things with his choice for VP, didn't he.. I'm with you.. She's my type of woman!!

Lynne said...

You all know what your mommas taught you way back when...

if you can't say something nice, don't say it ...

Okay, I am so not saying it ... :)

I`m Sassy, said...

I am not disgusted by Harvest moons post. Who are we to judge anothers choice. I personally have never been brutally raped by my brother, or anyone else.

As for Sarah Palin, i do not know enough about her to comment on her politics. She probably is a wonderful woman. But, i truly believe McCain picked her in a desperate attempt to get votes.

But, perhaps she will convince me that by having a republican in office again won`t be the destruction of this great country.

And.....i think brin can post whatever she wishes, after all, it is her blog.

Rosa said...

Talk about a can of worms!
As a Canadian I don't feel I could give an informed opinion on your election.
As a christian woman who blogs though, I am glad that we are able to talk about the things that matter to us.
Even when they don't fit the small pidgeon hole we might have fallen into.
Isn't it great that we don't have to agree on everything?
The world would be a boring place! :)
And Geneen. . .
I am so sorry that this terrible thing happened to you. I pray that you might find peace.

Becky K. said...

Brin,
You are so right on the money!

Governor Palin is an excellent choice. I have been thrilled by the reception to her across blogland and how many, many people are now planning to vote who weren't before!

Thanks for letting us see this side of you too.

Blessings!

Becky K.

Brambleberry said...

I, too, am thrilled by Senator McCain's choice. She holds the same views as I do.

Also, I am pleased that you are using your own personal forum to discuss your own personal political views. I think of this place as a snapshot of "the girl with the messy, thrilling life." I didn't feel like I was missing out on recipes or crafty ideas when you went on your trip to Turkey or to Colorado.

You certainly do not need our permission to say what you want to say on your own blog.

Thank you for using your voice.

Gracie G. said...

Harvest Moon Cottage: My heart goes out to you. I am so sorry to hear your story and the tragic repercussions it has had in your life. I cannot imagine the things you have gone through. I am 100% pro-life, but I am not disgusted by your post. We live in a messy world where bad things happen to people. I am sorry to hear that your family did not do the right thing and love you and protect you the way they should have. I hope that by God's grace, you will realize that you are truly loved and cherished by the one who made you.
Blessings to you.

And I agree with whoever said that Brin has the right to say whatever she wants to say on her blog (I mean freedom of speech...hello?). This blog speaks alot about gardening and home-making and I love that, but I also love reading the Monday Moments and hearing about Brin's adventures. This blog speaks of the beauties in life that are so often overlooked, or simply not voiced. Along the way we get a glimpse of who the author really is by hearing about the things she believes. That is part of the reason I love this blog so much. It's more than just surface-y things like crafts and cooking, it goes deeper.

Keep writing, Brin! I know I am not alone in saying I love hearing what you have to say.

Anonymous said...

I always find myself very torn and in the middle most of the time. I agree mostly with McCain, but there are things he support that are wrong to me. I've studied Obama's political life in depth, followed every speech, every interview, and I could not in good conscience vote for him. I was raised very liberal, but grew up to be conservative after studying politics and economy. Obama believes word for word, that immigrants to the US should not have to learn english. Obama believes word for word that children in the US should learn only spanish as a second language. He wants our government to have way too much control over things that should be left up to the states.

Either way, people are being pretty silly. So McCaine/Palin have an anti-abortion view, so what? The president cannot control this, it would have to be up to the states to choose. So Palin believes in creationism (which she has not been directly quoted saying by the way), to implement this in public schools nation-wide would be extremely difficult if not impossible. All the liberals out there seem to forget that we have a democratic senate now, they're acting as though a president will have free rein to pass any law or change to the constitution that they desire and our government doesn't work like that.

Anyway, I've followed both nominees very closely, studied their backgrounds, and I think you need to be well informed before jumping to conclusions that people are less intelligent due to voting for a Republican. Only a liberal would say such a thing.

I have nothing against either viewpoint, but I do notice out of personal experience, if you even utter the word Republican to a liberal, you will get demeaned, berated, and flamed for your views regardless. What Conservatives do that? I haven't met even one that flamed me or put me down when I was a liberal myself, they respectfully accepted my belief without feeling they had to prove me to be stupid or less of a person for them.

And liberals belong to the political party that is suppose to believe in acceptance and open-mindedness and equality more than any other? UH-HUH. Good one guys, way to show your party's real values!

lulusparkles said...

good for you brin.
i am really shocked that some readers believe you can't write what you want to on your very OWN blog!
i agree with you, but even if i did not it would not bother me one bit to read your political views.

gailsgarden said...

I was so glad when you responded to some of the comments, Brin! I am an American living in Canada and am constantly disgusted with the liberal press we get here. It is not very popular to be biblically correct. I would rather be biblically correct than politically correct!

Unknown said...

I'm with you, I'm so excited over Sarah!! No matter what, this election will make history!

Anonymous said...

One of the biggest concerns I have about Sara is her "Alaska first" way of thinking. If you watch her speeches, she always throws in "I want to be VP and do what is best for Alaska." She doesn't say what would be best for America. She has had ties to the Alaska Independence Party (the party that want Alaska to be it's own separate nation and they do not consider themselves Americans) and has been shown publicly supporting the AIP's convention on video. That is scary. Just what we need a VP who is only going to support Alaska's needs and not that of the nation! Yikes!!

jill said...

The Alaska Independence Party does NOT want to become an independent nation, and they certainly consider themselves Americans with full rights under the Constitution of the United States.

It's better to be accurate than merely riled up - but politics does that to us, doesn't it.

Eloise said...

I found your post thoughtful and insightful and am disappointed that those who disagree with you choose to attack you and your right to say what you want on your blog. Thanks, LTP, for your insight into Brin's 'pre-Freeman House' life. Brin, you're a amazing person!

TC said...

Wow... so I came here from Shelby's blog as one of her 1000 posts to read. Enjoyed it.

I, however, am appalled by some of your commentors.

It's a gardening blog so you aren't allowed to touch on politics? BS. I have a travel blog... and you know what? More days than not, I don't write about travel anymore. It's YOUR blog, write what you want. And those people that don't like it can just come back another day... but without insulting you.

The thing that makes me sad about Palin is that she's already being asked if she can be both a Mother and a VP. That's crap. Male candidates NEVER get asked if they can be both parents and president or VP. I hate that. I think she'd be excellent at the job, but I'm kind of afraid that people aren't ready for a female in office... in either the P or VP roll. I hope I'm wrong, but questions like that make wonder.

MaryMo said...

I'm so glad to here some conservative women speaking up! I'm thrilled to hear that Palin is the VP for McCain, I agree with her whole heartedly on the issues, especially on abortion! Women deserve better than abortion, and thank you Brin for your comment about why some would save endangered polar bears over our own children!Here, Here!!
I wish the main stream media would treat her with respect, I'm sickened by the crush the media has on Obama. Thanks for speaking up on YOUR blog! Cheers! ;)

Melissa said...

Lochlanina- I completely agree. This is Brin's blog and she has the right to share what she will. HA! Art/Gardening type of blog. Perhaps. But I have never been able to categorize this particular blog because this is so deeply personal. In fact, this is the only non-design (interior design) blog I read on a regular basis. I appreciate the tidbits Brin shares and the beautiful, poetic elegance of her words. I even enjoy the faith/religion aspects, though I have become distant of my religion in recent years.

Harvest Moon Cottage (Geneen from California) - thank you so much for sharing

Brin - I think you are completely in the right to share your views. I did not find them controversial but merely matter-of-fact. It actually made me want to investigate her. (I had originally written her off as a pawn for hte GOP.) And for the record, I am a liberal with a very conservative significant other who also happens to be in the military...

Jane said...

I too love your blog and I agree you should be free to say what you wish on your blog.

We all will vote for whom we feel is best for the country.

My vote just won't be for Mcain even with Sara Palin.

I also believe very strongly in separation of church and state. Our forefathers were very wise.

Anonymous said...
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