You know how when you are reading a good book, every page turn brings something interesting, and maybe something new, and if it’s really good then you wait on the edge of your seat to find out what happens next. A good book brings you into the story. The characters seem real, full of depth. You feel like you know them.
I use my Marla’s Musings in a similar way, to expand on who I am, and to talk about something that may be new for me, or even scary to me. I am a character full of depth, and I try not to be afraid to write down my story.
My last musing got different reactions – and as a writer I think that is good. I heard from some people who I did not even know read my blog. And, I got from them a range of opinions.
It has taken me many years to work on always being authentic. I value it in others and therefore I want to be the same. I value honesty – and respect. I use my musings to sometimes talk about how it is lacking in today’s world. Perhaps it always has been lacking, and it’s just I’m more aware of it. Or, maybe it is different now. I grew up thinking they were core values in us all. Liars were rare. Belittling others were just cheap shots used in self defense. It was certain unladylike too.
As I age, and proudly stand as a member of the “Me Too” movement, I find my voice more and more. I’m not always right I realize that. But I am always writing from my true self, and am open to learning – most days I embrace it. But not all of them.
So… enough heavy thoughts (although there is nothing wrong with serious talk). On with really pressing matters (ha) like…
Super Bowl ! The last hurrah of football season! Who will end up on top on Sunday? I truly just want to see a good, close scoring game. I know all the sponsors definitely do too – and all those companies that spent millions on commercials that air during it. Both teams, the Bengals and the Rams, have interesting stories and neither of them have won a Super Bowl in many, many years. Both the quarterbacks are very like-able. So, do you have a prediction? For fun I am saying it will be the Bengals on top, 31 to 28.
The truckers “sit in” at the border. Opinions on that? I have seen short news reports (remember I only really watch Headline News these days) but I have chatted with a few people online who live near the standstill, the demonstration, whatever you want to call it. According to them, the noise is incredible – which makes me wonder if there is not a noise ordinance for where they are. I also understand that the trucks are blocking so even emergency equipment cant’ get through – and other essential needs. That seems wrong – and dangerous. So, the question again becomes: where does freedom to park on a major highway and stop everything land in the debate: personal freedoms vs. the good of us all. It seems we are seeing this challenge everywhere now.
By the way, I am all for peaceful protests. I am all for working with the police in these matters. Passion is good. Violence is not. So – I’m wondering, how will this end?
Down the road from me (yes on the road I live on) a police chase took place last weekend, after a man ran a stop sign in a neighboring town and then did not stop when a police officer put on her lights and siren. In fact the man drove from one county into another – into Georgetown County. Allegedly the car sped away and went 100 mph at one point. The man slowed down to turn a corner on this rural road I live on, and missed the turn and landed in a ditch. A female police officer then came over to the passenger’s side of the car, thought she saw a gun – and fired and killed the man. You guessed it? He did not have a gun. This man, a black man, and father of 10 children (!) died for running away. The officer that shot him was also black. The family of the deceased has retained a well know civil rights lawyer, which is their right to do. So drama is coming to my little town and county. I seriously don’t know where I stand on this. A person should never flee from a marked police car trying to pull them over. But a black men these days are very, very fearful of police, and history has proven why. The officer said she felt her life was threatened. And – I don’t doubt that. Small town police officers don’t handle this time of intense action very often. It will be interesting to see how American justice decides this case, one of so many know making headlines.
Speaking of American justice, I was called up for jury duty. I got the notification in the mail last month, so I filled it in and mailed it back. I was legally able to make myself exempt since I am 65 years old. South Carolina excuses the ‘elderly’ – which I find a bit odd. They have years of knowledge, and they have time. And by the way – I do NOT consider myself elderly! ha!! Plus, ‘older’ Americans have lived in our country all their lives and… isn’t it the right thing to do to give back? I understand if health issues make it difficult. And yes, some are afraid of CoVid, but I am triple vaxxed, and I really feel it is my civic duty (just like voting) to go when called. Yesterday I received a message saying I do not have to report on Monday because the judges have no civil court cases right now that have not already been settled out of court, or are not ready for trial.
To finish up here today, let me say that I’m heading outdoors in a few minutes because we are being graced with sunshine and warmer temps – and I’m excited to get some yard work started. I love it – and I need some vitamin D and fresh air. I noticed yesterday that my forsythia blossoms survived last week’s chill. Our peach tree blooms look good too. Phew. I also see the start of plants in my garden pushing through the dirt.
So, I’m excited to turn the page today to a spring story, and to see a new season starting..
Thanks for reading.
Marla’s Musings 