Happy hump day! Happy mid-March! Happy Spring!

Here is a smathering of thoughts going on in my head this morning.

Sunshine and warm temperatures are good for the psyche! It’s a beautiful day in my neighborhood. Finding joy in nature’s free gifts is ‘priceless.’ And, I am blessed to live where these gifts are abundant.

Music makes the world go round! Wednesdays are one of my favorite music days. I get to dance for an hour and a half each Wednesday afternoon, and then go straight to a handbell rehearsal. Moving to music brings out positive endorphins.

Watching the Congressional Judicial committee hearing for Judge Jackson’s approval for the Supreme Court is like watching the best and the worst of the elected. Some members of the committee sound astute in law, and in the workings (limits) of the highest court in our land. Some sound like adult-sized babies trying to belittle, and act snippy, and they come off egotistical. It seems the endurance of the nominee is part of the process – and how to remain ‘serious’ during stupid questioning.

My daily liquid intake: International Foods’ Cafe Francias each morning. Then water throughout the afternoon. Chardonnay from 6:00pm on. I only need those three. Each day, every day.

Seeing a vehicle (usually it’s a pickup truck or a high end sedan) with a Trump sticker, or five, and “Let’s go Brandon” on it can’t help but make me nervous. I literally ‘steer clear’ and now I try and say a quick prayer for the owner of the vehicle.

War is hell on earth.

I’m getting more of my nose cells frozen or scrapped off tomorrow. I have always worn some makeup on my face, but I regret not putting sunscreen on it more often when I was young. But, I admit that I used to love getting sun on my face, and getting a ‘healthy’ glow. ha

Hubby and I are into another fun Netflix series called “Good Girls.” I highly recommend it. It’s got a little bit of something for everyone: action, humor, blood, intrigue. Good acting. The story line is over-the-top but the three housewives friends are lovable even when making really bad choices.

Wondering: have you made different choices since gas prices have gone up? Have you changed your driving habits? Tried to conserve? Or, are you just complaining…?

I did not fill out an NCAA March Madness bracket this year. I got to say that I watched more games and followed it much more closely when I had a bracket and cheered certain teams on. Now, I generally root for the underdog. I like catching the last 2 minutes of close games but I do not watch them from the opening buzzer.

I am cheering on the South Carolina Lady Gamecocks though. Go Cocks!!

I am about to finish a great ‘who done it’ book called “The Paris Apartment” by Lucy Foley. It’s a new release. And, it’s easy to read, and it has some interesting twists and characters. I only have a couple of chapters to go and still don’t know how it will end.

Speaking of endings, it’s time to end this – and get out into the beauty of the day.

I hope you enjoy some nature and some music today!

Happy Wednesday!

I’m not sure how I became a person who has learned to appreciate change. I haven’t always been that way. I credit my hubby for letting me know sometimes, in subtle and not so subtle ways in the past, that maybe I am ‘too careful’ or ‘too slow’ or am ‘too content’ without seeing the positives that can come from change. I also think I shunned away from some changes because they had dollar signs connected to them, and I didn’t want to seem greedy, using our ability to pay for change when others could not. An example: my first Iphone. Hubby had an Iphone way before me. I hemmed and hawed and did not see the reason to get one. He kept urging me to try one. Well, you know now that I have one (actually I am on my 3rd one) and I could not live without it. I appreciate the ability to stay in touch with people through threads and text messages, and I love checking into emails when I am away from home. I love taking pictures and sharing them. I love playing word games with friends.

Change is a state of mind. That too I have learned. It is making a choice that something new is worth trying. Obviously not everything new works out. And, some new inventions or new products don’t last long. They are fads. They are overnight wonders that quickly fade away. But, a person who believes in change is willing to ‘go for it’ and to look forward to something else new on the horizon.

We need people who love change. We need dreamers, and those who put their time and effort into creating something new. Look back in history at ALL the changes. I think about just in my Dad’s lifetime – how he saw the start of TV, black & white – to color – big furniture boxes to flat screens – and now streaming and Wi-Fi viewing. And, again – phones. Party lines, and one phone connected with a cord in a home. Then to bulky cordless, and now to Iphones that do everything and still answer a phone call. But, who calls anymore??

Lately the innovation that has both the people interested in change and those who do not want to go there – is the e-car. Again, I credit my husband who has been watching the way electric cars have become the new thing – and why. He researched. And he likes cars. He took a chance and bought a used BMWi, a really cute little car that is electric, but has a 2 gallon back-up gas tank. I immediately fell in love with the car – and it has become mine to drive. After a few months of owning it we went ahead and sold my reliable Honda CRV. Why? Because I love this change! I love moving forward. I love the quiet, and smooth ride. I love knowing that I am doing something ‘green’ in a sense. Ok. This is where people are going to say – but what about those big nasty batteries?? (Versus the big nasty gas car parts – and oils, etc. that can also be toxic.) But yes, there is an environmental concern about what to do with e-car batteries once they no longer are useful in vehicles. I get that. It’s an issue that needs to be addressed. I believe in forward thinkers – so I have faith that the smart scientists from around the world will work hard on 1. making batteries that will be safer, and 2. will one day be re-used for another purpose. Some people I know, and many I see on social media, are vocal about never giving up their gas cars – even during this time of high as prices, and they seem to like putting down the new option of electric.

Are they like me? How I was? Were they slow to get an Iphone? Well, I bet they all have them now.

The United States used to pride itself on forward thinking – of being the young country with all the talent in the world! The innovators. The industrial revolution happened here. But… Now, who do we think is always on the cutting edge? Japan perhaps.

Earlier I said change is a state of mind. It is. Learning to acknowledge that change can make us all better, and that we live with improvements that make life easier, and that we are happier with them – once the kinks are worked out. It’s a way of living!

Some things are ‘old and reliable’ and don’t need change. At first I was going to say a Q-tip, but even it has been made better over time. I marvel at all the baby items and paraphernalia that my daughters had for their newborns. Much more than I had – just one generation before.

So – I wonder WHY are some people naysayers? Even if something might not be ‘for them’ why put it down? I feel like I have to defend that I like driving an e-car. Silly, isn’t it? Hey, airplanes are not my favorite mode of transportation (because I don’t like not being in control, and how does that huge thing fly through the sky?!?!) but I see the value of planes, and I know for some people they will fly before taking a long road trip anytime.

Thank goodness we have all kinds of ways to travel. So many inventions have got us here. I am pleased that Pres. Biden has allocated money for better electric cars – for innovations in the industry, and for high-speed modern trains, and for highway improvements.

I think…

Change is good!

I haven’t written a musing for a little while because everything seems so ‘out of sync’ right now. The aggression of Putin and his forces into Ukraine leaves me thinking how so much seems so trivial, and yet we must get by each day – and find hope and happiness. Watching a war on TV as it happens is really hard to do. I feel so helpless, and incredibly sad for all the innocent people – both Ukrainians and Russians, caught up in Putin’s madness because it is where they live. I pray that somehow this ends quickly, and, yes, I still feel like it’s a must to ‘take out’ Putin. But the US and the NATO countries follow ‘the rules of war” while Putin does not. It is truly heartbreaking.

I try to monitor the amount of TV coverage because as I said above, life still goes on. I saw a meme the other day and I am paraphrasing, but it said that we can still hurt about the war and the killing, but also find joy in our own daily events – it’s okay to do. In fact, we must do it to stay sane. Offering aid to them helps them of course, but it also gives a feeling of ‘doing something’ from far away Even hanging my sunflower wreath on the front door says I support Ukraine and I pray for them daily.

There have been recent online discussions about the effects of the war all around the world. It’s most noticeable here with the high gas prices. The new sanctions and embargoes to cause financial pain to Russia is necessary, but it does not just change their lives. We are all connected in a global world of commerce and transportation. The war has made it obvious.

War also makes other political issues seem kinda frivolous. It shows that the number one hope for everyone – EVERYONE – is peace and security. Physical and emotional well-being. It also shows that we all need to sometimes make sacrifices for the good of all. That concept has gone astray in America, but watching the people of Poland and other countries bordering with Ukraine, shows us that open hearts will then open homes, give food, provide needs for the displaced.

I’m just going to put this out there. I see such a difference in the acceptance of refugees in Eastern Europe vs. the United States. Think about it. How do we treat those running from war lords in Central America? How do we help give them a safe, warm, dry place to feel secure? To feel like a worthy human being? To take care of displaced mothers and children? Pretty big and sad difference I think. We need to ask ourselves: why is that?

I don’t know about you, but I know that as a follower of Jesus I think about how Jesus made a point to help the ones in need who were often shunned, or of a lower status, or were considered unworthy. He set the example. He told us to tend to the sick, help the poor, and the widow, the hungry, the dirty – no questions asked. In time of need, be there. Show love.

We are seeing that – for the Ukrainians.

Balancing life I must finish with…

So, one of my happier moments recently came this past weekend when we celebrated the first birthday of my granddaughter Madelynn. It was wonderful to get together for the occasion, and to watch her experience it, and to see lots of smiles and hear laughs, and to see my daughters’ together with their families. It makes my heart burst with pride and love. Being a parent of grown children and a Mimi to the grandchildren is the best thing about getting older. It really is.

Today is Ash Wednesday in the Christian church year. It is the start of Lent, and the day to pause and think about our own mortality. Grim. But also not – because as Christians we know that physical death is not the end. Jesus rose on the third day and conquered death, and gave us the hope of eternal life. Heaven. It’s still a big mystery, heaven, because nobody gets there ‘alive’ – but it’s the promise that is waiting for us all, of a resurrection with God and with loved ones.

So ashes are put on foreheads today to symbolize “dust to dust” – that we go back to dust when our days end here. Our physical bodies will go away. But the ashes are purposely marked on the forehead in the sign of the cross to remind us that Jesus died too – and then He rose, and that He changed the world, and He told of the life to come.

Ash Wednesday is a day about grace. We don’t earn this salvation. We don’t have to ‘work’ towards getting into heaven. God doesn’t make us pass a test. Thank goodness (cuz we all would fail.). We just have to learn – through the Word, and then take it into our hearts, and believe. You need to ‘have faith’ and keep on keeping on. Let the Word transform and be an example for others.

Today I sit here and think about the Ukrainians and their bravery. They are determined, and they have faith in a good outcome for their country. We don’t know what will happen yet. Truly – they have got to be scared (to death) but yet they keep the faith. They are such an example of knowing that life on earth is fleeting as they fight for good over evil. They are standing up for what is right. They are representing us all. They pray for a peaceful outcome – and we pray along with them, and for them. God hears all prayers. But sometimes I think God wants us to pray to hear ourselves – to take time to say “what can I do” to really release someone’s pain, or to help the innocent, to speak truth, and find justice, and to feel this need to do something – to do anything that might be a positive change. We have to be responders. We have to pray and then “do.”

Usually on Ash Wednesday many Christians give up something for Lent. In recent years it has also become popular to add something in to daily life – and really, that makes more sense. Adding is action. Adding is doing.

The Putin aggression in to Ukraine is one big sign of evil in this world. One man doing so much destruction. I’m not always sure how I feel about ‘the devil,’ because I don’t think Putin gets off the hook for the fear, the pain, and the death he is causing. The devil did not make him do it. I believe in free will. I believe in psychological disorders, and ‘sick minds’ – and some people born just unable to have empathy and to feel love for others. Why? I don’t know. But there will continue to be sick and dangerous people in this world.

So, we pray for Ukraine – but we must act too. Good will prevail.

Dust will settle. And – May the dust on foreheads today remind us that God offers the love, and peace, and unity we all need.

Happy Hump Day!! It’s a beautiful day here in South Carolina, with temps unseasonably warm for this time of year. Today is sunny and the outdoors is calling me.

But first, I think I will write a little bit about the past week – it’s events, and it’s ‘not so eventful’ moments.

It was Presidents Day weekend, and therefore schools were closed on Monday, and that gave my daughter the time to pack up and bring the twins down here for a few days. Yay!! Boo and Mimi had a wonderful time with them, and we really enjoyed taking them up to “Broadway at the Beach” in Myrtle Beach for an afternoon of fun – at the aquarium, and the mirror maze, and going on a few rides. It also does my heart good to see the boys feel comfortable here at our place, and enjoy all the play indoors and out. Very special moments.

I would like to be a fly on the wall at schools around here because I wonder if Presidents Day is used as a teaching tool anymore. I wonder if like when I was young, the children learn the names of all the presidents, and if they talk about who a president is, how he (and maybe one day ‘she’) is elected, etc. We live in such divided times politically I wonder if lessons on presidents are not touched anymore. Too worrisome for teachers and administrators. Will some school board – or a group of parents – out there get all crazy over teaching about the realities of ALL the presidents?

I would also like to sit in on high school classes these days – to hear what is taught in American History class. I live in an area of the south that was developed on the backs of the slaves, and for years down here it was made mystical… happy plantations, owners taking care of slaves, working the rice and cotton fields. It may have been true for a few but not many. Did I learn about the real hardships during slavery in school? I don’t think so. I have learned much more as an adult, reading accounts, and in visiting old plantation land that still exists. And, what about the industrial revolution – and those who created new ways for progress in our country? Many did not make it into the history books. Another question: do most high schools still have Civics classes? And – I remember having a “Current Events” time each week to discuss various things that were happening in our country and world. Again, is that too “hot to handle” these days? I fear it is.

This week is a unique week as the calendar said 02-20-22, 02-21-22, and yesterday was 2-22-22. I have to say I’m looking forward to 03-01-22! Ha! I’m glad February is our shortest month and we can get on to March. Spring! New growth! Little Madelynn’s first birthday!

Speaking of birthdays, my cousin just had her 73rd and we joined in celebrating at a nice dinner. Coming up next week there are three on Stan’s side of the family turning 50! I remember them as teenagers. How can it be?!?! Of course my own daughters are now “mid 30ish” and that amazes me. I’m proud of who they are, and love watching/experiencing/being a part of their lives.

I have been playing with handbells groups at two churches lately – not my church. So, twice a month I am experiencing worship there, away from my ‘home’ church. I am becoming quite ‘ecumenical’ and I enjoy the variety. Really, the differences are small – they are Methodist and Presbyterian – and the similarities are large. I am content as long as I read the creed and say the Lord’s Prayer. I love that one church sings the Doxology each Sunday. Both have familiar hymns and beautiful music from choirs – which I miss at my church. But they only do communion once a month, and never when handbell tables are set up, so I have not communed there to see the ‘styles’. All have good sermon messages and I like hearing from all the pastors. I understand the need for church membership and a commitment to programs and charitable giving at one church, but God is taught, and worshiped, in many good places. It should not be a competition among churches. Yet it is.

I’m off now to get out and get free air, and later to move my body at dance class – and then to a handbell rehearsal. Music makes me happy!

It’s a good “hump day” – I hope yours is too.

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.

I started this post, the part typed below, yesterday and I saved it in drafts to give myself time. I was thinking that by tomorrow I might feel better. And, maybe I did not want to put out there a woeful musing. But, the reality is that some days are really hard!

TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON.

This line has become my mantra the past few days. Maybe it is because we are in the season of winter, and the cold and grey days have effected my sometimes sunny disposition. Maybe it’s because when I look all around at nature it appears so dead. There are no leaves on the trees, the grass is dormant, the flowers haven’t even started to push up through the ground. I long for warmth and nature’s colors.

The daylight is in short supply right now. The cold and dark have me hibernating just like animals do, waiting for spring to finally come and awaken me again.

It’s a weird time, or season of the year when everything seems on pause, but yet I need to do something and therefore I feel guilty waiting. Staying indoors. Putting things to do on the back burner. Waiting for a time I feel more motivated.

I don’t put enough effort into making the most of this time now. And once I start to wallow about it, it is hard to push myself forward.

I’m not unusual. I don’t think I am anyway. I think most of us struggle in wintertime, and perhaps that is why February was chosen as the month to acknowledge love on Valentine’s Day. We need to be reaffirmed that love is still around us, and that we are not alone. Because, really, all this ‘blahness’ can leave me with very little excitement, and it leaves me with too much time on my hands.

When I have time on my hands I think – and it’s not usually good. I think about my personal failures, and my lack of ability to use the time I am given for good and for showing love. You know the song “Live Like You were Dying”? Well, I don’t want to be told I have cancer, but as the song says that is when a person finally realizes – and loves deeper, and speaks sweeter, and gives forgiveness they have been denying.

This season of winter is already bleak due to the nature of it. It is also bleak because it seems so slow, and it turns into a time of introspection. Thinking, thinking, thinking.

I am a person of faith and I believe that God created everything – and set it up in ways we just can’t comprehend. But I also believe deeply in ‘free will’ and that God said… go, show me, do good to one another. Follow my guidelines. Spread love. Become fishers of men – in my name. (Last Sunday’s gospel reading.)

For me – as I think, and experience winter, I realize how much we (I) have let God down. Darkness seems to be winning. Events of our country and the world are so saddening – and maddening. It feels like nothing good is happening. Rhetoric is negative. Our country is so divided (definitely the most I have experienced in my lifetime), and so many seem so lost in what God wants for us. It overwhelms me some days.

Part of my hibernation then becomes to hibernate from people. For self survival I need to stay away from the craziness out there. I need to back off and re-evaluate. I need to lift myself up, and sometimes that means to stay away from all the negative. I have chosen to opt out of going places. I prefer not to get engaged in too much, especially what can bring me down more.

As I said above I am a woman of faith. I am also a person who knows that questioning is A-ok with God. I am allowed to use my brain, and to wonder, and to say “I’m not sure” – and my faith tells me that it’s alright to be that way. God does not think less of me for trying to be open-minded, or for leaving negative things behind. A closed life is a life that misses out on experiences that can bring joy – and stops learning, and leads from fear of the unknown.

I have always felt that I ‘lived by example’ – and that to see me, is to know me, is to see a totally truthful person. Even in this dark winter season, you see me – even here, by my writings. When physically going out can be tough, my Marla’s Musings is a constant outlet for me.

I know that this season of winter will pass. One day (not soon enough for me – ha) the earth will wake up again and spring will come with much beauty. It always does. I also know that I will make it through these cold, dark days. And, yes, maybe they are needed to appreciate what is to come. All of nature will come back together – and will be beautiful again.

But, what about humanity?

Today is the last day of the month of January, 2022, and I say adios as we get one month closer to spring. Yippee! In reality, January has gone by rather quickly and I have made the most of this first month of a new year, a cold one, with too little hours of sunshine.

A big reason I can look back on the month with some joy is that I got to spend time with my grandchildren. In fact, I spent almost two weeks of it with little granddaughter Madelynn. The first few days I babysat her because her daycare closed due to a positive CoVid child. Then the following week I had lots of time with her while her parents went off on a planned ski trip. It was actually one they had scheduled before Madelynn was even a ‘twinkle in her parents’ eyes’ and it fell on the very first day of our country closing down because of CoVid. They had just flown out west and checked in to the hotel when the hotel, the restaurants, the ski resorts all shut down immediately. So, the two flew home and had to wait about two years to try again. And, of course since then Madelynn arrived. It was my great fortune to be the one ready, available, and excited to take care of her.

Also in January, I got back to music rehearsals, enjoyed football play-off games (wow – there have been some close finishes!), and continued reading. I also went to dance on Wednesdays when I was in town.

I am a 65 year old woman, that feels 35. I am blessed to be somewhat fit without trying too hard…BUT! If you read above all I did in the first paragraph you can understand that now I sit here with a sore, and weak lower back. Yes, I overdid it. Many days of lifting a ten month old up and down from the floor, putting her into the carseat, etc. – and then driving a total of 4 trips of 3 1/2 hours each. And, then coming right back to a dance class. My back said “enough!” So, I gingerly walk now and I hope like crazy I don’t feel another gripping tightness hit. I am living on Aleve, and icing in the morning. and wearing a back belt. This will pass… it’s happened to me before. But until then I am reminded how much I take a healthy back and body for granted when it works right.

January was also the one year anniversary of the Capitol insurrection and I wrote a separate Musing about it earlier, but I also read a book this month authored by Rep. Jamie Raskin, the lead manager for the Impeachment hearing – a man I respect more and more. The Insurrection happened one week after the devastating death of his only son Tommy. Tommy was a young man, very smart and very empathetic to the pains of our world – that effect people and animals. He dealt with depression. His heart made him hurt a lot. Rep. Raskin’s book takes the reader through the personal trauma, and the country’s trauma – and his will to push on to make ‘right’ for both Tommy and for all Americans. It’s a hard read but I learned even more about January 6th and the days leading up to it. I always believed that our president and his cronies instilled the anger in the mob, and that they urged those “Trumpers” to do what they did on that day. I hope there will be justice for all in time. At least Trump became a 2 time impeached president. He will go down in history as that. I get some solace knowing this.

I just saw this morning a post saying anyone who still supports Trump are horrible people. It’s easy to say that. But, I try more and more to see both sides. I have family and friends who are Trumpers. I truly believe that the years and years of Fox viewing has brainwashed them. Add in the other ultra-conservative media outlets, the tweets, etc. and it’s a classic case of hearing what you want (even when it’s not true), and being told only what you hear is right and everyone else is wrong. Does that make them horrible? No. Gullible? Maybe. Misled? Yes.

Anyway, February is upon us. The month of Valentine’s Day – and love -it is almost here. So I plan to focus on love, on promoting peace, and being thankful for God’s grace. I have learned to make choices as I have aged (even though I feel 35 – ha!) and I have learned to let destructive things go.

February brings for me more music – and I start back with the community band tomorrow. I have more handbell rehearsals each week and performances. More dance – once my back heals. I have civil court jury duty starting February 14th. Proudly doing my “American thing” – I live in a country for the people, and by the people. I vote – and I serve on a jury when called. Oh – and the Super Bowl happens too. I think it would be nice to see the Bengals win after being in last place just a couple of years ago. A young QB with Burrows – he is a sign of a new generation. I have got Ohio roots, and although I never lived in southern Ohio, I do know that the state lives and breathes football. (Well, except for my family still there. ha.) So, go Bengals!

Turning the page on the calendar brings me closer to springtime, and yard work and garden planting. I love being outside and tending the flowers – and watching them grow. I love sitting out on the screened porch and hearing the birds sing. I love the warm breezes. I love watching the river flow by.

So tah-tah – and adios, and au revoir, and good riddance to January.

I will see you in February!

MLK Jr. Day 2022 is tomorrow. It’s the day to commemorate the life of the man, and it’s the day to remember his message of non-violence – and his dream of equality for all. We seem to love the day and I always see lots of posts with some of MLK Jr’s famous quotes. I post them too. We need to be reminded. Dr. King was quite the orator and he gave compassionate speeches of hope. We think of the efforts of Dr. King and the Freedom Fighters back in the 60’s – the boycotts, the marches.. We think about the way they stood up to the conservative white leaders of that time, many bigoted, and how they suffered physically and mentally for trying to be heard and to make a difference. The Freedom Fighters never used violence although it was used against them. Dr. King, a man of great peace lost his life from violence and hatred.

Rep. Lewis was a young man and was part of the movement back then and he worked closely with Dr. King. I admired him very much, putting himself on the line in his young adulthood, and then the work he did later in Congress. Both King and Lewis used their whole lives to work on changing cold hearts and changing laws in America. This week the King family has said to honor Martin this year they want Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Bill. I pray it will happen. We need to honor every voter, to give every citizen equality in the voting system – and to honor and cherish our free democratic elections.

I was a kid living in the midwest back in the 60’s and I did not know about the civil rights movement as it was going on. I guess I was too young. I lived in a middle class suburbia area and I was insulated from it. Thankfully, I grew up in a house that never used racial language. I was never taught at home that whites were better, or favored, or anything like that. I thank my parents for instead teaching me that we are ALL God’s children. I never once considered myself better than any other person. Race was not a part of my vocabulary.

So, as another Martin Luther King Jr. Day comes around, I think about how as a young person I learned about Dr. King and the Civil Rights movement from school – a day of emphasis with programs. As years have gone by I learned from some important movies. And, I learned from TV. I have read books about the era. My education has also been about America before the 60’s. It included learning of slavery in the US, the civil war, and Jim Crow laws, and how black Americans have had to live with unfair disadvantages: less pay, limits in housing, etc. When I learned I felt sad, knowing my happen-in-stance of birth gave me privilege. And with that, it has made me more aware of the need to continue the work of this country when it comes to all kinds of ways to promote human worth and equality.

We are still working on what Dr. King and the Freedom Fighters wanted – and, yes, they had the right to have in America. And, sometimes, I find myself sadly amazed how slow the change for equality is, for true acceptance for all seems lost, and for all to have empathetic understanding and love to happen. Sometimes I hurt at the way our political world is unable to make positive changes. It seems to obvious. But games are played. I cringe when I see the confederate flags flying in South and North Carolina. I know the district gerrymandering in our country is to keep people from getting an equal vote. I believe the Electoral College has seen it’s best days and we live in a country that should elect leaders by a popular vote. I wish bills that would give fair & equal starts in life to all children, and equal medical needs too, would pass.

Rep. Lewis said progress is slow and it can take generations for real change. I think he is right. But – he also said don’t ever give up, don’t stop fighting the good fight, and to keep doing what you can do – big or small. It all matters.

And so I don’t. And its why at times I can not stay quiet. Not when it is about equality for all.

Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of the insurrection at the US Capitol. I have been looking online for ways the events of that day, which included death and destruction, will be remembered, memorialized, and commemorated. I feel like I want to do something to remind people about the brink we came to on that day, and that we can not let events like January 6th go by without recognition – and deep concern.

I did not find anything close enough for me to attend in person. The nearest gathering will take place outside the state capitol house in Columbia, South Carolina. That’s a good 3 to 3 and a half hour drive from me.

So, as I sit here and think about January 6th last year as I remind myself this:

The majority of the people who went to the US Capitol had just left a rally by the president at the time, Donald Trump. He stirred them up. He used language that was inciting. Other Republican leaders also spoke in the same manner.

The rally, and then the march to the Capitol, had been planned through internet sites, particularly the ones that super conservatives, the so-called “Trumpers” follow. These people converged on Washington DC on purpose and they came from all over the United States.

Videos of the insurrection showed many Trump flags carried. Also some “Don’t Tread on Me” flags were there. Confederate flags too. Many of the people wore MAGA red hats. Many wore military clothing. A gallow & hangman’s noose was erected.

Videos showed how thousands of people broke down fencing, and climbed the building walls. It also showed some people fighting hand to hand combat against the US Capitol police as they tried to keep them back. They also used fencing, and bats, whatever they could find, to beat up policemen and women.

Videos then showed what went on inside the Capitol once the rioters (by that time they were that – rioters) broke in. They entered private offices, created havoc, destroyed documents. Dishonored statues. Broke into the Congressional chambers.

Our Congress was in session and ready to vote on the final step to verify the presidential election and in fear they were forced to flee, to hide, truly fearing for their lives. Shouts of “hang Pence” could be heard.

In the end we learned of the shooting death of a rioter, and we learned of death and injury to Capitol and Washington Police. We learned about slow response from the National Guard. We learned that the law enforcement was not prepared for this kind of event. We learned it was a set up.

Rightly so, Congress organized a committee to gather information from all kinds of sources, to find out WHY this happened the way it did. Hundreds of rioters were identified on the videos, tried, and are now serving time or about to serve time. More got away with it though. The committee heard live testimony from police officers who were there, one who got injured severely. The committee has received thousands of pages of written testimony and documents. They are following the info, the facts of the day, are going up the chain – and it leads all the way to president Trump.

One year ago tomorrow the people of this country sat in front of their TV’s and watched our nation’s most loved building, the center of our democracy and the workplace of our elected representatives, get vandalized by a group of ‘hoodlums’ with irrational thoughts and behavior.

It’s easy to blame the ones who’s faces and their actions were seen on the videos. Yes, they were guilty of incredibly hateful actions. But WHO caused them to become this way? What made men and women from all over the country come to DC thinking they could stop the verification of the president election results? Who put ideas into their heads that the election was rigged? Who then told blatant lies about fraud when there wasn’t any? And who else knew of the plans but stayed silent?

Tomorrow marks the one year date of the insurrection but justice can not be served until the truth comes out and everyone responsible for January 6th is discovered, and served. Nobody is above the law. Democracy is built on this.

Democracy is built on true & fair elections, and the fact that we all vote, so as not be governed by a dictator. Our country is the greatest example of how a democracy should work.

So… I believe tomorrow is a big day to recognize. It should not be slid on the rug as I think some media networks might try to do. It should not be ‘excused away’ by turncoat politicians who are only looking out for their own interests. It should not be downplayed – because it.was.a.big.deal. That uprising came from within the system. It happened due to secret meetings at the Willard Hotel. It was orchestrated by men who put ethics and morals aside.

If you don’t believe it, then you are being scammed. You are listening to contributors of the lies. If you look back on January 6th and think it wasn’t a big deal then you have bought into the games being played by people with no integrity.

Tomorrow, January 6th, was a day when American citizens decided to fight against democracy. It didn’t happen by foreign groups, or outside religious sects. It happened by our own people.

I hope we learned something – because it happened. It wasn’t political talk. It was real destruction and loss of human life. It was a very sad day for America.