Today my experience with working for a political campaign has ended.   Today is the Democratic primary day here in South Carolina.  It’s voting day!  About a month or so ago I started doing some volunteer work for the Pete Buttigieg for President campaign.   This is some of what I learned:

When you believe in something (a person, or idea, or need for change) you can’t just sit back and let someone else do the work.    You can’t be talk without any action.  When you want to see things get better you have to put in some effort.

Political campaigns take a lot of money and a massive amount of coordination.   I always knew that big money was involved but when you are on the ‘inside’ you realize campaigns become so very much like a business, selling the product (the person, or idea, and the change). I volunteered on the local level but I was tied in through a computer app to the national office, the headquarters for “Pete for President.”    Everything happening out of our office had to be entered in to the app called Minivan.  I worked as a canvasser and then as a canvassing captain.   Lists of names and addresses of area Democrats were printed out, put into folders, then packaged with Pete materials – for canvassers to take out to ‘knock on doors.’  Everyone was quickly trained on how to start up conversations about ‘get out the vote’ and especially about Pete.    When they came back in every result was entered into the data bank.     How many doors were knocked on? How many answered?  Who considered Pete in their top three?  Who was still undecided?

Political campaigns run on these numbers. They also survive by donation numbers, and poll numbers.  15% is an important cut off.  Below it and it’s a big worry.

For Pete, here in South Carolina, he may not make that percentage.   It’s only the second true primary and the state is southern, heavily conservative, poor, and with a large ethnic community.  Pete is still trying to tell people who he is.  He is new, and young, and has a difficult name.   By the way,  you say it like this:  Boot-edge-edge.  Or you can say Boot-a-judge.      Pete will continue after today’s primary, and he will  move on to Super Tuesday, and that will be a big day for him, and for some of the other candidates.

But my work is done.

I did learn that volunteering for a person, idea, or change that you believe in will help you meet some really wonderful, like-minded people.  I think that has been my favorite part of it all!   I met some lovely new friends.   It’s good to know that others think the way you do, and they too are trying to make a difference.

Campaigning can be grueling.   Obviously the candidates themselves keep unbelievable schedules and have to be ‘on’ all the time.   But, also the ones who are paid employees of a campaign put in some extremely long hours and have to start something up from scratch and make it work.   Chris, our Grand Strand boss, was putting hours in for Pete from early morning to night, seven days a week.  When he wasn’t teaching us, he was working the phones, and he daily went out and canvassed (knocked on doors) himself.   He had to work with mostly volunteers and that created a need for a lot of patience, and for putting on a smile when sometimes he was disappointed.

I did some phone canvassing too.   What I learned?  I’m not the only one who never picks up a telephone call anymore!  Ha     Out of a group of ten calls, maybe 2 were  picked up.   Of those 2 maybe one of them allowed me a brief minute or two to explain why I was calling.    My opinion:  telephone canvassing should be a thing of the past!

I have never been a fan of campaign signs stuck out along the roads.   Thankfully for this primary few were seen around the area.  We had one woman from our group go out and place some on a few busy corners.    I have always thought they looked more like litter and not anything to help sway someone to vote for a candidate.

So….     As I have said before in earlier posts, we are living through some strange times, and therefore I felt pushed internally to get involved. I could not sit back and complain (and there has been a lot to complain about lately) and not take some action to improve who we have in elected positions.   I wanted to do my part to bring back good, kind leaders who are respectful, and who raise us all up, and keep Working to keep us safe and live in peace together. I wanted to bring back a good representative of the United States.  Someone intelligent, fair, even-keeled, young and hopeful.      Have I made a difference?  Did I help?     I don’t know.    But, at least I have tried.   I certainly have a better understanding of the political campaign system.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Mardi Gras today!  It’s Shrove Tuesday.  It’s the day before  Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.

Today is a good day to think about how you will participate in the Lenten season, leading up to Easter.   Historically, many people ‘give up’ something that they really  like during the 40 days of Lent, as a reminder of Jesus’s sacrifice of his own life.   Often you will hear that people give up swearing, or chocolate, or alcohol.    I get that.  Yes,  by giving up something it causes you to stop, pause, and think “I will not have that today… and I will remember what God did for us instead.”

In recent years there has been a movement for another way to mark the Lenten days.  Instead of purposely giving up something, people purposely ADD to their lives.   Whatever it is can then become a good habit during the 40 days.    Maybe it’s adding a time for reflection each day, or reading the Bible daily, or going out and volunteering at a charity in your area.   Perhaps it’s writing thank you notes each day, or donating money, or food,  each day.

I have been thinking about it, and I know right now I need help staying positive during this time of year.  Winter is cold, and I tend to hibernate indoors too much.   This time of year is the ‘lull’ in the calendar year between celebrations.   I tend to be a bit more blah, watching and waiting for warmth, spring, and special events that come later in the year.

So, during Lent I will use each day to send out a positive post or text message to people I know.  It’s a doable, and a simple “add on” to my life, BUT it means taking time each day to think about others… to reach out. It means directing my thinking to seeing the good in people.    Perhaps it is just to say “hello! I’m thinking about you”.   Perhaps it will be to let them know we can never get through this life alone, and that God is our hope.  Perhaps  you will hear from me about something more personal about our relationship.     Ha – maybe this is a warning to you.   (I’ll try not to scare you.)

Lent is the journey  we go along to hear about Jesus’s last days of teaching, and his path to the cross.   It’s a humble time.   We know the outcome after Lent, but those in Jesus’s time did not understand what was happening, and they were confused. The disciples were sad – and mad.  They didn’t get why Jesus ‘allowed’ all the pain that was put on him.      We are here on earth a limited amount of time and we all feel pain at times.  As it is always said at church Ash Wednesday services “from dust we come and as dust we will go.”   It’s scary.  It seems unsure.

But, it’s not our end.

Thank God.   Death is not final.        Lent brings us to the Good News of Easter!

 

 

When I first started this blog many years ago I did not think that it would turn into blog with posts all about politics.  But, I guess besides the time I spend with my church and music, and with my grandsons (not enough of that) politics has taken up my time.

I mentioned in an earlier post that I have been giving some of my time to the Pete Buttigieg campaign for president.  I spent about 8 hours this past weekend helping out because…   well…

the circus is coming to town.

This Saturday is the SC Democratic primary for president.    It’s a pretty big thing around these parts. It’s the second national primary (not counting the two caucus events) and it happens one week before Super Tuesday.

The democratic candidates  have a lot of events already scheduled in the state for this week.  There will be two nights of televised town halls, and a televised debate -all taking place in Charleston.   Locally, Joe Biden is coming to my town, Georgetown, on Wednesday.  I plan on seeing him because it’s a  good opportunity to see, and maybe quickly meet,  a former Vice President and perhaps the  party’s choice to run against Trump.    Yes, maybe.  I know Bernie has  the early lead but I stress early. A lot can happen between now and  then in politics.  The actress Susan Sarandon  is coming to our town tomorrow on Biden’s behalf.    Biden’s sister was here this past Saturday.  I have received 3 Biden brochures in my mailbox so far. He really wants to win this state!

I’m still waiting to hear if Pete will be near by. I saw him months ago, and after working for him some the past month, I’d like to see him again.    All of the candidates are stopping  into  the Myrtle Beach area, up the road apiece from me. I live between Charleston and Myrtle Beach.

This Friday night will be a different kind of event.   Trump is coming to North Charleston for one of his infamous rallies.     It is obvious that the scheduling  of this  rally is not done by accident.   He wants to rile up his strongest fans, the Trumpsters, and he wants to share  the headlines with the Democrats who will be in the  state.  It’s who he is.  It’s what he does.  I know a few people planning to counter-rally outside his appearance Friday and  I pray it all stays peaceful.

The TV ads are running like crazy here this week.   While sitting here typing this muse,  I have seen Bernie, Amy and Biden commercials.

I have already voted because  I am scheduled to work for Pete all day on Saturday. I look forward for the time to come to end on Saturday, but I am also nervous about the results.  At this point I am hoping Biden does have a good showing.   Bernie can’t run away with everything. At least I hope he doesn’t.     I, of course, believe Pete is the best all around choice but I am also realistic to what may happen.

The circus will certainly not be over.   It will just quiet down here for awhile after Saturday. The big top will go up in another state.  As with real circuses, we will see the gnashing of teeth from animals, we will watch jugglers trying to stay alive… and we will continue to see that clown.    (You know who I mean.)

Next post:   I promise it will be about something else!

 

I have recently seen commentaries from pro-lifers online and they seem to be a group of very black/white people.  What do I mean?    They profess that abortion is always bad, and that it goes against God’s teachings.  They believe it should never ever be allowed:   Anytime, anywhere, by anyone.

Pro-lifers are very eager to judge others, and are vocal about what women should decide to do with their own bodies, and yes, with unborn children.    They feel strongly that no woman in America should ever have the right to have an abortion and they want the government to make it a law.  They want to overturn “Roe vs. Wade.”

I wonder…  do they feel that they are (perhaps secretly) better in God’s eyes then others?    Do they believe that their sins are just not as bad as others?   Do these pro-lifers believe that God is black/white about this issue too?   Do they know someone who has ever been in a situation where terminating a pregnancy is considered?    And, yes, are they ready to take care of the children born due to lack of abortion as an option?

Pro-lifers:  listen:   Nobody, including me, EVER wants to see a woman put into the position of needing to consider abortion.  To think it is a “convenience” (As I read from someone yesterday) is just so off base.      Sometimes the life of a mother is at stake.   Sometimes a woman becomes pregnant from rape, or incest.   And, yes, it’s true , that sometimes a woman might just had made a bad mistake too.   (Oh – And by the way, it take TWO people for the creation in all of the circumstances.  Don’t forget that.)

I love God!  I love babies!  I love children!    I also love those who are struggling with incredibly hard decisions.  I feel for them.  Life’s not easy.   I know that God realizes that too.   God knows we are sinful humans and we often mess up.  Some mess ups are kinda small, some are pretty big.   They are still mess ups.   Yesterday in a ‘back and forth’ online conversation with a pro-lifer I suggested that God forgives, and it’s up to us to repent,, to change.  Oh my!  I was called all kinds of names… and it really kinda threw me.   These pro-lifers, who are mostly Christians, are doing exactly what God would not want them to do….  to condemn someone, and to belittle me.    “Love thy neighbor as thyself” went right out the window!

I believe that government has no place in making abortion decisions.   It should be decided between the woman (and man?), her doctor, and God.   I believe that we live in a country that offers modern medicine and we can make sure that procedures are clean and done in hospital settings.   I believe in offering counseling.  I believe in education and offering birth control.    I believe in compassion for those going through such a difficult time.

The Bible says that God knows each person before they are born.  Each is a unique individual, or soul.  And, God also offers eternal life beyond this blink of an eye on earth.   So, some people live to be 95. Some only make it to 65.  Some unfortunately die in an accident, or have mental illness and die “too early.”   God knows each and everyone… and God loves each and every single one.

So, pro-lifers, perhaps you can think about how it is that God knows you – because he does.  What does he think when you look down upon those who face difficult situations?  When you hurt them with condemnation, instead of lifting them up and giving them help?    When you don’t help the motherless?  Or the young ones already born, but living in cages or poor situations.

It is not a black/white issue.  It is also not a political issue.   Please stop making it one.

 

 

As I typed the headline to this meme this morning I thought about how important an apostrophe can be.   Today is Presidents Day, as in the day to honor ALL who have held the office since our first one.    In fact, when I was a kid, there was a Washington’s Birthday and a Lincoln’s Birthday on the February calendar.   At some point, the two days were combined into one:  Presidents Day.  I remember the elementary school bulletin boards decorated with pictures of them, and I remember the portraits of all the presidents lined up in the school’s hallway.  As a child the presidents were ‘bigger than life’ and we learned about the important ways they changed America.

Today, as I sit here, I think about how this Presidents’ Day, and this president, is so different.     Maybe it’s because I’m a grown-up.  Maybe it’s because modern media and communications now tell us every little thing about their lives.   Maybe it’s because the currrent president acts so differently than those from the past.  Maybe it’s because I have become so disappointed.

Yes, it’s been hard to watch this president.  In fact, I don’t anymore.  I purposely do NOT tune in when he is on TV.  Yesterday I heard he rather pompously (my opinion) circled the track and started the big race.   No…  I could not watch.  Did he have his egotistical smirk on his face?  Probably.      I will not watch him.   He is so about ratings and crowds sizes that it’s my little way to lower those numbers.  Ha

Instead yesterday afternoon, I spent my time canvassing for the “Get Out the Vote” in preparation for the South Carolina primary at the end of this month.   I worked for the candidate, Pete Buttigieg, who I believe will bring respect back to the office of the presidency.  I believe he is intelligent, and thoughtful, and will work with appointed leaders. I think he will treat everyone with kindness.  A man who certainly grew up with his own feelings of not fitting in.  He overcame it, but has empathy for those who still struggle.  Pete served in the military.  He is young, with energy, and he is “hopeful” and enthusiastic.    It’s time to get our youth excited about someone closer to their generation.  We have had enough of old men running everything.

It’s interesting that today, Presidents Day, is a holiday and therefore schools are out.  I wonder if teachers put an emphasis on the special day anymore.   My girls are grown so I don’t know what happens in the classrooms.  Is Presidents Day special?   And, do high schoolers even have a civics class anymore?      Maybe if you are a teacher, and reading this, you can respond.   I’m curious about how this day is treated.

Our current president is so divisive I am guessing that he is not talked about in the classroom.   Will he one day be in a US History book?  Oh lord, will his portrait hang on a wall in a school’s hallway?

Do we really do anything anymore to honor all of our presidents on this day?   It’s a vacation day.  It’s a sales day for shopping.    But, HOW do we acknowledge the people who have held our highest office??

And – really:     Does anyone want to honor them anymore?

 

 

The Larry David bit about the MAGA hat is so funny -and ‘telling.’   Trump tweeted it out yesterday and thought it was a positive thing while most everyone else knew it was meant as poking fun, while telling the truth.  The truth? Those who wear the hat are visually saying who they are… and it’s not good.

I have recently been thinking about how our politics has become a ‘game’ – like a mean, football game between rivals.  Those from each side don their colors (hats on, flags flying) and they cheer on their favorite players.  There is lots of smack talk, and too much strategizing… looking for the weak spots, and trying to get the upper hand.  The idea is to beat by intimidation, and to bad mouth each other, and to play the game anyway possible, hoping not to get caught if using unethical tactics.  When you support your team you don’t care about statistics or best talent.  You cheer them on without intellectual reasons.

I have decided to try and act civilly and to go ‘high’ during these ‘game’ times.  Don’t laugh… but when I was 10 years old I got the “Good Sportmanship” award at my elementary school.  It was the last award given at the “end of the year” award assembly and I remember the principal saying it was for the person who took winning and losing well, and was for the person who kept positive all the time.  I was very proud of the award.  The trophy is only about 6 inches tall but I have kept it all these years, through many moves.   It is in my keepsake box.

We need to start honoring ‘good sportsmanship’ again.  In politics it’s really hard to run a campaign and to stay positive through everything – through all the ups and downs on the trail – through all the demeaning language – through being physically tired.  It’s like the big football game and the away team is on the road and hearing fans from the other team yelling mean things at them, and the coach is telling you to ‘be better’ and to hold your head high.   Be tough but be kind.

So, as the days close in on the South Carolina primary here, I have decided to do just that.  I’m going to put in the time, and I’m going to support the Mayor Pete campaign.  I have done a some hours of canvassing already, but I accepted a temporary volunteer position as a “Canvas Captain” here in Pawleys Island and Georgetown.   It will take up most of my weekend hours until Saturday, February 29th, the SC primary day.   I will be meeting with small groups of canvassers before they head out – to run down what to say when they go knocking on doors.  I will give them support materials.  I will help coordinate the areas to canvas.    It’s a ‘get out to vote’ campaign, that emphasizes WHY Pete Buttigieg.   Canvassers will be going out in time blocks – and so I will be ‘coaching’ them before they go out.     If you are local, you may get a knock on the door.    Unfortunately many around here live in gated communities and we can not go in there.    You may see us in public spots around town too.

The Mayor Pete campaign has been a perfect example of grassrooting, and endurance, and people learning slowly about the man and his beliefs for our country.   Some candidates came in strong in the beginning, and the media gave them lots of airtime.  Pete pushed ahead each week… speaking his message, being real, and now he has a place ‘in the game.’    It’s exciting to see.   The other side, the other team, has started to bad mouth him more now, but it’s what happens when a ‘star quarterback’ surprises everyone.

I expect Pete Buttigieg to continue to be a good sportsman.  It’s who he is.   He has the  even keeled temperament and the integrity to keep on going without going low.   In this political climate he is refreshing and I will cheer him on.

“Go Pete Go” !!

 

 

No, I did not watch President Trump give the state of the union address last night.  I have learned that I get too upset watching him.  I knew I would hear the important sound bites, and see the video clips, this morning.  And, yes, that would be enough for my blood pressure to handle.

So, how is our state of our UNION?   If we are talking about ‘union’, as in a country together in any way possible, it’s not good – not good at all.    There is no doubt where ever we fall in our hopes and dreams for our country, conservative to liberal, we know we are in a bad way right now.   It is sad – and it is scary.

From what I saw of last night’s address and all the hoopla that went with it, there was a lot of tit for tat again.   Both sides, both parties, are to blame for it.  There was  a large amount of lying and pointing of fingers.

So….

When will we start going high?  When will we stop the bickering and truly work on coming together for the good of the country?  How can we rise above it?    I don’t know.  I do know that it will never happen as long as Trump is president.   That is reason alone to not re-elect him.  He is too divisive.   He does not want to work towards common causes.  Congress is stuck.  The impeachment hearings and trial have divided them even more.   Their feet are stuck in deep muck and they won’t move.   There is just too much water under the bridge and the tit for tat will continue, and most likely it will continue to escalate.   4 more years.  I truly worry about where we will be if he gets 4 more years.

I read a very good post on FB this morning, asking us all to stop the photoshopped, degrading pictures, and to stop sharing all the posts that one side thinks is funny but hurts the other side.   We – each of us – have to stop it.   I see them every single day… and I rarely pass one on because I know it divides.  I admit I laugh.  I even ‘like’ them.             But, still, won’t we all be better off by not doing it at all?      Will you?

Don’t get me wrong:   I will not stop ‘calling out’ the lies and injustices.   That is different.   I will still be active in supporting certain candidates, and I will continue to push for all of us to get out and vote.  We have to continue to believe in the system, and we have to vote.   (Even with the foreign interference and apps that don’t work right.)

We are dangling on the edge of hopelessness… but I believe we still have time to pull ourselves up, and to go high.  Be respectful.  Stop the demeaning language that has become so commonplace now.   How did we get here?   Well,  again – water under the bridge.  We have been flooded with it.   Everyone is to blame.

But it’s gotta change.  It has to start being different.

The state of our union is like a divorcing couple…   forgetting the good, calling each other names, listening to lawyers and their gobble gook.   Fighting over money, and who ‘wins’.   Which side  really cares more??  Who wants more of the ‘things’?  In the meantime, we forget about the children.   They are watching.        Guess what?  Nobody wins in this situation.

I know Trump’s divisiveness, and what he brings out in people, and it has caused me to hurt a lot – and I have hurt people at times because of it too.

I’m sorry.   I’m sad about it.     I also continue to be scared about hot tempers and irrational moments that can happen.   We need to stop acting like we are defending a favorite sports team. Stop talking smack.   Instead, speak with rational reasoning.

We can’t hide.  And – we can’t be pompous. We can’t be selfish.   We have to change our language.  We have to do what we can do to raise the conversation, and to show respect.    We need to change – or we will never have a union.  It’s a terrible state to be in.

 

 

 

Bye bye football season.     Congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs!   The game was what I was hoping for:  exciting, with a close score.   The Chiefs and the 49ers were tough competitors and it came down to the last few minutes.   I am happy for Coach Reid, and for the people of Kansas City, Missouri. (Not Kansas Mr. President.).

What did you think of the halftime show?  I have been seeing a little bit of everything on Facebook about it this morning; some LOVED it and some felt it was way too racy for family viewing.    My two cents:   When it was announced that Chakira and Jennifer Lopez would be the entertainment for halftime, I knew then and there. –  it was going to be high energy and with a  major production full of dancing!!!  Those ladies know how to shake it – and when I say ‘it’ I mean every inch of their bodies.   I’m very impressed with how fit they are, and how much “the music is in them.”   Wow!   J-Lo puts every 50 year old woman to shame.   She looks awesome and moves like nobody else!    Did I think the camera angles were unnecessary?   Yes.  Too many crotch shots and too many booty close-ups.   I suppose if the two women were considered ‘bimbos’ it would be sad, but they are both very talented and tough ladies. They are also mothers.    They are amazing.

Now, the commercials?  Favorites?     Once again, there was a bunch of hype over them, and I saw a few of them early because they were released to the public via Facebook.    I loved the Google ad (I saw it earlier in the week) because it was very touching, but also very sad.    Too many were down right dumb and I wondered who the ad people were trying to appeal to….      and the Trump commercial?   The whole thing was a lie. It was Kim Kardashian who went to the president and brought up the  wrong and long prison sentence of the woman featured in the commercial.  Kim, being Kim, was able to get a personal meeting with Trump, and she talked him into releasing the woman.         So, my favorites?  Probably the Jeep commercial with Bill Murray recreating his “Groundhog Day” role – appropriately airing on Groundhog Day.   And I liked the “park your car” Boston style.     “Smart park.”  It was wicked!  Ha  I also liked how earth needed a Snickers to change…  but it was weirdly made.     I liked the message tho.

So, on to Monday and a new week.  I’m looking forward to spring returning here. We are to reach the mid 70’s the next three days in a row.  That will get our plants waking up… and starting to grow.  I hope we don’t have another heavy freeze after it.

It’s also finally, finally, finally the Iowa Caucus night.    Predictions?    I really don’t know.   I still am hoping for a Mayor Pete good showing.  Top 3.   I’m also excited about Mayor Bloomberg running for president, even though he got into the race  too late to be involved in the caucus.  I like his no nonsense style, and his emphasis on gun safety, and really all of his issues stances.   He has a political background, and experience in leading very successful businesses.   He is using his money which will keep him in the race (and unfortunately that is  the way of our world.)  Good people have dropped out due to lack of funds.

I’ll check into the caucus results on TV tonight, but I will keep myself balanced by also watching my guilty pleasure “The Bachelor.”    I do like Pilot Peter!

And, yes, the impeachment trial is still going on too.    I know it’s pretty much a ‘done deal’ since allowing witnesses was voted down a few days ago.  It’s been a weird circus.  I have tried to watch the proceedings when I can, and I have listened on NPR in the car.   I continue to want to hear directly – and not rely on the media talking heads.   I am sad about it all.   But, I have been impressed by the Senate Democratic managers – they have been compassionate.  Their lawyer-y backgrounds have been impressive.   People have varying opinions about Adam Schiff, but I gotta say he has impressed me.   The president’s side, his lawyers, have come across as cold, and mad… and defending a man who did wrong but did not do enough to be fired.    Hmmmm

Kudos to the three ladies who put together the first (annual) Lowcountry Handbell Workshop/Festival held at our church this past Saturday.    Suzanne, Olivia, and Lana – all church music directors.  Hard working – with grace.   We had around 45 ringers from various churches come together to work on 5 pieces.  Then we put on a little concert at the end of it.  A fun day.  A nice community and music event!

Also kudos to hubby and SIL Kathy who hosted a 70th birthday party for SIL Linda here at our place.  It was fun celebrating – and laughing a lot.  No drama.   It’s the way a party should be.     Also kudos to Dodd, our one man contractor/builder for getting the decks done (minus railings) by party time.       Next up: tearing apart our kitchen.   Eeeeeek!!

Well, football is done.  Weekends will be different now…    smack talk is over for awhile.    But, let me leave this post with: the best part of yesterday’s Super Bowl for me?  It was the opening scene with the little boy ‘bringing it home”….  so well done!  Funny, emotional, celebrating the 100 years of the NFL.    I loved it.

Have a good week everyone!!

 

 

 

 

Yesterday I got ‘called out’ by someone I value about putting up a divisive political post.    As I told him then, I felt the post was true, and that it was not aimed at him or meant to offend him.   Sometimes I get frustrated and yes, it’s too easy to click on a post and share it.    Yesterday I did.

He suggested it was okay to post how I feel about the president, but not about his followers.  He said that I think they are all the “Trumpsters’, the ones that seem to be gaga like they were worshipping a rock star.   He told me that many people support Trump but are not like that.   He is one of those.

Ok.    I heard him.   He was right.  I have to remind myself not to stereotype a group of people, as I do not like to be pigeon-holed either.     Reminder:  Marla – go high.   Act and speak like God wants you too.

So, thank you.  I needed to be ‘called out’ yesterday.  I needed to be reminded that although I do not understand, I can hurt people and it’s not fair.

I don’t know why I have gotten so ‘political’ lately, oh wait… yes I do!   I know that we are living in strange times.  I think back.   As many lives go, when I was younger I was caught up in young children and family life and cartoons were on. I didn’t watch the news as much because there weren’t  the 24 hour channels – until CNN came on the air.  I remember how it changed news viewing when those three reporters were embedded in the hotel in Iraq, whispering live reports with the sound of bombs going off in the background.  But little did I know – ALL the changes coming.  By the way,  I also remember when The Weather Channel first came on the air and we often had it on for hours!  Ha.  How exciting!   Lol

I have always been a bit of a news junkie, since graduating with a Communications Degree (I took news writing & our assignment was watching the Nixon Impeachment hearing and writing on it) , and interning in a radio newsroom.  I was in that newsroom when the scare at 3 Mile Island happened.  I worked in radio when Reagan got shot.    I heard the bells ring on the UPI machines in the newsroom when important events happened.  We’d go running to them to see what happened – then ‘rip and read’ – that was how we got immediate news.  I was there when John Lennon was shot.

I digress.  News has always fascinated me – and I have more time now to soak it in.

Back to my politics…   I was stunned when Trump got elected.    Oh, I have been disappointed with presidential elections before, but nothing NOTHING like this time. I know I have posted about it before.  I felt pain, and so much doubt about people I thought I knew. I cried over him becoming president and I cried over my disappointment in people.   (Of course now we know of foreign interference, and we know that he did not win the popular vote.)     But, since that day I have tried to understand.   3 years into Trump’s term and he has shown himself to be worse than I feared.  Before winning I knew he was a womanizer, and a liar, and egotistical, and running as a Republican I knew he would support issues that were in opposition to my beliefs.   But, the tweets, and the Russian favoritism, and the rotating door within his administration, and his inability to listen to others, and his stubbornness, and his lack of class, and back-stabbing….         oh my.        And, of course, now he has been impeached for abuse of power, putting American $ and foreign relations on hold for personal gain.  Come on – you know it.   We all know it.   It’s who he is.  Not surprising at all.

So, my friend from yesterday, I will continue to ‘call out’ our president when I see things he does and says that are so against human kindness, and respect for all.  I will continue to oppose issues – like ‘the wall’ (did you see a section of it blew down yesterday?),  his MAGA mindset, his reversal of EPA laws, his lack of interest in gun safety measures.  And, I will still have concerns about women’s issues, and equal rights for all, including gays.

You all can ‘call me out’ when I post something that hurts you.  I will listen.  I will truly say I’m sorry.   I want to live in peace.   I am not looking to ‘one up’ anyone.    I have no desire to make our division wider (plenty of others do that.)  I want to live a life of love for all, and hope for all.   I want to raise the bar, not lower it.

Call me out.   I will try my best to listen.

Good morning friends.    I hope you had a good weekend.   A few thoughts rattling around in my brain this Monday morning:

As everyone is this morning, I am very sad about the horrible helicopter accident killing Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and the others aboard.   Shocking news.   And, it seems too many helicopter accidents have happened lately.  We had just heard of the copter going down before the LSU – Clemson game, killing those heading to the game.   And, I think back on the helicopter crash a couple of years ago that took the life of Troy Gentry, one half of the country group Montgomery – Gentry.     So sad.

The news and the legacy of Kobe Bryant has covered the Tv news this morning.  We can’t forget that the Trump Trial in front of the Senate resumes this afternoon.  The president’s attorneys continue.   I believe the outcome is not 100 percent a done deal yet, especially with the news of Bolton’s unpublished book and what he says happened in it.   I can’t help but wonder if there is a ‘tipping point’ for some of the Republican senators, where the evidence of abuse of power is so overwhelming that they have to admit to it.   Of course that goes for the Trumpers out there  who have ‘selective hearing’ and blinders on to some very obvious facts.    But I have said all along that Trumpers like the Donald for what’s in it for them personally and they overlook a lot that effects everyone else.      I had someone admit to me yesterday that they think Trump’s meanness and name calling is funny.    Hmmm.     I don’t.

Duck hunters;   Really.   You make me jump every time you break the beautiful silence of the morning with a barrage of gunfire.   I know I live on the river so I have to get used to it.   It’s just hard not to feel a jolt every time it happens… which is four or five times each morning and sometimes at sunset.    Question:  Do you collect your ducks, clean them, and eat them??   What do you make? Duck stew?

Every family has a black sheep and I have felt like I am it for a long, long time.  The outsider.  The one who has lived a different kind of life.  (No, I’m not gay… ha… not there is anything wrong with that.). My life has taken me to many different parts of the country through the years, and it has given me different experiences, and I have been the one that doesn’t fit in.      It has taken me many, many years to call it out, and to be comfortable with it.   And, to accept it.  I do now.    I’m not mad.  It is what it is.   I have finally forgiven the situation.

With age comes wisdom, and letting go of drama and negativism.

It also means spending time doing good and fun things!

That includes spending time with the grandsons!   Hubby and I just got back from a short visit with them.   In April we are going to babysit the boys for a full week while their mom & dad go off on a 5 year anniversary trip.   I’m excited – and I know I will be really tired by the end of the week.    But – a joyful tired!!    Being a grandmother – a “Mimi” to the boys is the best thing in the word!!

Other daughter:  you will see me a lot more often if you have a baby.  Just saying!   Ha

More Happy news:   Tim McGraw individual tickets went on sale yesterday and I spent too much time (and too much money) on getting tickets for both the Charlotte and the Raleigh shows.  Back to back nights of Tim and the boys!   I love a live concert experience and I love their music!!   It’s a treat to myself.   I’m also sharing it with my daughters and SIL’s…   and it makes me happy to do that!!       My summer will include the CMA Festival AND the Tim McGraw concerts!   Yippee!

Book report:   Fo those looking for an interesting read, try “Next Year in Havana” by  Chanel Cleeton.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  It has a great story about a Cuban family – and it gave me some new info about Cuba before Fidel Castro came in and took over.   The book has a little bit of something for everyone:   History, love, mystery.    I think you will enjoy it.

So, to my daughters:   I just had a nice back and forth with a girlfriend about music.   We texted about what she listened to in her youth, and what she listens to now… and it was enlightening to me.  I know she reads my meme.   So – hi!  this is not meant in ANY WAY as a “call out” to her because she is not alone in  music not being a priority in life.  She did not grow up with it around her house.   And face it,  She is not the music nut that I am.  Not many are !?!   I remember by high school age laying in bed at night, with one hand on the bedside radio dial, staying awake to go from station to station to hear music. I grew up listening to the Top 40 Countdown each week.  I then saw concerts in college. Across town at OSU, and then at Towson State.   And after graduation I got my ‘dream job’ working at a music radio station.   I heard music all day long at work – and then  my job gave me the opportunity to go to live concerts – for my pleasure, or when taking contest winners,  almost every week.  I got to know and love the record reps who visited the station – who gave out the tickets and the albums for on-air give-away.   I met musicians.  I got to go back stage – and to tell you the truth, I got a bit snobby if I didn’t get a ‘backstage’ pass to put on my jeans – to wander around backstage as the radio person.     Once married and raising my daughters we often went on long road trips to see family in Ohio and in South Carolina and we listened non-stop to Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, Broadway soundtracks, WOW  Hits from each year – some classic, some country, some pop.   A little bit of everything!   As our daughters grew up they took music lessons and understood the challenge of playing and the joy of it too!    So… daughters:  YOU ARE WELCOME!     Ha!  I mean it though, because I love that you know so much about music and that you like all styles, all genres.  I absolutely love that one of our favorite things to do is to go to concerts together.   We have enjoyed many CMA Festivals together with endless artists – but we have  seen Simon & Garfunkel,  Jackson Browne , Crosby, Stills & Nash,  mega-ticket country artists at the summer amphitheater in Charlotte…  and we saw the Eagles,  Keith Urban,  Tim McGraw (many times), House of Blues shows:  including Josh Turner,  Scotty McCreery, , Jason Aldean, Kellie Pickler,  Dierks Bentley. We made the most of our time living near NYC and saw so many musicals I can not count them all.

Music makes the world go round.  As I share on Facebook, music lifts – music connects – music celebrates.  Music gets you through sad and tough times.  Music touches every experience.  Sometimes, too often (ha), I think of a music’s lyric for things that happen in my day to  day life.     I can’t imagine not having it.

Did you notice, I started this post with the headline…  Monday, Monday – can’t stop that day?   Well, it’s a Mama & Papas song.   Did you know?

Tomorrow will be “Tuesday Afternoon”….  by the Moody Blues.

Ha.  Gotta go.      I could do this forever.        Have a great day!!