There is a population of Americans who have felt disrespected and unappreciated all their lives.

The reasons why are many. Some may have had little encouragement as children. Some felt they got lost in the system. Some may have had a traumatic event in their life and they did not get the help they wanted and needed. They became bitter. Some may feel others are taking from them without even a ‘thank you.’ Some were raised with parents with a chip on their shoulder, and that attitude was then passed along.

My opinion: these are the folks who have found Trump. These are the ones who are okay with him being the ‘outlier’ because they feel the same way. They feel a camaraderie with him. They find it alright that he says mean things, because they have thought them too. They like that Trump is irreverent and that others don’t like him. They get how it feels to be unimportant and unwanted.

Trump appeals to them because the normal government never cared enough. They were lost in the cracks. Maybe they were poor but not poor enough for help. (How dare others get assistance!). They were unable to get a proper education – but they feel they turned out just fine, thank you very much. They have a personal strength in being disrespected. You know… it’s an “I’ll show them” attitude.

When Trump went down his golden escalator in his multi-million dollar Trump tower one of the first words out of his mouth was a put down of people who are coming to America. By saying that he immediately appealed to that group who felt ‘used’ for so long and who were tired of getting a raw deal.

The irony is not to be overlooked though. Right? Trump is a man who grew up in a family of privilege with a ton of money. He never knew what it was like to scrimp and to barely get by. His name preceded him everywhere he went and he was arrogant – and it was part of his presentation to the world. It may have even helped him get out of serving in the military – even though the military is a pathway for so many of his now followers. He has even talked against the military, yet his MAGA followers are proud veterans and support him. Yes. The irony.

Trump quickly learned (and maybe truly believes) that if you put groups down it makes his followers feel empowered. It was the first time in their lives they have felt heard. So, MAGA world was created. Others in the same unfortunate situation connected when they heard Trump. It became okay to be openly mean. It was okay to feel the way they do. Others did. And, Trump said it out loud, and they thought that was pretty cool.

That trip down the escalator was how many years ago. I think we are ten years or so into the non-stop “Trump style” politics and as the years have progressed he has continued on with more and more of the same. So much so that his MAGA followers will truly now follow him to the ends of the earth. Trump can say anything, mostly made up, and it doesn’t matter. Lies and lies. but it doesn’’t matter. As I have watched over the years, I see him get more outrageous. I often think to myself ‘he can’t go lower’ but yet he does. MAGA eats it up.

One more thing Trump has also done is inject doubt in to everything. Everything. And, you know this has probably been his most dangerous element. He has used his speeches and his tweets (until he was banned), and then his own social media, to tell his followers that everything else is a conspiracy theory. Everyone else is out to get him – which means they are out to get his followers. That riles them up.

Trump says the judicial system is out to get him. The FBI and the CIA. Judges are corrupt (except for his Supreme Court appointees of course.) Elections officials and election poll workers are out to get him. “The establishment” is all against him. And, the migrants are taking everyone’s jobs and killing people. They sneak across the border to come steal, and rape, and sell drugs. Some are even eating people’s pets.

MAGA believes it.

A perfect example of the doubt Trump has created is the way he has treated the media. He gives them no respect. He says that they ALL are extremely liberal, and he says they are never fair to him. (He loves to tout that he is never treated fairly.) He loves to have his people feel sorry for him when something bad is in the news about him. It has gotten to the point that MAGA thinks anything in the media is untrue, unless it comes from Fox, other conservative outlets, Truth Social, or X.

MAGA now only watches those same media sources.

Remember January 6th? MAGA and the Proud Boys and other conservative groups had listened to Trump over and over about the stolen election. Total lies. But it didn’t matter. Trump prodded them on. He sublimely encouraged violence and a Capitol building takeover. So they did it. There is NO QUESTION that Trump was behind the deadly actions of his followers. Misguided people, brought to a point of rage. Violence had become an act of allegiance.

As I write all this I wish, oh please oh please oh please, that Trump followers would wake up. But unfortunately I have seen over and over again that they are in too deep. They support Trump like he is their savior even though he never tells them HOW he plans to enact changes and improve their lives. He spews horrible rhetoric about so-called bad people, usually Mexicans, sometimes Haitians. Always Democrats because he thinks they are out to get him. He tells MAGA Democrats will destroy this country. Only he can save them!!

MAGA believes him.

One day historians and poly sci students will study Trump and this time in our American politics. They will wonder was Trump truly a mad man, able to control so many? They will rewatch his rally speeches. Pull up old Truth Social posts (in all caps.) Psychologists will teach what a narcissist can do when given too much power. Social Studies will outline how ‘normal’ people can be impacted by hearing what they want to hear with no concern of truth. Media will continue to question their place in news reporting, in fact checking, in manipulation of the masses. When I was in college as a student some of the questions were “Does the news report it – or do they make it?” “How can anyone be totally unobjectionable?” I learned the importance of fact checking and verifying with more than one source. News reporting then was a ‘service’ to Americans, not a business as it is now. Getting it right was the most important thing. It was never opinion. Editorials and opinion pieces were cleared stated as such.

Not anymore. MAGA has banded together under a false prophet. Loyalty beats out truth. Fear is their big instigator… fear of others, fear of losing money, fear of not being heard. Not being respected. Or appreciated. or valued.

I write this on October 1st, just a little over a month to Election Day.

MAGA people won’t change. So it is really important for those not caught up the in their movement to come out on November 5th and vote, and bring us back, away from Trump lies and conspiracy theories. We need to get back to rational thinking, and to leaders working with each other. We need to vote out any who do not seek to work toward a healthy democracy.

Why do people act like choosing a president is like rooting for a sports team? They wear the team mascot on their clothing and they root for the other side to lose.

Why are there public schools in America with less? Shouldn’t ALL public education be equal? Taxpayers should not vote on how much to give schools and teachers in their community.

Why do people only see black and white when this world is made of infinite shades of grey (not that kind! Ha)? Every problem has many options for solutions.

Why do we go to church but still hear God’s words of love and acceptance so differently? Hypocrisy reigns.

When will he ever really go away? Not November 6th. That I can guarantee.

How long can we keep children safe? Keep them as children? Give them a childhood without fear? Never.

Who will accept defeat gracefully?

Why do we blame others so easily? No self evaluation, a big ego, and pride seem to rule.

How much money is enough? Don’t we want everyone to have enough?

Why would anyone think a group of people are stealing pets to eat them?

And, why would anyone believe women have ‘abortions’ after birth?!?! It’s impossible. Or that women WANT to have an abortion in the final trimester?

Why does truth not matter anymore? it still exists but it is hard to find.

How did it happen that we seem to no longer encourage creativity, and change, and new technology? Fear to try something new never makes us better.

Why do people want to Make America Great Again? Going back in time is not rosy. We had some really bad events and bad people back then.

Why do churches stay so quiet?

Why is the word ‘freedom’ used as a fighting word? And what happened to the word ‘patriot’?

Why can’t we put Congressional time limits on ballots?

Why do I still hear it’s mentally sick people not the guns? Even ‘sane’ people shoot people. We have too many guns.

Do people vote selfishly or do they think about what might be good for their neighbor? Hmmm. Happy neighbor makes a happy community, and that can spread to make a happy world.

My biggest questions: how can I stay hopeful? When will all people want a strong, working government for everyone? Can we see the big picture for our country?? Will all the differences turn to violence? Can it get even worse?

Who will vote?

I was raised to always tell the truth. In fact, I never even thought about telling anything but the truth, and I never hoped to ‘tell a fib’ and get away with it. Maybe I did as a little kid but I certainly don’t remember. If I did try to lie I am pretty sure I was called out about it. I was raised with a healthy amount of guilt I guess. And I just knew right from wrong. Lying was wrong.

Because of the way I was raised, not needing to lie, not wanting to lie, well, to this day I can’t lie. really. If I lie it will eat away at me. I don’t want that.

I remember hearing at a young age that telling one lie can lead to telling more lies, and stories get more outrageous. Lies grow. They make life complicated. No thanks. I don’t want to try to keep track of what I say, and worry about ‘stories’ , and that is why I always say I am an open book.

Looking back I don’t remember being lied to about anything consequential. And, because I was around good people, they were people who did not make lying ‘a thing.’ I never had to deal with disappointments from fake stories, and massive exaggerations.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I know sometimes people tell a ‘little white lie’ because they don’t want to hurt someone. I get that. But, living life telling lies, and having no problem with it, and thinking ‘everybody lies’ is pretty foreign to me.

Honesty is a virtue. Honesty is living a true life. Honesty is acknowledging mistakes. Honesty is learning to apologize when needed.

So, this is why lying in politics is very offensive to me. Now, I know both political parties have people who lie. But, statistically ex-president Trump has been, and is, the king of lies. He has lived his whole life telling them without remorse. He lies to help himself. They are not ever for helping others. He repeats his lies so much that I guess at some point he thinks they are true. I believe he has a psychological condition that makes him lie so much without feeling bad about it.

We are at a place and time now where the need to be real and honest, and to have integrity, is needed but hard to find. But I think we need to emphasize it again. I worry about our grandchildren. I worry about living in peace. I fear the endless amount of lies will create constant distrust.

Am I so unusual to want honesty again?

Does it matter to you that are politicians lie so much? Will that make a difference when you vote?

The past week has again been an interesting one when it comes to the political arena and the presidential campaigns. We inch closer and closer to Tuesday, November 5th. Come on Election Day!! Although I’m not waiting. I plan on voting early once South Carolina makes it available in mid-October. I hope many Americans vote early too so they don’t have to wait in long, long lines on Election Day. Remember, you can’t even get water bottles waiting in line. So, come prepared. 😊

This past Sunday there was an ‘almost’ attempt on the life of Trump. A mentally challenged man, white, unhappy with what was happening in Ukraine, a man with failed businesses and lawsuits, decided to drive to Florida and hang outside Trump’s golf course. There is some talk that the guy knew ahead of time that Donald would be on the golf course. But, really, Trump plays there often so it was not that unusual to look for him there. ⛳️. The Secret Service did their job finding the guy before Trump got close enough to be in range of his gun. Thank goodness.

We live in a time where threats are happening constantly, for both presidential candidates, for other leaders, and for legal immigrants, most noticeably right now the Haitians in Springfield, Ohio. 😢 Keeping everyone safe is impossible because so many people carry weapons. There are more guns than there are people in the United States.

There are shootings most nights in every municipality across America. 🇺🇸. Caused by domestic violence. Bar fights. Grudges. Road rage. They are angry men doing the majority of the shootings. Well, that is except when kids accidentally kill each other or themselves with one.

The gun epidemic is a serious concern of mine. My reasons are this: guns kill quickly. It takes just a moment for someone to pull a gun and shoot and kill. Often guns are used by people who are in a heightened time of emotions. They are really mad or scared. Grabbing a gun to try and settle a situation is rarely going to end peacefully, without someone getting hurt or killed. Guns are not safely kept, even by well-intentioned gun owners. They are not securely put away so they will not be stolen, or picked up by a child. Guns are big business and often the gunmakers and the NRA use marketing tools that are not realistic. They lobby our lawmakers. 💰

I want our country to turn the gun violence around. I have no problem with stricter laws to keep innocent people safe.

So, I will vote for the candidate who is truly willing to work hard towards reducing the deaths, by mass shootings, by irate men, by children who find a family member’s gun. 🧒 👧

I have had a few Facebook discussions with friends on lying. It’s an all-time epidemic in American politics! From crowd size, to people eating pets, to “I never knew that woman.” You know, because a lie is said over and over does not make it true. Fact checking has become a real job now and even when candidates are called out on lying they don’t change the rhetoric. They certainly don’t apologize for ‘getting it wrong.’ That doesn’t seem very presidential to me, but it sure doesn’t seem to bother some.

Why is that? Why are some people okay with all the lies? In fact, their response is usually…”well she/he lies too.” Like it’s okay because the other side does it too. We are a sad people for allowing so much lying.

As I wrote at the beginning of this, Election Day is approaching. I don’t live in a swing state (don’t get me started on Electoral College vs. the popular vote) so I don’t see all the campaign commercials. I see my fair share on network shows. I see enough. It’s why campaigns are so very expensive. Ad time costs big bucks! I don’t really think they make a person choose one candidate over another. Do you? What a waste of money. 💵 We need caps on campaign spending.

My latest pet peeve with politics is the amount of people who seem not to even understand the basics of our American democracy. It really is alarming. No wonder we have such misinformation out there. We have to know how democracy works, and how our officials have limits, and capitalism and a free market vs. price fixing and lack of competition. Do schools teach it anymore? Is it a class requirement still? I wish ALL Americans were required to take a civics class before voting. 📚

Will we survive after Election Day? I have a real concern about violence after it. I worry if the election is close that the discord will reach a new high and it could easily erupt. 💥 So, I am hoping for a landslide. Maybe then people will remain calm. Maybe then we can be over this ‘era’ and on to better times.

Because I want a landslide I will continue to put forth my hopes, and call out all the fake stuff out there. I will push for people to be sensible and to stop being uneducated about what is so very important! Google makes it easy to research. It takes a bit of time – but we need to read, learn, and be a smart voter. 🗳️

There are two types of car people; those who are obsessed with anything and everything to do with cars, and then there are those who want their car to get them to where they want to go.

I am in the second group. I want a car that is very reliable, that will get me from point A to point B without breaking down. I want a car that is safe, and one that does not require more than the normal maintenance.

You know the other group: My husband and my brother are in that group. They love a ‘driving experience.’ They love checking out all different kinds of vehicles on the road and in car lots. Fast cars are cool. Old cars are ‘classic.’ They love to read about them. They join car clubs. They love to talk about cars.

Here is my list of cars I have driven over the years (best I can remember.) I learned to drive when I was 16 in my parents’ Chevy Malibu. And then I started driving my parents’ Pinto wagon. When I got out on my own I got my first car, a used Plymouth Horizon. (Don’t be jealous! Ha) It was black with a red racing stripe (ha) and a bright red interior. I kept that car until I got married. We traded it in for a cute little red Sunbird convertible. I liked that one very much but then I had my first baby and realized 1. I needed a 4 door car to access the backseat easily. 2. Convertible tops down will be too much wind for a baby! Ha. So, I got a sedan, blue, and I can not even remember the make of it! Really. I can picture it. But, I don’t know what car company it came from. It worked well for two car seats and that’s what mattered!

After that, we moved to the Atlanta area and my hubby needed a big car. He was driving around a lot at that time while helping out the ‘family business’ of apparel sales. He went to independent clothing stores in small towns around the state with clothing samples in the car trunk. So, my blue car was traded in for a Cadillac. Yes, really, a Cadillac. It was like a boat! He used it often so we got a used Toyota Camry for me to drive…. With a stick! I had never driven a manual vehicle before so it was quite the undertaking in a hilly northern Atlanta area, and I had two young children in car seats in the back. I remember when we sold it I was happy to see it go!

Next, I had a wonderful (blue again) Highlander – and I absolutely loved it. It was an SUV but not too big. I kept it for many years and racked up the mileage. I finally needed to turn it in for something newer. Have I mentioned my hubby loves cars? He loves to research cars for me and for other people too. He also does not like to keep any vehicle too long, believing it’s not worth pouring money into them for repairs. So, I would have loved another Highlander when I was ready for a new car but the look had been changed and it was bigger. (Why do car companies do that?!?!). So, we turned to Jeeps. I had a green Jeep SUV, followed by a nice, upgraded white one. Both were the right size for me, reliable, and easy to drive. We were living in snow country by then so a 4 wheel drive was handy.

Somewhere during that time I also got a Durango. I thought I would like it because it had a third seat in the back and my daughters were older and we sometimes took friends with us. But, it was too big and it sounded and drove like a loud truck.

Once we moved to South Carolina snow was no longer an issue with picking cars. Thank goodness!! I got a Honda CR-V – and loved it!! Again, a small SUV, reliable, easy to maneuver. There are a ton of them on the road and it’s because of all the reasons I mentioned. They are not gas guzzlers. And, Honda was also good about some free maintenance.

I would still have that car today if my hubby (who I mentioned loves to learn about vehicles, right? ) ‘out of the blue’ bought a used electric car to try. It’s a BMW I-3, cute, small but with enough room for me at this point in my life. I was not even thinking about an E-vehicle and to tell you the truth I was a little afraid of it. Will it drive normally? Will I have trouble finding places to charge it? I live in a rural area, not exactly progressive, so charging stations are not popping up everywhere yet. But, I have been driving my e-car for two years now and I have learned to truly love it. I charge 100% of the time at home. I have never once run out of charge or gotten stuck somewhere. I can do all my usual errands and daily travels in it. The car is about 5 years old so it does not have as far a mileage range as newer e-vehicles. So, I do still drive my hubby’s truck if I go on a long trip. But, my cute little e-car has become a favorite! So much so that I named it “Blue Belle.”

I love a car that gets me where I need to go, without fear of mechanical problems, a car that I can maneuver easily, on the road and into parking spaces. I want one that feels safe. I am happy to have “Blue Belle.”

It’s been quite the week politically. I have various thoughts rolling around in my brain about it all.

First, I have to start off with the Presidential Debate this past Tuesday. The majority of viewers say that VP Harris did a much better job and I agree. She was the one who went directly up to Trump and shook his hand and she ‘introduced’ herself. They had never met face to face before. So, she immediately looked strong doing that. And respectful.

Kamala was prepared and used her wonderful oratory skills. As a prosecutor she has spent a lot of her career standing before people, stating her case, and speaking directly to who needs to hear it. Although Trump certainly has had endless hours of public speaking – I mean he was president – and he loves an audience, he did not speak without always sounding a bit mad or feeling like he was a target, and he never was able to turn and even speak directly to Harris.

I won’t go through all the standout moments because by now you have heard them. I will say though, in my opinion, Harris had many more coherent thoughts. That’s the least we can hope for our president, right? She spoke of what she wants to work on – on many topics. And she stressed several times that she would do it for ‘the people.’ Yes, all politicians tend to go off subject at times. Both candidates did. Trump had some really weird tangents. The fact checkers said he lied over 30 times during the debate. According to them Harris said one lie.

It bothers me that news people keep saying Harris has to show Americans who she is. I mean, really, don’t citizens have to put in a little effort to learn? It’s so easy these days. Google. Pull up videos on YouTube. Have some responsibility about who you want to lead this country.

Here’s another thing that I’d like to state (again) because it seems to be rhetoric against her as Vice President: Every single vice president who holds that position has little law changing ability. The only time a vice president votes is if there is a tie in the Senate. He/she then gets the deciding vote. The VP also certifies election results. Remember January 6th? Who could forget?!? Also, the vice president spends a lot of time shadowing the president. This is done on purpose so that if the president gets sick, or for another reason cannot carry on, then the VP is ready to step in immediately. So stop saying Harris had 3 1/2 years and did nothing. She did her job.

Other rhetoric that I’d like to mention is how I hear that immigrants are coming in by the millions (yes, millions) and are stealing, raping, taking away jobs, and more. No! It’s not true. Stop saying it is. Most immigrants, legally here or not, want to assimilate and are good, hard working people. They come because they want to live the “American Dream” and raise a family here. Can we find an example or two of someone who has caused trouble? Yes. Are they then amplified as an example? Yes. I can’t believe how people who are often very poor, maybe down on their luck, and even physically threatened, are used as a political punching bag. Stop it. It’s not fair.

So, statistics matter. Be it about the economy, or murders in our country, or numbers who are entering the country. Also, numbers matter about public education and women’s rights to abortions. Independent statistics tell the truth. Look them up. Do not listen to campaign rhetoric. The numbers they say and put in ads are often wrong, by accident or on purpose, and we need to again do a little work to find the truth.

I know that I tune into politics on TV and I read more then many do. As I have stated before, all my life I have had an interest in it, and especially on issues that I think we can change and improve to make all our lives better. I have the time to do it. I want to know. Because of that I get frustrated at times. I want others to be educated about WHO the candidates are – to know their past, their behavior, their party beliefs, and their ideals. Oh, I also know that politicians lie to gain votes. I’m not that naive. Yet, I try to live still hopeful, and I also live in a reality that power and fame too often win over doing the right thing.

I wish more would do the right thing. Politics is not a game.

Media sources have made it a game. They skew stats, they talk about polls non-stop, and they emphasis certain things while ignoring other things. For the media it is all about viewership numbers. Those numbers bring in money.

Media and political campaigns hire specialists to skew, to make fake videos, to make you doubt, and to make you FEAR! They love to do that!

So, we are going to be hearing and seeing it for the next 6 weeks or so. The election is Nov. 5th. Don’t think it will end then. We now have a man who does not accept democracy’s free and fair election results. We have a man who will challenge, and YES LIE, and will continue to make his followers feel sorry for him, to make them think the country is out to get him. He will take NO responsibility himself. He doesn’t know how. He is a psychological narcissist.

How can November 5th turn out differently, and end this ‘era’ (Swiftie love!) of craziness? We need a landslide victory. Short and simple. We need Americans to make a statement. We need to make it where 11,779 votes in Georgia won’t be questioned. We need all those ‘purple’ states to turn blue. This time we do! Enough of this game playing. Enough of the lies. Enough. Then the Republican Party can rebuild and come back to be how they used to be. A two party system is needed again. Then true conservatives can get back to working on ways to better our country with Democrats. Maybe we can get back to bi-partisan laws. Debates. Compromises. All the things our country is known for.

We can honor respectfulness again. We can push for honesty. We can find agreements. This really is an election that is that big and important!

So – vote! There is early voting. Mail in voting. Nov. 5th poll voting. There are no excuses.

Yesterday I was at an event where I met some new people. One of them asked me “Where are you from?” It seems like a simple question. And for many people the answer is really quite easy. They are people who have only lived in one place. They have spent their whole life in a rather small geographical area. So, yes, their answer is easy.

Yesterday I didn’t know how to answer the question “where are you from?” And, as I explained to this person about my different moves over the years, and the different places where I have called home, I realized I did not have ‘that one place’ that I consider the place I come from.

I was born in Columbus, Ohio. Then my family moved to Rockville, Maryland while I was still very young. A toddler. I have no memory at all of living in Columbus. I have a few memories of life in Rockville but I think part of it comes from looking at old photographs and hearing stories. When I was starting elementary school, my family moved to Cleveland Heights, Ohio. I think that is where I have the first recollections in my mind. I remember experiences there. We lived in Cleveland Heights until a move took us to a smaller town in Ohio, Bucyrus, when I entered the 8th grade. We lived there until the summer before my senior high school and my parents went back to Maryland, to the Baltimore area.

I finished high school there (one year). Then I went back to Columbus, Ohio for college – for two years. Unsure of my major and unsure of what I wanted to do I took a year off and worked. And, then I went back to Baltimore where I finished my undergraduate degree at Towson State University.

Are you keeping up with the moves?

After graduation I got my first real job and I continued to live in the Baltimore area. That is, until I fell in love and became engaged and moved to Norfolk, Virginia. My fiancé lived there. But, within a year, as newlyweds, we moved across country for job opportunities for him. We first landed in Redding, California, way up north in the state. After just 2 years, and a job promotion for my hubby, we moved to Pleasanton, California, part of the East bay area near San Francisco.

That’s not all. We kept moving!

We got a great offer on our home in Pleasanton that we could not ignore, so we packed up and moved to Discovery Bay, California. But, our children were little and the East Coast was calling us to go back. We were not even at Discovery Bay for a year.

So, we moved to Marietta, Georgia. First we lived in a rental home, and then we moved into a home we bought there.

Job changes and more opportunities continued and we moved our family to Frederick, Maryland. After a few years another job promotion took us to Sparta, New Jersey. Thankfully, we lived there for all of our daughters’ school years, first through twelfth. After 12 years we headed away from the cold and the snow, and we settled in South Carolina.

Since that time, we have owned a few homes in Pawleys Island and now we are living in the Georgetown area. We are planning no more moves!! It is finally nice to stay put and we have been here in South Carolina almost 20 years.

So – where is home? Where do I call my place?

Well, here, right now, is home. For sure.

Ohio is my birthplace and I have family roots there. But I only lived there on and off during my childhood. I had important years in Maryland too. I had my first adult years (first full time job and first apartment) in Maryland. Does that count?

So, when someone asks me “where are you from?” I truly do not have an answer.

I have considered all of my moves (ok, maybe not the one to NJ) as exciting adventures. Actually, living in New Jersey turned out to be a perfect place for raising our family – with good schools, sports, music education and all that NYC had to offer just an hour away (especially musical theatre and restaurants!)

I sometimes look at those who were born, grew up, and still live in the same place as lucky people. They have deep roots. But, because I have moved so many times I have learned to be flexible. I have learned to live among all kinds of people. I have learned that geography is different but good people are everywhere. I have learned EVERY place has awesome offerings but also problems. I have gotten stronger from all the changes. I will say I started out pretty independent and it has served me well over the years and all the moves.

So, how to answer ‘where are you from?’ I’m still not sure.

A few weeks ago my high school class of 1974 held its 50th class reunion. 50 years!! I did not attend because I live in a different state, and although it would have been fun to see some of the people, it would have been a full weekend of travel so I passed on going.

I should preference this all by saying that my family moved when I was going into my senior year of high school. So, the class that still considers me a member of it, I had left and did not graduate with on stage. So, I really do appreciate that I am still on their rolls, and that I get invited to events. I am on a Facebook group with the class and I occasionally see pictures (thankfully with names attached to the faces. It’s hard to recognize faces 50 years later!)

My reason for this post is because I think about how those fellow classmates have lived 50 years differently from each other. Some have stayed right there in the same small Ohio town. They have worked and raised families there. Some went off to college and never went back. Some excelled and some just got by. Some classmates found a path in life that brought much happiness, and I bet some did not.

Some have already died. As part of the Facebook group I am on I see a list of the deceased members. When a classmate dies it is acknowledged on the page. To tell you the truth a few of them have not surprised me because even back in high school they lived life on the wild side. Some of them had little ambition even then. I could already tell back when we were teenagers. Some had few family or friends pushing for them, supporting them. But others on the deceased list makes me wonder what happened to them. What happened? Was it cancer? An accident?

When I was in high school I had two best girlfriends. We called ourselves the “Three Musketeers” and we sat together every day at lunch, and we went to school dances and games together. We did clubs together: drama club, GAA, French club, etc. We ‘hung’ out away from school, on the weekends and during the summer. Once we three graduated and went on with our own lives we lost daily contact and checked in with annual Christmas cards. Still, we always knew we had a bond. There is something about that time in high school that keeps you connected. 50 years later and we can still remember many funny moments, shared secrets, certain teachers, boy crushes, band trip antics, and more.

50 years since I was a high school student! It amazes me sometimes. So much has changed since then. The whole technology revolution! The instant access to so much information! And – 50 years more of American History! Right? Ha!! I can’t imagine the new stresses on teenagers now-adays . All of the social media interactions and bullying. and, there is the pressure to get into colleges. (By the way, trade schools are awesome – and tradesmen and women are always needed.) The financial burden of education is real. It can be a lifetime payback.

I look back 50 years ago from today and I think back fondly on my high school years. I am lucky that I can. I was not the homecoming queen, or elected a class officer, or the star athlete, or the smart one in the class. I was average. One of many of the Class of ‘74. I blended in. I was not a troublemaker. I liked band and art more than math and science.

I hope teens can enjoy their high school experience today. I hope they can keep everything in perspective. I hope they can appreciate it as a special time in their lives. But, also know, that so much more will happen.

And, I wonder if they can just imagine what this world will look like 50 years from their own graduation – and how they will always be a member of a group, a ‘class’ together!

I just saw on Facebook that Trump is selling fabric swatches from the suit that he wore at the debate with Pres. Biden. When I first saw the post online I figured it had to be made up. I mean, come on!?! So I googled and checked a couple of sites. It’s true. Huh?

There is a catch though. First you have to buy a certain amount of playing cards with his picture on them.

Also, the golden tennis shoes and the Bibles, with the US Constitution and the words to Lee Greenwood’s “I’m proud to be an American” included in it, are still available. I think back in the day these types of men were called carpetbaggers. Scammers. People willing to do anything to take your money.

All of these items can set Trump followers back a pretty penny. None of the items are cheap. Flags. Hats. Shirts too. Aren’t they the ones who want to have him lower their cost of living and turn the economy around? How about you don’t waste money on his merchandise? Huh?

the other day Trump went to Arlington National Cemetery with the family of a war hero. When asked to stay away from a particularly sacred area he and ‘his people’ did not listen and went anyway. The ‘photo opportunity’ was too enticing I guess. Thumbs up! 👍 with a big smile! It is not a surprise from a man who has put down others who have been Prisoners of War (including John McCain), or hurt, or killed in battle defending the US. Oh, and he made fun of those Gold Star parents. Remember that? But people still support him? Huh ?

Oh, and remember when he mocked a disabled man at a rally? That was years ago. That should have been an early indicator. I have not forgotten. Have you? Huh?

Remember when he made up lies about where Pres. Obama was born? And he told stories about Ted Cruz’s father and said his wife was unattractive?

Also, remember when he was found guilty of sexually assaulting E. Jean Carroll in a department store dressing room? He put his hand up her dress for a feel. He has to pay over $88 million in damages. I guess that’s why he is selling his suit swatches. He has unbelievable legal costs! Oh, and remember how he held court each day before going in to that trial and made up lies about it? He put down the judge! Huh?

Here’s one: Remember when he said there were good people on both sides in Charlottesville? That was when white supremists were marching. And remember when he spoke to the crowd of MAGA supporters before they went off to create an insurrection at the Capitol because they wanted VP Pence to stop the final approval of the election? And, then he sat in the White House dining room for 4 hours and watched it on TV? That was a ‘huh’ moment for sure. I mean, what president doesn’t care while watching members of the Capitol police and others get beat up? And also just wait and watch the building, which is the center of democracy, get ransacked? Members of Congress fleeing for their lives. Huh?

Thinking back, remember when he REALLY lost the election (even though he could never admit he did) and pouted and would not attend the Biden inauguration? He was the first president EVER who could not handle ‘the peaceful transition of power’ and welcome the Bidens to the White House. Instead he flew away on his helicopter to avoid it all. A grown man. Not able to accept defeat. Huh?

There are endless ‘huh?’ Moments. The IQ test, the massive amount of “Truth Social” tweets, his love of Hannibal Lector, and more. I think his behavior shows a man unhinged. But…

huh?

Don’t forget he is a felon. He cannot legally own a gun anymore. And, he has other indictments and court cases coming up.

Well, I recently had a little online discussion with someone who basically said to me that none of it matters. To them the character of a person running for president does not matter. They completely don’t care about all of Trump’s bad language, the mean names he calls others, the lies about crowd sizes and everything else, his selling merchandise to raise legal funds, and whatever else he does. It doesn’t matter.

For me, that is the biggest ‘huh?’ Of all.

This past week I felt the joy! 🎉 This past week was a good one, and this is why:

First, the weather took a break from all the heat. For August, often the hottest month of the year, we had a nice little dip in temps. The 80’s felt almost cool! After heat and humidity for weeks it was quite lovely. The mornings even felt ‘brisk’ with a start to the day in 60’s.

I spent 3 days with my granddaughters and their mama and that always gives me joy! 🩷 🩷 There is nothing better in the world than to see those little smiles, and to hear “come play with me Mimi!” I am so blessed to have the opportunity to spend time with all four of my grands. 💙 💙 I definitely don’t take it for granted and I know the days are precious when they are small. They don’t stay that way for long.

A couple of fun moments from this past week with the girls: The 5 month old has gotten smiley now, and out of the blue she did a little giggle! It took me by surprise – and it was a wonderful sound! She is rolling around now and has a new fascination with her toes! Her big sister, Miss Independent, amazes me with her skills. She wants to do things herself! All the time! She puts on her own socks and s hoes. She wants to open things. She wants to cut her food. She tries hard and sometimes she gets frustrated if she can’t complete a task. 3 year olds can be quite emotional! 🤣 😢 😀 Ha! My favorite thing right now is that she and I sleep together in her big bed. She has an earlier bedtime than me (ha) so I sneak in quietly a few hours after she is asleep. I try to be as still as possible, but sometimes she opens her eyes and sees me! And she reaches out and touches me. In the morning we talk in bed, and she checks the window to see if it is daylight because then we can go downstairs and play. And we do!! ☀️

And if that wasn’t enough for a joyful week….

It was also the Democratic National Convention four nights in a row!

I have been watching conventions from the time I was a young girl. I remember watching them on a black & white TV with my mother. Back then there were only 3 networks and of course there was no social media, so the conventions were when we really got to see the candidates and their families. The roll call vote was important because there were no computers. It was when the candidate truly became the nominee. Now it’s more ceremonial. The Democratic roll call at this convention was a huge celebration! 🎉 I have never seen anything like it! And, because I love music so much, I was awed with how the DJ on the stage segwayed to music that was connected with each state. 🎶 🎶 The music brought everyone to a joyful level!

There were certainly somber moments, like when couples affected by infertility, or had to deal with problem pregnancies spoke. And the mothers forever changed from senseless gun deaths of their children. The brother of one of the police officers who lost his life on January 6th. And the Central Park young men who were wrongly accused.

But, even then the feeling of a shared community was strong. Everyone in the arena, and watching at home, felt the pain together.

But the joyful moments came too! 🎉 Some planned. Some unexpected. Many of the speakers, Dems and Republicans, expressed the hope for the future. “We can do it!” The renewed belief that decency can win! 🗳️

Gus Walz standing and shouting “That’’s my dad!” 😊

Common, Lil ‘John, The Chicks, John Legend! 🎶

And, Steve Kerr and Steph Curry – brave to speak out! 🏀

Barack and Michelle Obama!!! ❤️

So many wonderful speakers. Each night brought words of hope for our future, and the feeling that with a unified force we can make changes – if we DO SOMETHING!

One thing that was stressed from speakers during the convention is that Trump and the Republicans would push back, continue to lie, use demeaning names, and continue with rhetoric that promotes fear in their party by calling the Democrats the problem. And, they certainly have gone right back to it. (Not they ever stopped.)

Here’s the thing: a “can do” attitude is SO important. The belief in doing it. The belief in working for a positive change for everyone – it’s joyful! The belief comes first. Then comes the work…. And doing right for and by everybody is joyful!! Having good values and morals brings respect. With it the issues of the country can then move forward, with proper debate and compromise. Not with ego. To do right becomes contagious. That is the Democratic Party right now.

💙 🗳️ 💙