It’s not easy being a Democrat in a Republican state. Especially now. Some of the Republicans, who have attached themselves to the Trump train even though he is a regular citizen now, they just can’t let go.

I knew it would take a bit of time to pass to get back to normal again. I’m waiting. I’m hoping. But, just within the last 24 hours this has been what I have seen:

• A pop up Trump retail shop is set up along the main drag where I live. There is a guy there selling Trump flags, “Don’t Tread On Me Flags,” MAGA hats, t-shirts, and other merchandise that supports the ex-president. Part of me admires the guy’s “capitalism” and getting every last cent he can out of the Trump name. Part of me worries like crazy that his supporters who put out the money for this stuff, and who donate to his campaign PAC, and continue to follow him on his new media outlets, just won’t ever give up on him. He is there idol.

I saw a boat docked yesterday while I was dining along the Murrells Inlet waterway that had a Trump 2024 flag flying from it. I told my hubby and sis-in-law as I was dining with them that it spoiled my view. The Murrells Inlet area along the water and the marshes is such a beautiful spot of nature. Ruined by a flag about a man who cares little about taking care of Mother Earth.

Then this morning, I saw online through Facebook, that our town’s VFW was holding a fundraiser and the two prizes for the raffle were guns! One a Glock. Sometimes when I see stuff on Facebook I scan on by. But, I didn’t this time. I commented that I felt it was disheartening that guns were chosen as prizes, especially with the current divide in the country, and with the recent mass shootings and other gun incidents in the news. Well…. yep, you know. I got immediate responses. I will say I did get some ‘thumbs up’ to my comment, but every single person (and there were quite a few) who wrote to me wanted to bash me. I was called a Karen, and I was told to relax and not wet my pants over this, and of course I heard ‘guns are not the problem. People are the problem,’ I was called stupid – and I had a couple of men say they would buy raffle tickets in my name. I did my best to respectfully answer back my feelings about the need in America to stop glorifying guns and to think about ways to make them safer. I suggested thumb identification. One guy asked me what that was. I again respectfully responded, how they are used by most of us now with our cellphones – certainly technology that could be applied to guns.

As I type this I am still getting comments… and they will probably continue for awhile.

It is very difficult these days to be in a minority. I’m talking blue vs. red. But, think about so many other kinds… racial, financial, societal. Somebody seems ready to pounce. There is little acceptance to having another point of view, even when giving reasons behind the view. People are stubborn. People seem to like to take sides – to yell. They want to one-up you.

I have read online that some are thinking of moving from their towns, or from their states, because the division is so bad. They don’t want their children raised around those with opposing political views. It has gotten to that.

For now I will be a blue person in a red state. I love where I live, even with so many around me with opposing ideas and beliefs. I’m not going to run away. And, I’m not going stay quiet.

Good morning blog readers! Happy Hump day.

A few things rattling round in my head this morning…

I am happy that Derek Chauvin was found guilty in his trial about his police brutality, and the murder of George Floyd. I believe Chauvin definitely used excessIve force for a long time and he was responsible for killing Floyd. I am relieved because I feared that if the jury had found him innocent then there would be more demonstrations in the streets, which could have turned to violence. When people are frustrated, not feeling heard, not feeling that they count, then they lash out. I was worried about that happening. This time the right verdict came in. Unfortunately this is one case, and one time the jury got it right and justice was served to Mr. Chauvin. It’s a small ‘right’ moment in a time of a lot of wrong when it comes to race equality. Much work, each day – more ‘good trouble’ – needs to continue.

The past few months, since we now have a new president, I have felt I can dial back my time watching the news. I was living on the edge for four years, hearing crazy talk and watching our government branches tested. It’s just so good right now to know that if I don’t see the news for a day or two we are okay. We are not being led by a president anymore who flies off the handle for some small reason, which usually had to do with his ego. Phew.

I have a question for my church going readers. When you go to church and listen to a sermon, do you want God’s Word to speak directly to the political issues of today? Do you like when your priest or pastor speaks out about how Christians should work for justice, for equality, for laws that will help the poor, the homeless, and such? It’s a tough dividing line. I personally want to hear how we who follow Jesus should work to help our neighbors – in today’s world. Some people prefer to hear the Word and then decide in their own heart and mind how to use it. There are many church choices out there – from the very conservatives to liberally minded. Here in the US we can find a church to ‘fit our needs’ instead of hearing how we are to fit into the needs of others. It’s something I am seeing in my own church and I wonder if parishioners can sit in pews next to each other and accept the differences?

On to something else…

I wrote about this on Facebook, that I had a crazy thing happen to me Friday evening. It was a wake up call! Let me explain. I learned in my young 20’s that I have a severe allergic reaction to eating shellfish. I had moved to Maryland and it was the first time in my life that I tried shellfish. I went out with friends and ordered Crab Imperial. Minutes later I was passed out. I was young so I did not immediately go to see a doctor. But it happened twice more and I learned that I could not safely eat shellfish. Finally in my 40’s I had the complete scratch testing done to see what exactly I was allergic to because I knew others foods and airborne pollen, etc. affected me. Shellfish was my worse reaction but I had quite a few other mild to moderate reactions also. I was living in New Jersey then and I spent a couple of years going regularly to an allergist for shots. First they were twice a week, then once a week – and then I was able to get into a maintenance program with shots once a month. I think they helped. But as life goes, I stopped going for the shots – and I moved. Now, at 64, last week I had a rude awakening to the shellfish allergy. No, I did not eat any. At a restaurant I ordered beef egg rolls as an entree – that we later realized was deep fried in a vat of oil that is used to fry shellfish (crab, shrimp, etc.) So, my entree soaked up all that oil and I ate it . 10 minutes later I was passed out, sweating profusely, in our vehicle. Long story short… my hubby got me to the ER and tests were run to rule out other possible medical conditions that could make me so out of it. Nothing serious was found – thank God. Although the doc did say my EKG had an abnormal reading – so I am seeing a cardiologist Friday.

I was reminded by this episode last Friday that life can change in just a moment! I went from feeling fine, and enjoying myself, to feeling like I was on death’s bed, totally out of any control. Thank God my husband was with me to rush me to the hospital, and to be my advocate there because I could not respond for myself. Life is delicate sometimes. It’s important to have people you can trust who will be there for you.

Speaking of hubby, over these CoVid months, he and I have watched quite a few Netflix and Amazon Plus series. I never was into the Brits and the Royal family very much, but during the last year we watched all of “The Crown” and are now almost done watching “Victoria.” I appreciate the two series because I have learned some interesting history and it’s good to see how other countries run. England is very unique in the Monarchy ruling over everything with extreme power, yet the Prime Minister is the head of government and answers to the queen. Anyway, I think I have my fill of British series for awhile. Any other suggestion for a good series to stream?

A little music is coming back in my life. I am happy to say that the effects of CoVid vaccines, and the chance of being outdoors now in warmer temps, has made it easier to bring some live music back. Our community band played an outdoor concert last Saturday. And, I am going to toot my flute in church this Sunday – safely distanced of course. Handbells are playing in May. I look forward to more live music opportunities starting back up!

Another good thing about the warmer weather: Getting out to walk, to play golf, and to do something to get me off the couch. I’ve sat on it too much over this past year. (Yes, yes – I am sitting on it now as I type this.) My garden is coming back to life and I love to weed and water.

I have also been out picking up trash and litter. The weather is good for it. Earth Day is here! There is an emphasis on cleaning it, Protecting it, and honoring it, in April. Everyone can do a little something to take care of our earth. Recycle, refurnish. Reuse. It’s a good time for the reminder.

Enjoy the rest of your week – and love this wonderful place where we live! Live each day like tomorrow may not be the same… I learned that last Friday. Life can truly change in a minute. Enjoy it NOW! I thank God for getting me through my severe allergy reaction. It was a scary moment that I am using as a reminder of how each day counts!

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I was needed when my daughter had her preemie twins over 3 years ago. I moved in and helped my daughter and her husband with the constant feedings, and round the clock care for those two tiny guys. I lived with them for a couple of months and I bonded tightly with them during that time. I helped with lots of feedings and diaper changes, and rocking, and bathing. I have experiences from that time that I will never forget. Tough days. Survival days. I helped – and somehow we got through some sleepless, and hungry days!

My other daughter just recently had a beautiful and healthy, full term baby girl. I also went to help out but quickly realized that they didn’t need much help and were doing just fine. And that is wonderful! But… I’m torn about it. I want to be a nurturer and a special Mimi for the baby, but I also know that their parents have it covered. It makes me proud to see them both moving into parenthood so smoothly. Daughter: if you are reading this: you know can call me anytime to come up. I don’t want to be a ‘guest’ and definitely NOT an absentee Mimi – I want to be a hands on grandmother. So, as months go by I will be available for your needed breaks and dinners out.

When I had my babies I lived across the country and I did much of it on my own. Hubby was working really hard and traveling for the business. There was no paternity leave back then. I remember it so well – the life changing, purpose changing, time changing that went along with being a new mother. I never looked back on my previous life before babies and missed it. I was ready for being ‘their mommy’ and wanting to raise them the best way possible. I never wanted anyone else to raise them.

We moved a few times during those early years and I think back and try to remember, was it hard? At times I am sure it was, but I never ever doubted or worried about going off to a new place. If anything I was sad leaving an area and some friends I had gotten to know. Sad but not scared.

Now that I am a grandmother I think about how I lived on the west coast when my babies were very little, and how I was really far away from family. Back then there was no FaceTiming, or text threads with pictures. The thousands of miles were a real barrier to bonding. People didn’t fly as much as they do now. My husband’s mother did a pretty good job of coming out for visits and for that I was very appreciative. There is something about a grandmother who loves your child as much as you do. Who ‘gets it.’ Who wants to hear every little story, and applaud every baby milestone. Who thinks that babies can do no wrong – and every tiny thing about them is perfect. She did that.

I feel that same way about my THREE grand babies.. I am so blessed to have them. I am so blessed that they are not too far away. (I think, what would I do if they moved across country like I did – or to a foreign country? I’d put on a happy face but I would cry inside. I know some grandparents who have to deal with that.)

I look forward to attending preschool programs, and watching games, and listening to band and chorus concerts. I look forward to birthday parties and other special occasions. I want to be that Mimi that gets to see it all.

Oh. Here’s another thing I am learning about being a grandparent. It is wonderful when the children have two sets of grandparents, that I know – BUT I also get jealous. I never thought About it before becoming one how ‘sharing’ the role can be difficult at times. Hey – I’m being honest. I love that these little ones have four doting grandparents, and get lots of love, and have them in their lives. But, yes, I get jealous.

I know it’s a juggling act for parents – to ‘cover’ all the grandparents and to have equal time, so I am okay with ‘sharing’ – but some days I do feel like I’m missing out. Time goes by so fast.

Babies don’t stay babies very long. Toddlers don’t stay toddling around very long. And even school age children change so quickly. I don’t want to miss any of it.

This Mimi has a strong case of baby love!

I got to say that I woke up this morning and thought ‘boy, I’m glad I don’t live in Minnesota right now.’ Another shooting of a young black man, a young father, stopped because his license plate was expired. Another death of a black man at the hands of a police officer. It happened just a few miles away from where the trial of a white police officer accused of murder of a black man is going on right now.

I can feel the tenseness of the situation from states away. I see the social media posts popping up again as people take sides, some for the police and some for the black men. I saw one earlier today saying why don’t black people just obey the laws? Honor the police? Then nothing bad will happen to them. ( As if it’s their fault. )

If only that was true.

It is for me – and for the person who posted earlier. It is true that when a white man, or a white woman like me, gets pulled over and stopped by the police almost never does it turn into a fatal encounter. Whites do not fear police. Even if we whites have done something wrong and illegal, we know that the officer may slap us with a fine – and then we are sent happily along our way. It’s more embarrassing than anything to be stopped. Right? It’s not fearful. My white friends: has that exact thing happened to you? Maybe you were speeding, or ran a red light? Maybe you were driving with an expired license plate. You never feared that the officer would not treat you with respect. You didn’t worry that the wrong thing said, or a wrong move, might elevate the situation and a gun could get drawn.

African Americans have never been able to know that feeling. It was only 5 decades ago that blacks were treated less than human in America, and they were talked down to, threatened, and YES were lynched. Crosses burned in their yards. their homes and places of worship were bombed. They were not given equal treatment anywhere – in stores, in schools, in businesses. Our country had legal segregation and Jim Crow laws up until 1964. I was 8 years old in 1964. I was a little white girl in surburbia and I didn’t have a clue to what was happening. I lived a sheltered life. I did not know of the horrors happening during the 60’s in my own country.

But African Americans certainly knew – and they still remember. Centuries of enslavement, and discrimination, and unbelievably horrible treatment at the hands of white bigots – that doesn’t go away quickly. Those stories were real. Many grandparents lived through it.

To expect a black person today to not become nervous for what we consider a simple traffic stop is just not real. To expect them to remain calm is not fair. And, unfortunately, we keep seeing case after case of police treating them differently. It is still happening. Cellphones are showing us now. It’s scary out there if you are a black young man. Some say it is worse now than it was ten years ago. Our countries’ race divisions are in the open again.

It’s got to stop. And, it won’t until white people get involved. Too many whites think it’s not their problem, so they stay quiet. But – it IS their problem. Because, until…

Black lives matter

No life has equal worth. ALL lives matter. All lives deserve respect, and love.

Last summer the movement took hold, and then people started misusing the BLM label. Some blamed them for violence when they were not the responsible ones. BLM got turned around and was made to represent a radical group – but IT WAS NOT – and it IS not. It was so upsetting to see a positive thing get turned around…. and why did it? Because there are people out there who do not want black lives to matter – equally.

Black Lives Matter means that every black person today must get the same and equal respect, and treatment, as every other person – as any other color. Wherever they are, At a traffic stop. Walking down the street. Going for a run. Sleeping in their own bed.

Until enough of us white people agree that black lives matter there will not be a fair system in this country. A fair policing system and a fair judicial system in our country. Equality in schools, and in where to live, and in job choices and pay. Some secretly want the inequalities to continue. So – Nothing will get better until white people stand up against what is happening – even against other white people. Staying quiet is allowing it continue. White people have to look beyond themselves, have some empathy, see the injustice, feel the pain of lost loved ones. We need to be advocates for black lives. It’s us – we are the ones who have to change.

Because…

Can you say it?

Black lives matter.

The past couple of days I have been thinking about how CoVid has affected churches across the country, and how it has affected the church I attend. I call it ‘my’ church because I have been an active member for some 14 or 15 years and I think of it as my extended family. The members are people I care about and I miss due to the pandemic. It’s been over a year since we have worshiped in a normal way, and since we have been able to get together and do all the usual social, charitable, and community events like we used to do. Although my church has gotten back to having worship services open (with changes of course – safety measures in place – masking, sitting apart, no bulletins, etc.) we are nowhere close to what we were before CoVid 19 turned all our worlds upside down.

Sometimes I wonder if we will get back. If it can happen, I wonder how long it might take to get back to how we were before we had to change our lives due to CoVid. So many people have changed their habits, and they have learned to watch church services via Zoom and YouTube. Many have gotten used to staying in their pajamas. They can watch ‘live’ or can pull up a service online when it’s convenient. But there is no interacting. No greetings.

My heart breaks for the time lost, and for the connections lost when we had to stop meeting in person. The church community has taken a hard hit due to this.

I am a member of a couple of closed groups on Facebook. They are made up of women of like minds, women who are caring, open, forward thinking. The group is a safe place to speak out. Some have written about being married to a man who has gotten wrapped up in the false theories and who believe in the ‘big lie.’ Some are planning to exit from the marriage. Some posts have stories about other family members who are stern, unbending, and are also lost in the Trump mess. But, what got me so hard this morning was reading a post from a mother of a 12 year old daughter. They live in a red area and the children have all taken ‘sides’ after listening to their parents talk at home. This mother said her daughter has lost friends and is lonely -due to politics, but also due to the pandemic. She, and other people who post, have said that they are considering moving out of red areas, and finding a place to live that is more accepting, where people are more open-minded.

As I think about the children I again feel so sad. They live in a world now where CoVid/politics has infiltrated into all parts of their lives – from school, church, to friends circles. They are already living a life of solitude due to virtual school, and now they have parents’ political and CoVid differences dividing them.

I’m also wondering about the real estate industry. Do real estate agents now give red vs. blue statistics when people are searching for a new home? Do buyers come right out and ask? And do agents tell sellers to put away their Trump and “Don’t Tread on Me” flags? I’d love to hear from my real estate friends on how this has become an issue for them.

We know now that the political sides are actively boycotting businesses. And some businesses are hurting due to CoVid restrictions. It is happening everywhere, but the large corporations based in Georgia have been called out, and have had to support a side. CoVid changed how we voted in the last Presidential election. The idea was to make it easier and SAFER for Americans to be able to vote. But it also made it easier to create the ‘big lie’ that then created an even bigger division.

I wonder what history books (ebooks- ha!) will say about this time. Our ancestors in America have certainly gone through times of severe division in the past – due to skin color, to geography, to financial ability. But, a pandemic and a huge political division happening together like this seems pretty unique. I don’t feel like we have stepped up and tried to overcome it well. Ugliness is showing. We have drawn lines and lost personal connections.

For me personally CoVid has taken away temporarily my joy of live concerts. When it first hit I had tickets to the CMA four day festival in Nashville, and I had tickets to two Tim McGraw concerts in North Carolina. I have been a dedicated live music lover – and it was always something I looked forward to experiencing. I loved hearing and seeing musicians coming together to put on a ‘moment in time’ that raises the hairs on my arm. I loved being in an audience of mutually feeling people. For that time we became family. We united and understood it together, and we let the music be more important than anything else. I was driving the other day in my car listening to music, thinking back to all the artists I have had the pleasure to see in concert… I miss it very much. I can not wait until I can be there again.

We all need to come together with a common cause – for a common belief, or interest. CoVid has prevented it from happening. The impact we have seen is great and the healing and the ‘getting back to normal’ will take quite awhile.

Churches are hurting. Families and children are hurting. Businesses are hurting. Everyone is hurting.

We all have unique perspectives. We have unique backgrounds, education, family life, and more. So, we are individuals who see the world because of our uniqueness.

I preface this post with this because what I am about to write is from my individual view, and it is part of why I believe a certain way when it comes to politics and life in general. My Musing, my opinion.

Here it is:

I believe that I am a member of the Party of Positivity.

Obviously I am a biased person, and I have my own unique background, education, family life, and more, And it has brought me to this place. I want to be a positive person.

Therefore, I am a member of the Democratic Party.

Why is it The positive party? I believe the Democratic Party of today has the platforms and the people that look to change America for the better, and to keep it moving forward. I believe when it works on issues in our country, the Democratic party uses positive language, and keeps hope alive for all Americans. They are about never giving up. And, they are about never wanting to go backwards. Democrats know that words matter. Language can flatter, hurt, cite to anger, calm people down. And I believe It is better to uplift than to degrade. To go high than to use low foul words. I believe it is the Democratic party that makes positive changes when it comes to working on racial divides, and on any kind of divide in our country really. They are the party of acceptance, and therefore, from my perspective, the real party of freedom. Freedom to not have to fight for just me. Freedom to be a part of a system striving to work for everyone. They are the party of the Civil Rights movement, and the party that elected Barack Obama. They are the party that created regulations to keep our environment clean. The party that introduced car safety requirements.

I scroll along on Facebook and I read posts from both parties all the time. The ones I see from my Republican friends seem to be coming from a place of fear, and of worry of change. Fear and worry cause people to retreat. They want to go back to old ways. They want to “Make America Great Again” – like it used to be. They post memes of life in the 1950s and 60s and wish “if only life was like that again.”

So – Let’s look at some issues:

Immigration and the border: It’s a big one right now. Dems want to provide basic help to those at the border. They put the care of another human being above ‘rights’ and money. Any human being. It may take alittle time but it’s worth it. Reps want to close the border and let those who have come there looking for some help just to fend for themselves. Turn ’em around. Whatever happens happens. Somewhere in the middle I think we can be a caring Country and offer basic needs, AND also lead them through the complicated and lengthy legal system to enter. That idea is a more positive and Democratic way of thinking.

Guns. Dems want to move forward with gun safety methods. Better and required registrations. Even some Reps do. But, the loud and money-dangling NRA and gun makers (who are run by Republicans) say “no” to any kind of improvements. Just “no.” Absolutely “no.” They use negative language and scare tactics: they say that everyone will have their guns taken away (not true), and we won’t be able to protect ourselves from the big, bad world. The Republican gun owners are told by the NRA: don’t change anything! Never change!

Education: The Democratic Party wants to look ahead and provide equal, good education to all who desire it. They put forth possible ways to make it happen. Yes – Some Include free possibilities. Some are reduced in cost because the universities are too expensive for a normal person these days. And, they look to the future, when our kids and grand kids will be adults and in charge – and will need education for whatever work or trade they pursue. Republicans say “I never got a free ride, so they should not either. Don’t make me pay for it. Schools take too much of our tax money already. ”

Abortion: A big and very different issue. The Democrats believe a woman has the right to decide, and to get good medical attention. They realize the value of mental health for women, and the real struggle for financial support for an unwanted child. The Dems keep faith beliefs separate from government mandates. They believe women are able to make up their own minds. Now the Republicans again say NO! In fact they want women to go ahead and have babies – regardless of circumstance or individual religious belief of the woman, yet they also want to complain when so many are on federal assistance, and ‘can’t get a job.’ Democrats want to provide day care, and doable ways to move forward. They want to offer women better sex education, and counseling, and birth control. They want women to choose!

Veterans: I think every single American should thank a veteran because they have done an extremely unselfish thing, and have put their own life on the line for all of us. I think we ALL want to help them when they return – emotionally and physically scarred. Education. Housing. Medical care. But, some how even this has become a dividing issue and it blows my mind. Republicans blame the Dems when there are short comings in the system. Believe me, it’s not political. I get offended when Republicans say I don’t care about Vets and our military. Not like they do! Like it’s a game to see who is the most patriotic. Accusing another American of not loving the country enough is mean. It’s negative. It’s dividing.

There are so many more issues…

Medical care for all. Small business success. Helping single parents. Living in a global world. Keeping peace around the world. Diplomacy. Subsidizing farmers. Minimum wage increases with the cost of living increases. Pandemic readiness. Environment.

All of these issues are positives for our country! And, I believe it’s one party that really wants to work on them and not say “No.” All the above issues are about taking care of each other and being aware of the needs we have at home and around the world.

Here’s the bottom line. Keep in mind that it is my unique perspective, as I said at the beginning. I look at Republicans and I see, and hear, NO as their favorite word. NO to many ways to make the country better for us all. No advancements. No equal status for all. No help to the depressed and down on their luck. No to those who were born elsewhere. No to gun safety. No to working with Allies. No to international trade. No, no no. The Republican mindset is ‘every man for himself’ and that my money is mine – so stop taking it. I did it, so can somebody else can too. There must be something wrong with them If they don’t.” Again, it’s about looking and going backwards to when people had to survive on their own because the country was new, and raw, and uncultured, and transportation and technology were just in their infancy. That’s how it worked then, so that’s how it should be now. It was “The good ole days.” Right?

I see memes about ‘when children played outside til the street lights came on’. Such wonderful times! They make me laugh. Because yes, I, this white woman of middle America, who grew up in a safe neighborhood, had that very thing. I did get to play outside without fear. My parents gave me security, and food, and shelter, and an education.

But I am smart enough to know, and have read accounts enough to know, that It was just a small slice of American life then. Others were in big city ghettos. Suffering. Scared. Hopeless. Many had only one parent around. Working two jobs. Scrapping by. Feeling forgotten. Judged and left behind by skin color.

You know, most of America’s citizens immigrated here, and it took a long time for many to fit in, and to be a real American. They even changed their names to ask in and not be noticed. They congregated in small communities with others from Germany, and Italy, and Ireland. My family is one example of that. Of course there were those who were forced to come here on ships – brought from Africa. It was not that long ago. I think we forget! We are a young country!! Yet, here we are with Republicans not wanting to allow more to come in. No! No more. Oh – and don’t you know that they are all bad people?

I know, you are saying, Marla, it’s all about the money. Yes, it always is, isn’t it? And it’s about keeping Democracy and not turning our country into the big bad word of “Socialism.” It’s about keeping MY freedom. It’s about MY rights. It’s about MY country first.

So, let me ask…

Which party REALLY wants to make the life of ME a life for everyone?? I think I know. It’s the one who looks to the future, and who says, yes, we can do better and we can continue to work for a more perfect union. We can. (Not “No.”)

It’s the Party of Positivity.

PS: IF my Republican friends have read this far, and I doubt that they have, they will say…well, you sure were mean about Trump When he ran and was president. You posted negative memes. And, yes, I did. I was extremely frustrated by his actions that were sending us backwards. I heard the negative language. I watched positive actions get reversed. I was just as frustrated and hurt by those who accepted (and applauded and supported) going backwards. They were people I knew – but I did not understand them.

Good morning – and happy Palm Sunday! Today is the day that Christians around the world remember how Jesus was celebrated By his followers as he entered the gates of Jerusalem, throwing down blankets in his path, and swaying large palm branches overhead. It was a parade and Jesus was the guest of honor.

We know that the festive mood quickly changed as the week went along (Holy Week) And the powers to be worried abut Jesus and his influence. They did not want Him to be a ‘distraction’ and they thought he would create a revolt. Little did Pontius Pilate and Herod know that Jesus was the truth, and the Word himself, incarnate, and His power was greater than all of them. He came humbly, and he knew His mission – and He knew it would not be easy.

I don’t want to get ahead of myself. We know Good Friday and Easter are coming. But, thinking about the change in people During that time, and in their inability to stay true to Jesus – it seems to be a real indictment of who we Christians are today. How easily we can be swayed. How pretty the opposition can look at times. How comfortable it is to stand on the sidelines.

Jesus told his disciples that following Him, and spreading the Word throughout the land, was not going to be easy. And it wasn’t. Travel was tiring. They lived off the goodness of people along the way. They left their families and their belongings and went into lands unsure of what would happen. But faith in God kept them going. Without the tenacity, and the assurance from Jesus, they might well have quit. Christianity would never be known – in their region and around the world. It was hard and at times the disciples were made fun of, and were not believed and they were persecuted.

Thinking of today, I see a comparison of those traveling great distance to find the goodness of people, who will bring them in and feed them. A people who have walked through dusty and hot land, and who are unsure of what lies ahead.

Jesus provided the Word, and the hope, and ultimately salvation to the disciples and to his followers. He still does. So, when we look at those at the border, or those in third world countries who live by faith, I wonder – are we the good neighbor to let them in for awhile? Are we the ones to heed the words of Jesus? Can we speak up in His name? Can we help the thirsty and hungry?

Today is Palm Sunday and we will wave our palms at church. I’m about to go to my church – and I look forward to it, and I can’t wait to sing the familiar Hosannah hymns.

The week ahead from that first Palm Sunday was horrific. And, our weeks sometimes seem the same way. Afraid. Doubting. Staying quiet. Or, denying.

Will we be strong enough to put our faith in God? When the going gets tough, and when the pain is great, can we turn to the words of Jesus and follow Him?

As you all know our country has suffered from two mass shootings in recent days. So, once again, the issue of gun safety and some sort of gun control has been on the news & opinion stations and all across social media.

It’s nothing new. It’s really become such a repetitive occurrence in the US that we do the following: We hear the news and hurt, and we cry for those lost & their families, and then we debate gun rights and ways to improve gun ownership, and then we quiet down, and nothing happens – until another mass shooting occurs again. I am very used to this cycle and I am sure you are too.

So, I am not confident anymore that there will be change. I think it’s just a thing to constantly worry about living in America. There is always a chance that a person, be they depressed or radicalized or psychologically disturbed, may start shooting – in a school, or a mall, or at a business, or even at a music concert setting. It’s just something we have to put up with living in our country.

The repeated occurrences, and the lack of change, has shown that we have accepted it. It’s the price to pay living in the land of the free. Regardless whether you are a gun enthusiast, or one who carries for protection, or enjoys hunting, you are not willing to change your lifestyle to make other people safer..

I find it interesting that so many people who live today continue to fall back on the Second Amendment about the freedom to bear a gun for use in a well regulated militia. Back when our forefathers wrote this Amendment the members of communities needed to defend themselves from the British, and from Indians, and so the right to keep a gun for protection was added on to the Constitution. It was so the town men could be their own little army. This was in the year 1791.

Now, here we are in 2021. 360 year later and people still cling to this right. It doesn’t matter that we live in a very different society, a much more populated country, and that we have modern communication and technologies. We also have gun power that our forefathers could never had imagined. War weapons available to almost anyone. And Now we have guns that can send out rounds of bullets in seconds by just one push of the trigger.

We live in a much more complicated world now, compared to back then. But, still the ownership of guns and the broad rights given has rarely been updated. Think about all the changes with automobiles, and all the advancements that have come over time. The country realized that there was a need for registration and licensing Of vehicles, and training. Then we knew we needed to retest people because physical abilities change over time. Age, eye sight, reflexes all play into proper driving skills. And, we needed better protection inside and outside the vehicles. our government required seatbelts and then airbags. Speed limits were created. Police could ticket offenders and be fined, and even put into jail.

But as all this time goes by gun owners seem to cling to their belief that they do not need to move forward with regulations, and with safer gun locks and technology that can stop others from stealing and using them. They have been fed lines from the NRA and from gun manufacturers that any change will mean taking away your gun completely. They have used scare tactics, and they have used money – above and under the table – to buy our congress men and women.

We have watched 20 young children get killed in a school. We have watched people at a movie get gunned down. We have seen two high school aged boys walk through the school and shoot up classmates and teachers. We have had innocent people shopping in the grocery store killed. We have had hard working people on their jobs taken out in a moment.

It’s America.

It doesn’t have to be this way. But not enough of us are wanting or willing to speak up, and to want change. We re-elect people who are at the mercy of the lobby money. We ignore that gun shows and 2nd hand sales happen without any penalty. We just don’t seem to care.

There are many things that I shake my head about when it comes to politics and to the leadership of our country. There are issues I do not agree with with some of my friends. But…. it is beyond me to understand how anyone could not want to save lives when it can be done by passing sensible gun laws and safety improvements. I will not give up pushing for it. I can’t. Because I live here in America and I truly worry that one day one of my daughters or my grandkids might be in the wrong school, or supermarket, or theater, or at an outdoor music concert.

Because here in America it happens. It’s how we have to live. It’s fearing when you hear a pop. It’s running in a stampede. It’s teaching children how to drill for an ‘active shooter’ and to hide in closets.

It’s become who we are.

I have not posted here for a couple of weeks because I have been busy with welcoming a new member of our family! On March 11th my daughter gave birth to her first baby, a beautiful little girl! We are all over the moon that she is here.

My daughter had a very smooth pregnancy. All nine months were as they should be. She had typical symptoms as her belly grew, with nothing out of the ordinary popping up. Everything was normal.

The due date came and went.

A week after the due date the doctor decided it was to time to induce. It seems these days it is preferred that mama and baby not go too far beyond the due date. But, this little baby did not seem to agree. Induction was slow. My daughter endured a day and a half of ‘techniques’ and a slow drip of pitosin. She was not able to eat during that time, and had an IV in for some nourishment. Finally when it was time to push and deliver the baby my daughter did ‘the hardest thing she ever did’ because her baby was stubborn. Major pushing and forceps finally brought little Madelynn Paulette into the world.

She was immediately swept away because she swallowed some mercurochrome as she arrived. There was no time for cuddling, no time for pictures taken, no Immediate joy. Just exhaustion and both parents experienced a bit of confusion and letdown. The doc and all the helpers in the room did the right thing but it was not what the new parents hoped the delivery would be.

There is more to this story, including little Madelynn spending some time in the NICU, and the need for my daughter to heal from the physical ordeal. I share the story because even though babies enter the world every single day, each one is a unique experience for the mother and father – especially the first time.

I remember learning my baby daughter was in the breech position after I had been in the hospital already for most of the day, in light labor. I had been checked by the nurses for some progress, but it wasn’t until my doctor came to see me, after his office hours were done, that he announced “that’s not a baby head I am feeling.” I quickly had an x-ray to determine that yes, my baby was ‘butt first’ and that that would never work! My doctor saw me a little after 6:00pm. After the x-ray, I was even more quickly prepped for surgery, and I had my daughter by c-section just a little after 7:00pm. This was many years ago, and it was such a surprise, and I was totally put under. Heavily sedated. I didn’t really remember anything until the next day.

Some women are lucky to deliver a baby In ‘textbook’ style. Some get a few sharp pains and then some pushes, and out comes the little one. But, I think far more have unexpected and uncertain, even fearful moments. For my daughter and husband they had to experience this during the pandemic. So, they had no in-person pre-birth classes. No ‘practice’ sessions and meeting other pregnant couples. They were not allowed to have family come to the hospital. They took the hospital tour ‘virtually.’

I have told my daughter that as time goes by, and as she and her husband care for their newborn, and they fall more and more in love with her, the birth won’t really matter. One day they will even tell about it like a ‘war story’ and laugh about it. They aren’t there yet. But one day little Madelynn will want to know how she arrived, And hear the story, and her parents will say the work, the pain, the fear, was all worth it!

What is the adage? Something like – one thing always stays the same: change. Nobody can stay in an exact moment in time. Time moves forward. Change will happen. Regardless of your desire or hope, we live in a world of clocks ticking, and of hours, days, weeks, months, and years passing along.

So, yesterday was one of those days that emphasized the passing of time. Yesterday in the early hours of the morning We lost our very loved pug Miss Honeybee, after a short life of ten years. We wish she could have stayed healthy longer and lived with us longer, but it didn’t happen. And regardless, a time would come when we would have to say goodbye to her. So, it happened yesterday. There is no doubt she gave us lots of love and laughs. She greeted us each and every time we walked in the door; she was so happy we were home. She loved to snuggle and she loved to ‘be’ with us all the time. So, her loss is great to us right now – and her memory will make us smile For a long time. Thank you to all who reached out on Facebook yesterday and acknowledged the day. So many of you are also pet owners who understand the deep loss of a pet (who was really a family member.)

Thinking of change in our lives, as I type this, we are waiting for the exciting news of a new member of our family too. My daughter and her husband are about to welcome our first grandDAUGHTER! The due date has come and gone so we are on an hour by hour ‘baby watch’ at this point. Certainly, one way or another, this new little one will be here by sometime next week. I can not wait to see her and to hold her, and to help out the new parents in any way that I can.

Change is happening with the seasons right now. Early March in the Lowcountry brings the start of spring, And with it some days of warmth and sun, and still some days with chilly nights. The daylight is lasting longer. Hurrah! The perennials are starting to pop up through the earth. Around here daffodils are blooming. My forsythia bush is yellow.. Signs of nature coming back to life after winter. I enjoy going outside each day at this time of year to watch the progress of my flowers and plants in my garden as they wake up and reach towards the sky.

There is a change in the air too. We can spend more time outdoors, and we can get out to move around more. It’s good for the body and the soul. During CoVid this seems extra important.

The change we have watched in our politics has me feeling better too. We can now spend time worrying about Mr. Potato head -instead of Mr. Orange man. We see on the news that things are happening again in our government that I personally am happy about. Better relations with our Allies. Positive action with the pandemic, and with migrants reuniting with children. More hope for all those struggling to get some financial help. Of course, it’s not all rosy. The threats of domestic terrorism, and the fear of backsliding with more positive CoVid cases is real. We must stay diligent and everyone needs to do their part to be safe – and to stay healthy.

Change includes aging. I look at the little wooden plague in my bathroom every morning that says “forget your age. Live your life.” Simple and true. But not always easy. Seeing body changes, worrying about weight, trying to do what is right to keep well – yet, knowing in the long run there will be more changes. Aging is not easy. Yet, aging allows the opportunity to keep on experiencing what life brings. It’s an important mindset to have. Looking forward to changes, and to new people in life, new ways and advances, and embracing them – instead of naysaying changes. Some people, we all know them, like to say that it used to better… and if only we could return to the past. They think life was better ‘back then’ and walk around now with a chip on their shoulder, unable to let today be a good day.

Some days, I admit, yes I’d like to be younger, a few pounds lighter, still raising my children, and having my Honeybee here. But – if I was still there, I would not be here now. And, here now is really good!

Some change comes easy – but some changes are hard to accept. But, still we must – and we must look for the good in all changes.