It’s Sunday morning and I will soon be off to church to worship God.  I go because I know that God is creator, and redeemer, and the ultimate lover of all of us. He is my forgiver and savior.   I go to church to give thanks and to be in community with other believers, all looking to live as God wants us to, which means to serve him by loving and helping each other.   Together we lift each other up.

Here’s something that has been bothering me:

Lately, I have been hearing from some people out there, Christians,  that God ‘picked’ Trump to be our president.   I heard it from a friend this past summer.  I just read it again on a Facebook post from someone else.   They believe that God specifically picked this man to win.

Now, there is a lot I do not know about God.  For sure!  I never will know  and comprehend the true power of God.  Or, I can not ‘get’ the amount of love and forgiveness that is offered to us all.  The Bible says Seven times seven.  it’s endless.  And,  I know God can make miracles happen.   I have faith that God is always here, now, with us, wanting us to live by the Law and by His grace.

But –   I truly believe that God does not get involved in our politics.  Or any other country’s politics for that matter.   Yes –  It’s my opinion.  My blog – my opinion.    But, hear me out.      I believe God has given us everything we need – through creation, through the Word, and He has given us the gift of  prayer to speak directly to Him.  We are here to tend this beautiful world He created, and to take care of each other. We are here to help those in need, to share the Word, and, yes, we have free will to make the decisions on how to do it.     Voting is free will.

I believe that there is much about Trump’s leadership and behavior as president that disappoints God.  (Keep in mind – We ALL do things that disappoint God.) I know that the Republicans believe that their ideas are what God wants, and Democrats believe their way is in line with God’s message to help others and to share all that we have.

So…   please, do not tell me that God decided that the United States ‘needed’ Donald Trump at this time. Do not tell me that God actually felt we were so lost that intervention was required.  Do not tell me that he is a ‘gift’ from God.    Because, I do not believe God works that way.    In fact, I do not believe that God is happy right now with the language and actions of our president.  I just don’t.

I do believe though that in times of division and strife, we must work harder to spread the Good News of God.  We need to act as Christians should.  We need to set an example to others, to the non-believers, the youth, and to those from other places.  So, maybe God sees the positive of this president in that way.   He is a wake-up call to us.     And, I believe that there will come a time when God will have a reckoning with Donald Trump.  Maybe not soon. Maybe not until death.

God does not pick political leaders.    We do, and we live with the consequences.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.  Your rod and your staff they comfort me.”

Today I’m going to write about something I experienced for many years, but then was reminded of this past weekend.   See, this past weekend hubby and I went to a reunion of many of the people he worked with in leadership for an ice cream company called Dreyer’s (Edy’s east of the Mississippi.) The reunion weekend was created by my hubby’s boss because after many years of working together, the company was bought out by Nestles and as often happens then, the leaders left when the new company took over.  The sale to Nestles happened about 20 years ago.  I can’t believe it has been that long.

The cool thing is tho, is that before the sale, the company was run by two men who used a business plan that cared for it’s employees – ALL of it’s employees.  In fact the ones ‘on the street’ were the most important people of the company because they had direct contact with the customers and with the store personnel.  Leadership and other employees were ‘support’ for them.  It was a philosophy that rang true in all aspects, by all who worked for the company.

There were other business philosophies stressed during those years:  hire smart, ‘ready, fire, aim,’ ownership of job, and more.   It was a way to run a business where the employee felt like it was his or her company.  It brought on a feeling of caring for all, and for striving to do the best possible for everyone.

The company became very successful very quickly.  It should not be a surprise.  The ice cream was certainly a quality product but the people behind it loved their jobs and worked honestly and hard to make everyone a part of the success.

So, this past weekend – all these many years later – some got together to continue the celebration of the experience.  They met up to see each other again and tell some great old stories.   Most are retired. Some are getting up there in years.    Some, like my hubby, are still working because they just love working in a way that reflects how Dreyer’s/Edy’s used to be.  They have carried the philosphy with them on to new businesses.

When I was younger, and the spouse, I admit that it was sometimes a bit scary to meet up with his work people.  But, with Dreyers/Edys everyone was friendly and happy.  Yes, happy!  Happy in their jobs – and the spouses were happy to support it too.

That experience was a wonderful moment in time, but it also showed how a business can run right.  Quality product, believed in by the employees, and the employees treated as important parts of this winning wheel.   Yes,  money was made during those years – but lasting friendships were too.    No hard feelings.  Direct talk.  Caring individuals from the top down OR as they prefer to say, from the bottom up.

Capitalism can work….   but not when it’s ONLY about the money.   There has to be a big emphasis on the people who make it happen.    Unfortunately too many companies do not get that.  Too many employees in America work in fear of not doing well, of making mistakes, and then losing their jobs.

The Dreyers/Edys philosphy is now being taught at Harvard Business School. Papers have been written about the way they made it happen.  The people who experienced it still talk about it, and hope to spread the belief that business and caring can go together.

I hope it wasn’t just an ‘unusual’ moment in time.  I hope wise minds see the value.   It makes sense to treat everyone within a business equally and to care about them, and their families (also stressed at Dreyer’s/Edy’s).  It’s a shift in thought but putting people first in a company, CARING about them, can be done – successfully.

 

 

I’m still waiting for someone who voted for Trump, just one person, to be brave enough to admit they made a mistake.    As the time has gone by, it is now really okay to say you didn’t think that he would be THIS crazy and THIS unstable.  You didn’t know he would be so mean every single day.  You didn’t know he would lash out all the time via tweets.    You didn’t know he would put his HUGE ego before the good of the country.  You didn’t know that his administration would advise him and not  be heard, and that many left due to frustration.   You certainly didn’t know he would purposely break the law, and do things that were against the pledge he took.  You didn’t realize he would reach out to foreign leaders to find dirt on his political opponents.     Maybe you knew he was a playboy and didn’t value marriage, but you didn’t care as long as he did ‘something good’ for you, for your paycheck, for your rights.   You were willing to overlook who he was as a businessman who took some of his companies into bankruptcy over the years, and left thousands of employees high and dry.

Maybe you really didn’t care that he said things that were bias against groups of people.   Even when campaigning his rhetoric was horrid, but perhaps you thought he would change with the prestige and the honor of the office of the presidency.     Maybe you felt he was relatable even though he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

And, maybe you never believed that he actually started the whole ‘birther’ question, about Pres. Obama, and that he purposely questioned Obama’s US citizenship to damage him.  You didn’t know that he could also turn on so many people he considered friends so quickly, and how he loved to watch TV and put down newspeople and celebrities.  And, how would you get that he was so ‘stuck’ and could not get himself beyond the comparisons to Obama – or Bush?   And, that he feels the need to hold rallies to feed his ego?   You didn’t know he would spew out false claims so often.   Every day.

So:    You know, I get that you wanted to believe in him. I get that you wanted something different in our leadership and you wanted someone who said they would put America first.   I also get that certain media sources promoted this way of thinking, and encouraged you, and even pushed you to accept him.   I also know the ‘other side’ is not innocent.   BUT…   this isn’t about the ‘other side’… it isn’t about the two parties fighting, and wanting to win no matter what.   It isn’t about the fact that Americans are so disappointed in our leaders in general, and the way we need to get back to voting in ‘statesmen’ (and women) again.

This post, and this place we are in right now, this division we have now – is about a man who knew nothing about how democracy should work and was not willing to listen to those who did. It is about a man who continues to feed his ego no matter what. He doesn’t know how to compliment another person without putting himself in it.  He will do anything to make himself look good.

My opening hope in this post is that SOMEONE who supported the election of Trump can now see with open eyes ALL (and I mean ALL) that he has said, done, hurt, divided, lied about, and put down since he became president.

You might respond that the Dems went after him — but in reality he did this to himself.   Open mouth insert foot – every day.  Tweet and tweet.  Push around his power.  Act like a dictator.  Blame others.

I have not brought up immigration, because I know some of you wanted a wall – and you really believed him when he said the Mexicans would build it.   I know some of you wanted much tighter immigration restrictions.    Okay.    I get that.     And, his backwards thinking and de-regulations for our climate –  his ignorance on the need for a clean and safe world for generations.   Maybe we disagree on that.

BUT –   We all really want businesses to pay their fair share in taxes.  We want to get rid of loopholes. We want business leaders to take care of their employees.  We want everyone to get a fair, living wage.   We want sensible medical care.  Not free.  We want to know we are ‘not taken’ by big business, including the pharms.  And yet, we want to live without too many restrictions put on us.

When you think about it, there are some REAL hopes we ALL want for ourselves, and for our families and communities.    But, please admit to me, that the guy you voted for turned out not to be the one you thought he would be.   You made a mistake.     In life we all do.    It happens.

Let’s look to the future and really consider who can come in after Trump and bring back truthfulness, and integrity, and will not get caught up in the day to day ‘soap Opera’ of our political world.  Who will rise above it? Who will work for everyone?   Who will respect the office?

I’m waiting…

 

 

Good morning! I am NOT going to start with ‘where does the time go?’.   Looking back on my recent posts I have noticed  I seem to have it as an opening, and I guess I must be obsessed with the quick passing of time.    Ha

So, here is a little something I want to talk about today, something that I have recently noticed online and with some conversations among those with varying political beliefs:  people do not like to be inconvenienced.

I had a back and forth dialogue on Facebook this morning with a long time friend about the climate change march today, specifically the one taking place in Washington DC.   His first comment was that he did not like that the march was going to block roads and how he thought it was wrong to do.   I responded that maybe it was important to think about the big picture:   That in DC all of our lawmakers are trying to get downtown, to their offices, and they too would be ‘inconvienced’ with some gridlock and detours today.   Perhaps the point was to personally effect the lawmakers because they seem to be pretty good at ignoring constituents and hearing their concerns.

In the United States we ALL have the right to apply for a permit to peacefully march.   We have the right to free speech.  We have a country that not only accepts differing opinions but gets better because of it.    Right now, we have gridlock  in Washington DC – and it’s not just on the roads!   it’s frustrating.

As my Facebook conversation went along with my friend another person jumped in, and he was quick to blame the liberals.   He has the right to speak his mind.   And I have my right to disagree. Yes, I put some blame on Trump fueling a lot of negativity.  I also tried to suggest that BOTH sides have some mean spirited dialog at times and that the blaming game gets old.

I noticed with my friend, and with the other guy too, and really with many that I see post about political disagreements, that there seems to be a very low level of patience, and of empathy for others.  There seems to be a sense of not wanting to be inconvenienced by anything.  If they are, then it’s wrong.

It’s the micro-view of how something effects just “me”.

Now, I get we that are all ego-sentric and we want to go about our business each day with as little stress as possible.  Life in general is tough.   It’s easy to get negative – and jaded.

Politically, we are ALL jaded.  Both sides feel it.  We feel used, and unheard, and think our tax money is not well spent.   Both sides of the political spectrum feel that we have not been heard properly.

So, at times like this people become more active – and they want to march, to rally, to speak out against what is so troubling.   In the 60’s there were sit-ins, and college rallies, when the Vietnam war became so divisive.   The young reacted – and the old establishment fought it.      How quickly we forget?   Those young people are now the older generation.

I admit I have participated in a couple of walks, and marches.  And, I hope to keep using myself to work on change, and justice, and a better country.   I REALLY, REALLY wanted to be a part of the Women’s March that happened around our country the day after the Trump election.

I respect those who take the time out of their day, to be inconvenienced, to say something important.  I respect those who put themselves out there for the betterment of our country for everyone.  I want to consider the big picture and not the one day annoyance.

 

 

 

 

Happy Wednesday.  Happy hump day!

How’s your September going?  Can you believe how FAST it is going by?   I can’t.   I’m definitely feeling the clock ticking right now because I have a deadline to meet.  See, we got a contract on our Pawleys Plantation home – which is wonderful -but I now have a whole house of ‘stuff’ to clean out by October 24th.     Do you need a bedroom set?  I have two that are very nice, and in great shape, but I have no place for them at the riva home.   So, if you are interested, please let me know.  You can have them for free – BUT you have to come and get them.

Hubby and I will be happy to only have one home to tend to, pay on, etc.   The PP  house is costing some unexpected money right now because we had an inspection done and moisture was found underneath, in the crawl space area.  So, we have had all the old damp insulation pulled out from under there.  New insulation is going in, and the area will be encapsulated, and then a dehumidifier will be installed.   The new owner will get a very nice DRY area!!!

I’m definitely settling in to riva life. I’m enjoying the calmness, and the views.  Sunsets are beautiful from our dock!       It took me about 40 minutes to drive home from band rehearsal last night, which is a bit long, but it’s worth it.  I got home around 9:20pm.   It’s my latest night of the week.

We have ‘stage 2’ work starting at the riva: a new large Carolina-style room.  It will have lots of windows facing the river. We plan to put our big table in there because we picture lots of long, leisurely dinners there.   The piano will go in there also.

Random question:   What is with the Brady Bunch revival ?   It seems every where I turn on media there is something about them, the kids all grown up.  The house has been renovated.   I loved the show when I was a kid….but it’s overkill.    I think they are really milking the whole thing.   “Greg Brady” was even at the CMA Festival this past summer.    What?!??

Yesterday morning a friend and I went to see Mayor Pete Butigieg speak. He (and most of the Democratic candidates) are traveling about our state because SC is an early primary state.    For awhile now I have been impressed with Mayor Pete so I wanted to go listen to him in person, and to give my support for his race.  The polls don’t give him much of a chance but I learned from our last election not to trust polls!   The news people seem to be focusing on Biden and Warren. And Bernie.  Oh  Bernie – he never gives up.  He’s old, and seems angry all the time.  I believe Biden is also too old. I’m tired of old, white guys….   ha.  So, I’m supporting a YOUNG white guy.  But, it’s mostly because Mayor Pete (Boot Edge Edge) is very smart, speaks well, speaks and thinks about ALL people. He does not lash out. He keeps ‘in control’.  Of course I like and agree with his vision of where our country should head. I also align with his social beliefs.    So… here is my plea:   It’s to young people.   You must vote!!  You CAN make a difference!  You can get rid of the old, game playing, politicians that have been there too long.  You can be the change!!   Don’t leave the presidential election to senior citizens – and to the ‘crazies’  (you know who I mean.)   Yes, it take a bit of work – to get registered to vote.  And, yes, then you have to show up at a poll and VOTE.  Do it.   We need  you!!!

By the way, my sayings this year continue to keep me going.   They are “Don’t live in fear.”   And ”Just do it.”    Do you have a mantra?  Do you have a ‘go to’ line when you are feeling unsure?     I’d love to hear what you say in your head to move forward.

Change of topic.

When was the last time you went to a movie theatre?     What did you see?    Riva life has me living really far from any cinema.   Plus with Netflix, and all the other on-line options available,  movie viewing  takes place at home.   So, is there a movie you came upon recently  that you would recommend seeing?

I’d like to give a few ‘shout outs’ to some people that I admire.  I have a couple of church friends who are dealing with extreme pain of losing young loved ones.   One family is dealing with a son’s suicide, and one is dealing with a daughter gone to bone cancer.    Both families are such role models on how to put one step in front of another, and how to still “live” even when grief is so heavy.   The families have strong faith and know that God is taking care of their loved ones.  They put their hope there.

By the way, God is LOVE – and God is an equal opportunity lover.  God loves everyone on this great big planet.   Individually.   It’s hard to comprehend.  But, God created mankind – and it was good.   God did not make mistakes.  So, keep that in mind when you hear about people different than you.   And remember God  mandates that we love our neighbor as ourselves.  We are to help them when in need, when hurting, when they are living in another country,  when speaking other languages.  It’s not us against them. It’s not God loves America BUT not other places.

Time for me to get a move on.  See you back here soon.

Thanks for listening (reading.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We all have our stories on where we were when we heard about the planes hitting the World Trade Center, and the plane going into the Pentagon building, and another one downed into a field in Pennsylvania.   On THIS DAY we tend to want to talk about it and remember how frightened we all were.  How unbelievable that such a horrible attack happened here in the United States!   It was a day no one who lived through it will ever forget.

Live television coverage brought it into our homes.  We ‘lived’ it as it happened.   We saw the horror in living color.  There was panic and fear – followed by immense sadness.  Then there was a rise of patriotism and many who felt so helpless decided to join the military.

For this generation it was a wake up call.

Each year now when this day comes around I feel very conflicted.   Obviously I remember all those innocent people who died and the bravery of the first responders. I lived in New Jersey at the time so I was close by, and I saw the lingering smoke from NYC for days. I saw signs posted on fire stations of loved ones looking for the missing.   I read obituary after obituary in our state newspaper.

But I also think about how in this world, all over this world, hatred brings unthinkable grief to people every.single.day.   War is going on somewhere on THIS DAY.    On this day – and it will happen tomorrow, and the next day.   We live in a really sinful world.   Everywhere on this earth there are bad people, doing bad things.  Every day innocent people are shot and killed.  They are parents’ children.  Or grandchildren.  They are someone’s loved ones.     War.  Terrorism.  Mass shootings.  Driveby shootings.   Every day.

On THIS particular DAY 18 years ago it was a group who planned, trained, and accomplished an unthinkable act.   We as a country felt the pain – the same pain that some feel every day when hate rears its ugly head.   Throughout history we can point to time and time again of it.   Most recently though it has been done by domestic terrorists who shoot innocent people in public places.   Mass shootings.

I know it’s certainly right to acknowledge THIS DAY and to thank the first responders and to comfort the families.  To remember the innocent who died.   I know it’s okay to enjoy a bit of patriotism today.   But I admit my heart is torn over it.      I read a post earlier this morning from a mom who may have said it right:  life is uncertain and none of us know what the day will bring, so hug your kids as you send them off to school.   Do something good and helpful.  Always remember that THIS DAY is what you’ve got.

 

Hi everyone!

I have a little time for this and that…

First, just a friendly reminder that Congress is back in DC.  Are they ready to work?   We shall see.   But, for my friends who think we need better gun control and gun safety, this is the time to put pressure on our reps.   Don’t stop pushing.   Another mass shooting might happen anytime, and we need to be vigilant on ways to make our country safer – in the streets, in schools, in any public place.   The answer is NOT more guns.

I’ve read some pretty good books lately.   Go to Goodreads.com and see my latest list.  I try to post the titles on my ‘bookshelf’.   I’m so happy to be in two book clubs that keep me reading books I would not normally pick up on my own.     And, I am lucky to have friends who share their book suggestions.

My move is officially done – for now.  Everything I ‘need’ to live at the riva has been moved there, and I am now making it my full time home.  Until we get a contract all the furniture will stay at the Pawleys Plantation place.    So, this week is my first week of ‘commuting’ from the riva up to Pawleys Island and Murrells Inlet.   When I leave each day I need to make sure I have what I need for the whole day – and put it in my car.     Today I am meeting the termite and pest inspector at the Pawleys Plantation house, and then  later today I have a PI Band rehearsal.   In between I will run errands, and maybe stop and get a cup of coffee and read to fill the time.

The dogs are adjusting to the move.   They love to spend time up in the garage annex/office while hubby works.  They also love the big yard.   Both get a little winded going up and down the dock, especially in the heat of the day.   I still have a kitty to move.  She lives outside so I’m not sure how or when to do it, and in the meantime I stop by every day and feed her.

The sunsets on the riva have been awesome each evening!  For those who are my Facebook friends, you have seen some of the pics I have posted.  I will try not to overdo it online but the sky is so beautiful I just like to share it!

Serious thought:  I sometimes can’t believe how some people go to the ‘bad’ and the negative of a situation.  I don’t need to explain the particulars, but I feel sad how it happens and how judging comes too easily.   Not knowing a whole story.

Speaking of…    how will we ever get through the coming months of the presidential campaign?  You know:     It’s gonna get worse for sure.  It’s going to get mean.  Lies will fly.  People will judge.      Hey – I’m not saying I won’t too.  It’s REALLY hard to watch, and to hear, all the craziness and not get caught up in it all.     Can we TRY and be civil?    Lord help us.

At this point in the campaign I am still a big fan of Mayor Pete.  I will continue to watch the debates, and read what I can about the platforms of the candidates. I will also consider who I feel will be the best leader, negotiator, unifier, and who will help us become more caring about each other.  We need a smart president and we also need a leader with integrity.     I’m ready for that change!

The cutest grandsons ever update:  I got to spend a few days with them twice recently.  Once was planned.  Once was to escape Dorian.  The boys are almost 23 months old now!!  How can that be?    Things they love to do now:   Go up and  down the stairs (much to the concern of mama and mimi), they love watching Paw Patrol, Sesame Street, and Daniel Tiger.   They want to walk everywhere!  No more being held.  But they are still learning to hold a grown ups hand.   They giggle at each other.  They wrestle with each other.   They still go to bed at night easily (kudos to their mama and daddy who trained them well) and they sleep all night.   They love Library Story Time and seeing  little friends there – and the songs!!   They sing and do the movements. It is the most adorable thing to watch!!   “Uh oh” is a favorite thing to say.  One talks his own little language almost non-stop.   He really is saying something… in sentences.  We just don’t have a clue what it is.   They both have some B words down pretty well:  bubbles, balls, Boo (as in Baboo).

Hubby and I have been going through some usual and annoying aches and pains that happen in our years.   I said in an earlier post that he was struggling with a nagging back.   Then with the clean up from Dorian we both ‘pushed’ a bit too much and now black back belts have become our fashion statement.    I got a few little red ant bites – or poison ivy too.  Not sure which one. Both look the same and are itchy.  I also got a bite near my eye and woke  up one morning with it all puffy – and effecting my vision.  That was attractive.  Not.    Ha.    I am learning every day that this part of life is not about the physical attributes.   It really won’t be ever again.   So, I might as well concentrate on my brain, and my soul.     I hear the snickers now…   my brain!   Well, I’m trying to keep it working – reading, writing, doing crosswords.   In the end tho it’s the soul that stays – and continues on.    I continue to work on it too.

Moving to the riva is good for my soul.

My hubby, daughters, SILs, and grandboys are good for my soul.

Music is good for my soul.

Helping is good for my soul.

Quiet is good for my soul.

Faith is good for my soul.

 

 

I hope you find and do things good for your soul.

Happy Tuesday to you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh, hurricane season, why do you come in during such a beautiful month?   September is peak time for hurricane activity around these parts, but when one is not hanging around, this time of year is beautiful.   The afternoons are still quite warm but you can feel a touch of fall coming in the mornings and evenings.    School has started and most of the tourists are gone.    Beaches are not crowded – and they are very soothing.   River life and dock sitting is pleasant and the sunsets are awe inspiring.

But…     Dorian didn’t care.  He decided to bring us tension for a week, as he changed his mind about where to go and when to get there.   I’m glad Florida didn’t feel his effects but I was not happy about his trip up the east coast towards us.  (No, Dorian was never heading to Alabama.)  We decided we better ‘hunker down’ a bit so we brought in a lot of stuff, and what we couldn’t carry and move in, we tied down.   We also took our boat off the lift, and trailered it to our property.

We got lots of rain and some strong wind but thankfully we did not have nearly the damage that Matthew brought us three years ago.   Large limbs came down, and we lost our mailbox.  But, mostly we had tons of ‘debris’ (leaves, small branches, Spanish moss) all over the yards.    Clean up is ‘back breaking’ work. Up, down, up, down. Over and over again.  Pick it all up, bag it, drag it.  I have been doing yard work for three days now.   Today I will take a break but it’s not complete yet.

So, let me say  – I’m done with all of this for the year.  One major storm is enough.      Do you hear that hurricanes starting with the letter E…. and F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, and Z ???     No more please.

Bye bye Dorian.

 

 

 

 

Good morning.   Here are a few thoughts bouncing around in my brain this morning.

•  I have the start of a summer cold – again.   I felt it coming on yesterday with a sore throat and sweats/chills.   I had the same thing happen a few weeks ago.   I’m not happy about it.
• I have a busy week ahead!  No time for this cold!   I made the decision this past Friday to ‘make the move’ and so we have contacted our realtor and pictures of our house will be taken today.   The Pawleys Plantation house will go on the market by this coming weekend.    Why now?   I got tired of thinking about the future move – and I spent too much time worrying about how it would go, when it would happen, how I would handle it.  My new motto: “Just do it!”  (Thank you Nike.)
•  Those northerners who don’t want to face another cold and snowy winter, I have a house for you!! Ha       The timing is right to make a move before a bad winter sets in.
• Our Moonlight will make the move too.   She used up one of her nine lives this past week.  We were out walking our pugs at night, and as she often does, Moonlight walked along with us.  She is normally very good about hearing a car and running out of the way, but this time she ran the wrong way.   She went UNDER the car!!!  We heard a thump – but she ran out the other side and into the darkness of our neighbor’s yard and bushes.   The driver of the car stopped (a neighbor from up the street), concerned, and feeling very badly.   We got flashlights and searched, but could not find Moonlight.   We were not sure if she was badly hurt, or in shock, or perhaps dying.     Here’s the happy ending to the story:   About 2  hours later I went outside to look for her again, and she was sitting up under hubby’s truck,  looking normal!!!   The following morning she was on our front porch as she always is, waiting for her food.  I watched as she ate, and then as she walked away – without any sign of  injury.    Close call for Moonlight!  And…  she came out of it unscathed!
• With the upcoming move, and with a lot of my activities starting up again, I pray that hurricanes stay away!!   Yes, tis the season.   It’s another reason I’m never happy to see the end of summer.   The next months bring weather concerns, stress about holidays, and the end of long hours of daylight.
• It brings football and I like that!   I will still root for the South Carolina Gamecocks although this upcoming season looks pretty bleak.  It’s a really tough schedule – they play the #1, #2, and #3 teams in the country.    It doesn’t seem fair but the SEC is always strong – and we always play Clemson. It is what it is.     I also enjoy watching professional football  but I don’t have a love of one team. I root for the Panthers because they are the “Carolinas” team.  I root for the Patriots because my son-in-law is a huge fan.  I just saw this morning that Andrew Luck announced his retirement from the game. He has had injury after injury – and his own fans booed him when he stood on the sidelines the other night, unable to play, in pain, trying to heal.   I don’t blame Luck for saying it’s enough.   There is no doubt that the game beats a player up physically, but it is also a big mental game.  And as we know – It’s also BIG money.   So, Andrew  Luck is walking away from some future money, but I appreciate that it’s not his first concern.
• Which leads me to my political part of this post!   I continue to  listen to the Democratic candidates as they run against each other, hoping to win the right to run against Trump.  My favorite continues to be Mayor Pete.  He is one smart man. He is methodical in his thinking, he makes sense, and is compassionate at the same time.  He doesn’t yell.   He doesn’t tweet.  He doesn’t belittle others.   He knows what it is like to be considered ‘different’ and to live your real life.  I know that much of America thinks we are not ready for a gay man as president, but these people are the same ones who said we were not ready for an African American president.   I actually see similarities between them.  Both are from the mid-west. Both have worked in local politics and have been in the ‘trenches’ of the problems in our towns and cities.   They did not come from lofty positions, or from big money.      I hear a lot from well meaning people that say we need to get behind Biden to beat Trump.  I just can’t do it.  Although I think Biden is a good man, and he certainly has the experience, and – well, he would be better than Trump in every single way…that is true. But, I feel it is time for someone fresh and exciting.  Our young voters need a young candidate who gets them.   If we want those in their 20s and 30s to care about this election we need someone they can relate too.  Part of the reason they don’t vote is because they see all those old white men – forever politicians – who do not relate to their world.
• By the way, if you are still a Trump supporter, then I pray you come around before the general election.  Seriously, I pray that you put others before yourself. I pray that you ‘see the light’ and know that words hurt.  Words can lead to action – bad actions.  Our leaders have power in their words.   I have heard all the reasons why you have stuck with him, but I will never accept that your reasons to excuse his words, and his hurt, and his lack of morals.
• Here’s a big switch in topic:   I miss my grandboys!!!   I can’t wait to see them this coming weekend. It’s Labor Day weekend so hubby and I are taking advantage of it and are heading up to see the Boys – oh, and their parents.    I’m so excited – and know that the work of this week will be followed by the payoff of the joy of spending time with the adorable ‘almost 2’ year olds!    Can you see the smile on my face??

So, I will end this now and get the work of the week started.  I hope all of you who stop and read my little blog here have a great week!      Til next time!

 

I’m sitting here this morning, checking out Facebook, and thinking about what is on my schedule today.

On Facebook I read a question from radio host Bobby Bones asking listeners what they think about this situation:  Radio Amy picked her son up from a Sunday School class this past Sunday morning and her son was playing a video game where he shoots people.  The class had ended but there was a video game set up in the room.  Bobby asked if Amy had the right to be disturbed by it.   I answered it online – from my heart – and I said I felt we had an atmosphere in our country right now about guns that I think needs to change. That we need to intentionally make sure we do not glorify gun use.  I felt a video game  that shoots people has no place in a church.    Well you can guess – I immediately had about 6 or 7 people respond back to me. They said the usual answers: “ I teach my children how to care for guns”. “ I love to play violent video games but it does not make me violent”.  “Who are you to tell me what to do with my guns?” ”Class was over – let kids play.”    I immediately felt attacked, and really, it is nothing new.  I put myself out there and speak things people don’t always want to hear.  And, I get it:   Due to everything happening daily in our country (the mass shootings, accidental shootings, suicides, spousal threats), gun owners feel threatened and are very afraid that their guns will be taken away.

Today I am going to participate in a local march/walk happening at noon to support the need for gun reform in our country.   The march is happening one day before the new school year starts.   A local high school student (yes a student!!)  has organized the event because she is afraid of guns in her school, and in her community.   Wow!  I am really proud of this young person for stepping forward and doing something!   I applause her and I will support her.     I hope there will be a good turnout – but I am a bit doubtful that there will be.   But, small numbers are better than no numbers.

Yesterday, in my church Quilting group, I mentioned the march happening today – and that I was going to participate.   I said that if anyone wanted to join me…. I would love it.   Crickets.   Nobody said anything.  The subject quickly dropped.   Okay, the quilters are older ladies, and in their defense they are ‘doers’ because they meet each week and put together quilt and blankets for the needy.

So, here is why I am posting this morning:   We need more activism!    Not just about the gun issue (but it is an important issue)  – but about EVERYTHING!   What are we afraid of? Why do people stay quiet, and stay afraid to express themselves?   How come we allow injustices to happen and we don’t speak out?

I gotta say, it really frustrates me!    Maybe I just don’t have as much self control as some people.  Maybe that is it.   I use blogging to speak out – and I use my voice when I can.  I am all for showing up at a march!  I will have a sign in my hand!

Sometimes I just have to DO SOMETHING!

Activism is not a dirty word.  It doesn’t cost anything.  It means I care. It means I don’t want the ‘status quo’ to be acceptable. It means people in power need to know that they have a responsibility.    I want to make life better – for me and others, people I know and love AND strangers.    I feel I have been put on this earth to make a difference.    I want a safe, peaceful life for me – and for others.   I want everyone to have equal opportunities.

So…

I will act.   I will act respectfully.  I will speak out tho.

I will be an activist.

Come join me!!