Today is my sister’s birthday.  My one and only sister.  It seems like the perfect day to post a little something about her – and I think I do best with words on the page (or screen as it is) so here is a little tribute…

Yes, she is my older sister. 5 years older. (Sorry I had to say it! Ha)    She was first to come along. My brother came next – and then me.

Growing up she and I shared a room for a long time.  (She will have to tell me where we started to share – was it in Rockville? I would think so but I don’t remember the room.)  We got a large enough room when we moved to Cleveland Heights that we each had ‘a side’…. she got HER side; I got MINE.     Remember she is five years older than me,  and I know she was not happy about having her little sister in the same room.  With that age gap she was always in a different school, and had different friends, and was into the Beatles (big time!) and really ‘put up’ with my being around…. and gritting and grinding my teeth at night.  I know that drove her crazy!?!

It wasn’t til she was in high school that she finally got her own room.   (I got one too.)  I know she must have been thrilled – a room all her own!  I remember she got to pick out how she wanted it decorated – in blue and white.  Blue is still her favorite color.  She got the little back porch off her bedroom too.  I thought that was cool.

In high school she played clarinet and was in her school’s jazz and marching band.  I went to her concerts – and got to go to the football games.   She and I had taken piano lessons when we were younger and she took some organ lessons for a bit too.  Music was part of our growing up.  I thank my parents for that every day!

Then off to college she went.  We had recently moved again and she had a tiny bed  room in the new house – but she wasn’t there much, only for a few vacations from school. She left college for love – and moved back to Cleveland to be near her eventual hubby.  No lie – it was a mixed move.  She was happy to be near him, but it was a tough family situation. Even as her little sister I knew about some drama.  But, she took a job at a bank and made her life there.

I was a senior in high school when my sis got married.   I was in the wedding.   (My bridesmaid’s dress?  Blue of course.)  A March wedding in Ohio – with snow on the ground – and if I remember right it was a cold mix of rain and snow  that fell that day.  Thinking back it was probably one of the first weddings I had ever been to – and certainly the first one I was in.   I was living in another state and off to college a few months later.   Yes – I was in my own world.    When you are young those five years is a big gap.

Sister married and eventually had an adorable baby girl. (I became an aunt!!)  Blonde with curls!  Cute, cute, cute – and smart.   My sister & hubby raised her mostly in one house, in one school district.  She was a working mom – and a very dedicated mom.  They lived in a great place to raise a kid!

But…   My sister went through some struggles for sure.  Life hasn’t always been rosy and when she was only 52 she lost her husband to congestive heart disease.   That’s a  pretty young age to become a widow.   During this time (I guess it was before) our parents moved close by and they were there as support for her… which turned out to be a “mutual” connection as our mom was also struggling with Parkinson’s.   Why do bad things happen to good people?  It’s hard to watch.  It effects everyone.  It was a tough time..

When my mother passed –  and as the years have passed along now,  my sister has become my dad’s friend, support, care giver, medical laison, driver, pet sitter, and more.  This little sister (me) watches from afar – and knows the amount of time and  heart that goes into it.   I took a different path a long, long time ago and left the state, and left much ‘work’ in her hands.   There is good and bad about it for sure.  I’ve lost the connection and I’ve missed out on all the daily events.  All the little things.   I don’t experience many family events and I also don’t hear about them, but I don’t experience the down times either.

So….         My sister, on this birthday, should know that her selfless giving has not gone unnoticed.  I celebrate her for being ‘there’ and for being the eldest with all the  duties that go along with it.    Her dad, her brother & family, and the good friends she has have filled her life….  and her music brings her joy!  (Again, thanks Mom & Dad.)      This ‘baby’ sister and family, who are far away, are truly thankful for EVERYTHING that she does!

I once mentioned to her not too many years ago that you never lose your ‘birth order’ relationship in  family, and some childhood parts never seem to go away.  I’m a grown (middle aged) woman now but I still feel like that dopey little sister of the family.  I often feel I say things wrong…   or am misinterpreted.    I think it is one of the reasons writing and blogging has become important to me.  I can say it here.    So, I say it now…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sister – and thank you for being You!  I love you!

Good morning!  It’s a typical August morning here, the start of another warm day in the lowcountry, and our power went out about an hour ago.   There isn’t a storm around, and I didn’t hear sirens close by due to a car accident,  the power just went out – and it is very quiet – no AC on, no fridge buzzing.  I hear birds singing, neighbor dogs barking, and my own dogs snoring on the couch by me.   So, it’s the perfect time to do a bit of musing.

We are getting to the mid point of the month and I have seen on Facebook that some kids are heading back to school already.  Our local schools start up next week.   It just always seems too early to me when schools open their doors in August. I grew up with the week of Labor Day in September as when we all went back.   Labor Day weekend was the official last weekend/holiday of the summer.

As schools start back, the gun violence and mass shootings are in my thoughts. I have seen on tv that bulletproof backpacks are a popular seller and I really don’t blame parents for wanting to do anything they can do to protect their kids.  Unfortunately, schools have banned backpacks to be carried class to class, so they will sit in cloakrooms or lockers, and they may not be as ‘protective’ as they could be.   How about bulletproof vests for students??   I say that half joking, but half serious. It’s such a crazy and sad time in our country where we worry about the safety of our children in schools, because gun use, especially high caliber automatic weapons, is a ‘freedom’ that overrides anything else.

Lately I have been thinking about my youth.  The other day I was driving home here  and I had a flashback to when I was driving ‘home’ to my first apartment, as a young adult.   A feeling came over me of how wonderful that felt back then, to have my own place and my own car.   I had a full time job in radio that I loved, and I was self-sufficient.   I was right out of college and ‘making it.’  I had good friends, and a local hangout, and I enjoyed that whole time in my life.    Sometimes when I think back on it it seems like yesterday, but then I think about everything I have done and experienced since then, all the years of ‘wonder’ I have had – and it does seem like a long time ago.   I was a person not knowing what laid ahead, but I wasn’t worried.   I don’t think I ever seriously worried about my future.   Blindly going along has it’s advantages!  Ha!

I have ‘friended’ on Facebook a whole group of people from my small town high school.   The 45th year reunion for my class (class of ‘74)  was just held and I saw pictures of the ‘kids’ I knew back then.   In a group shot I was able to pick out a few immediately – they still had the same look.  Some though I could not identify and had to look at their names – to put the face with it.   There is an active core group in the class and they still live in the town.   Some have never left.

I admit, yes, I have done a bit of ‘creeping’ and snooping on Facebook – and looked on their personal pages to see ‘how they turned out.’   Married?  kids and now grandkids?   Jobs?     It’s interesting to see how those ‘kids’ turned out.  And, thankfully, I can say I saw many happy stories.

Power back on!  Yay!      But I will keep musing for a few minutes…

Back to my younger days:  I have also recently been thinking about places I have lived.   The high school class I mentioned above keeps me on their list and I am happy about it, because I didn’t graduate with them.   My dad, a pastor, accepted a call to a new church, in a new state, right before my senior year of high school.    Sounds like a pretty rotten thing to do, right?    Perhaps.  But I don’t think I was ever upset about the timing of the move.   I accepted change and I wasn’t largely afraid of new experiences.   I guess that was a ‘heads up’ to my personality and then how my life as an adult would go.      Since then I have moved many times. I have lived on the East coast and the West coast.  I once lived in a ‘spot’ (you can’t even call it a town) out in the wilds of very rural California.  One day I looked out my front door and saw wild horses run by!  The ‘spot’ had a crossroads intersection with the post office and one little grocery store. I looked one direction and saw the mountains. The other way were the ‘golden’ (dry) hot hills.    I have also lived in suburbia with everything near by.  Stores galore. Fast food and good restaurants.  I have lived in northern areas, and southern traditional areas.  I have lived in neighborhoods with lots of kids, and a few that were gated.     Only once do I remember being less than thrilled about moving. My hubby accepted a new job in Northern New Jersey.    Ok – my NJ friends, don’t kill me. It was when we had two young daughters, just starting school, and we went from a large family neighborhood, with a new elementary school in it.  A neighborhood pool, and sidewalks everywhere.   We had lots of little friends for the girls, and I had some good lady friends. It was an active group with many get-togethers.    Moving to NJ was tough.   But, we did find a place with great schools, and we were only a one hour drive time into downtown Manhattan and all it had to offer!    It took me 3 years to get used to the area – if I ever did.   That’s debateable!

I do not regret any of the moves.  The NJ town turned out to be a great place for our daughters to grow up.  They have wonderful memories from there.  They got to see so many Broadway shows.  They both were in music programs in the schools.   So, no regrets.

The many moves, and the opportunities through hubby’s work to do some traveling,  has left me with NO desire to ‘see the world.’    As I said before, I accepted moves easily, and I went with whatever came our way.   I enjoyed learning about new places and sightseeing all of the local landmarks.   I am grateful for getting to do that, but now I am content.  I like where I am.

I think I have digressed from my ‘school days’ topic and the power is back on.

But, I’m going to finish this up by saying I have loved how my life has ‘meandered’ (side note – that is one of my favorite words!  To meander is to move along or flow in a gentle way.  How lovely is that?!!)  and I did not know back in my school days where I would go.

I think of the students today who are learning, stretching, dealing with society’s issues, and I hope they can find their way – or, better yet,  ACCEPT their way.  Enjoy their way!  Make the best of their school days!!

 

 

 

My heart breaks for the families who lost their loved ones on Saturday in the two mass shootings here in our country.  So many, many people will never be the same.  The families of the dead,  but also those who were injured, and those who experienced the shootings, seeing the damage, all will forever be changed.

It was another terrible day in America.

As we have now gotten used to, the talk on TV quickly went to the reasons why mass shootings have increased here.   There is never just one reason.   We have heard them:  unstable young men – some connected with white supremacy groups,  the availability to purchase high power automatic weapons, watching violent movies and playing video games, and the lack of love and God in lives.

The politicians have used the tragedies to speak out on issues.  I get it.  We are in the too-long campaign season and all those running want to say something.  And, really, I’m glad they do speak out….  because I want McConnell to bring gun reform bills to the house for a vote.  He has too much power and it frustrates me along with many others that he sits on bills.

Yesterday I got caught up on a long thread on Facebook started by a friend, who was upset about one of the politicians.   He posted something about Beto O’Rourke which I had not seen.  Some comments from friends got really nasty. Oh the words they used!   I asked what it was because I didn’t know, and found out that our president had tweeted that O’Rourke made up his first name and that he was not Hispanic but was trying to be for political reasons. (Hmmm. Remember the whole Obama birth certificate lie?)   I, perhaps foolishly, got involved in the conversation and quickly realized that I was the only one on the thread who did not support our president. Comments started to be directed at me.    I was called crazy.

This morning I saw another post – something about someone smiling during this time of grief.  I’m afraid to ask online – who?  When?  It’s from the same group so I’m guessing it was a Democrat.   But, what is interesting to me is this:  I watch the news and I had not heard about O’Rourke, or about the inappropriate smile.   So, I guess these both came directly from our president’s tweets or from the other mouthpiece called Fox News.

Why do I tell you this?   It is scary to me how the media sources sway their viewers.  It’s obvious that Fox does it.  It’s common knowledge.  I have watched them – and I hear the sometimes subtle language used to encourage a way of thinking. Sometimes it is NOT subtle!    I hear it on CNN now too – and I see it in body language and facial expressions of the reporters.    The late night shows call it out all the time.

It continues to get worse and worse each day.    I think it’s obvious.  Everyday it amazes me.    Yet, not everyone sees it.

During this time of mourning it disappoints me how this is going on.  Words matter.   We should be united in wanting change for our country that will stop so many mass shootings. Can’t we agree on that?     We need to have discussions, and we need to have Congress take action.    Regardless of what network you watch we should all want a safer country.  Right?

So – The meanness needs to stop.  Lies need to stop.  Lashing out at those with differing opinions needs to stop.    Words matter.

The media needs to stop showing our president’s tweets as ‘news’.  Especially those that are just mean spirited jabs at opponents. He does it because it gets attention.     His words, written in tweets or said, are to incite division.  Do you see it?   The news sources need to report facts.  The other hours on networks need to clearly identify opinion hours as such.   Words sway.

We as viewers and citizens have to purposely watch our language. Words matter.  There is so much nastiness out there.  I remember at the beginning of this year saying that ‘fear’ will be the word of the year… that putting fear into people is a form of power over them.  Look around.  It is happening.  We are fearful of people who do not look like us, and we are fearful of people who don’t think like us.  We have been told to fear change and we fear we are not great anymore.   We fear our rights will be taken away.  We fear nobody cares for us personally.   We fear our money will go to others.

I don’t know, but don’t you think there is a connection between all this fear and the rise in mass shootings?

As I said at the beginning of this muse, my heart breaks for those experiencing the pain brought on by the mass shootings.  But we are all touched by it.  We all need to do something about it.   Perhaps start with watching our words.   Words matter.  What we say…. and what we read.  What we hear – from our president on down to our friends.   What we hear from young men speaking of violence.  What we read online.  What we pray for each day.

Our words should speak of hope, of goodness, of unity, of equality.

I get frustrated with what I hear and read.  I get worried like others do.  Because I know so well that…

Words matter.

We need to be purposeful about our words.

 

 

 

  

 

Hello my musing readers.

I hope you are enjoying mid-summer and making the most of the warm weather and vacation time.

I just returned from our annual vacation week at Lakeside, Ohio. I have written about it at various times in the past, and if you read this site from time to time, you know… I wrote about the trip right before heading up north to the Buckeye state.  And…     just so you know, the talk of politics and our president stayed away the whole time.  Thank goodness.   The week was definitely focused on the four boys of the family  (my grandsons and my great nephews) and it was fun to see them all have such a good time together!   Lakeside is a wonderful place for children and young people!  (And old people too.)  It has so much to offer for them in a pretty safe environment… a splash park, some playgrounds, a pool, a basketball court, and places to get ice cream.   It is a Chautauqua town, a seasonal place designed to offer opportunities to learn, to worship, to rest and renew.

So… the 8 days on vacation with my little grandsons confirmed it: there is nothing better in the world than being with grands!!  I totally loved the time – although I was worn out by the end of the trip.  The first day home was nice, to sleep in, to relax, etc.  but then I found I very quickly missed them!!   The boys are 20 months old now and are at such an adorable stage!  And…   There is nothing better than receiving their hugs! I love to watch them learn new things – and to say new things.  To get excited about accomplishing something.  I love to watch them interact with each other.  To giggle.  To clap (there’s a lot of clapping.)     Every day is an adventure with TWO toddlers!

Also, it continues to make me happy to see my daughter be such a great mom to her twins. It’s such hard work – but it’s worth it and she loves them so much – and it shows.  I’m  proud of her.

I’m back home for a few days and then I am off to visit my other daughter and her hubby on Friday.  One of her good girlfriends is getting married soon (daughter is in the bridal party) and Saturday is the bridal shower.  I have been invited and am looking forward to attending!  One reason is I will see a dear friend from my Frederick, Maryland days.  She and I were neighbors and we both had 2 kids, same ages.   They all became fast friends, and they played together all the time.   It was a wonderful moment in time.  And, as life often surprises us, my mom friend from Maryland is also a friend of the bride’s family.   She will be at the shower.     It really is a small world!

My daughter’s new husband is having a spot on the back of his neck removed today.  It’s been diagnosed:   melanoma.   He’s only 31-  but he loves outdoor sports (golf, water skiing, etc.) and as a young man he didn’t think to put sunscreen on.  So, a word to everyone:  be aware of the damage the sun can do.   I’m glad his spot was caught quickly — and kudos to my daughter for seeing it and making him get checked.

Life can change in a minute.   Right?    We have to remember it – and live each day to the fullest.

A dear lady friend of mine (someone I have always considered a lovely mother figure) had a major cardiac event last week.   I spoke with her husband yesterday and he believes she actually died when it happened, but that the EMT were able to bring her back – to get her heart beating again.   She is in Intensive Care now, and has been in a coma since it happened.   It’s a wait and see time.  It’s out of doctor’s hands….and it’s really up to God, and her…    and I wonder, if she did died for a minute or two, did this faithful woman get a glimpse of heaven?  Did she experience the beauty, and the love there??

Tonight I want to watch two very different TV shows!   Tonight is the finale of “The Bachelorette” – and I still have hope that Heather will pick Peter even though he was sent home yesterday.  I’m hoping she realizes she made a mistake!  Remember Ari??    It can happen!!      The other TV viewing:   The first night of the Democratic Debates from Detroit.   I have a few favorites right now.   So, I want to see how they answer questions, and how they handle themselves.   As we all know now:  WORDS matter!  I want to vote for a presidential candidate who aligns with my economic and social beliefs – BUT I also want to vote for a person who sees the good in people, who can run for office without belittling others, who can speak coherently – and honestly.

Can I also say: I want to vote for a president who vows not to tweet???   That would be SO refreshing!!

Question:   Do you ever print off pictures you take on your iphone?   What do you do with all your pics on the camera/phone?   I’m wondering because I take a lot of pictures!!   A LOT OF PICTURES!   I share some on Facebook and Instagram.  Most go into my cloud. I put them in virtual albums. I just put 108 pics into my “Lakeside” album from last week.  So…   I’m wondering:     Is there a better way to save them?     What do you do?

As I add to my cloud, I continue to try and reduce real things!  I’m still downsizing!  I plan to use the coming month to reduce the stuff I have … to give away more unnecessary things so that I can go from two homes to one.   It’s a process.   It’s work.   But I have to do it.

A new month is coming…  and  as I said earlier in this post, each day counts!

So, here I go!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good morning readers!   This morning I sit here wondering, and yes worrying, about what my coming week will be like.   If my family is reading this (I never know because they never respond to anything) I am coming up your way to share a week together, to have some fun, and to give you time to enjoy my grandsons.

But while there, I do not want to talk about politics, especially about the president of the United States.  I do not want to talk about immigration and walls, and I do not want to hear your thoughts on women’s rights, or gun control.

I know.  I sound closed-minded, right?   You might say that — in fact I think some of you have already.   But, I have already listened.  I have heard the rhetoric of the other side.  I have even occasionally turned on Fox News because I want to see/hear how they sell their angle.  I am not an ostrich with my head in the ground. I see so many horrible, mean spirited posts on Facebook – every day.  I read crass language and hurtful language daily – and that includes the ones that come from our president.

I feel that I am an informed person.  But, I probably watch too much of the news channels, because it gets me worked up sometimes. I realize it.  I need to balance my  life and I want the coming week to be a time with family without disagreements.   I want a “No politics spoken here” sign posted on  the door!

I know that there is no way to change core beliefs.   I have yet to see any Trump ‘base’ person come around and say that they were wrong about him.   And saying that, it’s true that there is no way I will ever change and find him appealing, and honest, and sincere, and I will never agree with his MAGA ways.

So, I head north tomorrow and I pray that our family talks stay civil. If I get up and walk out of a room when a topic comes up that might create a division, I am doing this for my own good.    And for yours too.

It is so sad that it has come to this.   But it has.  I know in history we can recall other times when family members fought family members.  Friends gave up friendships.  But, here, now, we are living it – and we will get through it as long as will have perimeters set.

So, this week ahead:  no politics please!

Things I am thinking about today…

After a fun holiday, like our 4th of July time,  I feel both happy and sad.   I am happy that it was a great time together, and I am happy to then have a quiet day following it.    But, I am also sad because I’d prefer to see the family and friends more often!    It’s just so hard to get people together with all our busy schedules and with the passing of time.   We live far apart, and we have full calendars.

 

So –  Social media is a tool I love!   I believe it has brought me closer to many people, especially those I don’t get to see very often (as those above.)  I love sharing my pictures and I also enjoy seeing their pictures too.   But, I know it can make it difficult occasionally if someone feels left out.   It’s never done on purpose.  I know it makes the ‘heart grow fonder’ and you realize how you miss people and important events.

 

You know the PSA’s on TV meant to scare you to quit smoking??      They are just impossible to watch.  You know the ones – the testimonials from people who have had surgery, and look and sound horrible.    I know that’s the point, but really…   I need to turn away or change the channel.     Those, and the dog abuse ones, are heartbreaking.

 

Summer is halfway over – already.    How can that be?

 

I’m watching the news this morning, and I’m watching a piece on a young woman who is traveling all 50 states looking for acts of kindness – and she is telling about  how many good and caring people that she has found all along the way.   Phew.  We need to hear about this!  I need to hear this!     Sometimes when I hear bad news I start thinking that most everything in the world is bad.    But it’s not.   I need to keep it in perspective.

 

Saying that, I continue to shake my head over the fear raising in politics.

 

This has always bugged me:  do you know people who say “don’t mess with my kids or else”?   Like, if you go after some other children it’s alright, but if it’s MY kids then I will turn into a monster!  I know you have heard this – and maybe even said it.   Now, I love my daughters and my grandsons beyond words, and believe me, I would be horrified if something bad happened to any of them, especially if done by a person on purpose.  Not by an accident.    But, come on, it’s not like I am going to go rate my children above other children.  It’s not like the others are not as equally important on this earth.  This kind of language is wrong. It invokes a pecking order.   So – just where will you stop with ‘going after’ someone who does harm?   What about first cousins?  Your best friend?  Or your neighbor??   Or even the little girl you don’t know who lives on the other side of town?      Words matter.

 

Words matter.  When I hear someone belittling someone else I feel their pain.  When I hear someone being insensitive and using foul language, especially around a group of people they may not know, it is hurtful.  To them – and to me.   I prefer to be around people who use kind words and who do not keep me on edge.   There are some who think they are cool because they speak down to others, or because they think they know it all.  Sometimes you think they might explode because their words are so offensive.     It’s a BIG turn off.     I don’t care who the person is…. the cashier at the store, or the president of the United States.    Words cause pain.  Words hurt.

 

Sometimes it’s better to just hang with your dogs!!   Ha.     (Okay – or kitty cats.  I love  Them too.)

 

Here’s a public service announcement:   If you have never owned a pet, get one.  Let me count the reasons why!     They love you unconditionally.    They keep you company in a quiet house.   They get excited every.single.time you come home!  They follow you everywhere.   They want to feel love.  You can tell them anything and they won’t repeat it!     They teach you how to care about something other than yourself.  They give more than they take.

 

Congrats to the US Women’s Soccer team!  World Champs 2 years in a row.   I admit I never watch soccer – and the only game I ‘sort of’ watched was the final game.  BUT… I am all about their RIGHT to equal pay! They earned it – they deserve it.   If they don’t get it in their negotiations coming up, I think all the women should speak up.

 

Women have power!   We need to use it – especially when we vote!  Women MUST  vote!  We can make changes and we can continue to strive for equality – but we have to vote!!   Please – oh please.

 

Enough thinking for now.  I’m off to sweat in the yard, as I prune some bushes and pull some weeds.   Rain is coming again later.     Which of course makes me think of a song that I absolutely love, called “Bring on the Rain” by JoDee Messina.   Wonderful lyrics:

Another day has come and gone

Can’t imagine what else could go wrong.

Sometimes I’d like to hide away somewhere and lock the door

A single battle lost, but not the war.

‘Cause tomorrow’s another day

and I’m thirsty anyway…

so bring on the rain!

 

That’s the first verse.  It’s all good – and, oh, it’s a duet with some guy named Tim.   Ha

 

Til next time…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow is Independence Day!  The 4th of July!   It’s the day we celebrate the joy of living in America!!  It’s a day to think about the Fathers of our Country who came together and wrote the Declaration of Independence, and how they created a country all on it’s own, no longer tied, ruled, and taxed to England.     I admit that I am not a history buff and I probably should have listened a whole lot better in school when I was taught about our country’s beginning.   But this I know.  It all started in the year 1776.

But…    Many of your forefathers, your ancestors (and mine)  were not here back in 1776.   Many came here later, in search of a wonderful place to settle with a little piece of land, and with a hope of a peaceful life for their family.   Many first came from Europe.   Times were tough there then. Some were forced here from Africa.  Others arrived later from Asia.  And, as we know, many are now coming from Central America.

Since 1776 the US has been a country of immigrants.  Yes, I do remember my history book page with a cartoon of a ‘melting pot’ from an old newspaper – because that’s what America was.  Even back then.

So, when we stop each year and celebrate America on July 4th we must acknowledge that we have always been a diverse group, all here due to our history and circumstances.

Today I read a comment from a dear friend about the need for the return of patriotism.  I hope she doesn’t mind me bringing it up. But, it really struck me – because I wondered WHY she, and others, don’t feel we are not patriotic enough…or as patriotic as we used to be.  Why would she and some believe we don’t love this land?  Why would she and some believe we have lost something?

Just what is patriotism?

I googled the word.   I found:   Patriotism is a devotion to and vigorous support for one’s country. It’s an allegiance and loyalty to one’s country.

But, these days I think there has become another unofficial definition that is quite disturbing.  I think some people use the word, and think that being patriotic means you blindly accept the actions of the country.    And, that being patriotic means you are better than those who look at the country in a different way – or, maybe  that you have more of a right to be here.   It’s dangerous.   And, I think this way of thinking has been promoted by our president.

I admit I was hurt when my friend said we need more patriotism.  Because for me, my love of this country (and I love many, many things about it) includes the freedom we have to question, and our rights – to speak, to worship, to live under a democracy.   TO VOTE!!   We have to constantly watch that we don’t lose it… and right now I admit  I worry a little about it.

But, I worry  because I know how wonderful this place is!  It’s big geographically, and it’s amazingly diverse, and it’s full of resources, and the beauty found in nature all around our land is stunning.    I am devoted to America. I don’t want to live anywhere else!!  Really!  In this whole world!   I care about it’s people (even though I don’t understand them all).  I want our country to live in peace and I want it’s people to live side by side and accept each other.   For me, patriotism is living in a country I am proud of because it values so much.

Tomorrow I plan to take a few minutes to appreciate all the goodness of the United States of America.  (There will be plenty of other days to worry about the problems.)   I am very patriotic!   Yes I am!!     I love this country – and I am a lucky person to live in it.

Have a happy Independence Day!!   I hope you enjoy the cookouts, the fireworks, the time spent with family and friends!   YAY AMERICA!!

Hi everybody!   It’s been a couple of weeks.  Summertime is busy. Since last blogging   I have helped with our church’s VBS, and I travelled a little: first to Charlotte to go to the Tim  McGraw & Jon Meachen Book Tour event with my daughter & SIL, and then on to Raleigh to spend a bit of time with my other daughter and the cutest twin grandsons ever!

So, what to post about today?

I know there are those of you out there that really wish Marla would just get over the fact that Trump is our president and just move on.  You wish I would stop posting about him.  Right?   Some of you think I’m losing my marbles and I have gone over the edge – or top – or wall  (meant as a joke.  I haven’t lost my sense of humor.)

I know as people age they sometimes turn their thoughts to the ‘bigger picture’ of our country and world.   Young people are busy making ends meet and raising a family.  They are running here and there.  Calendars are full.  Politics is not a big topic of conversation in their homes.   I was the same way.   I was busy!

I don’t think I really turned my attention to the news and the events going on in our country until my girls got into high school. I joined a neighborhood bridge group and we were very social.  We were all ladies and we talked about everything!  Yes –  Including politics.  Back then I was the minority at the bridge table when it came to discussions about our president at the time, and our needs in the country, and how we should help the disenfranchised.   It really hasn’t changed much.  ha

Last evening was the first night of the Democrats running for president debating each other. It really was an introduction to some of them.  I liked the format – with quick response time.  Little fighting allowed. I think ALL displayed confidence and handled themselves with dignity (something that has been lacking lately.)    I think it was good to hear their agreement on many of the subjects, subjects that I care about…    immigration, inclusion, gun control, and the US dealing with other world leaders.  A lot was covered quickly.    Tonight is the rest of the slate… and I am looking forward to seeing how each of them handle themselves.   At this point I am still a fan of Mayor Pete – but I am open to hear what the others have to say.

Next week is Independence Day and it’s a fun party time at our riva place.  But, it’s also a time to be reflective about our country, who we are, how big we are, and how we got to this point.   You may not believe it, but I’m very hopeful for our future.  I think we are in a valley right now.  But because of where we are I see people coming to attention. I see people speaking up, and realizing that the ‘silent majority’ can not stay silent right now.  We can’t let positive changes fall away… and we can’t lose our humanity.   Love will win!  We ARE a country where most of us want all people to do better – to live the American dream.

Other news:   I’m trying to catch up on some TV viewing.  I’m still a fan of “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” and I am working my way through the shows.  Hubby and I just got into the series “You are Dead To Me.”   Anyone else watching it?    Oh my.  So funny, and sad, and quirky – great acting and writing.

I’m reading “Educated” by Tara Westover right now.   I’m halfway through and I’ve got to say I don’t think it’s quite as gripping as “The Glass Castle” – both books about real life  disfunctional families with parents who live outside of society’s norms.  I will keep reading in hope it gets a bit better.

Daughter and I having been talking about how best to take two 20 month olds on a long road trip.  We want to bring them to Northern Ohio in a couple of weeks.  We plan on breaking the 12 hours up into 2 days, allowing for stopping times for meals and play – and diaper changing.  It will be the boys first overnight in a hotel room.   We are trying to  think of it as a ‘challenge’ and are trying NOT to have expectations. But, I would love to hear anyone’s helpful hints for the adventure.  Yes, we plan to have Sesame Street and Paw Patrol videos.  One of us can drive, one can sit between the boys – and read to them, keep pulling out toys, etc.    They have never been good car sleepers – even when very little.   Should we give them some Benadryl?  I’m kidding…   sort of.    Lol

Our riva house improvements continue.  The new master bedroom will be done and ready for furniture in it next week.  Next:  the added master bathroom and another closet.  We have selected the bathroom vanity, cabinets, shower,  toilet, etc.   The pieces are arriving now and we are storing it all in the garage.     Also to come: a new “Carolina room – dining area” – and then a completely updated kitchen.    It’s definitely a long term project.

How’s your summer going so far for you?  Do you have major projects going on?  Do you have a big vacation or trip planned?

And, how about summer eating?   I need to start buying the fresh tomatoes out there, and strawberries for shortcake,  and corn on the cob.  I want to enjoy warm weather foods!!  We plan to have a Carolina ‘Lowcountry boil’ on the 4th of July.

So…      Happy summer days to you!     Whatever you do, don’t STOP enjoying!  Don’t stop caring about your world.    Don’t stop finding something good to do every day!

See you here next time.

 

 

 

I’m back!   Back from Nashville and the CMA Festival.  I’m a bit tired and back with a cold.  It was the first year where rain was forecast every single day.   Our first night at the big stadium was a washout so my daughter and I only lasted through the first two artists on the line-up.  Our ponchos were thin and we got wet, our shoes were soaked, and we could not continue to sit & stand for two to three more hours.  I was sorry to miss seeing the Brothers Osborne – but we know we will go see them again when they come back around the Carolinas.

The rain stayed away the following three nights, but we had some showers off and on during the day.  We were able to stay busy, and mostly dry, with a tour of Franklin County and celebrity homes, with inside Expo Center events and concerts, and stopping in to the lower Broadway honky tonks.  But, the honky tonks were all very crowded due to the rain, and also because there were lots of pop-up artists in the clubs.

Despite the rain and the crowds, we certainly still got to see many performances.  We still had some fun surprise moments!   That’s one thing about every year at the CMA Fest.  You just never know who you might run into, or if  you get an offer you didn’t expect.  This year we got to go see Dierks Bentley ‘up close and personal’ at a small venue when our tour company (who I use each year to buy the festival packages) put out a message on social media about 2 hours before that they had 2 tickets up for grabs…the first person to respond got them.  I was first!!   Yay!!!

Here’s the thing about the CMA Fest:   you can never do it all!  I always come back loving what I was able to see – but I also come home sad about what I missed.  Crazy!  Right?  And now on social media I see from others lots of posts of their pictures and what they got to do.  I’m happy for them… but – gee… look what I missed?!  Ha.  At the Fest you really just have to be at the right place at the right time sometimes.   There is just so much going on!!

Anyway, back home – and back to real life.   I’m working on kicking this cold and getting ready for the rest of the week… and month.   VBS is coming up and I’m looking forward to helping with it again.  I will be off to Charlotte at the end of the month to see Tim McGraw and Jon Meachen on their book tour.  It looks like a really cool discussion on patriotic music through American history with Tim performing some during it. The two have been popping up on morning and late night TV right now, promoting the book because it just came out.

And of course,  I can’t go too long without seeing the grandboys.    19 months old now – and what a CUTE CUTE CUTE stage they are in!   So, I’ve definitely got to get a Mimi fix soon.

Update on the riva project:  The master ‘suite’ is framed, and roofed, and the electric is going in now.   It’s coming along nicely.   It is Phase 1 of a three phase project.  Construction will be going on for awhile.  I try not to think about that though right now….

This weekend is Father’s Day – and also my younger daughter’s 31st birthday.   Huh? How can that be?! As Tracey Lawrence sings:   ‘Time marches on.’   I can think of a bunch of country songs about it…   ‘don’t blink,’ ‘my next thirty years,’ ‘ you’re gonna miss this,’ and ‘there goes my life,’    It was great to spend the Nashville time with her this year.  I’m really happy that both my daughters love the music and like to share the time together!  Special moments!

So, here’s to the great month of June – and to the celebrations of the month!  Here’s to what is to come later this week – and the rest of the days of June!    Here’s to hot weather, and that summer feel.  Here’s to long light evenings, and some boat rides.  Here’s to children playing, and to young adults that keep me feeling young!  Here’s to a time of year where cranking music in the car and outside is a must!

Enjoy June!!               I’ll see you back here soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m heading out soon, on my way to Nashville for the CMA Festival.   It’s my 9th year in a row going, and I still get very excited for seeing & hearing all the talent that is on the 4 day and night schedule, and for the surprises and unannounced performers that might just pop up.  It’s the ultimate in live country music, set in the home area of most of the artists.  It’s a place where the people anyway connected to the country music business live and work… and love to show off.    It’s a love fest for anything and everything country music.

I will post pictures on Facebook.  Some have expressed to me that they enjoy seeing them – and watching some videos.   I suggest next year you join me – and experience the festival yourself because it’s really hard to write about it,  and to tell how special the place and the event is.

I’m usually pretty good at writing.  In fact, it is my favorite way to communicate my thoughts, and to reach out to people.   I have been doing this blog for quite a few years now, and I also enjoy connecting with other social media outlets.   Occasionally I know I repeat myself on some subjects, but it’s because I have a passion for it.  Country music is one of those subjects.

So, to know me you just really need to read my past posts.  I express myself about my views when it comes to some pretty major issues in our country.  I have found my blog a good place to ‘get it out’ without being too offensive.   I hope I am not.   And, I have no secrets.    With age has come concern about what is happening around me.  With age has come time – and the ability to  do some things I want to do… and love to do.

So, as I get ready to hit the road to head west to Tennessee I think about how this is such a wonderful time in my life!   I pray for a safe trip there and back.  I pray for safety among the masses at the festival.  I hope for some new experiences there, and I look forward to being back at some of the familiar places I have been to before.   I am excited to share it all with my daughter and I’m so thankful she loves the festival (almost) as much as I do!  I hope she doesn’t get tired of all the togetherness we will be sharing over the next 6 days.

It really is a special time in my life!