Happy Thursday to you all!   What a wonderful time of year this is!  Spring is here, and around here the azaleas, the dogwoods, and other spring bloomers are turning everything colorful!   Oh Spring!  I love ya!

This past Tuesday was our community band’s spring concert.  I play flute in it.   The concert was called “Broadway by the Sea” and we played all Broadway show songs and medley pieces.  I’m a sucker for all that music.  I just love it!!  One of the good things about living in New Jersey for 12 years was that we were only an hour to the theatre district in NYC.  We saw many shows, mostly musicals, during that time.  I probably saw Phantom of the Opera 5 times.   I also saw:  Cats, Chicago (a couple of times – once with Usher as Billy Flynn and once with Bebe Neuwirth and Marilou Henner as Roxie and Velma), Miss Saigon (several times), the Sound of Music, Oklahoma, Grease, Jersey Boys, Footloose, the Producers, the Lion King, Fosse, Les Mis, and more.   Every single time I left the theatre in total amazement of the music, the performers, and the dancing!

Back to our little band concert:   I want to thank our conductor Carson and his wife Betty who do so much for our group!   They are so dedicated to it, and put in countless hours.   Our band has grown to 62 members and they are a big reason why.  They are organized, and talented.  Carson works constantly on making us the best we can be.   Kudos to them!!

I’ve been thinking about the whole Joe Biden thing happening right now.   I think he has been a warm, touchy-feely man all his life – in a non-sexual predator way. A sincerely caring man.   So, I have felt kinda bad that this is all going on.  I mean – it’s not ever close to being a letch, to using position and power to get ‘favors.’   But, I think about how if some male coworkers from my jobs in the past came too close, and perhaps touched my hair, kissed the top of my head – that yes, it would definitely be awkward and uncomfortable!   So, I get why the women have spoken out in this “me too” movement time.

When I was in college I wrote a term paper on “Body Language” – the unspoken language.   I learned about ‘safe bubbles’ around people.   It is a socially accepted space around each person.   Breaking into it can be threatening.  It can be too forward.   Especially in a business situation.   So, it’s nothing new – women are just feeling stronger now, and are able to address it.

We have our work permit now and the construction is about to start on the additions at our riva place.  I’m not sure how long it will take to get to completion but I know I need to start getting rid of things as I go from two homes to one.  Daughters: think about what you might like.  Seriously… claim some furniture!    It’s a hard process to go through, and I know in my head that ‘it’s just stuff’ but some things I love and I just may not have space for them.

Speaking of daughters:  they and their families will be here for Easter!   I’m excited!   My little Grandboys are very mobile now so before they come I will make the place safe – as can be – for them.   Busy boys!

Their mother tells me that they are phasing out of two naps a day.  Some days one takes only a morning nap; one just an afternoon nap.  The issues of a mother of twins!   Never a totally quiet, kid-free moment!    They are good sleepers at night (thank god) but they are very active during the day.  Cute, talkative (da,da,da,da,da), inquisitive – times two!!

I’m so happy/lucky to live close enough to see them often!  And, I love all the photos and videos we get via texting – almost daily.  I really feel connected.  I think back on when my daughters were little and we lived on the west coast.  We had only old video cameras.  We would “tape” the girls and mail off the cassette for family to see.   It’s so different now – and so wonderful!

It is amazing how technology and social media has given so many more opportunities to stay connected.  I wish my Ohio family did it more…  that they would see the value in it.   It makes me sad that they don’t.

Shifting gears:   Fortnite.   You play it?  Know people that do?   I was in Wal-Mart yesterday and saw Fortnite stuffed toys for toddlers.  I thought to myself:  wow- marketing to get them into it early!    Every generation has it’s favorite video games.  I remember Pac-Man and Mario! From what I hear Fortnight is quite addicting and can become expensive.

My final thought for today’s musing:   At the beginning of the year I said that “fear” was the word of these times.   I know our president uses fear as a way to keep his followers so fired up.  The NRA uses fear to sell guns.   This past week fear of Uber and Lyft has popped up after one very unfortunate and deadly event.  A young college woman here in SC got into the wrong vehicle (not an Uber car) and now people are fearful of the taxiing services.   Both companies have always giving riders the car maker, it’s color, and driver’s name ahead of arrival for the pickup.   I have used it and have had some wonderful drivers.  Many Uber and Lyft drivers make extra part-time money.  Some are young. Some retired.   The service is used all over the country in urban areas.  As with anything we all need to take personal responsibility and do our best to stay safe.  Don’t get me wrong – the man who picked up the college woman and killed her should be put into prison after being found guilty, and not be a free man for a long time – or ever.   But, don’t let fear rule.

Living in fear is a lousy way to life.

Have faith.  Not fear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some mornings I try to watch the news and read comments on social media without getting upset.  I think “this too shall pass.”  I pray for a turn of hearts and I remind myself that many people are loving and positive.

Then there are mornings like this one…

Our president felt the need to hold another rally.  Instead of spending his time working on issues, or meeting with leaders to work on coming together, or visiting the down trodden, or the military out on the front lines – he fed his ego at a rally.

It’s not a surprise.  Nothing is anymore.

But, it still needs to be called out.   I can not stay silent when our leader, the man who is supposed to respect the highest office he holds, and the man who should serve as a role model, uses his position to constantly belittle others.

This time his mean-spirited words were directed to the Congressman Adam Schiff.   But almost daily he speaks, or tweets, nastiness about people.  It can be individuals or whole groups of people.  It can be directed to anyone who does not agree with him.   I know I’m not saying anything you don’t already know.

We know.  We ALL know.

But, truly, I can not understand how so many Americans allow it – no, actually think it’s either funny or “the way we talk” and so it’s normal.

NO !!!      It is NOT normal.  It is not right.   It is mean.

Okay…I hear all the time from his followers what a wonderful job he is doing.   Unemployment is down.  Stock market is up.   You have a few more dollars in your pocket.   So, what you are saying is that money is more important than decency.  The extra dollars let you overlook insensitivity, and the lack of caring about others.

Someone recently said to me that we see government differently.   Hello. It’s more than that.  It’s seeing how we care about each other.  It’s about basic human dignity.

So, it saddens me.  Some mornings like this one I can’t stay quiet.   And, here on my post, I speak out – I can let out my anger and disappointment.

Do I feel better?

Not really….

I’m back home after a couple of days of visiting the grand boys  (and their mom and dad) and thought I’d take a few minutes to catch up.   This time of year finds me with a busier schedule which in general is good. No complaints.  Just less time to blog.

I feel bad for my daughter as a virus has run through her house.  First one boy got it, and then the other was sick for a day – and now she is not feeling well.   Motherhood!   I don ‘t know which is tougher:  having a sick child cling on, sad, with snot everywhere, and wanting only to sleep in your arms – or feeling bad yourself.  Hmmm.  Probably the second one.   Regardless, the house gets puts on the back burner.  Cleaning, cooking, laundry all can’t be tended to and everything just piles up.

My other daughter is in the throws of tax season.  When you are a CPA both March and April are serious long hour months.  So, for her also, other things get put on the back burner.   Just for a different reason.

I have lots of music events coming up.  Playing and listening.   I play in our community band and it has a ‘dress rehearsal’ this Saturday and we will play at an assisted living center near by.   The folks there always appreciate us coming in and playing for them.  We play loud – which they don’t mind – ha!   We are doing an all Broadway concert this time around and I know the music will be familiar to them.   Tuesday evening is the free concert for the general public.   But, I’m also busy with rehearsals for an upcoming flute choir concert in April. I’m a bit concerned about it. My fluting skills are okay but some of the music is tough – and FAST!  Irish jig fast!    And then, Sunday I am playing in a flute duet at both services at church.  Thank fully it’s not too tough and is appropriately slow – for Lent.   Then throw in that this Saturday night hubby and I are going up to the House of Blues to see Scotty McCreery!  I have seen him several times before live – and he never disappoints.  it will be my hubby’s first time to see him.

I’ll get political for a minute:  I know some of you will think that I’m going to rant about the Mueller findings, according to AG Barr.  But believe me when I say, I never want to find out that people in power are being underhanded and are purposely throwing elections!  So, if the report shows that our president was not in on a Russian connection to do that, then good.  Really.  Good!   We already know though that some of his campaign leaders and even one of his sons were talking to the Russians during those days.  We already have guilty pleas of illegal behavior.  Did the president know?    Maybe not.   Why do I say this??   Because I just don’t think of him as a very bright guy, and I think things were done easily behind is back.   He’s the type to say “I don’t want to know – just get it done”…  and as he has already shown he has selective memory on lots of things.  So, Mueller was not able to find a smoking gun that our president was holding.   Ha – interesting metaphor.     I believe that the total report should be made public (except if there were some classified parts that could effect our current safety).  Let it come out – and let the truth be known.

In these times of crazies attacking people for their religion (most recently the Jewish center in Pittsburgh and the mosque in New Zealand), I think we all need to become a bit more aware of “religious freedom” – and the separation of church and state.   I felt it was a bit ironic this past Saturday as I walked in a “Unity March” in Georgetown, a relatively small county seat town.  I saw black and white, old and young marching together.  Not enough people there tho. I wish the total number of walkers was higher.  But, the ironic part at this Unity march was the Christian-only aspect of it.  A prayer was said before we kicked off the march, and then at the end of it the mayor (whom I like) prayed in the name of Jesus Christ, before enjoying some chicken bog.  Now, I’m not good at figuring out a lot but I thought…  gee, what about those here marching who might celebrate other religions?  Our Jewish friends ?  Or…  those who worship other Gods – or none at all.   Now, as a Christian, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ.  But, as a Christian I also know that we can not push just one religion in to a civic event.   There is a good reason for the separation of church and state. Our country’s founders were pretty smart.  They left their homelands to have freedom to worship because they could not do it where they had been.

I live in the south.   It’s a bit tougher to get open minded thinking acceptable by the majority.  I get that.   I know that – because I vote here and I see the results.

I’m one of those crazy liberals.   Which leads me to suggest you go and check out “Mayor Pete” Buttegig (I wish he had a different last name…  one I could pronounce! Ha)  But, what he says is right on!  He is smart, young enough to appeal to young voters, open enough to be accepted by them too.  He speaks well and is VERY respectful.  So refreshing!   Older voters need to look to who can lead this country in the future.  We need to get young voters excited… like John Kennedy did in the 60’s.   I think Mayor Pete is a good candidate for that!

Got milk?   Remember that ad?   I wonder how many of you buy and keep milk all the time. I come from a family of big milk drinkers but I am not one.   I have said before, I start my day with coffee.  I drink water all day – then switch to wine in the evening.  No milk.    For lunch today I thought about having a can of Campbells tomato soup for lunch – but I’ve got no milk!  You know, you can’t make it with water.  Yuck.

The spring breakers and the golfers have both invaded here.  It happens every March.  It’s good for business but it’s lousy for getting anywhere.  The traffic is slow… and we have had an uptick in car accidents.   Tourists don’t know the roads (but there is really ONLY one main one – Rte. 17) and they gawk as they drive, or go really slow to find a particular destination.  They drive 10 miles UNDER the speed limit and sometimes hang out in the left lane.   It’s very annoying to me – and I think most locals who have to work around them.   But, we live in a vacation land – and it comes with the territory.

Time to go toot my flute – and get in some more practice.   It’s hard to get these aging fingers to move fast!   Wish me luck.

Have a great day!

 

 

 

Good morning everyone!

I hope you had a nice weekend and are ready for a new week ahead.

I’m watching the morning news as I type…  sometimes it is hard to stay positive when you hear the news.  I am sad for the people in our country affected by the floods.  I am sad for the families of the plane crash victims.  And, I am glad our country joined others in parking the Boeing planes until a cause can be found.   Humanity over business.

Kudos to New Zealand for quickly making gun sales and ownership changes after the horrific mass shooting in the mosque in Christchurch.   Why oh why can’t the people of America do the same?   Congress –  get your hands out of the NRA till!  Stop accepting big money from them.  Stop being enticed by money, and then “owing” them back with your votes! How many mass murders will it take?   Hmmmm.   Business over humanity here.

I have said this in past posts but, again, I say:  what is going on with young white men??   We all need to concentrate on them as a group because they are showing up as the ones doing the mass shootings.   White supremists are real.   Young white men are being fed thoughts that are unhealthy.   I think there is a hidden but strong movement rising – and the evidence is everywhere.   Just last month flyers appeared on telephone poles here in my community about a group meeting nearby. I forget the exact name of the group but it was encouraging pure US beliefs.  Hmmmm.    And, every time I Drive on I-95 in North Carolina I see that HUGE confederate flag flying, purposely put there for all to see.   Someone, or a group, bought a small plot of land (it’s fenced off) to plant that high flagpole and fly the flag.  Just a few minutes later along the highway is a billboard with a phone number for calling to join the group.

Freedom of speech.   But inciting hate?   Where is the line?

Next Saturday is a Unity March in Georgetown.  I plan to attend and walk.   We need to show solidarity. We need to constantly work on personal relationships – because that is what can lessen prejudice.    Anyone who wants to walk with me, come on along!!

It’s time to lighten up this post! Ha

Some people are lightening up their closets for Lent.  There was an idea going around on Facebook to remove an item of clothing everyday during Lent and to put it in a bag. At the end of Lent you will have 40 items that will go to Goodwill or Salvation Army.   Well,  Saturday I did it all in one day!   I lightened up my closet and got rid of a lot of clothes that I either didn’t like anymore, or never wore, or that didn’t fit.      Will I miss anything that I gave away?    I’m not sure.   Time will tell.

March Madness is here!  I printed off a bracket this morning.   It makes watching the games much more fun when you have a reason to cheer for one of the teams.    Have you filled out a bracket?

I’m excited about tonight: I’m going to a concert/after golf event at the Dead Dog Saloon in Murrells Inlet.   A few country music artists are performing, and the biggest name in Randy Hauser.   He has a new album out and I like what I have heard on it so far.  But, you may know his song “Like a Cowboy”… or “Running out of Moonlight”… or “How Country Feels.”   I have told my hubby I am there for the whole thing!! (He may want to drive separately.)  Ha!  I love my country music!  I’m excited about this time of year as new music comes out and they all start to tour!!  And, of course the CMA Fest is approaching!!     Yeeeeee-haw!

Gotta get my day started. “ Monday, Monday.  Can’t stop that day!”

My writing is therapeutic for me. So, I appreciate you taking the time to read my musings.    Thanks for stopping by.

 

 

 

 

Hello readers!

I have a few things on my mind this morning.

* What is up with all these documentaries about sex offenders and murderers lately?   Michael Jackson, R. Kelly, the Versace killer, Ted Bundy…

* And why are the ‘news’ programs spending So MUCH time on R. Kelly?   Enough already.

* And,  I have been trying to figure out this whole to-do going on again about anti-Semantic thinking in America.   The new young congresswoman asked a question that got Congress all riled up.  I don’t think I will ever be able to figure out what makes up the Jewish community: I mean, I know –  I know they are people who are of the Jewish faith, people who live in Israel,  people who genetically have Jewish blood.   Some are all three.  Some two out of three.   Some just one.

I know the story of Abraham and Sarah, and the Promise Land.  I have read the Old Testament.  I get who they are – and where they came from.  Proud people.  I know of the persecution throughout time.  I believe the Holocaust happened.    But, the struggle over the piece of land – and the politics in it all.  So confusing!  By the way…   That same land is where Christianity started.   It is our Holy land too.

It seems like a touchy subject.  If you try to learn more or to question it (as the congresswoman did) then you are chastised.   Hmmm

*  Kudos to Dick’s Sporting Goods for their decision to stop selling guns.    Kudos to other company leaders who make decisions that aren’t just about the almighty dollar.   Companies can be successful AND have a moral compass.

 

•  We know that dogs are man’s best friend.   Yesterday my Dad lost his best friend.  Domino had heart and kidney failure and the sad decision was made.  Dad is 92 years old.   I feel very sad for him.

 

•   I’m also sad about the passing of a girlfriend of mine from my 20’s.   We were single, and lived near each other, and quickly became best buds. Karen Geary.  She was always up for helping me out at my radio promotion work, and she went with me to a lot of concerts and events. We hung out at Sh’nanigan’s together, where she worked.   We had a lot of fun back in those days! Great memories.  I knew she had some health problems in recent years but I did not know she suffered from progressive Supranuclear palsy.  In fact, I had never even heard of it before just recently when I heard that it took Karen.   Much like Parkinson’s, it does not have a cure.  I am glad Karen isn’t inflicted with it anymore, but she died too young.

 

* Ready for happy news?   I am!    My adorable, smart, little twin grand boys are now 16 months old.  Every day they entertain now.  They are little sponges learning so much!   Pictures and videos are priceless!!  Baboo is with them right now, getting some Granddaddy time in.   I’m happy for him – but jealous.   Mimi will be there soon!

 

* Another season of “The Bachelor” has ended. I’m happy for Colton and Cassie.   Time will tell if they stay in love.  They seem like a good couple, but it is an unreal, made for TV, thing.  So, who knows?  Some of the couples from past seasons have stayed together, a few have married and had children.     The new Bachelorette was announced last night – Hannah.   Spacey. Ditzy.   During this past season she was featured – because she was Miss Alabama.  She did not rep beauty queens well.    So,   I’m just not sure about her as the next Bachelorette.   But, yes, I’ll be watching.

*  Spring has sprung here in the lowcountry!  The tree pollen is everywhere!! Cars are yellow and green.  Streets have green lines,  and decks and porches are covered with it.   If you don’t live in this part of the country, you have no idea!!  I’m ready to go outside and wash it down and out – and I’m going to use a face mask so I don’t breath it all in.

* Spring also means trash and litter cleanup around the South Carolina roads.  As I said in an earlier musing, I pledge to do my little part to pick up the trash and beautiful the roads around here.  I think it was Lady Bird Johnson (wife of President Lyndon Johnson) back in the 60’s that started the “Keep America Beautiful” campaign.  We need to focus on it again.   We need to take care of God’s gift of nature.

* You know I can never write a musing without mentioning politics.  Here’s my random thought about it this morning:   WHEN oh WHEN will the Mueller findings be announced???  I’m tired of waiting.   Aren’t you?

It’s Lent.  Did you know that?  Do you spend these 40 days leading up to Easter in a time of reflection?  Do you give something up – or add something into your life? This year my focus is on doing something aerobic  every day for my body – and mind and spirit.   A walk on the beach.  Or a time of stretching.   I’m just trying to be aware that  there is a body-spirit connection.

Guess that’s it for now.    Happy hump day to you.

Thanks for stopping in here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s word is ‘acceptance.’

This post is in response to my “Questions” post on Marla’s Musings.    I want to thank the several ladies who took time and wrote honestly in response to some of my questions.   I am being sincere.   Thank you.

You may not think I learned anything, but I did.

First, and most importantly, what I learned is that we all want a better government.  It’s a starting point of unity.    We all have been disappointed with our Congress.  Respondents to my questions stated that Congress was made up of a bunch of liars and that we need to get rid of them (drain the swamp) and we need term limits.    I think it is safe to say that Americans, of all political parties, believe we need renewal, and we need to emphasize the fact that congressmen and women work for us.   We are the ones who put them in office.  We pay their salaries.     Right now there is a real disconnect between the people and ‘the power’ in DC.   We need to stop the ego trips and push them forward on working for us.

*My thoughts:  I’m thrilled we have a common belief!   Of course, It saddens me that our voter turnout is so low for every election.  We could vote more of those “career” Congress people out if we just showed up at the polls.

I think gerrymeandering needs to be against the law.  We need to put trust back into polling locations.  We need to do everything possible to make sure polling is safe, and accurate.   When someone is caught messing with the polls & with votes, there needs to be serious consequences.   Even though I always vote, I admit that I now think my ‘vote doesn’t count’ sometimes, or never leaves my county due to the Electoral College, and with the news we get (the latest in NC) I question the accuracy of  the results.

The respondents to  my questions mentioned the following:   Lower unemployment numbers,  being pleased with the overall economy, liking relations with North Korea,  tax cuts,  wanting to keep Judeo Christian beliefs,  having different immigration and wall beliefs, and tired of a bloated government.

* Their answers were not out of alignment with mine.  More people to work is absolutely wonderful!  Less unemployment and less people needing government assistance is what we strive for.  So, yes – I am happy about that!    One response specifically mentioned better relations with North Korea.  I would like to broaden it a bit and say I want to see the US have  good relations with all other countries.  It’s a global economy now.   It’s important to have friends around the world – to share research, new ideas, to calm down threats of war.   This is one place where I see the Trump rhetoric of being a “lone” country and pulling away from international pacts, etc. not a wise decision.

*On to tax cuts, and yes, this is where the Republicans and Democrats have varying platforms about how much to collect, and in what ways to use tax money within our government.   There are two different philosphies as to what works better:  1. Less tax taken out, leaving more in a paycheck for an individual to use. Or,  2.  A higher tax that will cover more national concerns and programs for all.    Republicans like #1.  Dems support #2 generally.      Now, neither side wants to see blatant waste.  Neither party wants to make it impossible for any person to have left after taxes, not even enough money to live a ‘middle class’ life.     Agreement, on that, right?

Living the American Dream is to have a ‘middle class’ life.  It’s having a job that will pay for living expenses, for medical care, for education, for putting a little away in savings for the future.    Again, I think we all agree on that.      So, the people we vote into Congress should work for us on attaining that.  If they don’t, then they should not get re-elected.   (PS:  I know we disagree on which programs to fund.)

*Religion.   Yes, we had a respondent who said she hoped our country would go back to judeo-Christian beliefs and live ‘like it used to be.’    I’m paraphrasing.  And I get that.    There used to be a time where more Americans attended church, and took their kids to Sunday School, and people were raised to  love and fear (adore) God.   It seemed like we were all more alike back then.  Right?

Well.  Here’s one topic where from day one of the founding of the country there has always been a separation of church and state.  We are given freedom to worship however we want, and worship whom ever we want – without persecution.   So, as much as those of us who know and love God want to spread His word of peace, we can not make it mandated in America. We can not force religious beliefs on any American.  And, we therefore, must allow all kinds of churches, temples, synagogues, and the like.

* Immigration and the wall.   I actually belief that most of us see that we need immigration reform.  We have a concern (I would not call it an emergency) at the border because we are not able to process people fast enough who are looking for asylum.  Our legal system is letting them down.   When they leave their homelands to come here (for that American dream) they are desperate.  Many are fearing for their own and their families lives.  Do they run  across the border?  Yes.  Why?  Because it takes too long to sustain themselves waiting to get in legally.  So, we need to fix that.   We need to train and hire more to  process people faster.   Due diligence of course but with  timeliness and compassion.   Yes, in general the Dems and some Reps do not want to spend the billions on a wall.  All kinds of polls have shown that.   If the process is fixed less will ‘sneak’ across anyway.

Drugs coming in will continue with a wall or not.    Period.    I have never heard of a drug lord giving up millions of dollars because there is a concrete barrier in the way.

* Last on the list that I read about from my respondents was a bloated – wasteful – government.  Again, we are all in agreement that we do not want our tax money thrown away, or thrown into programs that will not be successful.   I guess that goes back to electing the right people to serve us, and also going with one of the taxation paths mentioned above.     The government is a MASSIVE enterprise.  There will be some mistakes.  But, there is no reason to believe we can’t make the system work better.   Agree?  Agree.

So, if you go back to my post (the one before this one) with my questions, you will read some that were not answered.   Yes, I know I asked a lot on that post.   But, I wish I could have heard more about reactions to the man Trump and his language – and his tweets.   It leads me to wonder if those who answered 1. Don’t see/hear it, 2. Prefer to overlook it, or 3.  Like the style he uses and dont want to admit it.    It also leads me to believe it has no effect on the respondents over what makes him a good president or not.     And, I think that is where the abyss about him is.   Many  people think that he is disrespectful and even racist. He speaks badly of friends and foes.   He has lots of turnover in the White House due to his  egotistical manner.   He belittles all kinds of people, women, the handicapped, his political opponents, world leaders even!     This is totally unacceptable to some of us,  but obviously not to others.

I also asked questions about the media.  No one answered those.     And I asked about President Obama.   Crickets there also.

And silence speaks…      for me it makes me wonder WHY at least say ‘no’ or ‘yes’ on if you believed the birth certificate claim that Trump started.

All politicians lie.  (Sad but true.)  But many of us believe that Trump sets the record for lying.

The past couple of days I have had a few hurting comments said to me  through Facebook.   I’m not very thick skinned. I admit.  I was called names.  I was wounded.  If that was the intent, well done.

A part of me says that the only way we can learn to understand each other is to  ask questions, to hear life stories, to learn what makes people lean politically one way or another.   Hmmm.  Maybe it’s like homosexuality:  you are just born that way!!   (Sorry. Not sorry.  Joke. Not a joke.)

Both political parties have used lies, and scams, and all kinds of one-sided political ads, subversive messages on found on social media. Both sides are guilty!!   Media in general has lost objectivity.  I watched the interview by Lara Logan after I was asked to watch it.  I agreed with much that Lara said.  Yes, a lot of the news reporters are liberally-minded.  Duh.   That’s not a surprise to me.  In fact, I understand it – because they are there every day on the frontlines and they listen to our Congress men and women, and White House staff – and they get an ‘inside view’… and they reach their own understanding.   Lara is right that they are bias.   I watch CNN at night (those are people giving OPINION – and I know that. )  I hear what they say and I then use my brain to take what is true from it – best that I can.  Remember those days:  I miss only the 30 minutes of pure news reporting at 6:30pm.  We trusted the “Big 3” and were heard truth. Facts.  It’s hard to find it now – in our media, and from our president.   Trump uses the term ‘’fake news’ to declaim any and everything.   So… who knows REALLY anything anymore?

My heading for this post is called “Acceptance” because I did this whole endeavor, asking questions,  to help me with acceptance. It was to help me ‘see the other side.”  Even my honest effort was laughed out. And I was called names.  But, I wanted to get more understanding.   I think I did.  All in all,  I know I have not changed my core beliefs and I know you have not either.  And that’s okay.

I continue to work on acceptance.

 

This is a serious list of questions.  As someone who struggles to understand Trumpsters, I have compiled a list of questions, that I hope when answered will help me get why you support the president.   So, scroll down.  If you like him, or if you voted for him, feel free to answer.  I’d love to know.  Really.  Understanding is needed.  You can answer here or private message me.    As hard as it might be for me, I promise not to then respond to your responses.

Here we go…

Did you feel a connection with Trump when he was campaigning?  What in particular did he say during that time that struck a positive chord with you?   What part or parts of his platform did you agree with?

During the campaign season, did his ‘style’ appeal to you? During that time did he offend you ever?

During the campaign when he used mean spirited words to describe someone, or a group of people, did you agree with him? Or, did you laugh and think he was funny? or overlook it?   Why?

During the debates, did you feel he treated the other candidates fairly?

When it came time to vote, did you pick him wholeheartedly?   Were you surprised by the outcome?

Since he was sworn in, have you been pleased by  1. His performance?   2. His use of twitter?  3.  His demeanor?            Why?

What has he done so far that has improved your life?

What has he done up to this point to improve ALL American lives?  Is a concern of ALL Americans a priority to you?

Who do you consider “Americans”?

Do you consider him a man with some racial issues?

Do you believe there really is a true concern over climate change?

Do you believe in allowing the president leeway on decisions of emergency and how to allocate funds for them?    What is a national emergency to you?

Do you believe there is a hidden group that is trying to upset government powers?  Do you believe the FBI is against Trump?

Do you believe that some people within the Trump campaign leadership talked with the Russians about 1. A Trump hotel there?  2.  Ways to change voters by putting up false social media messages?   3.   That Russians made up false stories about the Trump competition?      If yes, why?  Or if not, why not?

Do you trust any media outlets?   Any specific reporters?

Do you believe that  Pres. Obama was born in Hawaii?

Is there anything specifically that happened in the government before Trump took office that upset you? Or, something that you found improper or un-American?   Was there something specific about Pres. Obama that made you feel he should not have been president?

 

I think that is enough questions.    In my next post, I plan to answer them also.   I’m curious about how alike or different our answers will be.     If you have other comments, please feel free to add it in.

Again, as I said, I have struggled to understand.  I have tried.  I think if I hear how you feel, and why, then I can at least “get it”.   We all come from different backgrounds, and have unique experiences.  But, we enjoy the same freedoms and we love the land where we live.       Enlighten me!!   I’m giving you this opportunity to tell me why President Trump is so wonderful.

Thank you.

 

 

 

 

Good morning all!  It’s the start of a new week – and it’s also President’s Day.

President’s Day.  A national day to honor ALL presidents.   Does anybody do this?   Do schools still use this day to teach children about our past presidents and about democracy?     Wondering.

Of course, this year I have an icky feeling as I think about our current president.  I ask again “ how can anyone still like him?”  How can anyone overlook ALL the horrible things he has said and tweeted?   He’s been president long enough for us all to see and know who he really is…  and it ain’t pretty.    I’m still waiting for someone I know who voted  for him to be bold enough to say they made a mistake.   Come on.  Speak it. Get it off your chest!     I will forgive you.   I will be happy that you saw the truth (something he knows nothing about. )   Tell me:  enough with his lies, lies, lies.  Enough.

The county Democrats are using today to have a small protest against him.  A march starts in Georgetown at 11:00am.  I considered going, but wow – just reading some Facebook comments on the party’s post, it scares me! People say such mean things.  (Just like the president.)

So, on to another subject:  a bit related.   Yesterday I started watching the documentary about Lorena Bobbitt.   For those who are too young to remember, she was the young woman in Manassess, VA who was physically and mentally abused by her husband  over and over.  She  ‘snapped’ one night and grabbed a kitchen knife and cut off his penis.   I remember the news story – and I remember ALL the jokes about it.   But, watching this documentary (I watched all the episodes in one sitting) I realized how much more there was going on.  It was an obvious case of spousal abuse at a time when there were no laws to protect her.   Both Lorena and her husband John went to court over their actions.   It was BIG news at a time when  all the court cases on TV started.   Add in the type of crime it was, and the fact she was young, an immigrant, and he was a good-looking athletic guy…    lots of issues!   It’s a well done documentary.  Watch it.  I’m happy that we have advocates and laws now in place  to protect abused women.  We have safe centers for them.  We have help.   A lot has changed – and this case had a lot to do with it.

This weekend I also binged a book.  I could not put it down.   “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens.  I picked it up because it is my book club’s book to read for February.   So different than last month’s book which I could not even get through.   The beauty of book clubs!    Anyway, I highly recommend “Where the Crawdads Sing” for a beautiful written book about the nature in the lowcountry of NC, with a “who dun it” murder mystery, along with a sweet love story, happening in a time of class and racial differences.

I live in the lowcountry of SC, and it has been a mild winter.  My fingers are crossed that we don’t get a cold snap – because everything is already starting to bloom!   It seems very early, but I’m not complaining!    It’s such a beautiful place in our country.  We have camellias that bloom all winter in various colors of pink, white and red.  But, now the spring trees are budding.  Forsythia is blooming.  Daffodils are up!

Personal shout-outs:  I was happy to see Jim & Lois back in church yesterday, sitting in their usual spots!   Yesterday was Muffie’s last time to ring handbells with our group.  She and her husband are moving to NC to be closer to their  daughter as she deals with serious medical problems.   Muffie plays ‘four in hand’…  she holds two handbells in each hand all the time – and that is a hard thing to do!   It was very bittersweet for all of us ringers yesterday.  Thank goodness we played an upbeat happy piece.  She will be greatly missed.

So, hubby and I are starting a process.  We are making plans to change and add on to our riva cabin to make it our prime residence.   I knew we would eventually end up there.   I’m not always ready for changes, but hopefully this process will get me there.   The pluses:  hubby & I will live there together, we will be down to one home to take care of and pay for, the property and view is beautiful.   Neighbors are great.  It’s lowcountry living at its best.     The challenges:  I will have a longer drive to and from places I go to all the time – to my rehearsal spots, to church, to shopping that I am used to.  I will be farther from the ocean – but, yes, right on the river.   I want to get into boating more.    We have used the riva home as our gathering place for special events for years now.  That will not change.         As I said… it’s a process.   We will have to let go of many things because we just won’t have the room.   We downsized once a few years ago, and now we are going to downsize again.   I know life is not about things.  So, it’s a positive test of my faith, and my belief in what in it is really important.

One small thing about moving out of PI to the riva:   I get pretty annoyed by the amount of trash thrown out along the country roads.  PI has a group that organized some years ago to become a beautification committee.  Time and money now goes into making the area trash-free and pretty.     Sometimes when I drive out to the riva I get sickened by the amount of litter I see.   So, I think I will work on making it a priority once I spend more time there.  I will clean up – and will organize others to do so also.   (PS:   I used to pick up litter on my own in PI – but had to stop when I stepped in a ditch the wrong way and hurt my foot.)  I’m ready to get back at it.  Want to join me?

As I finish up this post,  I pause to think who might read this.   Sometimes I never know.  I only know of  those who take a second to hit “like” or write a comment.  Wordpress tells me how many people have gone here.  But Facebook doesn’t.  I appreciate you whether you say something or not.     Have a great week!!

 

 

 

 

I have been in a church study group of ladies the past several months and we have been reading together the book “When Changing Nothing Changes Everything –  The power of reframing your life” by Laurie Pollich Short.   We read and then discuss a few chapters at a time.  As I have read this book I see how it speaks to people differently depending what age they are.   The young can use the book to ‘reframe’ their future.  The older readers (which I count myself a part of) can look back and see how life has gone, and then see if I used certain times in it to ‘reframe’ my path.

Obviously, my journey is exclusively mine.  And, looking back I do see those framing moments.

First, a bit of history is required.  My history is that I grew up the youngest child, in a mid-western family with German heritage.  I grew up with religion all around me, but not really debated. I was kept sheltered.  Kept safe.   I grew up without fear.  I was not exceptional at anything, but I was okay with that.  I enjoyed art and music.

For everyone – as I have learned through this book –  family, birth order, geography,  and faith all play into who you become.   The key is to look back on it, and to see what ‘framed’ you and then HOW to deal with it.   Some people look back and get stuck in that person.  Some look back and  only see the negative parts and can’t get past them.  And, then some people look back and remember the good times, and the loving moments.    Often, we have a combination of all of it when we look back.

I know I have that combination.

My ‘reframing’ moments?   * Going off to college.  It was my first experience of knowing and living with women who grew up differently than me.   I was in a dorm with young women who enlightened me.  Some came from much more demonstrative families.  Some came from broken families.  Some expressed themselves with words I never thought about using.  Like I said I was sheltered.   Ha     We had many late night chats with pizza and Boones Farm wine!     * Another reframing moment:   Meeting my now husband and his family.   Again, they were very different from me and how I grew up.  And they said anything… followed by ‘bless his heart’ in their southern voices.   They lived warmly but always on the edge.

This is what I learned from those two reframing moments :    I was given opportunities to see that people were all unique, different – and fun!  I (slowly) learned to come out of my shell around them.   I was not closed off as a child, but I was not out-going either. I was not driven to excel.   In college, away from home, I learned to be independant.  It’s a trait I still have, for good and for bad.

My journey has shown me that it’s okay to be ‘someone else’ even if I am not like my background anymore.  I guess I’m an example of the ‘melting pot’ we really do live in here in America.  Two generations before me the family’s German thoughts and ways were ingrained.   Stern.  Quiet.  Hardworking.

Along with it was the Lutheran faith.  Ingrained.    Don’t worry – I’m not giving it up.  I love much about it.   It is who I am.  BUT, I have met people through Bible studies and church experiences that have encouraged discussion about everything.   Questions are allowed.  Personal stories can be told without judgement.  Love is  shown – and expressed.   (Which for old time Lutherans is not always done!)   Love is stated.  And when love is what it’s about… it grows.

Back to the book: why read it in a church study group?    Where does faith come in?   Well, for anyone, looking back at your past can be a very difficult thing.  Feeling sad or sorry about past mistakes.   And the future can be scary.   So, the way to ‘reframe’ life is to know God.   Knowing God and knowing that God loves you unconditionally – and offers forgiveness always.     It’s freeing. Changing.

Having faith when looking back, and looking forward, is about graceful acceptance and hope.

“The eye is the  lamp of the body.  If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.”  – Jesus

 

This morning I’m thinking about a variety of things.  Each day I watch the news programs to be informed but sometimes I just can’t help but wonder…   what the heck is going on?!?

* The measles outbreak!  Diseases and afflictions that have long been controlled are coming back due to misinformation.  There are parents out there who are not vaccinating their children because they think they know better than the CDC and AMA.   Ugh

•  More police officers shot.   But, gun control is not a serious problem??   And in the past couple of weeks young white males have shot and killed family members.  But, again, not a problem??   Think back on the mass killing events in America this past decade and think about how many of them have been done by young white males.    What are we missing about this segment of our country?  I don’t know but I think we need to reach out, and listen to their troubles, and find out why they don’t ‘fit in’ and why they take it out with a gun.

* Baby it’s cold outside!  I’m thinking about all my northern and mid-western family and friends who will be dealing with frigid temps that are lower than they have ever experienced. Crazy cold!! Frigid negative temps!   Don’t go outside if you don’t have to go!   Stay in and stay warm.  Take care of your pets and look in on older folks.

* It’s Super Bowl week!  You excited?  Will you watch?   I will be watching – for the game and the music around it.  I always get a little sad this time of year.  I already miss the football season – both the weekend collegiate and pro games.

•  So, what to do instead?   I started watching “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”  and it’s quite enjoyable!  Funny, well acted, edgy.    I also loved all the “Kaminsky’s Method” episodes. I hope they make another season of that show.
•  What about movies?   I haven’t been to a movie theatre in months, maybe a year.  Our closest multiplex theatre closed awhile back.  Now, to see a ‘first run’ movie I have  to drive 45 minutes one way.  So, I don’t do – and wait for it to show up on Netflix or OnDemand.

* Medical Insurance in America.  Everyone has stories of fighting with their insurer to cover a preventative need, or to struggle to meet deductibles.   My daughter had her twins 15 months ago and still is dealing with the hospital and insurance company.  The ‘funny’ part of it:   One twin was totally covered and the other one was not – even though they were born at the same exact time and had the same care. One stayed in the NIC unit one day longer.    But,  the insurance company says the hospital ‘coded’ the boys differently.    What??

* So, I just discovered that someone defriended me on Facebook.   I recently heard about some posts from this person and when I didn’t see them, I went into my “Friends” list and she is no longer there.   I know I express my views more than others  but I got to say it surprised me and hurt a little.   I have only defriended someone when  they used foul language.   Having a different opinion? It’s our right – and I consider social media a reasonable way to voice what you care about.   I try to balance my opinions with other posts: pictures, jokes, etc.    I’’m sorry if I offended this person.

Technology and social media is my favorite way to communicate.  What does that say about me?   Ha!  I’m NOT a telephone person.  And, the world is getting away from snail mail.  So, it’s all about staying in touch through social media.  It’s still a one sided thing often.  And, others don’t use it at all.  Some that do use it, silently  peruse but don’t respond.  I guess people dip into it at different times…    but I love it.  I do not FEAR it.

FEAR.  It has become a word that I have discovered too many people live with… and it molds and controls their lives.   Fear of the unknown, fear of the worst scenario, fear of losing freedoms, fear of getting taken by someone else, fear of losing power, fear of losing things.      Fear  has taken over – and faith in people and in GOD is sadly losing.

I mean, watch the news…. so much fear!   Everywhere.   It’s been accentuated by our president.  It’s been used to sell guns, and used in other ways to  “keep” ourselves apart from others.     Which president said ‘we have nothing to fear but fear itself?”   Truman? Kennedy?   Which ever one it was,  I see these days that it is very true.

So, back to the beginning of the post, watching the news can make anyone fearful.  It’s a scary world at times.   BUT, BUT, BUT, we must keep a balanced view – and we have to keep our faith in humankind.  We must reach out, not recoil inwards.  We need to go forward without fear.

Sorry I got heavy.    Lol

Happy Tuesday!   Go out and enjoy the day!!   (Unless you are in those frigid areas.  Then stay in and stay safe.)