First off: my blog, my thoughts, my place to ‘get it out’ to keep myself sane.

Today is January 4th and in two days we will be remembering back 4 years ago on that January 6th when Congress prepared to certify the results of the presidential election. It’s been 4 years since our president at the time, Donald Trump, after months of denying the election results, bad-mouthing and accusing people, filing lawsuits, and more, used a ‘last resort’ in his mind. He encouraged his most dedicated (and one could say most gullible) MAGA followers, along with white supremacy groups, to come to Washington. The days before Jan. 6th he, along with others on social media, told his people to ‘stand down’ for something really big.

And many came from around the country. The eve before, on Jan. 5th, Pres. Trump looked out his White House window and saw the crowds forming, and heard chanting.

Then the morning of the 6th he was the main speaker at a rally held between the White House and the nation’s Capitol. He told the group to ‘stop the steal’ and the mass of people moved up Pennsylvania Avenue with the intent to halt the certification. All of Congress was in the House chambers while Trump’s people fought the police outside, broke through barricades, and smashed in doors and windows of the center of our democracy, the Capitol. Officers were injured. One later died.

One of the people who participated in this Insurrection, in her attempt to stop the proceedings of our government, was shot and killed inside. Others there stole papers, and furniture, and they destroyed items, and parts of the walls of this sacred building.

Cameras in and around the Capitol were on and allowed us all to see what was going on with our own eyes – as it happened. President Trump sat in his private dining room in the White House and watched it unfold on a TV. He did nothing for a couple of hours, even though he was the president and these were the Congressmen and women of the United States under attack. His own Vice President was there also.

Since that day we have had hundreds of eye-witness accounts, and a special committee was convened to gather all the information leading up to January 6th, and about the events of the day. The committee determined that President Trump should be impeached because of his actions in the set up to the Insurrection, and also due to his negligence of defending our nation.

The actions of the Insurrectionists did not stop the certification of the election because Congress, together (one of the rare times Reps and Dems did something together), made sure the process was completed later that night and VP Mike Pence signed off on the accuracy of the vote.

The next day many Congressmen and women, from both sides of the aisle, spoke publicly in the House chamber about Trump’s involvement, and about the fear they experienced during the attack.

But…. After that day the tide turned, and political ‘smear games’ started, and the political division showed up again, and many backpedaled about what they experienced.

4 year later here we are. We are still hearing from Trump and his leadership of the Republican Party, including the Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, that the election results were wrong. They are still not willing to admit the defeat.

And, since then all kinds of conspiracy theories have been spread. Lies. Trying to downplay what happened. I actually heard just recently from a Trump supporter that she thinks the Insurrection was ‘acted out’ like it was a big performance, and it was the Democrats who were responsible for it. Holding Trump flags. Wearing MAGA hats. Totally false. But she believes it.

America watched. We saw what happened. Many of those involved have now been tried in a court of law and found guilty, and they are now serving time for acts of Insurrection. I believe they should not be pardoned. They were guilty. They need to serve the time.

On Monday, 4 years after, I hope the media, ALL the media, again show the videos from that day. We need to be reminded of the mob that climbed the walls, broke through barriers, broke into the Capitol, hit police officers with flag poles and other weapons. They hung a noose for the Vice President. They chanted, and looked for Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and ransacked her office. Some reports said that human feces was found smeared on the Capitol walls. People acted like animals. Determined to do the job for Trump. They were so devoted to him.

I will never forget that Donald Trump was totally in on what happened. He helped plan it, he urged people on, he then sat back and watched it on his television set, safely in the White House. His staff came in and said he should call the insurrection mob off, but he waited. He was the President of the United States. He sat back and enjoyed watching what was happening.

And, heaven help us, he is about to be president of the United States again. It is beyond me to understand how half of the people in this country felt that his planning of the insurrection, his actions, and his denial about it all, was acceptable, that it didn’t matter to them…. He was a human being watching, but also a narcissist, a politician, and the leader of our country.

So: where is our decency? How can we allow physical attacks on our legislators, on our amazing Capitol building, on our democratic system of laws, to happen? Yes, the Insurrectionists are serving time but NOT the master minds. Not THE ONE who could have stopped it. But, he did not want to stop it.

And so for me, it is inexcusable.

Teflon Don.

He abuses power. He acts illegally. He allows others to take the fall for his doings. He has no remorse.

And he is our next president of the United States.

I thought it would be nice to make a list of what has been good to me, for me, and near me, as I finish the calendar year today. Bye bye 2024.

Here is the good, the bad, and the ugly…

THE GOOD – in no particular order.

The birth of my 4th grandchild. 💖 Welcome Charlotte Amelia!

Good health for hubby and me.

Seeing Tim live in concert twice. 🤠 🤠

Being Madelynn’s bedmate.

Reconnecting with Paula in Nashville.

“The Women” by Kristen Hannah

The grandboys’ first school holiday concert. 🎄

Facebook and FaceTiming.

Riva-side sunsets

Authentic Lainey Wilson

Chardonnay

“Shaking Off Gravity” by Lucinda Shirley 📕

Tim McGraw’s “People Like Us”

My Cameo video from Deano Brown and the girls who sent it to me.

Daughters 💖 💖

The Holy Spirit sticking with me.

Lifetime bestie Sue

Book club discussions

The sounds of Handbells 🎶 🔔

Dolly Parton and The Imagination Library

Babies

South Carolina Gamecocks football

Linedancing and linedancing ladies.

My garden 🌺

Seeing Willie Nelson in concert.

Tooting the flute.

Cafe Francais ☕️

Spring weather

Live music experiences

Putting my voice & thoughts in “Marla’s Musings”.

THE BAD – also in no particular order.

The passing of my dad. But, also good. He lived a long life and was ready.

Trump re-elected, and all that goes with it. 🤢

Miss Daisy’s slow decline with blindness and diabetes.

The division in the Christian churches.

Hurricane Helene in the Carolinas.

TV talking heads

THE UGLY

My piano practice sounds. 😬

Cat throw up.

Orange

It was easy for me to find the ‘good’ from this past year and to list them here. Thankfully, I was fortunate and I had many, many more good moments and people in my life vs. the bad ones. I thank God, and I count my blessings. It’s important to think about what counts. It’s also vital to know that if the lists change and I find more bad stuff comes into my life, I will not be alone.

Make your lists.

Here we go. We have less than two days to think about if we want to make resolutions, and if so, what they will be.

Are you thinking about it? Do you have any in mind?

I have a couple ideas to help start out the new year, to personally improve, and to find positive outlooks for myself. Obviously, as I look forward into 2025, I am excited for more family time together. I wait with anticipation about any and all events with our daughters, their spouses, and the grandchildren. As I think of the coming year, I pray that they all stay healthy, and active, and that I do too so I can continue to enjoy them.

Another year has passed so I need to step up on my physical care better. I have slacked this past month due to all the holiday events on the calendar. My weekly linedancing stopped for a few weeks. I have gotten out of the routine. I’ve been busy and it is too cold to be outside and do other forms of exercise. (I know my hubby will say I still can get out there. Ha.) But, I realize that I have gotten out of the habit of keeping myself moving – and I need to get back to it. It’s a 2025 resolution.

I must always MOVE!

So, this resolution is to make it to linedancing at least once a week. I will also either go a second session each week, or go for a long walk. I need more physical activity in general so I need to step up my game! I pledge to have 2 good physical activities each week.

I need it for my body, but I truly also need it for my mind. I need the uplifting music and the endorphins that dancing brings!

Although I have had a lot of music events in December, I have left my ‘piano practice’ by the wayside and I need to get back to it again. This too is especially for my mind. I gotta work the brain! In a few weeks band practice and my handbells rehearsals will start up again. Those activities are good for both my mind and soul.

At the age I am now I find that my resolutions are ‘continuations’ of what is good for me. One joy is the live concert experience. I have written about it before, and how I love seeing incredible talent, hearing moving music, and sharing it all in a group of like-minded people. Sometimes it seems easier to stay home, or to just stay away from crowds, to not make the effort involved. But, I resolve to continue going to concerts as long as I can. Age is a number. These experiences have no end date…. Well, for now anyway!

Never let go of MUSIC.

This year ahead will challenge me. I know sometimes I think of politics too much. It’s partly because in this stage of my life I have more time to keep myself informed about it all, and I also think about what the future will bring for my family. The US has so many possibilities. But, of course, as you know as a reader here, my dislike of Trump both personally and professionally is no secret. I know there will be times this coming year when I will be extremely disappointed by Trump and the country’s leadership. I pray that he and his administration don’t send us backwards and add to the hardships of so many Americans. My resolution about it is to speak kindly while I stay true to myself.

I will continue to read. Recently I have added doing daily crosswords and other word games, via the New York Times app. For years I religiously tried my hand on daily crosswords, until we stopped getting a newspaper. But, thanks to the NYT app I am back at it, along with a few other games,

I have to work the MIND.

I think this will be my motto for 2025:

Always MOVE. Never let go of MUSIC. Work the MIND!

Welcome to the world of e-cards and greetings!

I decided to go this route instead of snail mail Christmas cards this year. Instead, the money I would have spent for them will go to a local charity that provides emergency funds for rent and utility bills.

CHRISTMAS 2024

Blessings to you this holiday season.

Stan and I have had a really good year. Our 40th year married! It is hard to believe that we are here, but yet we are so very thankful and appreciative to everyone throughout the years who has impacted our lives.

As the years go by we realize that many have encouraged us, and have believed in us, and now the younger ones look up to us as role models. We are proud of this milestone. Cheers!

Not only did we celebrate a big anniversary but we also celebrated a new decade for Stan. In October we had a wonderful birthday party with our daughters and their families here at our ‘riva-side’ home.

Daughter Lauren and Ryan joined us, along with their twin sons Logan and Roman. The boys are now 7, in 1st grade, and they all make us continually proud. Lauren is a preschool teacher at a Garner, NC Methodist church. Ryan is a project manager and recently became a VP, for Shook Construction. They have busy lives with work and school, and value their family time together. A highlight was taking the boys to DisneyWorld in October, right before their Halloween/birthday celebration.

Daughter Kristen and husband Jeffrey have daughters Madelynn, age 3, and Charlotte, 9 months, and they also have very busy lives with full time career work and prioritizing family. Kristen is a partner at Elliott Davis Accounting Firm in Charlotte, and Jeff works in forecasting and bank development for Wells Fargo. (Don’t quote me. I probably have his title wrong.) This family is also very busy juggling work and family time.

Stan has taken up pickleball to keep physically active. That and his new-ish hobby of motorcycles & dirt bikes, will help fill his time once he officially retires at the end of March ‘25. He also tried his hand at a vegetable garden and had an abundance of peppers, some tomatoes, and more. He also tends fruit trees on our property. If only we can keep the squirrels from feasting before we do! They loved the corn and tomatoes.

Me? I still enjoy my music endeavors, playing flute with the community band, and handbells in two church groups. I also continue to do my little part in a church quilting group. I’m still in a Book Club with ladies I have known for years now. We have great discussions. I love tending my flower garden. I did a Tim McGraw ‘mini tour’ with my daughters in the summer. I met up with a girlfriend in Nashville and I finally got to see a show at the Grand Old Opry.

Dad passed on after 97 years of life. He was more than ready and I am fully confident that he is experiencing heaven in its fullness, back with our mom and his parents.

Best by far this year has been all the times we have spent with our grandchildren. I will post a few pics here of those times. If you are my Facebook friend, you have seen them. I share them there, and I invite you to find me there.

2025 will be an interesting year ahead as our politics is concerning. I pray for us all that we don’t feel hardship from the choices made, and that we continue to strive for love for all, peace, and unity.

As we get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, I pray that Christian love will lead us, and that we may be examples for everyone. Our children and grandchildren are watching. The whole world is watching.

Love came down at Christmas. Unto you a child is born.

Pictures:

We are just days away from celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, who turned the world upside down during his life here, especially his last three years on earth. This is the time each year that we focus on this baby arriving, God’s own son, who came to earth to CHANGE us all with messages of love, forgiveness, and eternal life.

Love. Without stipulations. Love. Without a ranking order. Love. Without judging. Jesus taught it all his life. Love the Lord your God. Then, love your neighbor as yourself.

We hear the message. We sing the songs. We praise the Father and the Son. We say Alleluia!

Christmas is about sharing the love. Feeling it and giving it. It’s about hope. Peace.

When I attend Christmas Eve services I get the tingles, as I think of the unity that happens at that very moment. The beautiful candlelight glow that fills the church. Love is felt in the building, and beyond – into the community, and all around the world. The glow is everywhere. The light is shining in the darkness.

A baby child born so long ago that still makes a huge significance on us all. It’s pretty amazing. He is the ‘Christ” in Christian. He is voice of peace. Turning the cheek. Helping those who need help. Spreading kindness. The example for us all. The teacher.

We are living through a weird time in the US right now where being a Christian is questioned – by those who are not, and by people like me who are. Yes, there are different denominations and with them come various emphasises, especially on parts of the Bible. There are diverse interpretations. Yet, the birth of the baby Jesus is always the central part for everyone.

I have said before that I feel that because Christmas Day comes every year maybe we don’t always pause enough, to feel the LOVE, to focus on the importance of the baby. We get caught up in everything else – the shopping, the decorating, the gatherings, etc. There is plenty to distract us. Right? Every year I personally struggle with my own heart and I ask ‘do I do enough?’ ‘Do I get it?’ Do I understand?

Will this feeling of love continue?

I can answer that. No. After Christmas Day we all tend to go back to our secular lives and everything else comes back to us. We are busy. We are working. We get tired. We get opinionated. We forget about God’s son that came to show us all ‘the way’ and we prefer to live by our egos.

I worry about the coming year here in the United States. I wonder how the large community of Christians can see things so differently. Where is the love??? How can following Jesus seem so different among us?

Christmas puts everything that Jesus came to show us, and to tell us, right smack in front of us. We celebrate him – but do we really ‘live’ the love??

I have been busy lately. I always am busy at this time of the year with many music events that I am either involved in, or go to see and enjoy. But, yesterday was Dec. 15th, my birthday 🎉 , and so I want to take a moment now to reflect back and to think of the year ahead.

Looking back it has been a wonderful year for me personally. I continue to be blessed with good health, and with family I love, who happen to love me back! 😊 I am blessed. I’m blessed because it is not my doing that has let me have such a good year. I put my trust and faith in God, and I am then (almost) free of worry and heartbreak. I still have my moments but they are temporary.

This year I saw the arrival of my newest grandchild, another beautiful little girl. 💖 That rounds out the list to 4, two boys and two girls. I am happy that hubby and I live close enough to be with them often, to experience special occasions with them, and to see the joy on those young faces!! This Thursday I am going to the twin boys first grade school holiday concert and I can’t wait to watch! We will be spending Christmas Eve and Day with the little granddaughters.

I know I speak of the grands first, but I also truly love the time together with our adult daughters and their husbands. As I said above, I love that we are still a big part of their lives. I admire the families they have created. I laugh when with them a lot. And, they make me very proud.

Yesterday, my birthday, I participated in two musical events. Tis the season for sure! 🎄 🎶. I enjoy being a part of groups that come together (with lots of rehearsing – ha) to bring music to others. Music is the international language. 🌎 Music lifts and brings people together. Performers feel like family. And, often, concert goers leave a musical event feeling connected with one another. 🎵 🎵

Looking back on this year, the only challenges for me have been those dealing with politics and sad, world events. We live in a place of such division, and so many disagreements. 😢 I realize I am “in” it and not standing by and watching. It’s hard for me to not feel, to not express myself, and to not try and pass along my point of view. For those who I have made mad, or who might even want to call me names 😬, I apologize. I say what I say – and I hope I at least say it with kind words. My intent is never to demean, or embarrass, someone.

The year ahead – my last of this decade (!??!?!?) – will be a continuation of the last one. I don’t expect any big differences. Well, I take that back. Hubby is officially retiring (for the second time) at the end of March. He will have more time to pursue what brings him contentment (and that is definitely staying active). We have an ailing dog that keeps us close to home, but the year ahead might free us of her constant care. Or, maybe not, we joke that Miss Daisy will outlive us all! 🐾 We love her. But just like a senior person, she is a lot of work, and needs constant checking, medicine, etc.

I plan to keep ringing handbells, tooting my flute, and dancing! I plan to keep reading. I look forward to my garden awaking in the spring. 💐 I think about what might be something new to peruse. I still quilt with a group of ladies each Monday. My participation offers me some creativity (I take the fabric squares and put them together in a hopefully pleasing design), and the quilts are gifts of love from us to those in need. I guess I have from now until New Year’s Eve to think of something else that might “float my boat” but also keep others above water. The possibilities are endless.

So, this birthday yesterday didn’t hurt. I sometimes can’t believe that I am here, at this age. I think how getting here went so quickly…. Until I start looking back on all the years of living, the people, the places, the events, the experiences. Timehop is an app, but it’s a daily trip down Memory Lane. I don’t go a day without checking in with it. It makes me smile. Pictures and videos. Priceless moments.

So, today is the first day of my new year. 🕰️ As Tim McGraw sings “live like you are dying!” Think about, and ENJOY, every day as it might be the last. I also have a little sign in my bathroom that say “Live your life and forget your age.” I do that pretty well.

Here’s to each day!!!

❤️ 🗓️ 🎉

Well, I have been doing pretty good at staying away from the TV ‘news’ channels since the election. The first couple of weeks I watched nothing. Now I turn on CNN for a few minutes at a time to make sure the world is not totally falling apart. I turned it on yesterday when I heard about the earthquake off the coast of Northern California. We used to live in Redding, CA, and that whole area from the coast inland was my hubby’s work territory and so we got to know Eureka, and Ferndale, and other small towns around there. The worry was about a tsunami wave coming at the coastline, and thankfully it didn’t happen. That area has really high and rocky land along the shoreline so most houses and businesses sit up, away from tidal worries.

Earthquakes are very concerning because they are natural phenomenons that can have little or no warnings, and they can quickly take down our grids and systems.

As I was saying, I have greatly reduced my time watching TV, and it is mostly because I truly have had more than enough of ever seeing that man, and listening to his lies. I do not plan to watch the inauguration and I really hope I can hook up with one of the women’s marches scheduled for that weekend. I want to peacefully gather with the thousands who, like me, worry about what lies ahead. There is comfort in numbers.

Even though I have curbed my TV time, I have not stuck my head into the sand about what is happening. I know about the men and women ‘he’ has selected for many of the important positions, in the cabinet and in other high government departments, and it is turning into a real ‘cast of characters’ right out of a soap opera. The people picked so far may have good acting skills, but they have no or little experience, and some have pretty shady backgrounds. (I have learned that that really does not matter to those who voted for him.)

To think we are turning our government leadership over to “him” and the group he has picked should be alarming even for the MAGA faithful. These are going to be the decision makers leading our military and defense! And our ability to get along with other world leaders! And to handle Social Security, and medical insurance, and bank powers, and our educational system!! And, so much more. Who are they? Have you checked them out? What education do they have? What patience? It’s so very concerning to me. But, yet, I know, for many Americans it is not.

These people must be totally unaware – not prepared, not having any expectations for the changes coming.

I’m thinking it will be like an earthquake! We will have no control over the havoc, and we won’t know when it will hit – but it will. The new administration’s plan is to ‘shake it up’ and that’s why many people voted for him. So, be on the look out – what will shake first? Prepare if you can. We will be living on shaking ground, and we will face breakdowns in our American system which we have not experienced before.

Congress is supposed to be part of the ‘checks and balances’ to stop a crazy executive office, but Republicans edge out the Democrats and have no spine in standing up to him. He plans to fire people in the Justice department, the ones who uphold the laws of the land, and he will replace them with ‘yes men.’ And, even if they happen to disagree with him they will be fired too. We know – that’s what he does. From his time as a businessman in New York, to the pretend TV show, and then when he was president before, he fires people when they go against him. The first term had a revolving door of people ‘trying’ to work with him, and some have since said that they stayed on only to try and keep our democracy intact. This time there will not be people stopping in.

This earthquake will be bigger and worse. The fault line has been established. It is made up of ignorance, of a bully mentality, of narcissism, and of leading without compassion. It waits now, ready to be powerful. Will the shaking start right away?

How bad will it be? What will the fall out be? Who will be affected?

I have lived through some minor but very real earthquakes. When I first felt them, I froze for a second. It takes a moment to realize that the earth is really moving underfoot. I felt it, yes, but then I also saw the chandelier light start swinging. And I saw cupboard doors open. By then, it’s was too late to do anything but go stand under a door frame, or run outside quickly. To wait for it to pass. To try and stay safe.

The earthquake is coming to the US and it will go on for 4 long years, and that long can bring a whole lot of damage.

It’s coming.

Will we stand frozen? Will we react? Will we all be safe?

Thanksgiving is two days away and I sit here thankful for many things and people. Here are a few of them:

I’m thankful I am not traveling anywhere by air over these coming busy days!! Ha. I have been listening to weather issues that will delay flights all across the country, and I also heard of two mishaps where planes bumped into each other on the tarmac. Thankfully nobody was hurt but those planes had to be sent to the hangars to be thoroughly checked out. Flying is crowded in the sky and on the ground right now. And, then add in the passengers who have short tempers and have long waits, and, yes, I am glad to be driving on the roads for Thanksgiving. Of course, traffic on the roads will be crowded also. We are fortunate to travel back roads most of the way – so I am thankful for that.

I am thankful for a home I love. I have lived many places, and in many kinds of homes, over many years, and I am thankful that at my age I have ended up here. I love the views, and the space to plant. I love the connection with nature in this spot. I love sharing it with hubby and the pets.

I love the ladies in my book club. We have been meeting monthly for years and years now, and we come from different backgrounds and have different opinions, but we have lively discussions and learn from each other. We have read so many books together and their viewpoints bring me to a perspective I might not always see on my own. I love that! I am thankful for their insight.

I am also thankful for the people I have met through music. I muddle along, be it playing my flute or ringing handbells, but together we make some beautiful sounds and share in the experiences. I started out as a band geek in school and have continued to make music a priority all of my life. I say that music makes the world go round and it really does! I can’t imagine life without it.

I am thankful that I took my music love farther and that I have added in linedancing! I love dancing to upbeat, foot stompin’ music, and learning steps – and remembering them in the proper order! Ha. It’s fun to dance with other ladies, again of different backgrounds, but we all enjoy dancing and getting exercise without it being too hard to do!

My last weekly activity is quilting with another amazing group of women, who use their talents to create beautiful quilts and blankets for others. I joined this group also many, many years ago, and some ladies have come and gone, even passed on, and we always continue to have a common purpose. They are a reality check to me each week because I know that some think politically different from me. I struggle as I listen to conversation sometimes, but I am thankful that I am still there each week.

Which brings me to politics: what am I thankful about? Well, I am thankful for those who understand my beliefs and who also want the country to go in the same direction. Right now ‘misery loves company.’ I am thankful for my faith. I am thankful that I have stayed true to who I am.

I am always extremely thankful for the family that hubby and I created over the years. Time can go by quickly, and looking back I think of all the crazy, amazing, some simple, some extravagant, experiences we have been a part of…. Births, milestones of childhoods, graduations, marriages, and births again! I am thankful for a hubby who understands the importance of it all. I am thankful for a very giving husband. We are in our 40th year of ‘wedded bliss’ and really it has been that. Bliss. Fun. Always interesting.

I am thankful for making it to this point with good health. Tomorrow may be different, but I try and live a balanced life: some movement, some learning, some stillness. So far it has served me well.

As we gather on Thursday and fill our stomachs, I am thankful for ‘daily bread’ and never having an empty stomach. I appreciate that it is not even a thought. Hungry? Enjoy some food. Too many do not live that way though. We must always care for each other. God gave us this place we live in to tend to each other, to share in community needs and joys.

I am thankful for all of God’s gifts, most especially His grace and unconditional love. I am reminded of a hymn my mother liked, and I remember being a child in Vacation Bible School singing: “This is my Father’s world.”

This is my Father’s world,

And to my listening ears

All nature sings, and round me rings

The music of the spheres.

This is my Father’s world,

I rest me in the thought

Of rocks and trees, and rocks and seas

His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world,

the birds their carols raise.

The morning light, the lily white

Declare their maker’s praise.

This is my Father’s World

He shines in all that’s fair.

In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,

He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father’s world,

O let me n’er forget

That tho the wrong seem oft so strong,

God is the ruler yet.

This is my Father’s world.

Why should my heart be sad?

The Lord is king, let the heavens ring!!

God reigns, let earth be glad.

I think I am going to write a little bit of this and a little bit of that today. Let’s see where my mind goes…

First, the past couple of nights I have had some vivid dreams. Two nights ago my dad was in my dream, which I think is the first time I have seen him this way since his passing in May. I should have written down the events of the dream right after I woke up to remember it better, but even now I know it had to do with religion and believing in God. It was about still having faith. And, yes, I know my faith, my belief, and trust, in God has not changed, but I also know I have been questioning a lot about organized religion lately. We live in a time of the rising of the national evangelicals and I have been thinking so much about how they are effecting our country, seeping into the politics (more like flowing) and even trying to take control over much of our civil life. When dad was alive he and I talked religion and politics a little bit over the years, but not as much as I would have liked. I knew where he stood mostly and I trust he is now experiencing the beauty and peace of heaven. But, maybe this dream was a way to reassure me. Maybe.

Then, last night I had a very different dream with different people. I remember being in a beach town environment. I feel like I was with my husband on a work trip that was there. He had to spend some of his time in meetings. We were in and out of a hotel, and at one point people were lining up along the streets, and I asked why? The answer: Donald Trump was coming. In a parade, or a caravan down the street. We did not stand around and wait and went on our way. At one point then I do remember saying “I guess we missed him. We must have been indoors.”

I’m not a big dream interpreter. But both of these dreams stuck with me after waking in the morning. They have to have some significance somehow. I am glad my dad was in my dream, but not Donald Trump. But, you know, I didn’t really have him in the dream. People were just waiting for him. I’m sure a lot can be made out of both of these dream experiences!

Speaking of Trump…. Just an hour ago Matt Gaetz withdrew from his plan to be the next US Attorney General. I don’t watch much news anymore for my sanity, but I saw the headline come across on my phone. I think I also heard a huge sigh of relief come across the country. Ha! I have to say I find it amusing that he resigned from Congress to become the Attorney General (and escape the allegations about to come out of his involvement in sex parties and having sex with a 17 year old girl), and now he is left unemployed. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy!?!

As I said above, I have greatly reduced my viewing of news right now. I needed a break. I needed to lift myself up and not feel hurt all the time about the election results and what ‘may’ happen in the coming 4 years. I am not in a vacuum though and I do know about the cabinet position appointments, etc. At this point that is enough to see. It is depressing enough.

I have reached the time each year where I struggle a bit with depression. We just had the election. And now we are coming towards the holiday season(s) and I tend to get all hypocritical about them. My brain overthinks. I don’t like how Christmas decorations are up already. I want one holiday at a time. Thanksgiving isn’t even for another week and a half. SLOW DOWN EVERYBODY!!!! I feel like the magic of Christmas gets lost because we start everything so early. I know, bah humbug Marla. I feel this way every year. I get annoyed with the commercialism and the pressure for making everything right. By the time December 24th comes around then we think “oh right, it’s about Jesus too.” And a few days later everyone is taking down the lights and decorations because they put them up so darn early.

The first 2 weeks of December prove it also. My calendar for those two weeks is getting full already, filled with music and concerts I am involved with (flute & handbells), other concerts I’d like to attend, and with holiday lunches and dinners. The week right before Christmas? Nothing. It’s hurry, hurry, hurry…. Get it all done early!

Speaking of over-doing it? Anybody else tired of the hoopla leading up to the release of the movie “Wicked”?

Let me turn the page here, and turn into a place of thankfulness, not griping. Okay? Forgive me.

I am thankful that almost all of my holiday gift shopping is done online now. It’s so easy to order by computer, and have it delivered. I will try though and spend one day running to local shops and picking up a few last minute items later. I know they need my business. And yours.

Here’s something good to say: What about those Gamecocks?!?! The football season started with a few losses and I was prepared for ‘the usual,’ but the team has been looking good lately, winning, and having some exciting games to watch!! Yay!!

Question: Are you doing Christmas cards this year? I am thinking I will not. Although, I have a new granddaughter and I’d love to share my beautiful family, I might bypass the ‘snail mail’ greeting this year. Many see what I post on Facebook, and my Christmas list keeps shrinking every year. Maybe I will make a digital one to send via email this time.

One of my favorite parts of Christmas is the music. Again, I prefer not to start it early because it sounds more magical in the Advent and Christmas seasons. What are your favorites? I have both ‘sacred’ music and fun Christmas carols on my song list. I also have favorite artists. Some are very old school. Timeless. Nobody sings Christmas music better than Johnny Mathis.

I look forward to the music in DECEMBER!!!

Happy November and Thanksgiving. Let’s give thanks before we move on. OK???

Listening to the thoughts of the other political side can be really hard to do, but also enlightening. Right? Maybe a bit scary too. Do most of us give them a chance? Do we really listen to them?

I have been accused of not listening.

Yet, I have never deleted or snoozed anyone who is politically different from me because, truly, I feel the need to hear where they are coming from, and I want to hear their explanations on why they support ‘him.’ I always want to know why. I want to try and figure out what it is that made them vote for him.

Here’s the thing: most of what I hear is based on untruths. Facts don’t seem to matter. Statistics don’t matter. It could be about crime numbers, or inflation, or unemployment. Numbers at the border. Even gas prices.

Numbers don’t matter when it comes to children having sex change operations (very very few). They don’t matter when it comes to gays luring others (very very few). Or, of athletes and how they identify themselves (very very few).

Numbers don’t matter anymore. But fear rules. There are people out there who are experts in creating fear where there should never be any to begin with. They exaggerate or outright lie – on purpose. And, oh, the facial expressions they use when telling to you about the fear! The eyes rolling. The body language! They are really good at making you feel really, really worried.

As a proud Democrat I don’t like hearing the lies because that means that I am put into their false narratives. I am a Democrat, so in their eyes I must be either a bad person or delusional, or I have bought into all the liberal rhetoric. Yes, I have heard that. I realize it is said on both sides of this great divide. I know that.

It often sounds like a good excuse to me. See, I look up facts. I read. I follow trends. I look back at “how we got here.” Sometimes I am surprised. Even disappointed. But at least it’s accurate. And this is really important: I have learned how a democracy must work to stay intact. I understand the 3 equal branches of government, and how if one gets too much power we can lose our checks and balances. We will no longer be a government for the people, of the people, and by the people.

I wish more people would do their homework.

The past couple of days I have had a pretty intense back and forth with someone who voted for, and seems to love, Trump, and she has big hopes for what he will do in the coming 4 years. She has clearly told me her reasons for voting for him. They are: stronger policing in our country, the desire for a closed southern border, and being tough with all other countries, financially with tariffs, and in strength with our military. She seems to have little regard for our connections with our friendly foreign countries, but wants Trump to buddy up with our adversaries. Although our ‘back and forth’ was sometimes ‘edgy’ and I ended up getting frustrated, and probably losing this friendship, it was informative for me. This person clearly said to me that she did not vote for other women, or for our country’s children. Yes, she really said that. The comments left me baffled and I got upset – and I realize I could have been more diplomatic in my responses, but my emotions got the best of me.

She said more…. And this is really what shook me!

This person said to me that she believed it was the Democrats that prepped, thought out, and were responsible for the actions of the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6th.
Yes, I said the Democrats! She truly felt that the people there that day were actors, hired to meet up and create the horrible scenes we all watched on TV. She blamed the Democrats for the whole event. She felt it was staged. The flags, the violence, the destruction, the poop in the Capitol. The noose for Pence. All of it!! She felt it was some group from the left side who wanted a big publicity stunt. I’m not sure WHY they would want to stage it but that didn’t matter. But, unfortunately, totally lost on her, was that it was not factually correct – at all!! Hundreds of testimonies under oath from everyone from White House staff to DC police said it was the far right militant groups that converged on that day, invited by President Trump, encouraged to come ready – to stand down. Thousands of emails, and phone calls, and videos were entered in as evidence. Let me say it again, the Democrats did not make the insurrection happen. Testimony came out that Trump knew about it, rallied them on, went back to the White House and watched it all unfold for 4 hours. He was responsible for it as the sitting president, because he did not want to vacate his position, and he tried every way legally and illegally to stop the votes from certification. Trump was found guilty of his involvement and impeached.

So, where did my friend get these crazy ideas?

She also told me in our ‘not so nice’ back and forth comments that the Democrats were the big liars and that they were the ones who made up stories all the time. She said Dems were puppeteers. She felt that I was lost in all the Democratic lies. She continued on that the Democrats were the deceptive ones, and that they were ‘out to get’ Trump no matter what.

Again, where did she get these ideas?

Well, I think we know where she got them. Her beliefs were repeated to her over and over – for years now. They aligned with her own feelings but were without facts. They were also told without any kind of nuance required for understanding complicated situations. Her side was right and the other side was wrong. Blaming others is easy.

Each time I tried to say it was not true, and that I was a Democrat who was not like that, and that I wanted the very best for all Americans, she didn’t believe me. She said that I was caught up in some sort of liberal false belief that was being pushed on everyone. Sound familiar?

So, our division is huge… and I have a feeling we will never chat again. It’s one example of what is happening across the country. With family, friends, co-workers, neighbors. I mean, “he” was just elected as our next president. So, more than half of America, for one reason or another, felt that Democrats were not being truthful, or were not believable, and that they were not really wanting to work for making America a safe, equal, fair, beautiful place to live.

And, really, that blows my mind. I am a Democrat and that is exactly what I want! It is what every American should want.

How sadly did we get here???

Again, where did they get these ideas? Yes, we do know. But, how can we stop it? How can we require truth again? How can we FIND truth?

As a proud Democrat I find all the misinformation about the party as a personal attack on me. What MAGA thinks and says is not seeing me. In fact it is dehumanizing. I am not a liar and I would never support candidates who are okay with lying. I am not ‘out to get anyone’ and in fact I am the opposite, because I want to help as many people as I can. I truly believe when all are lifted up we all will do better.

We have heard about fake “Conspiracy theories” all too often. They appear constantly through social media. They are even ‘suggested’ on regular media like TV, radio, podcasts, and feeds. Who posts them? Where are the sources? It is said that both domestic and foreign interrupters are responsible. Then they are shared like wildfire.

They are false. They hurt people. They are out of hand. Too many believe the theories without any fact checking. Too many are willing to accept what they want to hear (which is disturbing in itself.) Too many have been told to never believe a Democrat.

Hey, listen…. It’s not all one sided. I know that. I know that Democrats ‘spin’ and that spinning used to be a normal part of campaigning. But we have all gone way overboard now and it to the point that nothing real matters. From what I see the far right has attacked more, put out the false narratives, and made up stories. They have done it to the point of causing violence. Truth is not honored, and lies spread.

Spreading lies has actually become an occupation. Yes. It’s big on social media. People get paid to do it. “We now know the title of “Influencers” but don’t forget that even many more are secretive!

So, maybe the question should not be “where do they get these ideas?”

Instead we need to focus now on asking “what is truthful anymore?” How can we get back to it? How will we survive if we don’t? What do the facts and statistics say?? What is real?? Oh. And, please, don’t deny good numbers if it happens by the opposing party. It’s childish. It’s dangerous. It’s a mean spirited game. And, yes, I know that both parties have done that. It’s gotten to the point where we don’t even acknowledge the good that happens in the country.

I know the next four years are going to see more of all of this. I suspect it will even get worse.

It has made me want to stay away from people and certain situations. I’m so tired of 8 years of it. And now we will continue on. I know I can’t forever stay away but my faith in people has really taken a beating. Twice.

Is it too much to ask for rising up, and taking time for checking facts and speaking truth???

Is it too late?