Ten Random Thoughts

 In a world full of noise, be a source of quiet.

In a world full of hatred, be a source of love.

In a world full of greed, be generous. 

In a world full of war, bring peace.

In a world of criticism, share positivity.

In a world of apathy, be someone who cares.

In a world of cruelty, treat others with compassion.

In a world of division, work to bring the world together. 

In a world of flitting from thing to thing, be an oasis of calm.

In a world of tearing down, be someone who lifts people up.

Sometimes There Are No Words

And sometimes there are many words, all of them negative.

So I decided to compile a list of adjectives that perfectly describes the current American regime. 

This is my list so far. 

Tacky. Vulgar. Classless. Clueless. Greedy. Corrupt. Disrespectful. Unpatriotic. Dishonest. Trashy. Low class. Tasteless. Crass. Tacky. Weak. Insecure. Incompetent. Cruel. Violent. Racist.  Sexist. Inept. Self-absorbed. Traitorous.

What do you think? Have I overlooked any adjectives that apply to the current regime? If you can think of more to add to my list, please let me know.

Hatred As Patriotism

My representative in Congress, Melanie Stansbury, posted a comment recently about the planned livestreaming of the execution of the jihadist and former Army major whoo killed 13 soldiers and wounded dozens more.

I am appalled by the large number of comments from -- no surprise -- mostly men applauding the decision and stating their plans to watch.

All of these so-called pro-life and alleged Christians cheering a public execution sicken me. Does the killer deserve to be executed? If he does, why are so many looking forward to watching? We have now joined the ranks of Iran, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan, all of which carry out public executions.

I won't be watching, but apparently numerous Americans are looking forward to satisfying their blood lust, including women. The Roman emperors kept the public happy with gladiatorial games. It seems that the American emperor and his henchmen are about to do the same. And I recently read that some member of the regime has floated the idea of resuming bear baiting, a 'sport' that was outlawed because of the cruelty involved in the 19th century.

Has anyone in the regime considered that this live execution, regardless of how despicable the murders of unarmed soldiers, will only embolden future jihadists? Or that this barbaric act can have real repercussions for any American service member captured by jihadists?

I'm currently reading a book of historical fiction that makes the point that the Nazis used hatred disguised as patriotism. Sounds like a correct description of the current regime.

To say that I am disgusted by this country is a gross understatement. The republican enablers and apologists in Congress and elsewhere in government are to blame. But so are the members of the cult that continue to spread hate and defend the lies and corruption that are hallmarks of this government. I hope they all get the life they deserve.

Three Weeks

That's right. 

In just just three weeks, registered voters will take part in what I consider the most significant election of my lifetime. This will be a midterm election, something that typicalls passes with little fanfare.

But this election is crucial to the very survival of our constitutional republic. The current regime in power is hell bent on turning this nation into an autocracy. We have already witnessed ongoing attacks on our freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and attempts to keep people from voting. Voter intimidation is also in the works, as well as bribes being offered by the dear leader. Environmental protections are being destroyed. Books have been banned. Efforts are continuing to turn this country into a nation forced to adhere to the dictates of Christian nationalism. Misogyny and racism are rampant. Corruption is floured openly. We have turned our backs on our allies we hike sucking up to dictators like Putin.

I have already voted by absentee ballot. This election is far too important to ignore. People need to vote in huge numbers. 

Kindness Matters

 I wrote a blog post recently about kaindness.

Yesterday I saw kindness in action. As I was walking to my car with a reusable bag of groceries in one hand and a gallon of milk in the other, a woman who had parked nearby saw me and asked whether I needed help. I thanked her for offering to help, but told her that my car was just ahead.

I really appreciated her kindness in offering to help.

And yesterday the nurse at Passport Health walked outside the building to wait for me, as thue business had moved since my last visit and the building was one of three tan buildings with no signage. Road construction made it difficult to drive to the location, so I ended up walking to the building. The woman who answered the phone tried to direct me to the correct building. She also let the nurse know that I was on my way but couldn't find the correct building. After my appointment, she gave me a bottle of water and drove me to my car. I walked close to 16,000 steps yesterday, much of while trying to find the building.

A few days ago, with kindness on my mind, I let a woman who was struggling down steep stairs while using a cane know that there was an elevator available to her. I said that would be a safer, more comfortable alternative for her. A couple of store employees standing near the break room told her precisely where the elevator is. The steps aren't in great condition, and I always grasp the hand rail if I need to go down those steps. (Unfortunately, that grocery store's public bathrooms are on the second floor -- a bad decision by the designers of the store).

Simple gestures are free and can really make a difference in the recipient's life.

Kindness matters!

Kindness Costs Nothing

Sometimes it's good to remember that

Kindness costs nothing.

Compassion is free.

A smile costs nothing.

Encouragement is free.

Kindness if never wasted, even when it isn't returned.

Find the good in everybody. -- Dolly Parton 

Times are tough right now. The cost of basic necessities is sky high, with no quick end in sight. The country is terribly divided. Hatred, misogyny an racism are common. 

Today, on this one-year anniversary of the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall, it seems appropriate to close with this quote. Every single day you live, you make a difference in the world, and you get to choose the difference that you make.d racism are common. 

So let's go out and do something nice for someone and for the world.

In the words of the late comedian Robin Williams: Be kind. It's the only legacy that matters.

Be Like Dolly

September 25 was Dolly Parton Daya day designated to honor the iconic songwriter/singer's most popular song, written for the movie 9 to 5.

My original post on that day was corrupted so I deleted it.

When asked to take part in the movie, along with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, she agreed on the condition that she be allowed to write the movie' theme song.

Dolly Parton was an American treasure. Not just for her songwriting. Not just for her singking. But she is an incon for her humble nature, for her philantrhopy, for her acceptance of others, for keeping her political thoughts to herself. A devoute Christian, Dolly Parton practiced the very best of Christianity. She lived her faith by example.

The so-called Christian nationalists would do well to follow her example. We all, regardless of our religious beiefs or practices, woul do well to emulate her.