Sunflowers and other people variations

If we were all plants we would't expect the succulents to require the same amount of water or sunshine as the arid or more tropical varieties. It would just be a botanical fact that ALL plants have different requirements to reach their full growth height and we WOULDN'T JUDGE them if they wilted and withered while others grew stronger especially when they had to endure an excess of non ideal circumstances.

So why is it we can't seem to allow people to grow where they are planted?

Weed (sorry) all be better if we could garden together!

Words and a broken heart

 I read this morning there had been a loss of life. As I read the circumstances of a sleep deprived driver going the wrong way I became aware that there are occasions, especially relating to death when the English language seems to be severely lacking.

There is no "right" age or circumstance that makes the death of a loved one or even a pet more tolerable. The heartache and heartbreak of death is experienced differently every second of the rest of your life. Personally I do not believe that time heals. I don't say this as a negative! A broken heart will forever be a broken heart. Once shattered it can learn to adapt to it's brokenness but it remains broken. I believe it is our broken hearts that connect us and often strengthens the bond to others that will or have felt the waves of grief.

What words could possibly be spoken that would comfort another? What words can truly express the feelings of those touched by loss and if I am the one grieving, what words can lift the veil? How do we communicate death to a child or someone child like? How do we respond to a grieving heart that can distract enough to allow just a moment of relief? We have words that can cut us to the bone but what words bring comfort? I think it isn't so much the pain and heartache but more the anguish that leaves us broken without words.

It is my experience that the sadness of death is like a tsunami that floods the heart with grief. Friends and family are swept in as the words are spoken announcing the loss and collectively but uniquely we rage against the force of the waters. Waters that have (this time) spared us and taken a loved one. As the waves continue to crash on the shore we stop thrashing as often and allow our broken hearts to ride the waves that are rhythmically lifting us to the next sunrise.

Life is precious. Loss is life changing. Love is kind.  

My baby boy

And even though you know he is capable and able to do the greatest things, you still see him as that cute little kid that made you laugh so hard it made tears roll down your face. That bundle of joy that would happily entertain you by singing songs learned at daycare and later proudly wear badges earned in boy scouts. And that same boy that made you close your eyes to keep from watching something so dangerous (like climbing on things meant to be climbed). That dangerous playground that he so enjoyed and it was all you could do not to sweep him up pre-boo-boo because you could not watch without worry. Maybe he would be hurt. And so, you closed your eyes (not the one in the back of your head ~ that is not even a possibility and yes kids those eyes are well focused and are just as capable to watch grandchildren too) and over time we both grew stronger, more confident and well just reckless in my mind but how would I know? I raised him with my eyes closed. 

Love you Sean E Baby!  💖

Trickle Down Economics

I am so excited I believe I have this figured out!

This trickle down "economic policy" or you could just call it a donation invocation is really only beneficial to the 1% and the politicians sponsored by same.

So I think what happens is, the politician manipulates the whatever it is that will benefit the 1% who then has even more money and can then afford to buy even more politicians. As each politician is reined on (trickled down on) or sponsored they then only represent their major contributors. The 1 per centers who are so thankful they repeat the cycle and all the while the politician pretends to be on "our" side and tells us tall tales so that we will fight the whatever evil it is by giving a donation because:

     A) We want our country back
     B) Obama Care
     C) Muslims
     D) Social Security
     E) Class War
     E) War on Women
     F) War on Christmas
     G) War
     F) Pro Birth - Anti Choice
     G) Benghazi
     H) Your button pusher here

You are then outraged, enraged and engaged just enough to send money but not necessarily enough to get the facts or vote.

Only the strong survive

The rain reminds me that strength is often perceived as weakness. Looking out my back window during a fairly heavy rain I was noticing the crepe myrtle in full bloom and the purple fountain grass were bending quite a bit. As the rain fell I realized that the ability of the fountain grass and crepe myrtle to bend could be perceived as weakness.

Just looking on the surface, it could be said that neither was strong enough in the rain when actually, the strength was in bending and cooperating and in interacting appropriately with the current circumstance. They both would have damaged themselves with the added weight and in order to survive and prosper, neither remained upright or steadfast. The soil needed the rain and the plant to keep it stable and prevent it from washing away. The plants need soil, sun and rain for nourishment. The clouds need the sun and had to have a release in the form of rain. If nature instinctively knows to cooperate for the good of all, why can't we?

I keep hearing the president is weak but I believe if you say that with any seriousness we should also agree that America is weak by choice. Weak because we are so polarized and politicians are like deer caught in the headlights. Politicians afraid they will step off of the "perceived safety" of doing nothing. Afraid to step up or out for what a majority of people want. Taking only the time to blame the other side for the condition we as a nation are in. Not only is this a disservice to we the people it is also counter to making any hard decisions that they were elected to do in representation of the majority. Do you really expect other nations to follow in the American system of government when we are at a stalemate and have defiantly stood our ground or denied any progress time and time again?

(From http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/united-states-government)

Many terms describe the United States government. First of all, it is a democracy. This means the people rule. It is also a representative government. The people elect leaders who will represent their viewpoint when making government decisions. It is also a republic. This means that the chief of state (the president) is elected by the people. This is unlike a monarchy, where the throne is inherited through a family dynasty. The United States government is also a constitutional government. It operates according to a set of laws and principles that are outlined in a constitution. And finally, it is an example of the federal system of government. This means that the national government shares responsibilities with the state and municipal governments.

 

We are our worst enemy. When will we learn that yes, yes we do need protective legislation? Tex-ting and driving have broken many hearts and torn families apart. Our Texas governor believes that we should be allowed to do both if we choose but he does not approve of woman having equal pay for equal work, the right to choose a legal abortion or a method of birth control. How is it you want birth control methods to be an employer choice and not a woman's choice?  When will we have a real discussion about "corporations are people" or why workers should not have sick pay, or how about a living wage? What have we done about Sandy Hook? How do we feel about an eight year old with an Uzi?

Someone should represent me not resent me. Next election I will identify and vote for that person not the letter by their name because it is obvious we have only grid lock in office. The stalemate has to end.

Labor of love

We went to the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum and I think that is why I wrote this today. Sometimes it helps to write it down and love out loud. Please visit if you get a chance.

Love is Kind

Love is kind, love is round
Love is a circle, love knows no bounds
Love is born but it never dies
Love lives on, the smile in your eyes

Kindness. Love. It isn't hard.
Life and death. Both take part.

Love is a whisper
Love is a roar
Love cries out
Tears may pour

But love is love and ever will be
Love kept alive in you and me.

This was such a labor of love. Well done Oklahoma. Well done.

This bit of light divine, I'm going to notice shine

Here's the good news love story.

Friday night is date night for 1203, me and our BFF couple but tonight we were just us two. So I picked where we would go for dinner and we went for fish. We found ourselves a table and began to enjoy our choices. Soon an elderly couple made their way to a table in my direct eye sight. I watched as they quietly arranged their dishes, held hands and gave thanks for their food. I was just filled with joy to witness this quiet, unassuming couple. They were so soft spoken I never heard a spoken word from either. I was in fact so inextricably drawn to them I told 1203 that they were shiny people and they had a loving aura and I just felt compelled, no, I had to bless them in some way for shining the love light of hope and faith to let them know I noticed their love of God and for one another. I asked 1203 if they had gift cards there and go, please, ask. Praise God they did or I would have had to hug them or something I just know it! So 1203 gets up and after a bit he comes back to the table and says "I did my part, now it is your turn". I was so emotional speaking to our waiter I know I didn't give the best directions that he should take the gift card and give it to them and let them know how I was imprinted in just the short time they had been seated. He didn't go directly to their table so as not to blow our cover but as I glanced back at this incredible couple I could see the lady glow even brighter and after the waiter left, this gracious couple held hands again in prayer. God is good and those that practice God's word by living it are some incredible folks. I hope you keep your heart open and watch for good people doing good work and when you are able do good work of your own. Do not hesitate to let them know they should continue on the path they are walking. 

We walk in the light of God's word; therefore, we are lights to the world.

Jesus tells us that we are light of the world, like a city on a hill that can't be hidden. Therefore He commands us to let our lights "shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:14-16)

Facebook Feeding Frenzy

Thinking we might turn out the lights on H8tebook I mean Facebook. Finally today I was able to log back into this, my blog page so I'm good to go. Some much needed "therapeutic blogging" will ensue I am certain. Will have to see about 1203.

~ Much needed therapeutic rants follow * Glove up * This could get messy ~

Facebook is more and more like the angry driver on the freeway. The problem friends, family, former co-workers and classmates, if you pick your nose and hold it out for all to enjoy, I can see that and the next time you drive by and throw political word salad out the window or blow your horn at an unemployed homeless possibly even a veteran it gets back around to me too. I am confused by the Christian memes you like and share and all the while I see your posts belittling the very people that God has also forgiven and died for. Really, you are for cutting food stamps, against health care, unemployment benefits, minimum wage increases, all things Obama? Don't get me wrong, I am not blameless! I feel like when I say nothing it is just as much my seal of approval and I disagree with so many postings that I feel isolated. There's enough hate in the world so I really don't want to see your road rage in whatever form and it doesn't matter how expensive or what brand of car you drive. F8cebook is just another venue to invite people to the party. Sure at first there is some decorum and politeness. Vacation photos or birthday wishes but once the drinks are served it's who do we trash today day and I don't need to check the facts. Facts are for school kids and non voters if they don't belong to a union or if they wear their hair different or never shave their face. So, yea, we don't like them because they are not the same as me, us. Differences are to be feared and hated not shared as a blessing. Amen? Hell no! What God are you serving?

So yes, giving some serious thought to cancelling our Facebook account. We get disheartened seeing our family, friends and others who continually fan the flames and spread the lies so casually and proudly too it seems. So many fires and yet so few willing to stomp out the flames. Hate, political ideology, religion, and all day every day is a long barrage of reasons why we won't vote for, shop at, contribute to, uphold or support ___ anymore. War on this and war on that. And it goes without saying, the ever popular ObamaCare and of course Obama, FLOTUS, nutrition.

Speaking of nutrition, remember the Chick-Fil-A eat a chicken sandwich free speech for Chick-Fil-A day so we can prove to gays and lesbians that we as Americans  Christians  citizens faith based biased judgemental people disapprove of their kind of l o v e and how we should be able to deny them chicken sandwiches on demand if they come to our restaurant expecting to be fed by anything other than our founders religious beliefs? Free speech for all that eat of the chicken. The unclean chicken but hey, no one but Jews have to go by that law. We are so blessed and forgiven we can make even more laws. The owners family is so strong in their religious belief they are closed on Sunday so all of the religions can go to their Baptist church on the same day as they do and ALL will know only straight people and restaurants that discriminate against non straight people are allowed to love. Hell, this is the mis-read, mostly white and you America! You can't just love anybody. Especially a body of the same sex! No, you will go to hell and we love you so much we just can't let you have that type of relationship. We can pray away your gay and then you can still get married.

So I have a gay brother, gay brother-in-law, gay Facebook friends, a lesbian cousin and boss. My being on Facebook has allowed me to see your driving habits and in so doing, opened a window to your soul that says many of you are willing to go along with the hate as it is delivered or that you think if I were Christian enough I would also hate. Hate my brother, brother-in-law, friends, cousin and boss.

Why does their difference enrage you? How does more love in the world make it a worse place to live and grow? How does this damage your faith, marriage or family? During this Chick-Fil-A day some family members and church friends made some comments and posted pictures of their "I H8TE GAYS" trophy sandwich, and not only was I embarrassed and hurt for them and their family and friends, but also for you. That broke my heart because when you hold it out for all to enjoy, I can see that and I wonder how is it you have no compassion for your son, brother, uncle, sister, aunt, friend.

Me and my family . . .

So, no, I will not post hateful homophobic doesn't help a soul accomplish anything posts or like your self absorbed judgemental meme to try to be less isolated. What you do is between you and whatever God, spirit or consciousness that draws you to do good for goods sake. Even if you drive in the dark that entity that you hold yourself up to ~ Your "GOD" sees what you do so buckle up and keep your eyes heart and mind open.

Drive friendly and let's put the brakes on h8te!

Against the affordable care act? Blame on you!

Back thirty something years ago somewhere before our second wedding anniversary . . . I was unemployed and my husband was working ~ we had no health insurance. Both of us in our early twenties.


I was standing in front of the bathroom mirror brushing my teeth when suddenly I had what I thought was an "accident". On closer look I noticed it had a bloody appearance. That was not quite right and so as most young girls do, I called my Mother. My Mother worked at the hospital and after some discussion she thought perhaps I was pregnant and I should go to the Doctor.

Turns out Mother was right. I was pregnant and what I had experienced earlier, my water broke. I wasn't far enough along to show and it was not going well. It wasn't long I started having cramps and the Doctor instructed that we should go to the hospital. I tearfully resisted. We had no health insurance. A few hours later the pain was even more intense so we hesitantly packed a bag and set off for the hospital. I was in total bed rest. My husband and I clung to each other scared and excited. I had a spontaneous abortion and required a D and C (Dilation and Curettage). We were heartbroken.

Through our tears we had to deal with our hospital bill as I was released. I don't know if my mother being an employee was a factor or not but we went home with broken hearts and monthly payments for a baby we would never know. Can you imagine making monthly payments on a loss such as ours? Every month we were reminded the pregnancy did not result in a bundle of joy, just a monthly payment plan for our loss.

Now many in our ever increasing dysfunctional government are willing and even proud to hurt ALL of us because they are against President Obama and therefore the affordable care act. It is disgusting to me that the lies just roll off their tongues and they mislead and misrepresent rather than speak truthfully. Debate, decide and tweak to make our government work better. Shutting down the government does not solve anything it merely exacerbates and magnifies our divisiveness and spotlights to the world that we, Americans, we, the super power in the land of the free and the home of the brave that encourage your country to become democratic, we can no longer make our politics work for the betterment of the majority or minority. We are powerless to save ourselves from the lack of cooperation, stagnation and willingness to do anything or nothing to obstruct everything.

Encouraging young people not to sign up for health care before it even goes into effect is not in their best interest or yours. Going to the ER for primary care is not proper health care management and all of us pay for that. Preventive care is what you want for yourself so why would you deny others? Maybe even a young couple unaware of their pregnancy.

Blame on you if you are among those that perpetuate the disingenuous outrage and lies. Only in America can everyone having health care be the worst thing ever. Let's stop pointing fingers of blame, stand up for truth and get this country moving forward!    

Lead us not into sensation ~ Crazy like a FOX

The search for truth, justice and the American way of hiding truth amongst the fear mongering, rhetoric and flat out lies is getting increasingly disenchanting. In all media one has to weigh the source of information, source of source reporting the information  divided by the time slot then multiply by the number of breaking news alert crawlers and of course subtract 10 points if there is a guest host. Even watching local news I am being redirected to "Like" them on Facebook and follow them on twitter. I guess the reporters are just doing the TV gig to get more "Like"s and followers. Meanwhile in Washington and all across this sweet land of liberty, the saddest part? Hey, politicians, people can hear you! People can hear you that are not Americans. They are not Americans and do not know which politicians are trash talking, fear mongering, misleading, speaking to the base for campaign contributions or serving the current audience only. Freedom of speech is costing us a lot! Imagine you are living on another continent and you hear American politics from Michelle Bachman, Rush Limbaugh, Hannity, Chris Matthews or whomever serves you your "Kool-Aid". What would you think?

Whatever happened to reporting facts? Why can't politicians serve more and campaign less? Money. It's all about money. Not money for us but money the politicians, networks and other media outlets hope to gain from the feeding frenzy concocted just for you the viewer based on your political leanings. They can have profits and are somewhat self-employed based on the self interest spin. Instead of us demanding respect and civility from those who are elected to represent us we tune in to the Obama drama, Trump junk or scandal of the week and anoint ourselves with the fervor of the day. Very similar to Saturday night wrestling I used to watch with my Dad.

 Lead us not into sensation ~ 

fox.com/news

Let's eat!

Baggage. Baggage makes people tick. It's why we dance, explore, break down or crack up, laugh when we are sad, cry happy tears, love, and leave. Even if you have a brother or sister you would likely have a similar childhood but different experiences depending on your baggage. Empathy and sympathy are good things to pack. That said, your truth is not necessarily a reality to others even among siblings. There is and should be a ying to your yang. If it is true the grass is greener on the other side, there must be brown grass also. Will your baggage compel you to snipe at the people with brown grass or will you lend a hand to work the soil, pull the weeds and mentor utilizing God's gifts in you? 

More and more people are having to live in brown grass. In places where the sun refuses to shine and every day is a rainy day for adults, the elderly and children alike. Not a hop with joy from rain puddle to rain puddle but more into each life a little rain must fall kind of rainy day and the water keeps rising. Many people working at Wal*Mart or in fast food are earning minimum wage and minimum wage is less than supportive of a single person not to mention trying to raise a family. Not sure why they can't earn enough to be self supportive. Some of them even have a second or third job! Probably why a lot of these lazy hard workers are recipients of government help. And here in the land of plenty we get plenty upset that poor people keep taking free stuff instead of pulling themselves up. You know free stuff like people walking right past them giving free looks of consternation. ER visits for primary health care,  rental assistance,  empty bellies, and a lot of people take food stamps! Can you believe it? Even the military and retired people take food stamps.  If they would just get a job and an education . . . 


Apparently one percent were cheating SNAP (supplemental nutrition assistance program) so we must sacrifice a million hungry to discourage abuse. It's the principal of it really. Really nothing else we can do. 


Many deserving families will be loosing food stamps soon so leave a bigger tip or help someone when you can. I can't even begin to know what is in your past that makes it logical to punish the poor but continue the corporate welfare. Working people should not live in poverty and their kids should not go to school hungry or be afraid of being shot. Life can be hard so go easy on others. They're probably just malnourished and hungry and since we can't agree on background checks, be careful. It is possible they could have untreated mental illness or pent up anger from being left out in the rain and stigmatized. 


So who's ready to go eat? How about TexMex or Bar*B*Que?