An Invincible Summer - A Woman's Journey

We recently finished an old book titled The Power of One. It was a lovely book that, in the beginning, I expected to not like. I asked the Boy Scout, “Is this a boxing book?”, with a feeling disgruntlement. He looked at me incredulously, like I had highly insulted him, and shook his head. And then we began. I loved it. There was boxing woven in but the story was rich and beautiful. One part that touched me, though there were many, was at the point where he loses a close friend that chose his time and way of death. As the protagonist questions why his friend chose to die without him, he says.... But secretly I knew I couldn’t have done it. I would have clung to the last thread of life in him. I also knew that he would have known this. But it didn’t help the numbness. It didn’t take away the need, the dull permanent ache under my heart on the exact spot where you work on another boxer till he runs out of steam.  That was it precisely: the bell had gone, but I couldn’t find the s...

Yesterday we had a dinner party with our neighbors. We each set up our own tables in the two of our front yards, we each brought our own food and drink, and we communed in a special way in this unusual time. A true social distance party. It was chilly but oh so sweet. 

She goes to the beach to find some quiet. Not quiet from the outside but to somehow quiet her brain, that at times, is not her friend. Ironically, she really doesn't love the beach. But from the sanctuary of her car, she is not cold, the wind does not dry her lips and tangle her hair. So what does she find there? She finds her God, the one that reminds her that she gets to choose how she takes things and whether on not to be grateful. There is good and bad everywhere, and she can focus on lack of work and the drop in her retirement fund, OR she can look at the fact that there are wonderful people in this world who are amazing and loving and who share their love in inspiring and unique ways. It's gray and overcast. There are droplets on the windshield that are blurring the view in a way that reminds her of childhood rides in the car. Not the bad ones, but the times when she felt like a little girl, more concerned with paper dolls and her poodle than the chaos that was her f...

Good morning from Ventura my friends.  I’m social distancing at the beach (sitting in my car) and having some quiet time. Hope you are well. 

For those who think that they can easily define what a liberal means, and broad-brush liberals as a single minded entity that wants our country to become a socialist state. For those of you who refuse to recognize that there is a difference between a Socialism and Democratic Socialism. I urge you to open your mind just a bit. I did not write this but I do agree, for the most part, with what it has to say....... 1. I believe a country should take care of its weakest members. A country cannot call itself civilized when its children, disabled, sick, and elderly are neglected. Period. 2. I believe healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Somehow that's interpreted as "I believe Obamacare is the end-all, be-all." This is not the case. I'm fully aware that the ACA has problems, that a national healthcare system would require everyone to chip in, and that it's impossible to create one that is devoid of flaws, but I have yet to hear an argument against it that...

I desire so much more than mere survival. Deep friendships, unconditional love, spiritual growth, healing of the soul and daily evidence of human kindness is a good start. Today is gray and in the low 50°’s but my heart is full and I am practicing self love and kindness. I just watched a dad with his young daughter going for a walk. They are bundled because it is cold (well, for us Californians it is).  He’s walking and talking and, suddenly, his eyes light up, he squeezes her hand and urges her little toddlers legs to hurry over to a great big puddle. They begin to splash and jump. It didn’t last long but it was lovely to watch. I want to remember to be that person for myself. Reminding me to take the opportunity to have fun and let go. That’s not my nature. I’ve taken life too seriously up till now. Society hasn’t helped much. So often “fun” for adults goes hand and hand with alcohol. For me that can be problematic and anxiety inducing. Im going try to let go a bit. I’m go...

I think it's very easy to forget how many demagogues have used nationalism, confused it with patriotism, and appealed to the worst instincts in people instead of the best. ~R Reich Ignorance and self importance combined with a thin skin and fear that one will be found out is a terrible combination for anyone but far worse as the leader of the free world.  ~me

I have been remiss. It’s been forever but there hasn’t been much to say Good and not so good things happening but I am still standing, perhaps straighter then ever before. I like that. Back to blogging soon.