The Passing Parade

 My friend Bonnie was so into politics.  She would text me almost every day with her ideas about the latest twist and turn.  When I would disagree, she would say:  “But I’ve done the research!”  And now it’s all happening without her.  Which brings me, of course, to the fundamental point: we all walk for a few steps in the passing parade.

Does this mean we can’t take it all too seriously?  “I insist upon being engaged.  My voice can make a difference. I am history.” Yes, we are asked to dance to two tunes.  Engagement in the face of impermanence.

I’ve decided to look at it this way:  As I walk in the parade, the scenery I view can be of my own making and I will take it all in as I pass by.

January 20

 I’m wondering how I am going to cope with another four years of Trump.  I’m sure you are too.  The countdown will be over tomorrow and it begins.

Here’s what I’m telling myself.  The goal is to be calm, centered and confident in my position of defiance.  (Who you? Joan? Okay, you can roll your eyes if you want.)  

Dan Harris has helped.  He’s the meditation guy who looks and talks like us.  I’m re-reading his book, 10% Happier, and found him on Substack. He’s offering a special week of meditations starting today.

 The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant Rights has a Know Your Rights card. (Thanks John Bachtell for posting this on Facebook.)  We can all use the advice. The ACLU says it’s ready and I believe them.  Let’s pass around all the things we know we can do.

Remember, January 20 is Martin Luther King Day. When I was feeling really anxious, Bill said: “We Shall Overcome.”

The Handshake

 If Trump held out his hand would you participate in a handshake?  (I know this is a phantom question because Trump doesn’t  normally shake hands.  The germ thing.)  (OK.  I know he shook hands with Pence, but that’s getting away from my point.  But it’s interesting.)  Since I’m never going to face Trump up close and personal, I’m using this as an example to test the general mood.

Are you in full resistance mode or inclined to continue some degree of civility? 

I was listening to a discussion of who was a worse President: Bush or Trump?  Bush caused far more death but it happened in other countries.  Easier for some to digest.

Trump struck home. Attacked our election. The very thing about which we pride ourselves the most.  And he did it with violence and death. Harder to digest?  Not for a slim majority of voters.

Did you notice that Bush refused to shake hands with Trump? 

Out of Place

 "Watch for Coyotes in Park."  Now that's a sign I didn't expect to see by the elevator doors.  No immediate danger for me,  I don't go to the park this time of year.  {No dog.}  But I'm intrigued. This animal is far off base.  I can imagine coyotes in the forest preserves.  Maybe even at the door of one of my suburban friends.  But here?  Well, if a hungry coyote wanders over to  Sheridan Road,  there's Pizza and Mariano's down the block.  McDonald's, Chinese, and a tavern nearby.  (Do coyotes eat dogs?)  The poor predator is definitely out of place.

Mother Nature sheds another tear.

Reading

 

Camille didn’t says so, but I suspect she was hoping to cheer me up in that last month of 2024.  You know: the post election, another school shooting, another war, blues. Of course, she sent me a book. The Thursday Murder Club.

It was perfect.  British humor that gets and keeps you smiling. My favorite character, Joyce, keeps a diary. Just my style.  I read it in two days and gave it to Trudy, who was also in need of  some cheer.

Then, to my surprise, Camille sent me another book:The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry.  Another perfect choice.  "Should I even bother with my Library card?", I asked.   “Yes!, Joan”, she says.  “I’m not going to keep sending you books. I get most of my books from the library, so I’ll recommend the ones I prefer.”

Well, my enthusiasm and Camille's generosity has won out.  She’s sending me the second book in The Thursday Murder Club series.  I can’t wait!

So far, if reading is a good way to get through life, 2025 is looking good.

Happy New Year

 Imagine All the People

Living Life in Peace

Happy New Year

2025