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

The Passing Parade

 My holiday cheer was stabbed to the bone by the sudden -- and impossible --  news that my dear friend Bonnie was found dead.  Just lying on her couch.  We had talked and texted just the day before.

Now, acutely mindful of the random moments that make up our life, I am looking forward to Christmas dinner at the home of my best friend Phyllis.  She always takes the time and energy to decorate with such fabulous taste and flair.  And, her company is a match for it all.

So, the passing parade marched right up to my door this year.  My hope is that I will be able to curse the darkness and emerge with hope, laughter, and love.

A Knockout

 

A few weeks ago, I decided to make a list of favorite films and see if I could find them to watch again.  I didn't have "When We Were Kings" in mind, but when I saw it on Netflix I knew I was in for a treat all over again.  Muhammed Ali is exactly who I need now to bring some inspiration into this grim moment.

At the end of the film,  George Plimpton tells this story: Ali is speaking to a large audience of students at Harvard.  Someone calls out: "Give us a poem!"  On the spot, Ali gives us the shortest, but deepest, effort: "Me, we."

Beautiful.

It's Difficult

 

Whenever I see a talking head or a celebrity on TV refer to “my mother,”  I smile.  Yes, we’re out here in audience-land.  Maybe on the downslope, but still capable of some influence.

Athletes are a special lot.  They credit their moms with saving their lives and are busy buying them houses when they cash the bonus check.  Bravo!

How should I feel about Pete Hegseth’s mother?  (First, she looks gorgeous!)  She wrote a scathing note to Pete several years ago and is now being called upon to disavow her beliefs.  She agreed to walk through the halls of Congress hand-in-hand with her tarnished son as he seeks a position in Trump’s cabinet. 

My instinct is to not be too hard on her.  Same with Biden pardoning his son.  Sometimes parents find themselves with difficult children.  I’m ready to leave it at that.