In The News – Page 3 – This Old House 2

Amen, America. Amen.

How refreshing it is to hear an intelligent rational all inclusive uplifting inspiring speech intended for All Americans and the World tonight . Amen and God Bless Us All-

A poem written by an unknown author (to me anyway)

I learned how to flinch.

Oh god.

Every lie. Flinch.

Every casual cruelty. Flinch.

Every appeal to hate, to division. Flinch.

Every grasp at more power. Flinch.

Tear down health

tear down decency

tear down protections to the earth

when our clock is ticking and the world burns.

Tear down science.

Tear us apart.

Flinch flinch flinch.

Drag us backwards with each all caps Tweet

with each temper tantrum

each demand for mindless loyalty.

Follow him

take off the mask

die for him.

Flinch.

I have been pulling inward for years

holding my breath

desperately numbing my emotions

afraid disgusted ashamed under siege

helpless

flinch

Vote

oh please my country vote

and I kept vigil each long election week night

watching results come in

refresh

bleary eyed

7 tabs open

afraid

watching the numbers

hold out hold out just a bit more

stretched taut

maybe maybe

please

take a sleeping pill and wake and back to the vigil

again

And Wisconsin is blue

and Michigan is blue

and I begin to hope

but I have learned to flinch.

And Georgia is blue

and I begin to believe.

Wait. Wait. Refresh.

And in a pre dawn vigil

Pennsylvania flips blue.

And I know.

And 4 years of compressed pain

comes roaring up

in a torrent of

ugly cry

shaking

sobbing

wailing relief tears

And I don’t flinch from them.

Republican candidates for Congress generally outperformed their polls, they had a good election season. WHAT THAT MEANS… is Republicans showed up to vote, their votes were counted, … and enough of them chose not to vote for Trump. Also, Trump has been saying all along he wanted his supporters to show up at the polls even though his own votes are always mail in, as are the military not currently home to vote. So, naturally- the initial tallies would reflect a Trump lead. The dems have been telling their folks to get their votes in early – no surprise there are so many mail -ins….and due to COVID concerns, many people chose that option, dems and reps alike. It’s not rocket science, it’s not illegal and so far, despite even republican leaders asking the President and his campaign to show any proof at all that there is election fraud – ZERO. ZIP. CRICKETS. I’m seeing all kinds of crazy conspiracy crap and you know who’s whining the most? Those FUCK YOUR FEELINGS flag wavers. The most heartbreaking thing about this election for me is to see how nasty it has become, that neighbors and friends feel comfortable waving that particular flag on their houses, their boats, their trucks, their places of business.

Both parties have a lot of work to do. What we need is a government who can work together on the myriad of issues we have before us. What we need is for health care to be affordable, taxes to be fair and not outrageous as they are now for many, wages to be fair to the employer and the employee, equality for all in all aspects of life, we need to support our police, law and order and that does not exclude fair application of it. We need honesty and integrity from our elected officials, a rejuvenation of our infrastructure, a healthy respect for our environment and climate change, support for the business community and especially small businesses, and for all to realize that a pandemic should NEVER be a political talking point – we are all in this clusterfuck together and if we don’t start coming together no matter what they do in DC, we are all screwed. Every one of us. The Democratic and Republican parties have lost their way in some respects and we are all paying the price. Middle ground is the only way to come together and if you’re one of those chirping Civil War!… how you don’t see you will lose too is beyond the beyond.

We need a middle ground, and we need to stop attacking each other. We need a new breed of government who represents sound economic, health and environmental policy that benefits us all, not the elites who currently fund them. They aren’t in it for you, and the sooner we all figure that out, the better we will be for it. All of us, red, blue, white, black, yellow, brown, green.

I’ve had people mock me (of course behind my back but those things have a way of coming around) because I put my thoughts on the current state of things out here. I don’t see it as a waste of time…. I have always wanted what is best for this country, our people and our neighbors, the people in my life and outside of it… we all benefit from a better, kinder world. If my little space here containing my words sends out one little enlightening, encouraging ripple into a better world… it’s worth your criticism.

I pray that this election is proven to be a fair one, and if there is election fraud, let that be clear and resolved quickly, not fabricated.. and whomever wins ultimately, I pray that the first priority is to heal this divided nation – UNITY above all else. .. and that the majority of us wish for the same .

God Bless America

Where we go from here….

What a night. While decision is not yet in, still… half of this country supported what should never be supportable. I am so sad and embarrassed for our country at this point no matter what this particular election outcome ultimately turns out to be, that’s my simple truth. Here’s what I am taking away from it – There has always been the potential for good and evil in this world, and it all comes down to the very basic and flawed realities of the human makeup. What an absolutely beautiful world it could be for every living being on earth if not for those human flaws – ego, greed, prejudice, jealousy, cruelty, hate.

So where do we go from here? I choose not to wallow in anger, disbelief, disgust, add whatever negative you want here – Each of us continues to have the ability every day to make choices, to take steps in the decent, humane, kind, rational, truthful, intelligent direction with the general purpose of living our best lives and doing no harm to and even lifting others as we go. I’m choosing to spend this one precious life in the company of and alongside the actions of those who clearly do the same. I am so blessed grateful to know many of you –

Onward –

One has to wonder what toxic crap has oozed out of the ozone layer…

Yesterday Trump embraced the actions of Trump Train supporters in Texas who surrounded a Joe Biden campaign bus in an attempt to slow down the bus and run it off the road. Police were called and had to arrive to break up the attempt so that the bus could get to it’s destination.

Trump tweeted a video of the caravan surrounding the Biden bus with the caption, “I LOVE TEXAS!” I couldn’t care less if he were a citizen, whatever, dude. But he is the President of The United States- the behavior is disgusting coming from the highest office in the land.

Yesterday in this small town, a group of older women stood near a previously antagonistic Trump supporter, both holding up signs for the candidates of their choice. The good news – the normally antagonistic was kind, even took pictures for one another, it was the kind of encounter we should all be capable of. Meanwhile, several times young men driving by waved “the finger” at the group of women as they drove by. The President probably loves those young men of Ktown too.

Trump embraces the divide in this country, in fact he encourages it. Not fake news – his words and action speak volumes on their own without help from the media. How anyone hasn’t yet learned from the lessons of history that divided we will ALL FALL is beyond my comprehension. This is no longer about politics, tribalism is front and center and some of you are embracing it whole heartedly. Sadly, what I’ve come to know is, those who continue to embrace and cheer on Trump’s asshole rhetoric can only do so because that type of behavior, those “values” are part of their makeup as well. With some it comes as no surprise to me because I’ve seen it via bullying or juvenile mocking or racism in your makeup long ago.

For others, I’m sad that tax breaks for the wealthy and a false narrative that police are going to be “defunded” and the bullshit line that Christianity is being attacked are enough for you to not do the research to know that’s simply not true. For some reason you believe a five time draft dodging, never religious science and climate denying three time married cheating lying bankrupt foreign dictator coddling racist narcissist idiot is your hero – all these things proven by his past narrative and actions, not fake news. It’s as if some toxic crap dropped out of the ozone layer and half of us were affected.

FUCK THAT. We need more than thoughts and prayers to turn this country around, we need a government that works in a unified fashion and ends the divide of We The People, and I just don’t see that coming to fruition with the current cast of characters and while so many of We The People continue to embrace the divide, the hate, the rhetoric, no matter which side of the divide it’s coming from. One thing is absolute – It should NEVER come from the President of the United States in the blatant way it is now.

Tuesday one way or the other will not heal that divide.. it’s ultimately up to We The People, because our governing officials all across the spectrum are failing us. I already know who will be offended by this post if they bother to read it through, and that knowledge both saddens me and releases me from ignoring what I think is no longer ignorable.

Onward –

Some inspiration when inspiration is hard to find

Did you watch last night’s debate? The moderator did an excellent job staying on point and didn’t allow any steamrolling. I think the threat of mic shutting down kept the two men in check. That tactic should be used in every debate moving forward, don’t you think? If only we could install a buzzer for any lies. We did get some answers, and as usual, Tr*mp peppered his responses with many falsities. I don’t think Joe did enough to rebuke Trumps’ claim that in all his years in politics he got nothing done. Bottom line is, I don’t think either of them performed in a way that will deter their supporters or gain new support. It is what it is.

As I have stated here many times before, this farm and the animals in our care keep me grounded and I am so very grateful for their presence in our lives.

…and Fall in New England is just so darned beautiful…. There’s no question in my mind it is truly a blessing to live in this region where each season brings it’s own brand of natural beauty –

Swans on the Connecticut River

Chapman Falls at Devil’s Hopyard

The Hammonasset River

Dealing with more of a stay-at-home approach during the pandemic has given me the opportunity to focus more on painting – this is my newest piece to be gifted to my daughter – her house on a misty morning in the field next door.

Wishing you good health and peace of mind as we all muddle through the election season and pandemic issues and whatever the outcomes shall be – Hopefully we come out the other end of this year in better form all around.

Till soon, friends –

This and that and out and about

Just when we thought 2020 couldn’t get any more bizarre……

I need to make this clear before I go any further… I don’t wish harm or illness on anyone, ever. That being said… it’s no surprise that the POTUS contracted Covid, is it? As well as almost half his staff and a family member or two. Not to mention the myriads we don’t know about who attended his maskless rallies in recent months and the myriads of dead (over 200,000 now and counting) because he chose to treat the whole thing as a “Democratic Hoax” in the initial, crucial first months. He has no one to blame but his own arrogance, ignorance, greed. It’s mind boggling. A day ago I thought to myself….. perhaps… this experience will humble him some and he will come out of it with more empathy and smarts for the rest of us moving forward. No… yesterday’s photo-op in a sealed car where he is again putting his secret servicemen at risk proved otherwise. When he was initially diagnosed he also attended an event knowing he tested positive.. without notifying anyone until he was back at the WH. He is so unfit for the position he holds.. on so many levels. There are no excuses worthy of keeping him there. I implore anyone reading this.. PLEASE.. vote him out in November. Please.

The debate? What a sh*t show. What a shame. And that’s all I’m going to say about that.

My son’s house just over the hill is almost complete – move-in day is just two weeks away and I am so excited for them. As with my daughter’s home next door, the upstairs will remain unfinished for now, an effort to keep the mortgage down, expenses manageable. When either start a family of their own, the second floors will be finished. When we bought This Old House and renovated her beginning in 2009, this was exactly what we had envisioned for the property – Being in the home building business, my husband has a good eye for property potential and I have been in love with this old house (“Saving Grace ” or Gracie as I call her) since my teen years. We are so very lucky to have been able to acquire her and bring her back to life, and turn this farm into a family compound. That both of my children are as enthusiastic about this farm as we are is more than just icing on the cake.

M & M… at the granite/marble warehouse picking out counter granite…

Installed last week, and it is beautiful… She is also an “M”… when she saw the kitchen almost finished she said… I am not worthy of this kitchen!… but she absolutely is, in spades. Not only has she worked hard to pursue a career in the optics field, she is already a good cook as well. I couldn’t be happier for my son, who has chosen a great partner to share life with. More announcements on that front in the near future.

Meanwhile… I continue to find respite on this farm, my Saving Grace. The GoatGirlz, Star and Bella are thriving here. We are all enamored with these two silly girls and their calls to us whenever they spot us nearby.

Leah has become very comfortable with being a “home” horse instead of a show horse… and we’re thinking we aren’t going to return to the show world in the near future. The Sh*t Show is still out there.

On the health front, I have lost a solid 10 pounds in the last month, the next ten will be harder. My relationship with food is complicated. I love it, I love to make it for myself and especially for others, it is my anxiety and boredom reliever and has been for my entire life. Bad habits are hard to break! But.. with less sugar and carbs in my diet, I am feeling better overall – the fibromyalgia pain is less. Onward…

We have not gotten as much use out of our little seaside cottage this year, too much going on around the farm and work, and of course not having the bigger gatherings there due to Covid concerns. Stella continues to be a refuge regardless and next year we’ll spend more time there for sure.

I’ve been trying to instill this next thought in my husband’s mind for 32 years now. All work and no play makes Jack a very dull boy. It actually makes him a very grumpy, overworked overtired boy. Last weekend I did manage to get him to take a day trip to one of his favorite destinations, Vermont… and he actually smiled for a while and took a few deep breaths. We came home with apples, cider and a pie from the Scotts Farms Orchard in Dummerston and cheese from the Grafton Cheese Factory – it was a very good day. The colors are not quite peak here in New England, and after the recent tropical storm, here near the shoreline there are a lot of BROWN trees from the sea salt-stained winds.

Wishing you all good health and the happiness to be found in the places we call home, the family we love and the time we make for ourselves – it’s so important.

Till soon –

This and that on a rainy Sunday

Not very creative with the blog post title, ay? But it is raining on this Sunday afternoon and I can justify sitting here to blog for a bit.

How have you all been, what’s it like in your neck o’the woods regarding pandemic living? Here in New England, many are abiding the mask wearing in public tight quarters spaces. Our town Hall is still only open by appointment and working via e-mail, phone, etc. for the most part. Businesses are open with the restrictions many of you are familiar with. Strange times. I don’t yet feel comfortable sitting indoors in a restaurant, but we have dined at a few with outside patios.

I feel sorry for the teachers who are dealing with a mess of kids wearing masks (talk about awkward and frustrating) … and the fear some of them are feeling being so exposed if they’ve been very vigilant in their own social distancing. And I feel sorry for the youth who have been so restricted in their socialization and education experience. Parents are trying to assuage their fears, balance work and home and childcare needs, a nightmare, really. Healthcare workers are now seeing the second wave, according to my friends in that field. Every sniffle, every achy muscle day (for me that’s always, damned fibromyalgia) every scratchy sore throat brings a little thread of dread – is it the virus? The bad kind, the mild kind or the no symptom kind? .. should I quarantine? Should my husband and I be sleeping in separate beds? (hey, sometimes that’s actually appealing anyway) Jeez I wore my mask, washed my hands,…. the anxiety of it all rolls on and on…. I no longer wipe down every single surface of every item I bring home from the grocery store though, as I did initially. That got old and tedious and felt like overkill. Washing the produce and washing my hands after handling feels like it’s enough.

We’ve been getting stuff done around the farm, my daughter and her significant other love their home nextdoor and it’s a joy to see them mowing lawn, weeding garden, seeing the back door light go on at night while they let the dogs go potty. And having my daughter nearby to share the barn chores again is a huge blessing. My son is building his home on a lot at the back of our farm. I may have mentioned it’s what we do for a living, home building, so this is one area where we -get stuff done- in rapid succession and at a more reasonable price than the typical homeowner.

A glimpse of my son’s home to be – the red “barn” is his garage… the interior of the home being done slowly as materials, labor and bartering come along, the upstairs will remain unfinished until they become a young family. The goal is to have as minimal a mortgage as possible (young couple and all that goes with it).

The joy these two goat girls give us are immeasurable. They are so friendly, talking to us all the time, from a distance and right up close. Truly they are like two toddlers looking for our companionship and attention whenever we are outside.

The upcoming election – oh, man. ( here’s where you skip the next two paragraphs if you still remain a 45 supporter, I’m not looking to insult anyone) – It has taken a toll on me, watching what I believe is the slow unraveling of America as we (I? I shouldn’t speak for you) believed it to be. I’m sad for us all. I’m not a huge fan of B*den but I also recognize he’s not the slow sleezy do-nothing some would have you believe. His running mate choice was his best option in my opinion. I look forward to watching K*mala debate the deadwood P*nce. I am encouraged by some of my republican friends who are now saying there is no way in hell they would vote for Tr*mp again. One dyed in the wool republican neighbor said 45 is a trainwreck he’s ashamed he voted for and he will vote B*den come November. I’m hoping there are many many more out there like him. And yet…. there’s the uncertainty of what will happen should he lose. I doubt he’ll accept the results, no matter what they are, unless he is the winner. And there are so many nuts threatening civil war, it’s frightening. We are at a crossroads, this country… and I hope and pray and beg and plead for our collective soul to rise and rid itself of all the corruption, hate and fueled divide – especially the politicians, including the current P*TUS, who feed it relentlessly. We the people deserve better.

Yesterday it was reported the P*TUS lost his younger brother, of which he was close. I would imagine that is a very tough loss for him, and even more so now. While I despise what he’s doing to our Country, I find I have empathy regardless. Although the reason for his brother’s passing has not been revealed, I suspect he may have contracted COVID-19. When he was first reported as ill was precisely the same time the P*TUS started wearing a mask occasionally in public. I don’t know if we’ll ever know the truth of it. After having dismissed initial warnings about the virus and playing it down repeatedly for a length of time, well.. the irony and indeed the tragedy of it is what comes to mind. Of course, I’m speculating only.

Stella by the sea remains a respite for all of us. We each use it together and separately when free time comes up. It does my heart good to see the kids enjoy the kayaks, the grilling of burgers and hotdogs and roasting of marshmallows in the firepit with their friends (small safe gatherings are possible outdoors). I am loving my new kayak – the one that is discontinued and I bought for a bargain price. She glides through the water easily and while a little more tippy than my old steady Ruby, she’s fairly stable regardless and is more agile, lighter to carry. I have yet to come up with a name for her that feels right- but every vessel must have a proper name…… suggestions welcome. She’s red orange and yellow.

A photo I took while kayaking – some of the Thimble Islands out in the distance..

We finally laid my father to rest thanks to the kindness of dear friends who have a lovely old 1976 Egg Harbor boat. It was a small gathering, just my sister and I, my husband, my niece, and the lovely couple who took us up the Connecticut River to the mouth of the river into LI Sound – just beyond the lighthouse at Saybrook Point. Since it’s not technically legal to dump ashes there , that’s not technically what we were doing . There was the traditional burial Psalm 23 reading, we tossed white roses out into the waves along with what wasn’t really my father’s ashes in a biodegradable urn, and read the following below as well… my tears were for several reasons, but the most important one was the overwhelming knowledge in my heart that it was exactly as my father would want it – exactly where he wanted to be in the end. I felt a sincere closure for him and for me, and that is such a blessing.

Wishing us all good health and peace of mind during these trying times –

Leaving us with a gem I hope we harvest and sow again and again

The last published words of John Lewis – sent two days before his passing…

Q&A: Representative John Lewis Will Never Lose Hope

While my time here has now come to an end, I want you to know that in the last days and hours of my life you inspired me. You filled me with hope about the next chapter of the great American story when you used your power to make a difference in our society. Millions of people motivated simply by human compassion laid down the burdens of division. Around the country and the world you set aside race, class, age, language and nationality to demand respect for human dignity.

That is why I had to visit Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, though I was admitted to the hospital the following day. I just had to see and feel it for myself that, after many years of silent witness, the truth is still marching on.

Emmett Till was my George Floyd. He was my Rayshard Brooks, Sandra Bland and Breonna Taylor. He was 14 when he was killed, and I was only 15 years old at the time. I will never ever forget the moment when it became so clear that he could easily have been me. In those days, fear constrained us like an imaginary prison, and troubling thoughts of potential brutality committed for no understandable reason were the bars.

Though I was surrounded by two loving parents, plenty of brothers, sisters and cousins, their love could not protect me from the unholy oppression waiting just outside that family circle. Unchecked, unrestrained violence and government-sanctioned terror had the power to turn a simple stroll to the store for some Skittles or an innocent morning jog down a lonesome country road into a nightmare. If we are to survive as one unified nation, we must discover what so readily takes root in our hearts that could rob Mother Emanuel Church in South Carolina of her brightest and best, shoot unwitting concertgoers in Las Vegas and choke to death the hopes and dreams of a gifted violinist like Elijah McClain.

Like so many young people today, I was searching for a way out, or some might say a way in, and then I heard the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on an old radio. He was talking about the philosophy and discipline of nonviolence. He said we are all complicit when we tolerate injustice. He said it is not enough to say it will get better by and by. He said each of us has a moral obligation to stand up, speak up and speak out. When you see something that is not right, you must say something. You must do something. Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we called the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself.

Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America by getting in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble. Voting and participating in the democratic process are key. The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not guaranteed. You can lose it.

You must also study and learn the lessons of history because humanity has been involved in this soul-wrenching, existential struggle for a very long time. People on every continent have stood in your shoes, though decades and centuries before you. The truth does not change, and that is why the answers worked out long ago can help you find solutions to the challenges of our time. Continue to build union between movements stretching across the globe because we must put away our willingness to profit from the exploitation of others.

Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring.

When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say that it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence, aggression and war.

So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide.

The Hail Mary

Having read Mary Tr*mp’s book… his behaviors now are no surprise, nor is it fake news that his father covered his ass for many years. Fred Tr*mp was the real estate mastermind, amassing a HUGE fortune, which Tr*mp has repeatedly grabbed from to save himself from his own repeated failures… .Tr*mp steaks, Tr*mp Vodka, Tr*mp University, Tr*mp’s Atlantic City casinos to name just a few. Even his books were written by someone else.

Tr*mp ran into multiple failures as his father faded and could no longer play behind the scenes to keep his son on the pedestal, losing some of the political and banking power he had built.. and then died – This is not fake news, it’s all public record. Donald Tr*mp and his father carefully groomed his Powerhouse image, but it was mostly a farce held up by Fred Tr*mp’s keenly laid and mega successful foundation. The media went along with it because he frequently gave them fodder to sell papers. The Banks used them just as they used the Banks.

Tr*mp was raised by a father who deemed kindness and empathy a weakness, lying was a tool and used frequently as was division, even within the family. . And money is the only currency. Both Tr*mp and his father played a huge role in the demise of his brother. To read through that story is painful, even as a complete stranger. They were merciless in their disapproval of his kindness in general, and his choice to become a TWA pilot instead of a grunt for the Tr*mp Organization. “A glorified bus driver”. Every effort he made to become a self sufficient man they hammered down, and his alcoholism as a result was no match for their ruthless dismantling.

There’s no doubt in my mind Mary wrote this as catharsis for the anger she feels for her fathers death and she and her brother’s (Fred JR’s only children) removal from her grandfathers will- which had no basis other than “their father was dead”… so they weren’t entitled to any portion of his 20 % ownership in Tr*mpworld. That was the reason given. Donald of course, held the strings. I was aware of that and no doubt Tr*mp will use it to say she’s lying and spinning because she’s “a loser”. The truths are all out there, so her motive makes no difference, it’s not lies with a bent.

Mary makes clear – They are never wrong, they never admit mistakes, they will use anyone to get what they want, and Donald in particular will use a charm that panders to lure you in, as long as you cater to him, praise him, never criticize. If you do criticize or stand up to him in anyway, you are a throw away, you’re “nasty”. Fred made sure Donald got away with any transgressions, he was pampered in that respect his entire life. Again… You don’t have to take Mary’s word for anything, it’s all out there in plain sight. When he ran for President she thought his poor preparedness for such a leadership roll would be obvious and that was clear when not one of the family save his children and spouse endorsed him for president, because they knew who he has been his entire life, and yet to their shock he was elected.

She notes that taking a look at many of the people who attend his rallies and cheer his hate speeches… these are people he would never socialize with in his circles, he would consider them beneath him. but he knows how to use them to get what he wants, and they’ve fallen in line, like so many others, not yet realizing it’s all about him. That has become abundantly clear to me in his handling of the Pandemic, in his cowtowing to Put*n, in his inability to make any attempt at Unity anywhere, in his stance on racism…or I should say lack of stance.

In his newest interview.. Tr*mp says about the pandemic… “I’ll be right eventually. I will be right eventually. You know I said, ‘It’s going to disappear.’ I’ll say it again,” Tr*mp said in an interview on “F0x News Sunday.” – Meanwhile… 140,000 dead, many sick, ICU beds completely full in some regions, and not one single word of empathy for the victims from the President.

PS: Bravo to Chr*s Wallace, who produced a brilliant and telling interview with the Orange Scream. He literally doesn’t give any fucks what Tr*mpworld thinks, he was after the truth and he exposed it.

The Saving Grace

Do I even touch on the shit storm out there in the greater world? I think not. So much to cover, so little desire to plunge into that muck today. I’ve started painting again and while I’m no professional artist, not by a long shot, I like the title one of my mother’s friends gave my art – Outsider art…

(fresh off the easel – “Cousins” … my daughter age 8, son 3 and nephew 2… many moons ago on MV)

Outsider Art basically means one who creates stuff without any formal training. That would be me.

Between creating and spending time with my animals here on the farm and down by the sea, I am finding some calm in the storm and I hope you have discovered little pieces of yourself again by indulging in those small but important things you enjoy but don’t normally give yourself enough time to do.

So… while the most intelligent life forms on earth continue to pollute it with their selfishness and greed and willful ignorance, the animals and nature and the creativity they inspire remind me there is still much beauty in this world and it’s forever worth fighting for

I’ll leave you with a few scenes from the spaces and creatures I am so fortunate to tend and love…. and some simple words of wisdom… Have a safe holiday weekend, all… I’m off to fold some clothes and mow some lawn. Focusing on the simple things I have control over has truly been a saving grace in these troubling times.