SURVIVING THE SUMMER

As I view events surrounding the 2016 election, I’m fearful and apprehensive of the actions of my fellow Americans. Less objective and more suspicious than in my youth, I observe with sadness behavior in American cities that resembles that of oppressed countries where individuals are forced to the streets to be heard. Trying times plague our country, but, somehow, we must rise above the violence.

 

The heritage of our Republic, defined by freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and freedom of movement, remains in question as we look forward to a summer of heated, discriminate, unrestrained behavior. The right to protest falls in the framework of our heritage; our forefathers were protestors, aggressive orators who affirmed their views with enthusiasm.  They hawked their vision at the top of their lungs, and accepted alternative views with opposition in the same mode as we see in today’s world.  Not always with the best of behavior, lest we forget the Boston Tea Party.  And the repression of the many by the powerful few who think they know best continues to involve the world in war.  What else is new?

However, citizens appear more invested in important issues this political season than in previous years.  Is it because we face more serious problems?  Of course, the advent of media, social networking, and ease of travel, provide unique platforms for all Americans to stay involved.  For instance, social networking can arouse a huge outpouring of support for any group attempting to sway minds.  The powerful, who wish to capture the minds of the masses, arrange for paid demonstrators; although some protest because of their personal views.  I agree the right to protest is Constitutional.

Many protestors simply look for a podium to force feed their views by means of the media. One group of nudists protested a Trump appearance suggesting we recognize their group as a viable oppressed faction. Moral decay remains high on the list of issues confronting our nation. The history of past democracies reveals, without exception, their fall from within from moral decay and an appetite for pleasure and welfare.  Are we sliding into the same pattern destined to implode? Do we silently follow without seeking facts or objecting to the condescending political rhetoric emanating from our media venues?

Frankly, I’m disgusted with the image that I’m insensitive, incompetent, and uneducated, thus I need a political elitist, a media pundit, or a powerful, wealthy nanny state caregiver to guide me through my life.  On the one hand, we hear the establishment politicians lecturing us about our ignorance in choosing leaders (mostly they have been there too long and are thinking about their own status in life), or the other hand, the nanny state representatives infer their great concern for the poor and oppressed who depend upon them to provide care. Somewhere in between these views, a compromise must exist with the option for reasonable decisions of intelligent voters who wish to be heard and understood. Up to now, I fail to see a solution.  A voting system geared to deceive and ignore citizen input contributes to failure.  Violence in the streets exacerbates the problem.

Where are the heroes? Where are the leaders who will simply keep order, provide security, and allow citizens to contribute within reason? Leaders who are vigilant, frugal, knowledgeable of issues taking action as though they hear the citizenry and make the nation’s welfare the priority.  Could we say, balanced budget, secure borders, common justice, reasonable agreements and treaties, limited government, reduced regulations, reasonable taxation, and adopt Teddy Roosevelt’s philosophy, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” In other words, keep us safe with a strong military.  We have paid; we will continue to pay; we simply ask for responsible, credible, transparent behavior by the less than 500 individuals who have been elected to office.

 Ironically, November 8^th, Election Day, is also my birthday.  I’m a forever optimist, and probably more so in the December of my life.  I hope to survive the summer and vote on my 83^rd birthday.  I’ve often compared my life to a roller coaster ride.  Wow, this election season promises to be quite a trip!

THE TRAINED MISTRESS

A true story of life in Atlanta before I moved to Louisiana. Reality information as to why I needed to have a caregiver without responsibility for other creatures. The scene with the dogs became habitual as I grew older and less capable of caring for the two pets. Maddie is with my daughter, and Hershey passed away two years ago. I miss their unconditional love every day. The story of Maddie and Hershey reinforces the intelligence of the Labrador breed, and I could tell many more that would reveal their loyalty and love for a master.  Labradors make great pets. 

Chilled loneliness swept over my being as the sound of a distant alarm clock crept into my unconscious sleep mode and aroused me from the restless night.  Faithful Maddie, my ever attentive female Labrador Retriever, rose from nearby and stretched lazily before she reached out and licked my hand in morning greeting.  Not far behind, Hershey, her male companion, also a Labrador Retriever, stretched his  legs and arched his sleek brown body before approaching for his morning greeting.

My eyes reacted to the stark white brightness that shot through my vision as I switched on the bedside lamp.  The drone of a newscaster’s voice emitting from the TV I left on all night reached my conscious mind as he reported some disastrous happening somewhere in the world.   At this moment in time, I cared only about the aches and pains that kept me resting on the bedside while I summoned the energy to accompany the dogs to the door for their morning outing.  How did I reach this point of complete uselessness?  Easy, I thought.  Time simply passed.

As I stumbled through the living room to the front door, I thought about the days when I could jump out of bed, scramble to the bathroom, grab my clothes, and exercise for thirty minutes before beginning a day of work.  Now I’m lucky to drag myself from bed, take a few unsteady steps and be grateful I don’t fall and break some part of my anatomy, I thought as I turned from the door after letting the dogs out.  I busied myself with filling the dog dishes with “Kibbles and Bits.”  They needed water, another chore that required bending and lifting, placing a real trying mission on my back and knees. But as they returned to the door ready to begin the day, I invited them in, and they dived into breakfast.

Blindly, I fumbled through the motions of starting the coffee pot.  By this time, the dogs stood patiently by the door ready to return to the back yard for their after breakfast run.  They hit the back deck running; I admired their enthusiasm, but did not join them.  In a short time, they returned to the door and barked to come back inside.  Quietly struggling with the day, I tried to steady the cup of coffee and open the door for them.

“Sorry guys,” I said, falling into the lounge chair in the office, “You will have to forgive me this time.”  They both sat before me looking up with doleful eyes as though the world had stopped and they surely were in danger of some grievous event.

“You’ve had your breakfast,” I said absentmindedly.  “What more do you expect of me this morning.”  They continued to stare at me with four unmoving, questioning eyes that seemed to penetrate my chest causing definite heartburn to surface.  I leaned back and closed my eyes hoping they would get my message if not from my words, certainly from my actions.

I fell asleep for a moment – possibly five or ten minutes.  A slight movement nearby disturbed me, and I opened my eyes and looked downward to see four unmoving, questioning eyes penetrating my chest and definitely causing the heartburn to progress. 

“Can’t you see this cold, dreary, winter day does not improve my disposition?  I’d appreciate both of you just go lay down somewhere and leave me alone.”  I blurted out the words in a tone that usually sent them off to hide in a corner until my temperament improved.  But they continued to sit with four unmoving, questioning eyes that now sadly penetrated - - then I remembered, I forgot to give them the treat they always receive when they come in from their morning outing. 

“I’m sorry, guys, I forgot.” I said as I reached into the big glass treat jar that sits on the counter in the kitchen.   They really have me well-trained, but sometimes I simply forget.

            

TEMPEST IN A TEAPOT

Global Warming! Climate Change!  Is this a tempest in a teapot?  Is it simply a global political scam to control and manipulate power on the planet? Is global warming truly a very real, clear danger to humanity? Today is Earth Day.  An idea for a national day to focus on the environment evolved in 1970 when Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin witnessed the ravages of an oil spill and began to investigate other forms of pollution. When we universally stopped to focus on the various forms of the environmental impact, certainly, our planet posed serious pollution problems.  Absolutely, the moment to pause, evaluate, repent, and begin an awareness, cleanup program, and legislation to enforce reasonable restrictions moved forward with vigor.

Awareness created a sense of urgency that consumed our nation beginning with the preschool training of our children.  We became keenly aware of the factories and polluting industry belching emissions into the air we breathe.  We   grimaced at the revelations of improper waste disposal, and reeled with disgust at the neglect of preserving our forests and natural resources.  I totally agree that the pre-1970 mindset, if continued, would lead to disastrous consequences for our planet.  Recycling, reasonable restrictions on industry, and a constant vigilance of our forests and natural resources developed and became a natural part of daily life, and rightly so.  Leaders realized the development and growth of industry and the wanton depletion of natural resources must be restrained. The Environmental Protection Agency emerged in 1970 with board power to regulate.  Present day youngsters begin life with the mindset and knowledge to protect and aggressively pursue environmental issues. Every day is Earth Day!

All this attention is positive and sensible.  Scientific studies reveal progress in the direction of sensitive environmental issues.  All countries must surely be aware of the impact of their actions with all the hurrah from the scientific and political world.  It remains to be seen if they will discipline their actions in the future.  The high price of conforming and the economic impact may speak louder than the fear of climate change effects. Merely signing a document on Earth Day is only a gesture of agreement, not compliance.

Although many of the arguments of man-made climate change are credible, I’m unconvinced that humanity realistically impacts global warming with much validity.  Present data is weighed in the balance and found wanting.  Scientific experts spin the evidence in the “winds of the jet stream” and vacillate just as radically.

So without denying that we earthlings do contribute to the demise of the wonderful world the Lord has created for us, I believe He is in control and set the universe in motion.  (Gen 1:17, Job 26:7-14, Job 38:4)  The earth rotates on its axis, thus we have night and day.   The earth rotates around the sun, thus we have four seasons.  The solar system rotates, thus we have seasons lasting hundreds of years.  Where are we in this cycle today?  In my memory, cold, severe winters where rivers and lakes froze for weeks or months occurred.  My grandfather told of driving a team of horses across a deep river in West Virginia in a location where I never saw ice form in my youth.  Of course, I yield the fact that pollution may be partially effective in the warming of that particular river.

However, as the decades have passed, I have observed the gradual warming of the earth.  Perhaps in my youth, the universe glided through its spring.  Now many decades later, we are warming, moving into the summer of the universe. The season may last many years bringing desert like conditions to otherwise mild locations.  Glaciers may melt causing coastlines to shrink and growing crops may be difficult in areas normally fertile.  Climate change with wild winters and humongous storms may prevail.

 

With a lifespan of less than one hundred years, humanity will record this phenomena and spread fear, panic, and despair, and lifestyles will be effected in this scenario. There is nothing new under the sun.  (Ecclesiastes 1:4-9)  God is in control.  We should abandon the rhetoric and focus on how humanity may prepare for a future with changing lifestyles.  We sent a man to the moon. Surely, we can adapt to a changing planet.  Where are the heroes?

Of course, what do I know; I’m just an old lady without a clue.

NEWS MEDIA MANIA

Scrolling through social media can be an exhausting and frustrating journey.  Once upon a time, I thought of social networking as fun and a pass time filled with fellowship and keeping in touch with friends at a distance.  Lately, since the advent of 2016 elections, the fun has disappeared into divisive, radical, mean-spirited posts.  The chief advantage of this method of communication is the tendency to use pseudonym as cover.  I certainly agree that we must stay informed through all media methods of communicating current events.

However, reading through comments about controversial history, racial situations, and current events on almost any subject raises doubt in my mind that I live on the same planet where I received my values and education.  I’m not sure when and where it all changed.  Have we rewritten the history books? Where do some of these facts originate? Where is the tolerance for ideas and opinions that may differ? Why do you have rights and privileges that you propose to deny me? What is the reasoning for destroying or denying historical events?  Why do we wish to eliminate icons that may not reflect the most positive view of our country’s history?  Simply burying the evidence will not change the facts.  Perhaps we need to remember, and certainly the physical evidence will keep the facts at hand – good or bad.

Actually, digesting many of these opinions is difficult to tolerate.  I’m the first to admit that much of the commentary on television is possibly biased, and I’ll judge the content by my standard.  However, I’ll vigorously battle for the right for that commentary to be heard.  I’m under the impression this idea is called “freedom of speech.”  Although I may be tempted to “wash your mouth out with lye soap,” when you “stoop” to gutter language.

I’m a conservative Christian, and I offer no apology for my values. In my view, the nation has digressed in recent years, and many are fooled into believing the progressive liberal world is a better place.  Future generations will reap the consequences of this reasoning. 

Today, I read a thread of chatter on Facebook that brought progressive philosophy to light in broad terms with colorful language – seems to be the only method of expression the progressive possess.  My parents taught me that the use of expletives is a mark of ignorance of proper language. It occurs to me that language is only ONE of the missing elements of this generation’s education.

 

Commentary by FOX News appears to ignite much of the discussion.  Of course, their commentators lean to the right, but they do have opinions of left-leaning in every debate.  I don’t always agree with the commentator.  CNN, the supposed left-leaning media, operates in the same manner.  And, of course, as viewers, we have the privilege to change the channel anytime we wish.  Why would you frame your philosophy solely through the knowledge gained from the news media, college professors, or political/cultural authors who flood the book shelves with their rhetoric? The wise audience listens carefully, weighs the rhetoric in the balance of facts, and evokes common sense judgement.

Here’s an idea.  We have libraries filled with volumes to research history, government, culture – any subject imagined.  Why do we trust media opinion? Why not learn for ourselves?  We won’t find answers on the internet or political publications.  We must be quick to learn; history is being rewritten by those same pundits we tend to trust in the media. If they don’t like the history of an event, they simply rewrite.  Checking facts at the original source will teach the current crop of progressives that those without knowledge of history will be destined to repeat the same mistakes.  America is on a journey to destruction from within.  Why not be unique innovators – know the facts before we speak.  Sure beats looking foolish, and with  genuine basic knowledge,  old-fashioned wisdom, and a bit of common sense,  some young genius with energy and passion just may become the hero that leads us to a better world.  Meanwhile, we wait…

FREE NIGHT OUT

Really, Free!  Okay, they did pass a bucket for donations.  Hope they were tipped graciously.  On occasion, a free to the public program surfaces that makes us glad we checked it out. Last evening, our family enjoyed a delightful concert given by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, theme, Swing in the Oaks, presented at New Orleans City Park.  A talented group of musicians, owned by its members, the orchestra is accurately recognized as excellent entertainment.

 

In casual attire, bring your blankets, stadium chairs, picnic spread, children, and leashed dogs to enjoy an evening of great, light-hearted music, and hundreds of New Orleans music lovers did just that.  A cool breeze floated across the grand lawn, a beautiful scene bordered by palm trees and oaks, while hundreds of folks circled their colorful chairs in small groups to enjoy dining, games, and fellowship. The music of the orchestra filled the park with oldies, something for the kids, classical, and a salute to the military.  Beginning with the national anthem, the crowd rose to its feet with surprising reverence considering the things we hear about disrespect for the country.  New Orleans remains patriotic in my view. A casual atmosphere made close attention to the orchestra difficult unless you were near the front area.  However, the evening provided a delightful night out in the spring air under the stars to enjoy an outstanding musical treat.  With many concerts each season, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, in its twenty-fifth year, entertains with excellent talent and popular appeal. 

In addition, the park provides many other forms of entertainment.  If you are a New Orleans resident or visitor, don’t miss the park.  The New Orleans Museum of Art, located in the same area, offers an outstanding venue of art, international artifacts, and unique exhibits of Louisiana culture.  New Orleans may be famous for Mardi Gras, but we do have many other attractions as well.  Check them at www.louisianatravel.com.

DARE TO DREAM

Captivated by the idea of space travel, like many American young people of the space race era of the fifties, I read with enthusiasm all the news about Sputnik (launched October 4, 1957) and the Russian space program.  Many discredited the news as propaganda initiated by the Russians to gain prominence, or the American Government to frighten Americans sufficiently to encourage participation (especially funding) in a space program long desired by the scientific community.

Still others regarded the news as Russian propaganda designed to frighten the US into submission to their ideals, while some simply refused to believe the satellite existed. How could any object travel l8, 000 miles per hour? However, the satellite was visible by the naked eye.

The Korean Police Action had settled sufficiently to allow life to proceed without fear of disruption among young adults (Vietnam had not as yet surfaced), and we soon had a young, energetic President who rushed to embrace the proponents of space travel and announced to the world, “America will reach the moon in this decade (sixties).” America erupted into action.

As a resident of Galveston County, Texas, I lived near Clear Creek, the isolated marshes where my friends hunted duck and other wildlife on property owned by then Senator, Lyndon Johnson.  The early sixties revealed that the swamp, purchased by the US Government, would be the future home of the Houston Space Center.  Apparently, America is serious about this new venture.

Meanwhile, my family moved to Florida, the home of space exploration, where experimentation with rockets and space travelers flourished at Cape Canaveral.  I read with passion the stories of the pioneering astronauts in their book, WE SEVEN.

As fate arranged my life, our family moved to Daytona Beach where General Electric Company had located to be near the Cape as they pursued their contract with NASA.  Employed by Honeywell Corporation in Clearwater, FL, for some time, I acquired some knowledge of the organization of NASA programs and understood enough to impress the recruiters.  I stepped into the exciting world of space exploration.

From the first day, I knew this would be a challenging and exciting journey.  The ultimate goal of reaching the moon in the decade became the total aim of everyone involved.  The assassination of President John Kennedy reinforced this determination.  With amazing fortitude the unbelievable ability to innovate, the heroes of the moonshot labored day and sometimes night to seek and find the answers to impossible questions.  They overcame unimaginable obstacles, they solved problems inconceivable before the moonshot, and they succeeded in record time to reach the goal.

In May 1969, I resigned from General Electric to relocate in Atlanta because my husband transferred with Eastern Airlines.  I missed the final hurrah although I did experience the thrill of knowing we (all of those tens of thousands of men and women in offices, factories, laboratories, and test sites – the heroes of the program) had reached the goal.  On July 20, 1969, I watched the television with wonder as Neil Armstrong stepped from the Lunar Lander with his now famous words, “One small step for man and a giant leap for mankind.”

Recently, I listened to Buzz Aldrin, one of the original seven, review his book, MISSION TO MARS. His optimism that our country can reach such a lofty goal is refreshing.  However, with the current environment and the lethargic attitude of our country, I cannot see Mars in our future. Remembering all of the remarkable innovations that make our lives more comfortable and progressive that resulted from the moonshot research and development, I am hopeful that some new, challenged heroes will evolve and dare to dream.

A MAGICAL PLACE - IMAGI-NATION

With universal problems engulfing us, I often feel discouraged, and the mood drifts through my pen possibly discouraging others as well.  I apologize for that attitude. We all have bad days. As I think about the beautiful day outside my window this morning, I’m awed at how clean and green the real world can be. Since writing is my passion, my thoughts are destined to slip though my pen and betray my character, emotion, and faith.  And in that same vein, I wish to share a bit of frivolous philosophy, and at the same time, ask if others have similar views.

Included in a book of poetry recently published, Rambling In Rhyme, is a poem written earlier in my life entitled, It’s Only Make Believe.  In reviewing and editing the poem, I realized I may have more than one citizenship in this world, probably three. I’m first and foremost a citizen of the Kingdom of God, doing my best to serve Him faithfully; secondly, I’m a citizen of the USA, born into that relationship by reason of geography, a fact that I’m forever grateful to have enjoyed for more than eight decades.  However, as a writer, I find myself to be a citizen of another nation, one shared by all creative minds whether it’s the written word, artist’s palette, the musician, or any one of dozens of creative ventures found among us – that of Imagi-Nation.

I have vivid memories from early childhood of visiting this place, and I recall friendships that lasted for long periods, perhaps disappearing only as I grew to a different level of maturity.  Traveling to Imagi-Nation is the shortest, least costly trip you will ever take.  You won’t need a ticket, new wardrobe, or a companion for this trip.  Just close your eyes, climb on a train, plane, or ship to any destination you choose.  Even a spaceship to the unknown.  You can stay five minutes or five hours – time is not measured or used in Imagi-Nation.  It simply exists along with all the other trimmings.  You can live in a mansion with lovely décor, shop in the finest, most elegant stores – and it’s free.  Wear the most delightful gowns with fine gems – the most elegant you can conjure up in your mind. You bask in perfect relationships without dispute – unless you want to argue and fight – and, of course, you can always win. 

In Imagi-Nation, you are perfect, happy, and in charge of everything. You can go there instantly, and interrupt the visit for a moment of reality, if you must, or you can just stay as long as your real life will allow.  You can visit Imagi-Nation no matter where you are in real life, the doctor’s office waiting room, middle of the night when you can’t sleep, at a boring business meeting or seminar, or simply relaxing in the back yard swing on a lovely afternoon.  You can be the perfect picture of health, the  most beautiful person  in the room, the smartest scholar in the board room, the pilot of an airplane, an astronaut on the way to Mars, a nurse or brain surgeon, the possibilities are limitless in Imagi-Nation. You can even be the President of the United States – although that is one place I never thought I would want to live – have thought of being a princess in a royal family, however.  The only qualification for being a citizen of Imagi-Nation is the ability to close your eyes and dream – like a movie rolling past your mind.  You can stop the film and return anytime.

All writers must be citizens of Imagi-Nation.  It’s the place where ideas are born, where music is created, and artists find inspiration. It’s the place where the sick can find health, the grieved can find comfort, the depressed will find peace, the lonely will find companionship, the elderly will find youth, and the young will find motivation and inspiration.  Close your eyes, smell the scent of a lovely rose garden, relax, and enjoy a visit to Imagi-Nation.