After the election, I had the most wonderful feeling of detachment. What's done is done. I did what I could other than grabbing a gun. As the Trump flags and signs disappeared from the neighborhood, I was relieved to think that maybe others are sick and tired of this ridiculous circus. Let it play itself out .... ? The important thing for me is like you said here. Family, friends, and critters. What happens now in our little spheres. And if we can get these little spheres to touch once in a while, maybe that's a start toward unity. Unity. That's an amazing word. Can it ever come to fruition? HA! Let us hope.
Sue, I'm with you all counts. Whatever my gut wants to tell me about the future here, I have to be hopeful that we can come together. This is such a cynical time. It would be way too easy for me to go down that path of worry and doom. That can be my default. So I have to choose to think that there will be healing, that the arc of justice will prevail and that people can at least start listening to each other again without so many preconceptions. For an old nihilist like me, this is a radical mindset.
I have to keep reminding myself that what's going on it DC doesn't need to affect me. Just focus on my family and garden. I go out into the world about once a week to buy supplies and perhaps a little social interaction. You'd be amazed at how much friendlier people are at Walmart as opposed to Smith's Food King. But they're just brief encounters, not relationships built up over time. Look at you and Tonya and Santo. You've got gold there, Paul, despite the BS of the last year. That's all swept away now, so 2025 is going to be EPIC!
The good piece is something to build upon, better, healing, hope and love. "The good" is less spoken about, still significantly more powerful through its ability to produce connection in all real and fantastical ways, actually and faithrully useful, but not for the faint of heart. Hope is perhaps the most difficult with regard to thousands of years of human history, however it does linger, as you so rightly point out, in the between times. Towards a new beginning or an end of conflict? Loved that concept and the holistic compliance, Paul.
I knew I was in for a curmudgeonly, good-hearted treat with your opening words. You & Tonya have (by actions alone) taught me so much this year about quietly stepping up & doing good works, when it is not easy & involves personal sacrifice. This nobility is its own reward. I too persist in delighting in a contained world of love, pizza & giggles. Despite the kick in the solar plexus that was/is the election, I will stay hopeful & lean into all the good that remains. There is so much of it. Kudos on this beautiful essay.
After the election, I had the most wonderful feeling of detachment. What's done is done. I did what I could other than grabbing a gun. As the Trump flags and signs disappeared from the neighborhood, I was relieved to think that maybe others are sick and tired of this ridiculous circus. Let it play itself out .... ? The important thing for me is like you said here. Family, friends, and critters. What happens now in our little spheres. And if we can get these little spheres to touch once in a while, maybe that's a start toward unity. Unity. That's an amazing word. Can it ever come to fruition? HA! Let us hope.
Sue, I'm with you all counts. Whatever my gut wants to tell me about the future here, I have to be hopeful that we can come together. This is such a cynical time. It would be way too easy for me to go down that path of worry and doom. That can be my default. So I have to choose to think that there will be healing, that the arc of justice will prevail and that people can at least start listening to each other again without so many preconceptions. For an old nihilist like me, this is a radical mindset.
I have to keep reminding myself that what's going on it DC doesn't need to affect me. Just focus on my family and garden. I go out into the world about once a week to buy supplies and perhaps a little social interaction. You'd be amazed at how much friendlier people are at Walmart as opposed to Smith's Food King. But they're just brief encounters, not relationships built up over time. Look at you and Tonya and Santo. You've got gold there, Paul, despite the BS of the last year. That's all swept away now, so 2025 is going to be EPIC!
joy and hope. loyalty. surgery for a dog in pain. love shown in quiet ways. a beautiful piece, Paul. thank you.
Thanks Tabby. I appreciate it. xoxo
The good piece is something to build upon, better, healing, hope and love. "The good" is less spoken about, still significantly more powerful through its ability to produce connection in all real and fantastical ways, actually and faithrully useful, but not for the faint of heart. Hope is perhaps the most difficult with regard to thousands of years of human history, however it does linger, as you so rightly point out, in the between times. Towards a new beginning or an end of conflict? Loved that concept and the holistic compliance, Paul.
thanks, Connie! lots of love.
xox
I knew I was in for a curmudgeonly, good-hearted treat with your opening words. You & Tonya have (by actions alone) taught me so much this year about quietly stepping up & doing good works, when it is not easy & involves personal sacrifice. This nobility is its own reward. I too persist in delighting in a contained world of love, pizza & giggles. Despite the kick in the solar plexus that was/is the election, I will stay hopeful & lean into all the good that remains. There is so much of it. Kudos on this beautiful essay.
Thnx, El. Lotsa love.