What did I do all week?

Well, I watched the Democratic National Convention and thought everything about it was great.


Well thought out and well executed.

So refreshing after so many years of convention hall madness.


And what a breath of fresh air it was to see politicians use complete sentences, and act like kind, caring adults rather than immature ignorant racist bullies.


Michelle Obama summed things up perfectly, I think. "Donald Trump is the wrong president for our country. He has had more than enough time to prove that he can do the job, but he is clearly in over his head. He cannot meet this moment. He simply cannot be who we need him to be for us. It is what it is.”


But besides that what did I do?

I stayed away from Facebook - NOT completely, and I don't intend to do that.

But.

Short stays to see how my friends are doing is enough.

Invariably, I'll stay just a little bit too long and get caught up in stuff that brings me down, sends my blood pressure up and well, you know what I mean . . . 

So, peeps, if I've missed your birthday, an anniversary, a book event, or some wonderful event in your life, please know I'm not intentionally ignoring you.  I'm not.  Not at all.  

Just attempting to balance my life with some self-care.

So, while I've been balancing, what have I done?

Baked a cake.






Read a couple of good books.


I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of "The Road Not Taken" by Susan Rubin.

It's a very strange book.  Wonderfully strange.  I loved it and although Susan Rubin has a voice all her own, the book felt like a delightful mix of Alice Hoffman and Tom Robbins to me.  I know it's one I'll read again.  and again . . .     

“The Road Not Taken by Susan Rubin is a unique work of magical realism, filled with fantastic imagery, irony, and amazing ideas. The Road Not Taken sits next to Isabelle Allende and Neil Gaiman on my reading table. If you want to take a unique journey, filled with humor, fantastic imagery, ideas and irony, grab a copy.” — Luisah Teish, author of Jambalaya

Picked up a couple of good books from my post office.

  

I've been a big fan of Clarence Major for a number of years.  Having one of my favorite people who also happens to be one of my favorite authors, James Anderson, send me an autographed copy of "The Essential Clarence Major" means the world to me.  Thank you, Dear James!

 

And you all know how I feel about Louise Penny.

Louise, along with her assistant, Lise, have spoiled me rotten with autographed copies of the Three Pines series.  I treasure every one.

I have some of the BEST friends in the writing community.   

While doing some Paris dreaming, I've discovered a couple of new-to-me artists.

Clare Caulfield

and

Lina Nordin Gee

And I've played around with telling a couple of "Paris Dreaming" stories through collage work in my little studio.

Spent some time looking at apartments for rent in Paris through Paris Perfect where you can find everything from a small studio to a luxury 3 bedroom apartment with views to die for.

Hopefully, at least by this time next year we'll have proper leadership intelligent enough to believe in science and by listening to experts in the medical field we'll have a handle on this pandemic.


Fewer people will be dying because of a lack of leadership.


Our COVID numbers will come down and we'll be allowed back into countries that have blocked us from entering at present because we present a danger to their citizens.


Fingers crossed.


My Dove chocolates keep giving me this message -



(You may have noticed a little bit of a theme here; chocolate cake, Dove chocolates . . . )


Wishing I could follow Dove's advice!  Book a flight!  Pack those bags!

'Cause, as much as we both love being at home in our own little nest, Donald and I are suffering pangs of serious wanderlust.

But, one good thing about spending so much time at home these past few months, we've saved a few pennies.

Pennies for Paris!

Take care, guys - stay safe.

Our Next President

 

Joe Biden has never been known as a guy who gives great speeches.

That may have changed with this particular speech

.

He knocked it out of the park.

I'm going to be proud to cast my vote for Joe Biden.

President Barack Obama, The DNC, Karma and The United States District Court for the Southern District of New York

Last night we watched Barack Obama deliver another of his brilliant speeches.

This, many are saying, was his most important.

I don't know how anyone could listen to one of President Obama's speeches and not be moved.

Me?  I was in tears.

It also left me with a deep feeling of fear.

He has clearly pointed out what we, as a country, will face if trump wins.

It's scary as all hell, and not to be taken lightly.

But it is off-set somewhat by some news today.  

Judge tosses Trump’s attempt to block subpoena from Manhattan prosecutors for financial docs.  While it's unlikely Cyrus Vance's efforts will result in any of Trump's records becoming public ahead of the 2020 election, I'll take good news whereever I can find it.

and

"Steve Bannon, President Trump's former political adviser, has been arrested alongside three other people in connection with an online fundraising scheme that federal prosecutors in New York say is responsible for defrauding hundreds of thousands of people."

Couldn't happen to a nicer crook.

But, of course, we all remember trump's famous words - "I'm going to surround myself only with the best and most serious people."  

Bless his heart.

He's no more than a crook and a con man.

We don't know when  he'll get his due, but he will.

He will.

And here's a few of trump's best -

pitiful

just pitiful.

What has happened to our country?

Sadly, thinkers from around the world are asking that same question.

My DNC Takeaway

 

After two nights of watching the virtual Democratic National Convention, I think I'm ready to say I am much preferring the virtual version over the noisy mass confusion of the convention halls of the past.

Perhaps we have a new trend.

Change is good.

My takeaway that I'm feeling strongly about is the simple fact of the differences I'm seeing between the two parties.

Besides the obvious policy differences which are important to me, I'm struck by the differences in the people.

The people speaking at the DNC, including and most especially, the wonderful  roll call folks, have energized me and given me hope.  Energy and hope I've been missing since the 2016 election.

I look at my screen and see a number of character traits I simply do not see in the current administration of GOP "leaders."

I see . . . 

Intelligence

Kindness

Empathy

Respect

I see people giving speeches who, regardless of personal politics, are respected members of their personal/professional communities.

What I don't see, but can guarantee will be seen at the Republican National Convention, are the speakers receiving applause for simply being mean.  Making their supposed point by ridicule and contempt.  And by lying.  

While I haven't seen a full list of RNC speakers yet, the names I have seen are pretty unimpressve, to say - - - franky, embarrassing.  

So far they include Patricia and Mark McCloskey. Remember them? The couple who stood in front of their mansion and waved guns at people walking quietly by on their way to protest outside the St. Louis Mayor's residence. They were separately charged with felony unlawful use of a weapon.

And, oh yeah, Nick Sandmann, the snarky, entitled high school student whose hateful interaction with a Native American elder in Washington, D.C. was captured on video that went viral.  Quite a claim to fame.

So, a couple of people who are known only for their tabloid antics spotlighting the fact that they're racists.  Oh, yay.  

Former President George W. Bush and 2012 presidential nominee Mitt Romney will not be speaking.

That there are strong and well known Republicans speaking at the Democratic National Convention is telling, I think.

Telling us that today's GOP ain't your daddy's GOP.  Not by a long shot.

They include former GOP Governor John Kasich of Ohio, former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman, former Hewlett-Packard CEO Meg Whitman and former Congresswoman Susan Molinari of New York.  General Colin Powell, who was secretary of state in George W. Bush's administration, and Cindy McCain, the widow of Senator John McCain, narrated a video portraying the close and decades-long friendship her husband and Biden shared.

I'm looking forward to tonight's convention.  We'll hear from Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris and former President Barack Obama, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

And a nod to the diverse group of celebrities speaking and performing.  This, to me, highlights the fact that Democrats care about the arts.  They believe, like me and so many of us, in their importance.

If you haven't been watching, here's a few highlights from the first two nights.

Are you registered to vote?  

Need to check your registration?

Considering voting by mail?

Need to know where your polling place is?

Here's EVERYTHING you need -  https://www.vote.org/

Life goes on

 

Yesterday I had my annual Wellness Check-Up.  And we did it on-line - Yay!

I will still have to mask myself up, be brave and go to my doctor's office for blood work.  Ugh.

But, she assures me they're doing all the right things and well, it needs to be done, so I'll just pull up my big girl panties and get it done.  (Sadly, those big girl panties are a bit bigger than they were just a few months ago . . .  but that's a different story for a different day.  Or not.)

One of the questions that came up was concerning how I'm handling the level of isolation we're experiencing due to COVID.

And I answered truthfully that yes, I am experiencing some periods of anxiety, and some days when I feel depressed.  

And some days I cry.

But I'll be honest with you.  

People who are merrily living life as though nothing has changed?  

During a pandemic?!  

With a corrupt crazy man in our White House? ! 

THOSE are the people we should all be worried about.

If you're not depressed, you oughta be!  JMO.

Any normal person is going to feel effects of what we're living through right now.

We just all have to find our own way to get through it.

And vote.

(Teeshirt from The Bitter Southerner)

One of the things I'm doing is reading.  Of course.  It's what I do.  

But I've found that my concentration isn't what it usually is, so it's taking me longer to read a book than it normally does.

And, it's got to be a darn good book for me to stick with it.

I'm not one to continue with a book that's not holding my interest during the best of times, and right now I'm finding this to be especially true.

So I'm re-reading books I especially love.  

It's like a visit with an old friend that you know you can count on.  

I just finished re-reading a book I wish everyone in the whole world would read.  

Amor Towles' A Gentleman in Moscow.  

I hesitated about reading this when it first came out because, truly, I have no interest in Russia - now or ever.  

But I remember that I also resisted reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society for a number of reasons.  Big mistake.  It quickly became one of my favorites, and one I recommend often, even to complete strangers.

Anyway . . .

NPR said this about A Gentleman in Moscow:   " . . . new novel stars a Russian aristocrat, sentenced by the Soviets to permanent house arrest in a luxury hotel. It's a frothy romp that tends to overlook the reality of life under Stalin."  While I agree that there is some froth, there is also much in the way of philosophical thinking and introspection.  And gentle humor.

It's lovely.  The ultimate elegant, smart, beautiful book.  Each time I read it I'm hesitant to finish it and have to leave the world of Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov; my book boyfriend.

The Count's supporting characters are as deeply drawn as he is.  One of my favorites is Nina.  "His boredom is alleviated a little when he befriends a young girl named Nina (Think Eloise in the Plaza), who is precocious, stubborn, and most importantly, adventurous. Her single father is temporarily posted to Moscow on state business, but as he did not enroll her in school, she spends most of her time exploring the hotel. Nina has acquired a passkey for all of the hotel’s doors, and she shows the Count its various rooms and passageways."

So now I've finished.  And I'm bereft.

I have a house, and a Kindle, full of books.

New books and old books.

But right now, there's not one that could soothe my soul the way Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov and his friends have.

So.

I think I'll go fix myself a cup of coffee, a bowl of ice cream and pout for a little while before trying to decide just what book might be able to step up and do its job.

Maybe a Louise Penny . . .

Show a little respect

 Dear Friends. 

We are all in danger of saying or posting (at a blog or Facebook or other Social Media accounts) something that others are not going to agree with. 

More than once in the past week I have had fingers pointed at me telling me I had done something wrong when, in fact, I had not.  

I'm not as averse as some to making mistakes.  Oh, Honey, I do, indeed make mistakes.  And I'll own up to them.  

If you don't make an occassional mistake, to my mind, it means you're not doing anything.  

But.  

Just admit you made it and move on.  WHAT is the big deal?

If you're unable to do that, well - bless your heart, that's your issue.

I don't like the whole blanket process which seems to be prevalent lately of just shooting someone down by telling them they're wrong or that they did something that they did not do without looking at your own actions in the situation at hand.

So far, I've handled it well (if I do say so myself).

But.  

That's likely to change.

Even those of us who are good friends are likely to disagree on things.

 Especially between now and election day. 

I'm going to continue staying away from Facebook for a few days at a time because my brain and my heart feel as though they're on emotional overload when I spend too much time there. 

But I'd like, very much, to feel as though when I'm there, or here, and when I post something that you don't like OR if you think I've posted something that is incorrect and feel the need to correct me publicly - that you just don't. 

Just. 

Don't. 

Like many of you, my feelings are fairly raw right now and I can't promise to react kindly. 

So, if you know for sure I've posted something at Facebook that is, in fact, incorrect, let me know privately, please and I promise to do the same.

If I write something here you don't like . . .  well, in all honesty, it's my blog so; my rules.

If you'd like to point out to me something you think I've done, or said that you believe to be incorrect, I'd appreciate you being careful about how you confront me about it, and remember that we all make mistakes.  

Even you.

Finding the right books at the right time

There's a quote I love from "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society" (another book I keep recommending!)  You probably know it;  “Perhaps there is some secret sort of homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.”

It's happened to all of us, hasn't it? 

It popped into mind as I was deep into my first Randall Silvis novel. A new to me author I discovered through NetGalley.com.  

An author with a protagonist, Ryan DeMarco, who is both darkness and light.  

A protag who has seen and lived the worst the world could give him, and yet never gives in.  He comes close sometimes, but then . . . he's back.

He's able to find hope in beauty - poetry, literature, music and nature.  

He's philosophical by nature and Randall Silvis gives Ryan DeMarco a voice that resonates with intelligence, feeling, empathy and great depth. 

I think a comparison of Ryan DeMarco and James Lee Burke's Dave Robicheaux would be a fair comparison.  

You can read a terrific interview Judith Collins did with Mr. Silvis here.  They go into some interesting parallels between the author, his life and his characters.  Along with Mr. Silvis' own philosophy about his life and his writing.

The book I found through NetGalley was the fourth in the Ryan DeMarco series.  "No Woods So Dark as These."  

The minute I finished it I downloaded books 1, 2 and 3 in the series onto my Kindle.

There are passages I have read and re-read over and over, and there's one passage that has lodged itself deeply in my mind.  And damn if I can find it now!  I always re-read books that affect me as deeply as these have, so I know I will find it again, but not now when I'd very much like to share it with all of you.

It has to do with looking back.

Remembering where you came from and who you would be if you had stayed there.

Possibly/Probably not the same person you are if you've moved on.

Would you have gone the places you've gone?  Done the things you've done?  Accomplished the things you're proud of?

Regardless, you'll always be, to those people back home, the person they knew then.

To them, you haven't changed.  

This struck me as so truthful that it's hurtful.

For a long time after leaving home I wondered about moving back.  And seriously considered it more than once.  The opportunities came, but I never made the move.

And now, at age 72, the desire to test those waters has long since passed.

I've never feared or disliked change - IF there was a reason for it.

And because of this, I've moved around, I've tried some things, and done some things that I don't think I would have if I had stayed where I was raised.

I still love The Eastern Shore of Maryland.

It's beautiful and I have wonderful memories.

But memories are, and should be, just that.

Memories.

I don't want to be, as the person I am now, that person my friends remember me as.  

Not any more.

It was great then.

But it's done.

I wouldn't change a thing, but . . . 

Like Ryan DeMarco, I moved on.

And now - Serendipity.

Don't you love serendipity?

And, here again, it has to do with reading choices.

I'm a huge fan of the on-line magazine The Bitter Southerner.

I read it religiously, and know I'm reading some of the best writing that's being written today.

If you're not familiar with it, I suggest you read the story behind the magazine.  The how and way it came to be.  They have created a pretty amazing thing.  (And there's some fun shopping there too!)  

So.

After reading and contemplating Ryan DeMarco's philosophy about leaving home, I happened across A Conversation with Stephanie Soileau in The Bitter Southerner.

She talks about her stories in her new book, "Last One Out Shut Off the Lights."  

And one of the topics covered in her stories is the subject of leaving home.  "When you leave, you also sacrifice a piece of yourself, or else find a new identity in ways that alienate you from your homeplace."

Yes.

That.

So.

During this time of social distancing, I'd really enjoy, I think, sitting down with Ryan DeMarco via Randall Silvis and Stephanie Soileau for a drink and chat.

But, since that is not likely to happen, I plan on looking into some of the non-series books Mr. Silvis has written. And, Ms. Soileau's book is on its way.

Maybe getting through this whole pandemic thing (and November 3rd) without losing my mind completely has a lot to do with finding the right book at just the right time. Or it finding me.

“That's what I love about reading: one tiny thing will interest you in a book, and that tiny thing will lead you to another book, and another bit there will lead you onto a third book. It's geometrically progressive - all with no end in sight, and for no other reason than sheer enjoyment.”
 ― The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Rabbit, Rabbit

Welcoming a new month - - - 

Hello, August!

Rabbit, Rabbit!

The Woodland Spring by Hannah Willow

And - - - We have a winner!

Kathy Boone Reel - Congratulations!

Kathy is the winner of the most recent "Carousels of Paris"  giveaway.

She chose a tote and a copy of the Trocadero Carousel photo.

They'll be on their way shortly

Thanks to all of you who played! 

Keep an eye on my webpage for more giveaways.

And if you're interested in receiving my newsletter announcing giveaways, please sign up here.

Stay well!

xxoo

Kaye

John Lewis - February 21, 1940 - July 17, 2020

This is the opinion column JOHN LEWIS, civil rights leader and congressman, wrote for the NY Times, shortly before he died and requested it be published on the day of his funeral.

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, through 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.

Where Am I?

On a mountain in Meat Camp, North Carolina.

Sitting on the back deck enjoying all the green

and the quiet

and my pup

and my husband

And  I am grateful for my life

When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.

I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.

Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.

And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,
“and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.”

  - - - Mary Oliver

life goes on. (and clothes shrink)

And so, I've been shopping . . . 

We rarely leave the house, but well - I've been shopping.


Books.

I haven't bought books in awhile.  Haven't really needed to because NetGalley.com grants me an awful lot of wishes and I'm also lucky enough to have friends; reviewers, writers, publishers, who love me enough to send me books.  And I'm tickled and happy and grateful with my bounty.  And I know how very lucky I am.  But, I couldn't help it.  I went to my on-line "wish list," spotted a few books that have been there for awhile and I ordered them.  Yes, yes, I did.



Yoga pants.

Because I rarely leave the house and have been living in yoga pants, the ones I've been living in are beginning to look like they've been lived in for entirely too long.

Besides which, I think maybe they've shrunk.



Cute new teeshirts.

Because I rarely leave the house and have been living in teeshirts, the ones I've been living in are beginning to look like they've been lived in for entirely too long.

Besides which, I think maybe they've shrunk.



A new bra.

Because I rarely leave the house and have been living in yoga pants and teeshirts and no bra, I was surprised to discover when I put one on recently that it has (can you imagine?) apparently shrunk.  



The good news is that there were sales going on at some of my favorite on-line spots so everything was on sale (I am, after all, my mother's daughter).



On sale.  And very good sales.  20% off does not move me.  30% - nah.  40% - getting closer . . .    


On sale.  Oh how I love those words . . . 

And, oh yeah, the cute dress, and the adorable white linen tunic shirt?  On sale.


NO idea where I might be going that I plan on wearing that adorable new dress, but omg it spoke to me.  AND (did I mention) it was on sale?  Besides which, I'm thinking a lot of my cute dresses that are  hanging in my closet may have shrunk.

Shirts too, and blouses too.

Pants?  Oy . . . 



But, in my defense, I haven't spent much money since quarantining.  


Haven't had my hair cut since I do not even remember when. (I may look a lot like Crystal Gayle before I feel comfortable going to a hair salon again) 





Haven't had a manicure.

Or a pedicure.

And may never have another.


Haven't needed to buy make-up.  


Lovely to be married to a man who swears you don't need make-up to be beautiful at the same time he swears he hasn't noticed that so many of your clothes have apparently shrunk.  


In return I don't tease him too much about how he'll soon be sporting a ponytail.  (But never ever never a man bun.  Never).


Haven't bought any new shoes.  

OR boots!


LordAMercy, I hope I don't find out they've shrunk too!


Haven't traveled.


Haven't gone out for a nice dinner.


Haven't met friends for lunch.


Haven't gone to a movie.


The only concert we had planned for this year (Brooks & Dunn) has been postponed a year.  A whole year!!


Holy cow, if I keep this up I'll be able to rationalize a monster shopping spree!


But, the urge seems to have been quieted for now.  I think I'll be okay.


But if you want some hints on where you might be able to find some cute stuff on sale, don't forget that practically all your favorite on-line shopping places also have an outlet that's separate from their regular on-line store.  I have gotten some steals at on-line outlets.  My mother would be proud.


I hope you're all doing whatever you need to do to stay healthy in mind and body.  

Take care of yourselves!