12~ A Very Good Idea

Alicia Paulson had a good idea for dinner, and she shared it on Instagram. The idea... shortcake and strawberries for dinner. And who would judge that with anything but appreciation? We took the inspiration, and the recipe, for our own dinner. It was a very good idea.

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

11~ Twilight

The misty blue, in their twilight.

It's hard to separate wonder and gratitude for all of the good things in our lives from the political climate, headlines, angst, and Tweeted drama of this new age. The dark bits, the hateful spewing, and rhetoric seep into our daily lives, and how can we look away? It's news. It's the daily message, tone, policy. And it is a new age. Our familiar, if imperfect, ideas of America, of engagement, presence, and values, are eroding, deteriorating, at such a rapid fire pace, one scarcely recognizes the landscape of our society and discourse from what it was a year ago. I am not idealizing our country, or sweeping our shortcomings under a rug... we are flawed, and always have been, but I did appreciate the effort to promote peace, to maintain civility, to foster respect, to value intellect, expertise, science, education, our environment, civil rights, justice, morality, truth. Those are good goals, good standards. When did truth become so blatantly eschewed? Why is kindness equated with weak-kneed liberalism, or spineless inaction? I think I know, but it's hard to get a decent discussion on the subject... I am astounded at how ferociously the new age is defended, excused, 'rationalized,' or simply accepted in exchange for one piece of moralizing legislation, or favor. I have been admonished for even trying to express my concerns so that I am, frankly, scared to speak, reluctant to voice opposition. Thankfully, there are still eloquent, bolder voices, speaking aloud, questioning, and holding us accountable. Would you believe... I miss old Republicans, the sort that held conservative values, and saw another way around a problem... we didn't always agree, but I'd like to go back to heated debate, mild banter, even a little moral outrage, instead of what passes for "leadership," the locked and loaded, abuse suspects, grab 'em where you may brand of government.

It's hard to sleep, to sit quietly with my thoughts, because the news, and social media, are infused with hate, with acrimony, threats, blustering, greed, and oppression. I don't feel safe, nor powerful. I don't feel great, or even like I am part of something that espouses greatness. In case you're wondering, I choose love.



With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

10~ Just Goats and a Hen

Everything good is better shared, especially our planet, and loving kindness.

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

9~ One Planet

It's one planet, this home, and garden, spinning through space. We share it, however difficult it may be... we have to go on, sharing, and making our best efforts to live peacefully, constructively, lovingly, together. I can only hope that what begins at home is good, is increased and shared, raises our thoughts, drives our actions.

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

8~ Siempre

Eunice V. V., Mexico City, 1953~
Eunice, with Delia and Rebecca, today~
At 95, and as lovely as can be.
Her kindness and gentle manners, her beauty, grace, and faithful outlook on life, her stamina, and resolve, her intelligence, practical skills, her sweet company, and her wisdom have inspired me for as long as I can recall, and always will. Happy Birthday, Grandma. Eres una bendición, un tesoro, y te quiero, siempre.

(Thank you, Mommy, for sharing today's Picture a Day photographs. I wish I could have been there, celebrating, too.)

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

7~ Patchwork Companion

At long last I am repairing the bedspread that tore coming out of our old dryer. I've put this job off for years. But, now it's started, I am glad, and happy it's coming along so nicely. It's slow work, hand sewing, and my poor finger, the one that pushes the sharp quilting needle through is so-so tender! But just look at the sweet company I keep. What else could make a job nicer, than sharing the load with a little friend?

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

6~ Zinnia Elegans

Summer and Zinnias, some of my earliest memories are of these.

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.