Yeah Baby, 2021!!! It's Gonna Be Awesome..... right?... Right?!?!?!?!

 

Hi!

Well, it finally happened. 2020 ran out of steam and is on its way out the door.

2021 is on the doorstep, ringing the bell. A guest we can't refuse.

2021 looks friendly enough, bringing vaccines, sane leadership for our American friends, a renewed and deeply necessary call for systemic change, and a new definition of essential. But, after all that was 2020, we have to just hope that 2021 isn't that good looking guy in the horror movie who pretends his car broke down in the rain and is asking to come in to use your phone because he lost his cell and is really just coming in to release a million murder hornets in your living room.

No, 2021 can't be that guy, right? Right?!

No, 2021 is, instead, going to be the blue-haired, Disney-inspired, sweet, kind, yet boring middle-aged lady who is on the doorstep, asking for help. And, when she is invited in, she turns out to be a great listener, offers to help you get caught up on each and every household chore, then makes you a fantastic meal from scratch and bakes your favourite cookies for dessert, and then slips you some money 'just in case'. 

Let's welcome this new year with open hearts, open minds, and optimism. 

Let's take the lessons we've learned from 2020 and not waste them.

Let's remember what proved its incredible importance when the rest of the world fell away.

Let's remember how important human connection is and not take it for granted.

Let's remember who became essential, and treat them accordingly.

Let's remember that looking out for each other is not political, it's human.

Let's remember that nothing is guaranteed.

Let's remember that when people show you who they are, believe them.

Let's do this. A new year. A new decade. A new perspective.

Now we know better, it's time to do better.

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May the new year bring you every kind of joy, and an utter embarrassment of ALL the riches,            May it bring all kinds of health, happiness, and fun, we all deserve a year of bliss, without glitches.

May we all find a way to release the pain of the past, embrace the future, and make it better than ever.    May we be sure to sincerely celebrate, all the things, without hesitation, without any guilt whatsoever.

May we, when we finally, safely can, embrace each other, and never let go.                                              May we never again take for granted a simple hug, a visit, a meal, or going to a show.

May we let the lessons of the last year sink in and take root.                                                                      May we make sure the lessons bloom, blossom grow, and bear fruit.

*******************************************************************

Looking for a good book to curl up with? Check it out...

https://www.amazon.ca/Once-Broken-Margy-Reid-ebook/dp/B071HTFTX6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2IH558NP9AABX&dchild=1&keywords=once+broken&qid=1609435585&sprefix=once+broken%2Caps%2C282&sr=8-1

2020... The Worst Houseguest Ever!

 Hi!

Well folks, 2020 is very close to being in the rearview mirror. 

Good riddance!

Let's give it the send-off it deserves, shall we? 

To me, 2020 has been the absolute worst houseguest ever.

It came in polite enough, pretty quiet, friendly, well-behaved. Then it got comfortable. Too comfortable.

It got drunk and peed in every closet, threw up in every corner of every room, brought bed bugs, played frisbee with the heirloom china, exploded marshmallows in the microwave, and ruined every family gathering, It burned holes in the couch, and the carpet, insulted the neighbours, hit on your Mom, and jammed up your plumbing. It spit in every one of your cups of coffee, cooked cabbage, rotten fish, and bacon on high heat without lids, and left you to clean up the mess. 

It traumatized your kids, tried to kill Grandma, and refused to take off their shit-covered boots while running laps throughout the entire house. It left dirty towels, and skid-marked underwear all over the bathroom floor with a generous sprinkling of mystery hairs all over the shower after using your favourite loofah. It ate you out of house and home, leaving behind half-eaten yogurts, mere crumbs, and a few drops in milk jugs and juice containers.

 It thought it was funny to prank you by waking you in the middle of the night wearing a Pennywise mask and wielding a butcher knife It called your boss, pretended to be you, called them a bunch of horrible names, and quit. 

Yeah 2020, it's time for you to go. Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.  Or do. Yeah, do.

So let's raise a glass or two or ten and celebrate the fact that it's over. It was a crazy, stressful year full of heartache and loss. Onward and Upward! 

Sorry to write and run, but I have a houseguest to usher out the door, throw off the porch, and then, my friends, I'm changing the friggin' locks!

********************************************************************

May every one of us find a way through all of the pain 2020 has forced upon us.                                  May we honour the lives of those taken by this nightmare by living the lives they would want for us.

**********************************************************************

Until next year...

  

Find Your Snowmen...

 

Hi!

This Holiday season is going to be one for the history books. This Holiday season is unlike any we have ever experienced. It's going to be tough, it's going to be stressful, things are going to be downright weird. 

I know, I'm kinda beating a dead horse here, but we are where we are, and it is what it is.

Holiday cheer is a little harder to muster this year. Beyond the pandemic, there are those struggling with illnesses and hardships that have nothing to do with it. There are those struggling with money problems, joblessness, homelessness, loneliness... life.

So, those of us who can, should.

It doesn't have to be a lot. I know, dead horse, but even the smallest of gestures can help flip someone's Holiday right side up. Just like that.

A smile

A donation to a food bank.

A tray of goodies delivered to a care home or a neighbour.

A donation of winter coats to a homeless shelter.

You get it.

Those of us who can, should.

Okay, off the soapbox. Time for the happy.

So, snowmen.

This year, they made their migration from the basement a bit early, around the middle of November. The 125+ of them are sprinkled all over the house. There are big ones, small ones, ones that live within snow globes and music boxes, ones that dance borderline inappropriately. ones that hang out all soft, squishy, and cuddly on the couch.

We needed them. I say we because, even though my hubby may not be the first to admit it, but they bring joy, they make us smile. And, hey, we need joy, now more than ever. 

So, this year among all of the craziness, make your joy. Dive into it, enjoy it, wrap yourself in it. It's okay to play games, to giggle, to have fun. It's not only allowed, it's necessary. Find your snowmen.

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Sorry to write and run, but I need to finish up my treat trays, and get them ready for delivery!

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May you savor every giggle, embrace every joyful moment, every roll of the game board dice.                May you allow yourself to be swallowed by the happy, it's okay, feel it, don't put your happy on ice.

May you find a way to create some fun, even if it's not on the tip of your tongue.                                      May you create a way to connect with those you hold most dear, those special someones.

*******************************************************************

Until next time.... Find your snowmen and Enjoy!!!

In The Meantime...

The top shot is compliments of my Honey, a view from the road on his way to the shop. The other shot is what happens when you tell Grandma you're bored.

Our tiny bubble still allows us to safely, at least for now, spend actual time with these three littles, and for this, we are very grateful. 

Well, we have officially invoked our Plan B for Christmas because having everyone under one roof, at this point, isn't an option. So a drive-by Christmas it will be. 

Although we are bummed about it, we are also extremely thankful. It is not lost on us that there will be countless families throughout the world dealing with the loss of loved ones because of this pandemic. There will be countless families around the world worrying about putting food on the table, and making rent because of this. There are people all over the world struggling with anxiety and depression and loneliness because of this thing. 

In our neck of the woods, the vaccine will begin doing its job next week. Healthcare workers and the elderly will have access first, this is as it should be, but that means, soon it'll be on the way for the rest of us. So, the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter, and, contrary to everything 2020 it doesn't appear to be a train. 

Here's hoping the vaccine spreads as quickly through the world's population as the need for it did. 

Let's hope that the proprietary nature of politics, the "mine, mine, mine" attitudes are set aside, and what's good for the masses trumps the selfishness. Let's hope the 'us before them' thing, is kept at bay. 

Let's hope humanity takes the lead as it should.

In the meantime, let's do everything we can to keep as many people we can from getting this virus as possible. Let's save as many people as we can from the pain that goes with it. Let's keep our bubbles tiny while we wait for the light to shine on us all. 

In the meantime, as we wait, let's do our best to help those who need it most. Whether we make donations to food banks, calls to those who need to hear our voices or goofy videos that make people smile. Let's do our best.

We got this, we just need to lift each other over this, the last of the hardest parts. 

************************************************************

May we get to the end of the tunnel without meeting a train. 

May we save as many as we can from experiencing any more pain.

May we find a way to put cheer into this weird and stressful time.

May we find a way to feel the cheer, really let it in, not to, would be a crime.

*****************************************************************

Until next time...

https://www.amazon.ca/Once-Broken-Margy-Reid-ebook/dp/B071HTFTX6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=29UFBXLM0MIB3&dchild=1&keywords=once+broken&qid=1607721695&sprefix=once+broken%2Caps%2C354&sr=8-1

 

Tiny Bubbles...

 

Hi!

For now, and for at least the next few months, as we wait for science to write the final act of this nightmare, we need to keep our bubbles small, better yet, tiny.

With this holiday season in full swing, it's tough. But, tiny bubbles can be fun too. 

Personally, we've been lucky enough to have our tiny bubble include the daughter that lives closest and her babies. Through this pandemic, a light has been shone on the little things, and we are doing everything we can to fully enjoy those little things.

Introducing our three youngest grandbabies to TWISTER was awesome. Reading their letters to Santa is awesome. Baking the treats that will put smiles on their faces, and the faces of a few others I hold closest to my heart is awesome. Watching predictably predictable, sappy Christmas movies with them is awesome. 

Instead of holiday office parties, family get-togethers, and other things that offer charcuterie boards and potent, plentiful cocktails, instead of making appearances at things for which we put on bras and pants to attend, we will... well, go pretty much nowhere. 

Instead, we will have to hunker down, use tech to see each other, do driveway greetings, keep in touch with those who matter most, spread virtual cheer, 

Look on the bright side.... right, 2020. Sorry, forgot where I was there for a second. 

For those who have been working from home for months, juggling zoom calls, homeschooling, and trying to keep the image of your dog licking himself out of the camera shot, the thought of awkward small talk with the guy from accounting who always manages to smell like tuna probably sounds utterly fabulous right about now. 

Those who have lost their jobs completely or have had to close the doors of their small business because of this thing would likely give their right arm for the pain in the ass it is to attend, organize, or host some kind of, any kind of holiday shindig, drunk dancing, and bad karaoke included. 

For those struggling to make rent, cover bills, and put food on the table, the free meal, in and of itself would be a relief.

So, let's all just acknowledge that the last of 2020 is going to go out much like it came in, other than the murder hornets, I don't think the murder hornets became an actual thing. 

There is no way around it. This holiday season is going to be strange, strained, stressful, and sad. 

But, even with everything 2020 has stripped from us we can hang on to our tiny bubbles and let them carry us to the end of this thing. We are but a few weeks from having 2020 in the rearview, if you are finding it hard to muster up some holiday spirit this year, celebrate that.

And there is a bright side. No, really.

2020 has given humanity the gift of a forced understanding of what is wrong with how our world is run. It has shone a light on how messed up our priorities are as a society. It has proven that it takes a lot more than money to make the world go around. It has given us the gift of reminding us just how important tactile, real, in-person, human connection truly is. 

2020 has lifted the rocks and exposed racists from their hiding places, making them bold, stripping away their secret identities. 2020 has made them proud of their ugliness. Turned dog whistles into fog horns. This really is part of the bright side, for only when you know where the roaches live can you rid yourself of them. Once exposed, it becomes a lot easier to flick them out of your life. 

2020 has shown us who in our lives are susceptible to believing conspiracy theories and misinformation in general. It has shown us how deep into the rabbit hole they are willing to slide, even as it endangers others. 

2020 has redefined the word 'hero.' 

2020 isn't over yet. We still have time to be the bright side.

Food banks all over the world are being stretched to the limits. Different charities are working tirelessly to put together holiday baskets for those hit the hardest. Toy drives are looking for donations. Shelters can always use those winter coats and boots that nobody in your household wears anymore.

We still have time to be the bright side, even if it's from the confines of our tiny bubbles...

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Until next time...

May we all find a way to be the bright side, and not let the darkness overshadow our joy.

May we find a way through the season, but not just through, a way to embrace and enjoy.

May we find what we can share, and do just that, little things can light up a lot of faces.

May we share much more than what we can buy, kindness is free, and can be spent in countless places.

May we tap into our generosity, spreading it far and wide, giving makes smaller our troubles.

May we do our level best to be the bright side, even if it's from the comfort of our tiny bubbles. 

*******************************************************

The 'No Rules" Of The Holidays!

 

Hi!

Welcome to the holiday season of 2020!

I've seen talk in a few places on social media where people seem concerned about putting decorations up 'too early,' where people are worried about the etiquette of this, that, or the other thing.

Okay folks, if 2020 has taught us anything it's that in order to get through it we need to be as fluid as the wine we drink. 

Yes, this year has been, and continues to be, a complete horror show. With the spiking of cases, people having to deal with unimaginable loss, some insisting on traveling regardless of warnings, thus triggering more restrictions being put in place, all of which could, potentially, morph this holiday season's to-dos into something resembling the Grinch's list of top ten ways to Scrooge a holiday. 

So, we have some choices to make.

For some of us, the loss of loved ones will be too fresh for us to do anything but grieve, and that is as it should be. Grief is human, it's needed, it can't be prescribed limits or timetables. 

For the rest of us, well, we will just have to figure it out. Like the rest of 2020, that last of it is going to be different, a touch chaotic, more than a bit scary, with the stress level cranked up to about a 10.

So, choices.

It's hard not to feel down about the loss of traditions, the loss of get-togethers, this dragged-out marathon loss of 'normal.'  All we can do is our best.

So, we are choosing to decorate even earlier than we usually do. Yup, the tree and all of the snowmen have been up and filling in every corner for 2 weeks already. Although the gift budget had to be trimmed a bit this year, the shopping for gifts is complete, with wrapping well underway. A few cookies and other treats have already made their way to the freezer, with more to follow.

We have basically decided to stretch the season. If 2020 wants a marathon, we are happy to oblige.

We may not be able to have our kids and grandbabies under our roof for Turkey and the trimmings, to open their gifts, play games and just be goofy together, but if that turns out to be the case, there is nothing stopping us from taking Christmas on the road. Nothing stopping us from dropping gifts and treats off to them at their homes. A Curbside Christmas. 

We may not be able to watch our grandbabies put on their holiday concerts at school, but there is nothing stopping them from safely going caroling, singing their songs for their neighbours. 

So, although, in my humble opinion, holidays have never had rules, this year, more than any other I can remember, needs to have any pretense of 'rules' stripped away. 

If you want eggnog on your cereal, go for it.

If you want to blast Holiday music 24/7, all the power to you.

If you want to make fudge a food group, good on ya.

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The holidays are close to impossible for some at the best of times. This year, of course, it presents all kinds of new challenges. 

If you are able to muster a bit of extra Christmas spirit, maybe spread it around a little. 

Retail workers have been yelled at, sworn at, and generally treated like crap this year, even more than they normally do. Maybe, when you have to be out and about, be a little extra patient a little extra kind.

Old folks in care homes can't have visitors. If you have a bit of time and the means, maybe put together a care package to drop off with a card. If not a care package, maybe a letter or two.

Healthcare workers are more overwhelmed than any of the rest of us can imagine, send them whatever kindness you can.

Doing what seems like the smallest of things can make the world of difference. 

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Until next time...

May your greatest intentions be carried through your actions, let your kindness shine.

May you celebrate this holiday season in whatever way suits you best, albeit with eggnog or wine.

May you bring a little light to someone shadowed by the dark.

May you share any cheer you can muster, in the best way, leave your mark.

May you, if you're struggling, find a way to reach out for a caring hand, a caring voice.

May you, if you're able, be that kind hand, that caring voice, give them a heartfelt choice. 

*************************************************************

Looking for something to curl up with? 

https://www.amazon.ca/Once-Broken-Margy-Reid-ebook/dp/B071HTFTX6/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=once+broken&qid=1606520393&sr=8-1

The Home Stretch...

 

Hi!

Okay folks, with vaccines on the horizon, almost within arms reach, we are in the home stretch of this nightmare.

With the change in weather, fatigue, and the onset of the holiday season, cases, unfortunately, are spiking all over the globe. Some places are dealing with it better than others, places where people, the citizens are following science, actual science, not fantasy fiction.

That's what it boils down to, I think. 

You may disagree with policies, restrictions, lack of restrictions, where and on what the restrictions are placed. That's fine. The thing that needs to be kept in mind, when weighing your disagreements, is the fact that this virus doesn't care.

If you are of the belief that wearing masks is part of some grand conspiracy to 'control' you, that's your prerogative. If you choose not to wear one, that is also your prerogative. 

If you are of the belief that wearing seat belts are part of some grand conspiracy to 'control' you, that too is your prerogative. If you choose not to wear one, your choice.

If you are of the belief that speed limits are part of this same, or some other grand control conspiracy, well, your choice.

As with everything in life our choices have consequences, both good and bad. 

Without a mask, you will likely be refused entry into many places. Your choice doesn't trump the choice of others. 'No shoes, no shirt, no service' now, and for the next few months includes masks. 

Just like you get a fine for not wearing a seat belt, speeding or driving under the influence, you can now get a fine for breaking restrictions put in place to keep the virus in check as much as possible. 

Restrictions and mandates can't work if people aren't willing to follow them. It comes down to us, the people, and doing whatever it takes to keep each other safe to the best of our ability. 

Just like a seatbelt may not save me in every kind of accident, it still makes sense to wear one.

Just like speed limits don't stop every accident, slowing down to the required 60km/h definitely helps keep tow truck drivers and first responders safe when there is one. 

Just like driving sober doesn't innoculate us against harm, it definitely helps keep us and others safer. 

If wearing a mask makes you feel anxious like it does me, you adjust. You learn to deal with it by being super-efficient when you do have to go places, or, just don't go. My feelings don't give me the right to put others at risk or yell at them for doing their jobs. 

The holidays are just around the corner. If we all do what we know we need to do to flatten that hateful curve one more time, we might actually get to celebrate, safely, in person.

For those who don't want to wear a mask and want to make that the war you want to fight, go ahead. You do you. Knock yourself out. Just don't expect everyone else to play along. Don't yell at people who are following the protocols put forth by science. Don't expect businesses to bend to you and your demands for special treatment. Wear a mask or don't go. End of story. 

Let's just say that my belief system, my desire to not be controlled, included my freedom, my right, to get drunk, and speed through a school zone while not wearing a seat belt... my beliefs sure as hell wouldn't make it any less dangerous. My belief system wouldn't change the reality of the situation. 

Vaccines are close. The logistics of getting the majority of the world's population inoculated so that it will actually have a chance of being effective will be a herculean task, to say the least. It's going to require global cooperation and the cooperation of every single one of us. 

We are on the Home Stretch. Can we just work together to get this over with already? We can fight later.

We've got this, we just need to lift each other over the hardest parts. 

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Now, for the shenanigans south of the border. 

To say it's crazy would be a huge understatement. 

This clumsy clownish coupe attempt is so ridiculous it's scary. The wild conspiracy nonsense that is being peddled by this melting Joe Pesci wannabe blows the mind. To know there are people out there believing this crap is incredulous to me. 

Some guy who has been dead for seven years is supposed to be one of the masterminds behind this fantastical voter fraud scheme? Really?

Hundreds of thousands of votes were created fraudulently by some underground international deep state?! Really?!

The fact that people are willing to stand by and watch this happen without stepping in is beyond stupid. The Grand Cheeto lost this election by the same number of electoral votes that he won four years ago. 306 to 232. The only difference is this time, the winner of the electoral votes was also the winner of the popular vote. By a lot. Like tickling six million kind of a lot. 

It's been explained over and over and over again in the simplest of terms that the reason the Cheeto's lead disappeared in some states and he almost caught up in others is simply because of the order in which votes were counted. Some counted the in-person, day-of votes first like Pennsylvania, and some, like Arizona, counted mail-in ballots first. Trump voters overwhelmingly voted on the day of. Biden voters voted overwhelmingly by mail. 

That's it. Math. Counting. 

Trump has made one very grave mistake in his perpetuation of this conspiracy. You see, for a conspiracy theory to work, to be completely effective you can't put it to the test of truth. Taking this crap to court did just that. 

There, in court, they have to have actual proof. They have to have actual facts. Debunked youtube videos, bad intel and other just garbage information don't work in court, in front of a judge. They are finding out over and over again that people who are willing to lie for money are not so willing to perjure themselves. Lawyers are withdrawing because moving forward with the sham could get them disbarred. 

Maybe it's time to take a good look at the 25th amendment. Just maybe.

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May we get to the end of this without the loss of too many more, when one more is too many.

May we find a way to heal, beyond the fever, beyond the divisions of which we have plenty.

May we allow ourselves to look past the nightmare, allow ourselves the joy of what's to come.

May we help each other to reach the other side of this, once again not have to search so hard for what's fun.

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Until next time... nothing like curling up with a good book on a chilly day

https://www.amazon.ca/Once-Broken-Margy-Reid-ebook/dp/B071HTFTX6/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1BODPM2UTOJ6A&dchild=1&keywords=once+broken&qid=1605911758&sprefix=once+broken%2Caps%2C250&sr=8-2

AAAAnnnnd We Fall Into Winter...

 

Hi!

So, yeah, winter decided to show up in a big way. My hubby literally had force the door open just to get it to open wide enough to get his arm through to reach the shovel, then had to push enough, one-handed, to get the door open the rest of the way. 

This is my car. It's an SUV... Yeah.

With winter upon us, we are, collectively, going to be spending more time inside.

All over the world, cases of this virus are spiking, hospitals are getting full, and people are, tragically, continuing to lose the battle against this thing. 

The good news is that compared to the Spring, we know a lot more about it, how to fight it, and how to prevent it.

The simplest thing is wearing a mask. Yes, we most definitely still need to socially distance, incessantly wash our hands, clean surfaces more often than we did before, and keep gatherings small, tiny even. 

We are all tired of it. All of it. The virus, sadly, doesn't give a crap.

The holidays are coming and they are going to look different, just like everything else this year. We will have to be flexible in our traditions, maybe add a few new ones. Maybe accessorize your ugly Christmas sweater with an ugly Christmas mask. We might have to celebrate virtually, in some cases. Religious services will change, the littles' concerts will likely not be able to happen, dances, caroling. etc, etc, etc...

With a little ingenuity and imagination, we can still celebrate.

Companies all over the world are working overtime on vaccines, and they are getting super close to having a couple of options be viable. A lot of world leaders are working together to try and get the majority of the earth's population inoculated as soon as possible. It's going to require herculean efforts on all of our parts to get to the end of this thing. The vaccine will not be magic, and the logistics of getting everyone vaccinated will take time once it's readily available. 

We have to continue to be patient.

Masks are becoming mandatory in public spaces all over the place. It's not political, it's not infringing on your rights any more than wearing a seatbelt, adhering to a speed limit, or not drinking and driving.

It is a very basic, simple thing we can do to protect ourselves, our families, our neighbours, and our communities.

That's all. It shouldn't be a big deal. 

The shortest distance between here and the end is through a mask. It really is that simple.

So, let's all keep our bubbles small, use masks when you leave your bubble, wash you hands like crazy, maybe make a holiday gift of some nice lotion, hell, start a band like our grandbabies did on the weekend, when playing outside was no longer an option.

Nobody is asking us to shut down, we are simply being asked to do our part so we don't have to. If our hospitals get overwhelmed, we're screwed. It's just not that complicated. 

Let's put all the crap aside and just look after each other, shall we? 

We've got this. All we have to do is lift each other over the hardest bits.

************************************************************

May we take each other's hand, without quarrel, without hesitation, and keep each other safe.

May we all just do what we need to do for a while longer, it will be well worth the wait.

May we, on bad days, when we feel done, do it anyway, for each and every person who gets this thing is loved by someone just like you love yours. 

May we keep that in mind as those who want to refuse to be part of the answer, who protest for their right to put the rest of us at risk, justify it, of course.

May those who choose to deny science, instead, bathing in the ripples of conspiracy,

May you understand that history will only underline your ignorance, show boldly, the lunacy. 

May we all just see this for what it is. A virus. It cares not at all your beliefs, your race, your age.

May we all just see this as the thing we need to fight together, the sooner we do, the sooner we can turn the page. 

****************************************************************

It's a great time to curl up with a good book...

https://www.amazon.ca/Once-Broken-Margy-Reid-ebook/dp/B071HTFTX6/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=once+broken&qid=1605314806&sr=8-2

And The Clouds Begin To Clear...

 

Hi!

Well, what a decade this week has been!

The Americans voted, and the count is being completed all over the country, just like it has with every election since the creation of their democracy. 

The voter turn-out was incredible. Every democracy should strive for that kind of engagement each and every time there is an election. Only with incredible voter turnout do you get a true picture of the will of the people. 

The only surprise, thus far, for me, has been how close it is.

Anyone who reads this blog is fully aware of my opinion of the guy getting evicted from the People's house. It saddens me to see just how many people continue to believe his utter bull crap and spread of ridiculous conspiracy theories. 

Even today, as everyone is getting a real view of the writing on the wall, his spawn is spewing altered videos, and other complete nonsense all over social media. The grand Cheeto himself is, of course, playing victim, as he perpetually does, claiming that the world is out to ger him.

This narcissistic toddler is going to have trouble accepting defeat, this is a given. I hear on different news stations how his 'handlers' are trying to pat him on the head and tell him what a good boy he's been to basically keep him from trying to burn down the whole of their democracy on his way out the door.

One of his stooges, Steve Bannon, who, by the way, is out on bond right now, was on his podcast and his social media calling for the beheading of Dr. Fauci and Mr. Wray, the head of the FBI. Twitter revoked his privileges, and rightfully so. Very fine people.

He, and his ass-kissers have gotten their poor followers to storm counting facilities. They showed up all fired up yelling  "Stop the count!" in places he was leading in, and "Count the Votes!" in places where he was behind. These gullible people showed up, fired up... at first. Now they just look sad and disappointed because all they found when they arrived were people, equally Democrat and Republican, counting legitimate votes. When issues are raised with any given ballot, it is adjudicated, by both parties, and either cleared for count, or not. Nothing but plain and simple counting.

Yes, it's taking a long time. There was an incredible turnout, so there are more votes to count than at any other time in American history. 

The thing is this.

He can scream and kick his feet all he wants, throw around as much bullshit as he wants, but, this time, maybe for the first time, he's going to be forced to prove it. He's is going to have to bring forth real, actual, factual, proven evidence and prove his case like a big boy. 

There is talk that he will refuse to concede. 

Okay.

Who cares?

Concede, don't concede, throw tantrums, don't throw tantrums, pity party your face off. Nobody cares.

The votes will continue to be counted, verified, and certified. When that is complete, he will be homeless, unemployed, and will no longer be covered by his government health care plan. He's an obese virus-survivor with ticker issues. He better hope that pre-existing conditions stay covered.

Probably for the first time in his life, he is not going to get his way, and there is nothing he can do about it.

A hard lesson to learn at 74 years old, but long overdue.

His presidency has never been about the people. Why would his defeat be any different?

He doesn't care.

His world ceases to exist beyond his wants. 

As I said, the only surprise about this election is how close it is.

This guy is a racist. There is a long, well-documented history of this being absolutely true. If you continue to ignore the evidence of this, that says a lot about who you are, and who you pretend to be.

This guy gives zero f*cks about anybody but himself. He proved this through his grossly inept non-handling of the Pandemic. People died who absolutely didn't have to. That's on him.

This guy is a rapist. He likes to deny it, of course, but all it would take to prove his 'innocence' is a DNA sample, yet he refuses. Why?

This guy thinks sexual assault is a sport. How else could you make sense of the explaining away of  "grabbing women by the pussy" as locker room talk?

This guy is a liar. He continually spews garbage without evidence, never finds that evidence then moves on to the next lie. Cases in point, South American caravans coming in 2018, the wall being built on Mexico's dime, Hillary being a criminal, Biden being a criminal, voter fraud, crowd size, healthcare plan, etc...etc...etc... If you still believe him, I have a waterfront property on the Moon to sell you.

This guy is cruel. On purpose. Deliberately separating babies from their parents. This in and of itself is cruel, but, to do it in such an inept way that you are incapable of reuniting them? That is, of course assuming that you put a task force together to do that to save these kids and parents from any further trauma... oh wait, yeah, you didn't do that, but guess who has a plan to do just that... Joe. 

This guy is a horrible person. You can tell a lot about the character of a person by the company they keep. Jeffery Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, 'wishing her well", Steve Bannon, Manafort, and the list of his felon buddies goes on and on. 

The weeks leading up to his eviction will likely be fraught with more of the same. Lies, tantrums, more lies, no proof, kicking and screaming because people require proof, sulking, more tantrums... but, eventually he will have to leave.

His next home may also be provided by the government. It has great security and three squares a day. He may have to get used to an assigned roommate, and the toilet is not likely to be made of gold, but I hear the showers are spacious, so there's that.

As the vote count trickles in, and the clouds begin to clear, I'm finding it just a little bit easier to breathe.  Through Joe's tone, his demeanor, there is such a calmness. I really think he's the right person coming in at the right time to change the volatile landscape. If anyone has the ability to take this divide of such stringent red and blue, one so strictly black and white and show everyone concerned that it is, instead, a country that will be happiest through compromise, he does. He has both the ability and desire to lead all the citizens, those who voted for him and those who didn't, through the extensive exploration of all of the beautifully diverse shades of grey.

I'm excited for our neighbours to the South. We missed you! Welcome back!

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May the calm overtake the chaos, and all the doubters put at ease.

May they come to see he's not the monster that the Cheeto painted him to be.

May you take your own advice from four, oh so long, years ago.

May you give him a real chance, see what he does, don't rush to judgment, take it slow.

May you rest, really rest, for the first time in a long time, it's soooo well deserved.

May you allow yourself to breathe, drop your shoulders, you made it, over hurdles, around curves.

*******************************************************************

https://www.amazon.ca/Once-Broken-Margy-Reid-ebook/dp/B071HTFTX6/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=once+broken&sr=8-2

Happy Halloween!!!!

Hi!

So, here we are once again. Another holiday, another tradition that's going to require some tweaking to adjust for the times we are in. 

Instead of bringing kids into the house to have them walk the line between a good scare and nightmares for a week, they will have their treat ziplined to them, outside, from 30 feet away. Don't get me wrong, I will still do my best to make it a spooky, borderline traumatic experience, but it will definitely be a challenge.

Outside, where I live, at this time of year, it will most likely be pretty cold. Let's just hope the wind behaves itself. 

With everything that's going on right now, this must seem pretty frivolous to most. Why am I worrying about trick or treaters in the middle of a pandemic, for crying out loud?

Here's why.

It's fun. We need fun. It might look different, it might require adjustments, but it's fun all the same. It's easy to feel swallowed up by the fact that we are going to have to work around this virus for months yet to come. We need to find pleasure in the goofy things, the fun things.  It can't all be about what we can't do. 

This weekend, let your goofy roar. You're allowed.

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For our neighbours to the South...

You are days away from determining who your president will be for the next four years. 

The early voting numbers prove how consequential this election is. 

I have to say the measures taken to mess with the postal service, limit ballot drop boxes, close polling stations, encourage intimidation, and to just make it way more difficult than necessary to vote, period, are shocking.

This isn't something you generally see in a democracy. 

From the outside looking in, it's freakin' scary to watch.

A while back someone on Twitter asked what it has been like watching the past four years from another country. This is how it feels for me.

It's like watching your friend and neighbour, knowing they are being abused by their spouse, also knowing there is absolutely nothing you can do about it. You've made the authorities aware, you are there for support, and you will be there when they summon the courage to break free. 

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May truth, real truth, filter through the noise so your vote can honestly represent who you really are.

May every vote count, every voice be heard, it's a right, not a privilege, no matter who or where you are.

May you vote for the one you'd like your children to emulate, the one driven by empathy, the one driven to think way beyond himself.

May you vote for the one who champions democracy, science, reality, equality, the one who will put conspiracies back on to their crazy shelf. 

May you vote.

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Now, you'll have to excuse me as I go and put the final touches on my fake furry rat zipline and other creepy things! Bwaaaaahahahahahahahaha...

 Looking for a bit of fiction to pass the time? Check it out!!!! 

https://www.amazon.ca/Once-Broken-Margy-Reid-ebook/dp/B071HTFTX6/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=once+broken&qid=1604076432&sr=8-3

A Very Simple Thing...

                                           My cousin, Chrissy, an ICU nurse.

                                                                                 
 Hi,

The trees, once again, stripping bare to save themselves from the damage heavy snow can bring.

An involuntary survival mechanism built-in by nature.

The hair standing at attention, the twinge deep in your gut, your instincts, all of it steers you toward survival, nudges you toward the path you're meant to take. So much of what we need to do is simply allow ourselves to pay attention. 

Some people are more intuitive than others, that's a given, but survival instincts are baked in because, well, evolution. 

The basic, but incredibly important difference between humanity and nature's other beings is that we have other factors the come into play.

Trees that lose their leaves, lose their leaves. The leaves fall to the soil beneath, acting as insulation from the snow, rotting, becoming nutrition for the soil, in turn, feeding the tree. 

Trees don't have a choice. But, what if they did?

Would trees choose to keep their leaves out of vanity, out of pride, out of comfort? Would they question the loss, refuse, even knowing that doing so could cause harm to the ground beneath? Would they look at other trees shedding their leaves and thriving because of it, and change their minds? Would they hold on to their leaves because they simply don't want to believe that it would help them survive the winter? With time and information would they become willing to shed their vanity, shed their comfort for not only their best shot at survival, but the survival and betterment of the forest as a whole?

Personifying trees is a stretch, I know. But, throughout nature, you'll find ready examples of birds, mammals, amphibians, and countless other creatures where convenience of self does not trump what is needed for the greater good. 

When you get rid of the noise, all of the outside influence and listen, really listen to the twinge in your gut, listen to what your instincts tell you truly makes sense, that's when you can make decisions about moving forward. Decisions that you will be able to look back on and feel good about. 

Very few decisions in life are all or nothing. This is no exception. This is not either/or. It's all about adjustment and rolling with solid, proven information as it expands with experience. 

As a person, like so many of you, with vulnerable people within my family, watching the rallies protesting the wearing of masks makes me both sad and angry. What a slap in the face to the front line workers. The doctors, nurses, hospital support staff, EMTs, teachers, grocery workers, and all of those who put themselves in danger, and in some cases have lost their lives to this thing. They deal with the ugly reality of this virus every stinkin' day. They go home, or whatever they are calling home through this nightmare as not to put their families in danger, and turn on the news to see hundreds of people fighting against the very simple thing that can keep our system from being overwhelmed by patients. The very simple thing that would help lessen and slow the spread, help keep this thing at bay until it can become eradicated, or as close to it as possible. A very simple thing. 

And for what? Some warped stand for freedom? Our freedoms are impaired each and every day for the sake of health and safety.

*Speed limits- You can't drive 50MPH through a school zone, right? 

*Drunk Driving laws - You don't get to drink and drive and put yourself and others in danger, right?

*Seatbelts/car seats - Science proved them effective, you don't drive around with your baby jumping around all over the place, right?

*Smoking in hospital/hotel rooms/restaurants - literally happened, but not anymore, right?

None of these mean you can't drive at all, you can't drink at all, can't smoke at all, they just mean you have to do them with some modifications.

As you learn, you know more, when you know better, you do better, right? Evolution.

Every single one of these things had a starting point. They had controversy. They had arguments against them. Eventually, though, common sense wins. Science wins.

This time it's not even a permanent change. It's a temporary inconvenience. 

Please quit spitting in the faces of those who are trying to get us through this. The least we can do is do everything we can to make their jobs a little less horrible. Literally, the least.

We got this. We just need to lift each other over the hardest parts.

*******************************************************************

May we take the care needed. All of us. Every. Single. One. It's a Very Simple Thing. 

****************************************************************

If you are looking for a little fiction...

https://www.amazon.ca/Once-Broken-Margy-Reid-ebook/dp/B071HTFTX6/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Once+Broken&qid=1603474177&sr=8-2

 

The More Things Change...

Hi!

Although we still are living in a bizarro version of our lives, it's comforting to know that not everything has changed.

Kids still climb trees, jump into piles of leaves, play board games, and create scenarios in which clones of Lexi hang out with vintage Donnie and Marie. 

As this virus stalks humanity into the fall and winter seasons, the temperatures will dip and people will head indoors. We can already see the number of cases ticking upward. Although it isn't at all realistic to think that we can protect every single person from getting this thing, it is possible, necessary, and our duty as humans to keep as many people from getting it as we can.

At this point, we know what we have to do. People still have different opinions as to how serious to take this, mask use, and so on. The bottom line remains, stubbornly, the virus doesn't care about opinions.  

Opinions won't get us beyond this thing. Fighting about opinions won't get us beyond this thing. 

Our actions will get us to the other side of this nightmare. Lifelong epidemiologists will get us to the other side of this. International science grounded in fact will get us to the other side of this.

Vaccines are in the works. They will help. They will not be a magic bullet. They will take time to take full effect. 

That's okay. 

We can do this. We can take care of each other. It's not sexy. It's not ideal. It's not impossible. Hard, but not impossible.

We haven't been living in a vacuum for the past eight or so months. We've learned things about this virus and each other. 

Now, we need to take what we've learned and move forward. 

We got this.

*********************************************************************

Okay.

This is insane. The actual President of the United States of America spread a conspiracy theory that Obama and Biden killed a Seal team and didn't kill Bin Laden. That Bin Laden is alive.

What?!

This is insane. The President of the United States of America refuses to disavow QAnon.

What?!

He likes to pretend he doesn't know stuff. 

Two things. 

He should ABSOLUTELY know these things. IT'S HIS JOB TO KNOW THESE THINGS!

So either he knows, and is lying, or he truly is completely unaware, and is incompetent. 

You can't have it both ways.

He either believes the nonsense he spreads, which, in and of itself is a huge issue, or he doesn't believe any of it and is intentionally feeding gross misinformation to his vulnerable followers, filling them with fear and hate.

You can't have it both ways.

You are either fighting to protect pre-existing health conditions or taking the case to the Supreme Court fighting to kill the ACA which protects them.

You can't have it both ways.

**************************************************************

The next few weeks are going to be interesting, to say the least. We have elections going on here, there are elections going on south of the border, and last, but not least, I have to figure out a way to make sure  Halloween is fun, filled with candy, and scary enough to make the trick or treaters squeal just a little.

We got this.

*******************************************************

Until next time...

May we all look within ourselves and do what we know in our hearts is right.

May we band together and keep our aim true, bringing the end in sight.

Thanksgiving 2020...

 

Hi!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my fellow Canucks!

With this stubborn virus still circulating, this holiday, like everything else during 2020, looks a bit different this year. 

Celebrating safely requires a bit of creativity.

So, this year, it's a Thanksgiving wiener roast! Outside, bonfire, distanced. Nothing fancy. roasting hotdogs, ham and brown beans in slow-cookers, broccoli salad, and cheesecake. Not everyone could come, but we do what we can, always.

There, of course, is no denying that this year continues to throw challenges in the mix without discretion. 

It's requiring patience, resourcefulness, ingenuity, and more types of discomfort than we knew existed. It's scary as hell and can be overwhelming more days than not.

Through all of it, the things to be thankful for seem to take to the shadows, they become a bit harder to find, a bit harder to feel.

We still need to find them. We still need to celebrate them. Even if it's hard. Even if it's in a very different way. 

We are very lucky. I know that. 

There are so many facing evictions, long-term unemployment, food insecurity, monstrous hospital bills, lack of decent medical care in all its forms. 

Where you happen to live makes way more of a difference than it should. 

Everyone is tired of it. Unfortunately, the virus doesn't care.

Let's continue to lift each other over the hardest bits. Let's put others' safety before our comfort. Let's continue to adapt, continue to be willing to roll with new information as we get it, and follow the science. It may not seem like much, but it's everything. 

So for now, today, I'm pulling from the shadows.

I'm so thankful for my amazing husband, my incredible kids, their husbands, partners, and friends, my crazy huge family, and, last but absolutely not least, my grandbabies. 

I'm thankful that where we live, our leaders have followed the experts, and in doing so, have kept our systems from becoming overwhelmed. 

I'm thankful.

*****************************************************************

May we all find our way through the shadows pulling into the light what makes us sing.

May we continue to find ways to put smiles on those who need them most, happiness can still be a thing.

May we find a way in this mess to get beyond doing just what we need to do to survive.

May we find a way to smile easily again, find a way to bring joy, to lift neighbours, thrive.

May we all be thankful for the little things, even if the big things feel heavier than ever.

May we try to keep in mind, although it seems so far away, this chokehold still isn't for forever.

Even Now...

 

Hi!

So, in Canada, during this past week, we had Orange Shirt Day.

For those who don't know, Orange Shirt Day is a day set aside to acknowledge, and honour our indigenous people, all of whom are affected by the residential schools they or their loved ones were forced to go attend.

Horrible abuse, mental, emotional, physical and sexual took place within the walls of these schools, the last of which, shamefully, only closed in 1996.

First Nations children were kidnapped from their homes and families, all but destroying an entire culture.

Generational abuse generates generations of broken souls. 

It's not something to 'forget about' or 'get over.' 

You can't continually run over someone with a car and then tell them to walk it off and forget about it.

We can't go back and change the past. I so wish we could. We can, however, do everything we can to learn everything we can about what happened and how it happened so nothing even remotely like this ever happens again.

Even now, a First Nations patient recorded racial abuse she suffered at the hands of staff as a patient in a hospital in Quebec. Even now.

Even now, indigenous people, women and children especially, go missing exponentially more than anyone else in the country. They vanish. Even now.

Even now, there are many who hold racist attitudes toward indigenous people. Even now.

I don't claim to have all of the answers. Massive damage, such as what we have done to the First Nations culture since we landed on these shores all those years ago, isn't repaired quickly, if it ever can be. But, we have to try.

Systemic racism runs deep in our legislature, in our institutions, in our culture, in our streets. We don't, as a country, do enough to help heal the wounds we caused.

We don't get to dictate to those we've hurt what is needed to heal. That's not how it works. 

It's beyond time to listen. To really listen. It's beyond time to take real steps toward healing.

*******************************************************

Now, south of the border.

Holy crap!

The "debate" between Biden and the guy that is supposed to be a President.

Okay, I ran a dayhome for YEARS, caring for over a hundred toddlers over the course of that time.

Needless to say, I know a tantrum/meltdown when I see one.

I recognize a lack of self-control. I know precisely who needs a timeout and when.

I think Biden showed incredible amounts of restraint in the face of someone who couldn't, not once, keep quiet for a two-minute stretch of time, and respectfully let someone else finish a thought.

Then to top the evening off with a refusal to denounce white supremacy, and a call to arms of his conspiracy theory loving, gun-toting lunatics, well, to say it was unsettling would be putting it mildly. 

At the event, he, his family, and his cronies refused to wear masks at the venue, where it is required to do so.

Now, he's sick, his wife is sick, he went to an event even after he found out Hope Hicks was sick. They themselves weren't the ones to notify the public about Hope, It was leaked. Leaked. This seems to be the only way the citizens get to find out truth. 

How many people have they put in jeopardy because of their lack of... I don't even know at this point what the word is for what they lack.

Even now, it's being reported that people working within the White House aren't wearing masks. Even now.

Even now, they are trying to downplay this. Even now.

*********************************************************************

Until next time...

May we all acknowledge and accept the part we play in the pain we cause, even now.

May we do all we can to help heal the wounds, listen, really listen, doing that, we may learn how.

May we, someday, create a time in history wherein true equality thrives.

May we get to that place, lifting culture, lifting families, lifting lives.

May we allow ourselves to feel the responsibility of what happened, and how.

May we accept it. No excuses. Do better. Especially and even now.

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