Activism in Bloggyland

Nearly six years ago I discovered the world of bloggyland.
Four years ago, I was impressed with the activism of bloggyland.
Many of the blogs I follow now had Obama buttons and Courage Campaign
buttons.  Now I am hard pressed to locate political activism.

Love Love this fabric

Is it that we are so starved for conformity?
Acceptance from our peers?  I am  asking sincerely.

My blog is such a tiny thing and I don't earn any income
from my efforts which is probably best.
Most of the visitors, I do get come for the creative spirit and
not for my soap box but there are occasions when I can't
hold my tongue.

Let's go back to the days when American products were king

Here's my post over on Facebook where I allow for my
political rants. 

Thank you my Facebook community for indulging me.
The Spirit inspires my words and leads me in my research.
To Suzeeeee May, whose words years ago inspire me now.
She once said she'd vote for me if I ever ran for office.
My sister in Christ, I hope you aren't sorry.

To my warrior girlfriends who circled me in my darkness.
I came out stronger, more determined and more vocal than ever.
I don'twant to sway your vote.
Make your own informed decision.

Nostalgic for American ingenuity

There is an alternative federal budget plan.
A plan not bought or paid for by the Dems or GOP.
A plan not compromising the most vulnerable in our society.
"A plan not favoring the 1% or the 99%. A plan for the 100%," Sister Simone Campbell.

The entire document is available on faithfulbudget.org

The budget's mantra:
Responsible
Revenue
for
Reasonable
Programs

Willing to save and buy the best USA made products

 


The federal government has subsidized the low wages
paid by businesses long enough.
The real wage for American workers has not changed since 1974.
You thought your paycheck bought less and it does.
For at least 10 years, the top 1% has enjoyed tax exemptions intended
for job creation while shipping American jobs overseas.
First, the manufacturing jobs then the service jobs.
Call me out if I lie.
Praise God for the taxpayers who provided my
free American public school education
where I learned how to think critically and read.
For significantly subsidizing my junior college attendance,
for providing a student loan program to help fund
my private college education, and for again subsidizing my
graduate program at a public university.
Praise God for my Catholic upbringing
of pull yourself up by your own boot straps work ethic.
For free speech, the freedom to practice my faith and own the Holy Bible.

God bless America.

Chasing Crafts: Thoughts on Marriage

Marriage is  like this little cabinet.
A work in progress.
This little cabinet has been in progress for nearly a year.

A gathering of memories and tokens representing a share life.
A family.
A marriage.

Step 1

My oldest niece.
The first of 11 grandchildren for my parents.
My godchild.
The little sister I prayed for.
Got married yesterday.

Step 2

Distance in miles kept us apart.
My mind and heart go to her and her groom.
To share a life better than the life they would
have led alone.  

Marriage is like this planting.
The jade is smooth with rounded edges.
Drought tolerant.  Simple.
Thriving even with neglect.

The germanium represents the poor man's rose.
Requiring some water and attention.
Bright with flowers and leaves.
Seasons for blooming and rejuvenation.

This pairing represents compatibility and contrast.
The delicate and sturdy nature of marriage.
Marriage is a living and growing thing.

A Wedding Prayer

Gracious and precious Lord
God of wonder and love
Through thine will everything is possible
For your pleasure, please bless the couple before you
Lord, place a seed of generous support in their hearts
Have them seek you in all times but
Especially in times of trial and worry

Please be  present in their hearts
and minds today and everyday

May the witnesses present today
Renew their own heartfelt vows
Commit these witnesses to support
This marriage

In your infinite wisdom bless this union
Help them, Lord, to honor you
Through honoring each other
May their love grow continuously
May the richness of respect and gratitude 
Fill their hearts
May they together be a blessing to others
May they have fire only for each other

Help them, Lord, choose the words and actions
They exchange

Lord, improve their vision to see only the
good in each other
And finally, Lord, allow them to love their
differences
and form a new future as one

Thank you, Lord for hearing this petition

Amen

Dreaming of pumpkins

My mind in wandering to falling leaves.
Cool evenings.
Pumpkin themed crafts.

Next project:

A  bit of linen or burlap,
lots of orange buttons, and an old fashioned 
button mosaic pumpkin.

Brother, Joe, be on the look out for orange buttons.

The kids and I have already gone through
all the button stashes here at home.

Inspiration click here.

Black cat click here.

Button mosaic here.

This is where my imagination is leaning.
This little guy wears a heart of his lapel.  

Years ago

Years ago my oldest son's father told
our son he would never be successful.
At least, not as success as he was. 

Here was a young man I had advised
to follow his passion not money.

A young man, raised to believe the measure of a
man was not based on how much he earned but
on his character.

I believed it then and I believe it now.
My parents would be defined as the
working poor today.
They were honest, hardworking, God fearing.

Hearts full of generosity and kindness.
Both gifted to provide assistance.
My mother with people and my father with animals.
I will always honor their example.
Recalling and supporting their principles.
A no nonsense couple.


Thank goodness we have a written history
of common sense.

Who else misses the moderates of  the past?

President Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-1961).
The original passage, from a letter Eisenhower wrote to
his brother Edgar on Nov. 8, 1954, went as follows: 

Should any political party attempt to abolish social security,
unemployment insurance, 
and eliminate labor laws and farm programs, 
you would not hear of that party again in our political history. 
There is a tiny splinter group, of course, 
that believes you can do these things. 
Among them are H. L. Hunt (you possibly know his background), 
a few other Texas oil millionaires, 
and an occasional politician or business man from other areas. 
Their number is negligible and they are stupid.

Big God litte problems

Ankylosing  Spondylitis 
(AS Irish association this morning)
is an inflammatory condition primarily impacting the spine.
The mind/body connection is ever present.

For the last few days my entire torso has been
extraordinarily stiff.  Pain sufficient to
bring tears to my eyes.  Those closest to me
panic, just a bit, when I visibly
surrender to pain.   I won't have it.

If we can be put in a state sufficient to
allow for surgery then there must be a
way for us to manage our mind. To protect
and alleviate both physical and spiritual pain.  

These were my thoughts as I backed out of the garage this morning.
Clicked on the radio, to the voice of
Pastor Greg Laurie (clink to listen to "Don't worry, Pray")
speaking on Philippians 4. 
Do you think the message could have been
better timed? Of course not,  the Lord's
timing is always perfect.

This message was especially timed for me
and may be for you, too.  See God in all his glory
and greatness.  In comparison our problems are small.
When you start to feel anxious simply pray.  


Pastor Greg said, "Never be afraid to commit an
uncertain future to a known God."

Powerful.  The tightness in my torso is gone.


Phillippians 4

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 
⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  
⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, 
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Amen.  
 

Fairy Steps

I LOVE high heels... I think cute shoes are a
joy reserved for women but admired by men.

I wore platforms for all the years I waited tables.
Danced in patent leather black pumps.  
Walked miles in Birkenstocks.
Represented in Doc Martins.  
Limited to slide on type shoes unless I have a
willing accomplice. 

Anklosing Spondylitis forced me to leave some
things behind and pick up other things. 
Appreciating all my blessings.

In awareness of the precious and fleeting
moments of life. 

Acknowledging my physical limits.
Breathing through  gratitude.

Be a blessing to someone today.

Happy 13th

Happy Anniversary honey... sneaky I know.

In just a few weeks it will be our wedding anniversary.
What a blessing.



Continuing a reading journey with 
Life is a Verb: 37 Days to Wake Up, Be Mindful and Live Intentionally. 

A philosophy of:

It was simply about saying yes, being generous,
speaking up, loving more, trusting myself,
and slowing down.


I am sure there is a bit of thrifting in living more intentionally.

Jumping to touch the sky.
See Jacob in red...

Patiently waiting to squirt your brother with water.