Waiting For a “Yes”
Sometimes we need a distraction from life. It keeps us sane. There are days when I’m pulled in multiple directions and I feel like I’ve lost my center. When those days occur, I go home and settle in for the night. But before I do, I spend some time writing a scene of my next book.
This week has been busy. I’m preparing a baby shower for my daughter. It’s a joyous event that has been somewhat dampened by COVID. I never thought I would have to plan an event that would require its attendees to wear masks and stay six feet apart. Such an occasion requires hugs. Something that will be lacking from the event.
We live in the North East. New Hampshire to be exact. I’m planning to have the shower outside under a 20-foot tent at the end of September. I’m holding my breath. I hope the weather holds, and that it will be a warm day.
Two years ago, I hosted her wedding. The wedding was on October 20th and it snowed. Yes, the wedding was outside. Thankfully, we planned appropriately, and rented sides for the tent, and heaters. We ended up needing them. It was a beautiful wedding. We had a wonderful time.
So, I’m hoping this event is blessed with a bright sunny day. There will be no sides to this tent. We want to make sure everyone is safe and to make extra sure, we will have fresh air flowing through the tent.
My younger daughter is working diligently to prepare the menu. She is making a special cake for the guest of honor. It’s a treat shared throughout their dad’s family and she’s making a special effort to please her sister. It warms my heart.
I’m ready for my part. The tent is reserved, party favors ready, and gifts are wrapped. Now we only wait for September 26th where we can shower her with love and gifts to usher in the new little one.
In between the excitement, that brings my family together, I write and wait. Hoping for the response all authors wish for.
Until then I wish you all a wonderful week hoping you realize your dreams.
Suicide and Our Military
Did you know September is National Suicide Prevention Month? There is much focus on suicide in recent months. Any life lost is terrible, and the announcement that David Buckel, Kate Spade, and Jon Paul Steuer took their lives was sad, each announcement brought more attention to the epidemic.
Suicide is a national problem that affects communities and families. It also affects our military in a major way. If we look at the statistics of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, they report 20 veterans who commit suicide each day. Veterans’ suicides make up 18% of suicide deaths.If you look at a research report in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings journal, you’ll read that Army suicides increased 80% from 2004 to 2008. The Army is not the only branch of the military affected by suicide. In a recent US Veterans Magazine article, they quoted Dr. Gerstenhaber to have said, “The suicide rate for our veterans and active duty is around 50% higher than for their civilian counterparts, showing what a serious issue we have on our hands.” They quoted him as also having said, “This group of people have a tremendous amount of stress, and they need to know it’s not a sign of weakness to seek help. We have programs in place that have been successful in helping to reduce the suicide rates, and we want to expand those to help others around the nation.”
Dr. Gerstenhaber works with the EOD Warrior Foundation to address the need to reduce suicide rates. Together they continue to study and work closely with families affected by suicide. They established the EOD Warrior Foundation (through a merger of the EOD Memorial Foundation and the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation) on March 1, 2013. They work to assist the community of Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) technicians. This organization is just one of many working with our veterans to assist our military to eradicate suicide.
We live in a time not so different from our forefathers. The one advantage we have is an openness and acceptance within our communities. We have developed programs to assist those in need. We have taken the time to devote to studies and statistics. Now we have to band together to offer our veterans a hand up (versus a handout). We need to learn to recognize the early signs of suicide and support those that cry out silently for help.
We may not hear their silent cries, but we can learn to recognize the signs and reach out to those that give so much of themselves to their country. We owe it to them, their families, and our country.
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https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/06/21/va-reveals-its-veteran-suicide-statistic-included-active-duty-troops.html
https://www.usveteransmagazine.com/2017/09/shocking-military-suicide-rates-identifying-signs/ Photo by israel palacio on Unsplash
Days Gone By – I Miss My Dancing Girls
I thank God everyday that I was able to keep my children safe as they grew up. I wish every child could grow up in a safe environment.
It’s been a while since I shared poetry. When I read this one, I can’t help but smile. My children have long since grown and are living lives of their own. But when I read this it brings back fond memories of childhood dancing shoes. I love my dancing girls.
Dancing Girls
I watch you dance around the room
I say to you “it’s bedtime soon”
You giggle as you twirl away
I laugh as I try to say
The day is gone, It’s time for bed
You look at me and shake your head
The day has ended night has come
The time is now you must succumb
So put away your dancing shoes
And take your tutu to your room
But mom
We want to dance all night
We want to dance to get it right
Someday we’ll be upon the stage
I’m thinking now “What is their age”?
I smile again but with the eye
You look at me as you sigh
You bow your head and drag your feet
But at the stairs, we meet
I smile at you as I say
Tomorrow is another day
You can dance again and dream
You can laugh and play and scheme
But for now, it’s time for bed
I know it’s something you both dread
I watch as you climb the stairs
The stairs are steep but you don’t care
I smile as you climb into bed
As I think I shake my head
You’re growing fast time’s racing by
I tuck you in and release a sigh
As I recall your giggles and twirls
You are my beautiful dancing girls.
Finding Commonality
I am saddened by the division within our country. I’m sure my take on the matter won’t be one that causes a head to turn, but I’m going to “jump on the bandwagon” so to speak for just a moment. I’ve been trying to remain positive and hope that people will see the reality of the demonstrations and riots that are popping up all over the country are only breeding more hate. I have one question to ask relative to all this “free speech.” Who believes any of this is making a positive difference? It’s a simple question. My answer is “not me”!
I think all the protesting and rioting is just causing more descent throughout the population. We have protests and marches with people communicating the importance of many debates right now. I think the march should be a march for Americans, we all share a bond with this first commonality. Above everything, we are all Americans. Our bond should be what brings us together. not what divides us.
We have become a nation divided, not only because of the differences among us. I think it’s time we focus on the issues and ideas that make us alike. Foremost we are all humans; living beings that deserve the things addressed in the Declaration of Independence, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Beyond that, we all want to feel secure and know we will always have a meal on our table and a roof over our heads. I believe in the Constitution. I believe in the Constitution as it was originally drafted, and eventually amended as the demographics of our country changed. That is the wonderful thing about the laws of this country. They were drafted to protect and defend the people. I think many have lost sight of this or maybe were never aware of the role it plays.
People have also lost sight of the power of the pen. It was the pen that recorded a new Nation’s existence and its ability to sustain. We are wasting time in the streets yelling and screaming. The clock is ticking as people destroy property, and hatred increases. We need to come together. We all have issues we feel are important and need the attention that will cause a better life for each person. We need to find a better way to address the hate that is growing exponentially throughout our country. We have all heard the term “divide and conquer.” Well, this country has become so divided that we can’t see the reality and seriousness of what is happening to us.
No one will win if we don’t stop the tantrums in the streets and the protests. It may get attention initially, but it never results in a positive end. Someone always gets hurt. I could go on and on about the growing hate within our country, but I don’t think my beginning a dialog here will be what causes us to come together as common citizens. I will offer a challenge to anyone who reads this blog. I want to challenge you to offer suggestions on how we can come together. Pick an issue and communicate a positive way we can offer a solution or even just begin a dialog. I am not anyone important, not really, but if I receive enough support for this idea of coming together, I will help the positive (real) suggestions find a voice.
Our coming together will be the true test of what a small voice can do when so many are yelling and screaming. We need to stop pointing a finger and blaming each other for problems of which most people can’t even remember the original cause. We need to let go of all the past hurt and move on. We can’t come together as a country if we can’t even get along with our neighbors. It’s time to let go of all the hate. Holding on to hate, anger, and resentfulness doesn’t appear to be working. Let’s try something different and see what happens. I wish you all much happiness and prosperity.
Let’s just stop!
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D-Day Tribute
Seventy-six years ago today (2020) the U.S. military landed on the beaches of Normandy, France to begin the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control during World War II. The liberation of Europe from Nazi control was the beginning of the end of Hitler’s rule.
Let’s remember a time when men rallied around an idea that would free all humankind from a tyrant who intended to eliminate a complete set of people and terrorize those that stood in his way…
Close your eyes and picture the scene. It is the morning of June 5, 1944, and General Dwight D. Eisenhower gives orders to begin Operation Overlord. This operation would come to be known as the largest amphibious military operation in history. General Eisenhower orders 6000 landing craft, ships and other vessels to transport 176,000 troops to begin its descent on the beaches of Normandy. Throughout the night 822 aircraft along with an additional 13,000 aircraft headed for Normandy where parachutists jumped to their possible deaths. By early morning 18,000 parachutists were already on the ground. The landing was the beginning of what would become one of the most talked-about battles in history. By day’s end, 155,000 Allied troops would successfully storm the beach, though 2000 lives would be lost at Omaha Beach.The battle may not have gone as planned the Allies, however, by the end of June could pose 850,000 men and 150,000 vehicles in Normandy where they began the march across Europe.
This story and many others will be told throughout history. Most will never tire of hearing the tale of good winning over evil. This scene along with countless others will be the light we hold in our hearts. It is the sacrifice of men, young and old who gave their lives so others would be free from such tyranny.
The story may be 76 years old but the hope is still strong today. It stands the test of time and serves as a reminder to all that the pursuit of happiness comes at a price. The cost of life and limb is a high price to pay, yet men will continue to sacrifice their precious lives for the idea and hope that all humanity can live together in peace. So today and every day of my life I salute you. I salute all those that sacrifice their time and their life to keep us safe and deliver a message of peace throughout the world. Today I repeat the words that have been sung throughout the ages, “Let Freedom Ring”. Photo by Fischer Twins on UnsplashFair Use Notice: This article could contain some copyrighted material whose use has not been authorized by the copyright owners. We believe that this not-for-profit, educational, and/or criticism or commentary use on the Web constitutes a fair use of the copyrighted material (as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use this copyrighted material for purposes that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. Fair Use notwithstanding we will immediately comply with any copyright owner who wants their material removed or modified, wants us to link to their web site, or wants us to add their photo.Memorial Day – As We Remember
Each day is a day of which to be thankful.
But as I reflect on this day, Memorial Day. I’m thankful for all those that have given their lives I may enjoy the freedoms I experience today.
I sit here thinking about the many men and women who today are far from home protecting an idea that stands above all. They protect freedom. Not just for us here in the United States, but also for those around the world that desire peace, yet still struggle to experience it.
We live in a country where people sometimes take for granted our freedoms. We think we have a right to or are entitled to freedom. Those that think that way are misguided. The freedom we enjoy today comes at a great cost of life and limb, of blood and tears.
For all those that sacrificed family, time and life, I salute you and thank you for your sacrifice. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU!
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What’s Next?
Writers block isn’t the friend of any writer. I’m no different than anyone else. When I find myself unable to focus, I take a break. Sometimes I paint. I often find myself painting scenes from Alaska. Such as this one. I call it driftwood (I wonder why).
Well, my break is over and it’s time to get back to work on the next book. The tentative title is “Murder in My Hometown” and it takes place on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, the area where I grew up. This work, like the others is a novel. A book of fiction, with no similarities between the characters and anyone I may have known back in the day.
I tell you this, to prompt your curiosity. I suppose if you have no desire to know about the state of Alaska, you might not be interested. However, if you love the State as I do, you may want to know a little about the area.
Alaska is as beautiful as it is isolated. While the flight into the state may not take more than hours it can turn into a full day, depending on your flight and the weather.
Writing about Alaska has caused me to be a little homesick. I haven’t lived in the state since 1992 and I’ve only been back to visit a few times since. But that doesn’t matter. You can remove the person from Alaska, but you can’t remove Alaska from the heart.
It’s true, everything is bigger in Alaska. The mountains, the oceans, and the fish. The summer days are long, and the winters are as long and dark. It takes a special person to be moved by such majesty. I’m one of them.
So, “Murder in My Hometown” is born. Another project, another book another story to tell. Another query to write. Thankfully, that is on the back burner for now.
I hope you’re all having a wonderful week, and you’re realizing your dreams.
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The Rescues Continue
Many people have been unintentionally blind to what has been happening under our feet for centuries. But in recent years we are beginning to see a light shine through the darkness that has been the prison of many.
I have been posting blogs about human trafficking recently. I’m doing this, not because I enjoy talking about the terror many thousands, no, hundreds of thousands of children have suffered and continue to suffer. I’m doing it hoping to make more people aware of the terror these children live through each day. That is, until they don’t.
I believe at some point we as human beings will be forced to see for ourselves what has really been going on. When that happens the nation will suffer a shock. We will suffer a shock greater than any we’ve suffered as a nation.
I will continue to post when I can about rescue missions that our law enforcement agencies and military are performing everyday.
Many of you may not know, and some of you won’t want to hear when I say, that we have President Trump to thank for a great deal of the rescues we are seeing.
Please know I’m not discounting the many brave men and women who are putting their lives in danger each day to perform these missions. They are doing God’s work and will be blessed. They are working in conjunction with our President to clean up underground bases that have imprisoned not only children but adults.
I mention President Trump because I know some people speak poorly of him. I feel that the media is failing our country because they are not recognizing the many great things he has done for this country. For the purpose of this post, I’m focusing on human trafficking.
This post is not meant to be political. If you see it that way then stop reading now. I only want to share what I’m finding so we can grow together as a nation and support those who work so diligently and sacrifice so much to save lives. Many children are being rescued and will need care. Our Service people will need care too. They are suffering a shock beyond anything we can imagine.
Please continue to check back to read more about the miracles that are happening amidst the terror and evil that have plagued human nature, unknowingly to us.
There is no greater gift than human life. It doesn’t matter how you identify politically, racially, religiously, or otherwise. We all share the air we breathe. We should work together to make the world a better place.
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