A HOLY WAR?

The sights and sounds of war continue to fill the media, no matter where we look, read, or listen. The sight of so much destruction fills our hearts with dread. As someone of the age that remembers the newsreels of World War II, and has vivid memories as a young child kissing my father goodbye as he climbed into the taxi at night with a duffel bag over his shoulder on his way to join the war, the current war in Ukraine fills me with dread. Korea and Vietnam were as terrifying as well, but for some reason this seems much worse. Seeing so many cities reduced to piles of rubble brings up memories of the Nazi devastation of cities across Europe. 

The refugees fleeing Ukraine bring back images of those trying to escape many war-torn countries. It is somehow easier for me to relate to the Ukrainian people, perhaps due to the whiteness of their skin. They look like me! As they flee in record numbers, some never able to return to their homes or family members who have stayed behind to fight the oncoming Russian forces, I find myself asking how on earth they have the strength and courage to make that trek. Mothers with small children and babies. As a mother, I remember the work involved with tending to little ones on a daily basis. Diapers to change, bottles to warm, food for nourishment. We don't see pictures of moms stopping along the way to change a dirty diaper or breastfeed a crying infant. The small children seem so brave, even stoic. I think they must be in shock and I long to comfort them. 

(unherd.com)

The latest count of those who have left Ukraine for safety is four million. Countries such as Poland are beginning to feel the pressure of so many more people in need of shelter, medical care, and even basic necessities such as food and medicine. Thank God for the people, charities, and organizations around the world that are doing their best to minister to the unfortunate victims of this monstrous invasion and the monster behind it. It is hard to believe that Putin claims to belong to the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) since childhood. A Christian church! How can he sanction the devastation he has brought upon the Ukrainian people and live with himself? Does he somehow equate what he is doing with a Holy War of some kind? That he is "saving" the Ukrainian people by bringing them into the fold of what once was the old Soviet Union? Who knows. I feel certain his military advisors have not told him of the bombing of the building clearly marked with a big Red Cross on the roof. Or the number of civilians - even children - who have been killed, or the loss of his own soldiers who's bodies have been left behind. If he knows, and continues this brutal war, then he is the modern version of Hitler.

(Alexei Druzhinin/TASS)

Putin crossing himself. What is he thinking? That this is only a good photo op? He can certainly see the camera.

(Alexei Druzhinin/Pool Photo via AP)

                                                        

(9news)

Besides the devastation of Ukraine, we are also privy to images of the protesters against the war in Ukraine being arrested and dragged off the streets of Russia. It is almost a death sentence in Russia to speak ill of Putin or any of his exploits. It most certainly can result in a prison sentence. Human beings are the same everywhere with their desire for freedom. Physical freedom is number one. Russians are a long way from experiencing the freedoms that exist in a democracy. Why have they allowed this dictator to remain in office? Are their elections just sham? Probably. However, if enough younger generations continue to seek a life free from fear of even attempting to have a change of regime, maybe Putin can be removed from power. Maybe when the sanctions begin to affect the average citizens, they will rise up and have the courage to use their numbers against such a destructive, self-serving, oligarch-favored government run by Putin and his cohorts.

In the meantime, let us stand behind what our President Biden and all the peace-loving nations are doing to assist the brave Ukrainians in their strong resistance to the evil destruction of their country.

Peace to all,

Marilyn                      

NEWS VIEWS

Heartbreaking images appear on all major news TV stations as well as computer websites. People crowded into subway passages and cars as sirens and bombs rage overhead, bloody faces on citizens injured when missiles were fired upon their homes. Mothers frantic with fear for their children as they huddle in dark spaces. Buildings collapsing and on fire. Massive numbers of people crowding ATMs for money to aid in their escape from the war that is fast moving upon their heels. Sadly, it has now been necessary for the government of Ukraine to plan conscription of all men ages 18-60, and prevent them from leaving the country. Draft Possible in Ukraine

(CBS News)

It is difficult to avoid mention of what Putin is perpetrating in what he considers a country still a part of Russia, not a current elected democratic society that was once a part of the old Soviet Union. The threat of nuclear war raises its ugly head again. Putin himself hinted at such. There is no easy answer to stopping this evil man’s attempt to spread his power and increase his domain. It makes one wonder which country he will invade next. He must be stopped now. God help us if NATO has to send in troops. Stricter sanctions to strip the Russian oligarchs of their money invested in other countries, as well as sending them home to Russia may be enough to sway Putin's mission to increase his power.

NOTE: 15 minutes ago, as I write this: "The U.S. will join the European Union in sanctioning Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and members of the Russian national security team" ..ABC News

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It is difficult to concentrate on writing this. Things appear to be happening so fast in other corners of the world. I like to think "good stuff" is happening as well as the frightening war news. I took a quick look at a breaking news site and sure enough, there is a bit of good news. It seems that Biden has nominated Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to be the first Black woman on the Supreme Court, thus fulfilling his campaign promise to do so. Now for the stubborn GOP to confirm her nomination.

(Image by J.A. Karshon)

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Today is a new day, however, the events in Ukraine are continuing as the Russian army encircles Kyiv and thousands attempt to flee the country. I cannot believe the voices we hear from some of the U.S. citizens - some members of Congress going so far as this: ".. a small group within the Republican Party — heavily influenced by former President Donald Trump’s stance toward Russia — has criticized President Joe Biden for opposing Putin’s designs on Ukraine, with some going as far to say Russia has a right to invade.." Voice of America. But then I couldn't (and still can't) believe how many in our country trusted someone like Trump to run our country.  

I have a strong imagination. I witness scenes in the news of mothers with small children saying goodbye to their husbands as they leave Ukraine to places unknown to them. Not knowing where they will sleep that night, and not even knowing the language spoken there, I easily empathize. Having heard a personal story of Russian brutality and also living through a time when my family and I lived in fear of Russian missiles Tell Your Stories, My imagination flashes scenes from those times and the relief I felt when we were spared. 

Being of Biden's generation, I realize that the younger ones in our world may not share the same references to past events that threatened the security of even the United States. Shame on the far right pundits who trivialize the invasion of Ukraine and even idealize the madness being perpetrated by Putin. Calling him a "genius" makes them idiots in my book.

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I watch a lot of television other than the news. Then I have to be aggravated by the intrusive commercials on broadcast stations. My thumb automatically reaches for the mute button. I particularly hate all of the ads broadcast by attorneys. They never mention their ability to assist in estate planning, wills, or other legal issues. No! Every single commercial consists of telling -- sometimes yelling -- about the money they have received for their clients who have been injured in car accidents! We used to have a name for these attorneys -- ambulance chasers. It also used to be against the law for them to advertise on TV. The same was true about physicians at the time. Things have really changed in advertising, and not for the better!

Occasionally I happen to see something different that catches my eye, and I become a fan:

To end on another favorite TV commercial of mine -- this one gets my toes tapping:

It has taken me two days to write this. Ending with these two upbeat videos puts me in a better mood than I was when I started. Sometimes I believe that music could "save the world'.. or at least it could soothe the savage beasts of war!

Peace and prayers for Ukraine,

Marilyn

'Tis the season..

Oh, how I wish we all could be "jolly". I'm pretty sure there are some folks out there having a joyful time in spite of the current conditions of the world. Sadly, too many are suffering from the dreadful COVID and the new variant. Not only have some contracted it even though they are vaccinated but the fear of not being safe enough in spite of the vaccines is ruining many plans for a celebratory Christmas. It's hard to eat turkey or pumpkin pie with aging parents or grandparents, perhaps with health issues, seated across from you. Impossible to eat with a mask on! My own grown children do not like to be indoors with me without a mask on or a door open. They and my grandchildren have all been very conscientious about caring for themselves and my well-being. I haven't attended any of their gatherings during the pandemic.

Unfortunately, all their caution was to no avail. In the past couple of weeks there have been two cases of several of them being exposed to COVID. My young step-great-grandson, 12 years old, even though vaccinated, was diagnosed with COVID after going to an indoor movie with my daughter and other family members. So far, none have tested positive. However, two nights ago my daughter Carajean gave a birthday dinner at her home for my granddaughter Ashlyn. There was one guest of my grandson's attending who woke up yesterday morning with symptoms and tested positive for COVID. I'm guessing another round of tests will be conducted but too late to continue with Christmas Day plans. Sadly, calls were made to out-of-town family members who would be compromised should they come. They begged off. And of course, I must stay home as well.

I cannot believe there are still millions in the United States refusing to be vaccinated. It's hard to be a forgiving soul when their ignorance may be the cause of so many deaths, when they may be carrying the virus and giving it to others - even those who are vaccinated. It's even harder to believe the number of politicians who refuse to condemn the conspiracies being circulated to those millions. Then I recall the anti-vaxxers who refuse to vaccinate their children for communicable diseases. Many believe they cause autism. I wonder how many of those little children, even babies, came down with the dreadful diseases of childhood. Diseases that had almost been eradicated. They too are victims of conspiracy theories.

Along came Trump. How much better off we would be if only he hadn't lied so much about the virus and treatments thereof. Among the millions refusing the vaccine today there are probably scores of Trump followers. I noticed in the news lately that Trump let it be known that he now has got the booster. Maybe he feared he would lose too many of his team if they died from the virus! His "boosters" booed loudly at the rally when he confessed this.

Hooray that we now have a trustworthy President who keeps this country and the good of the American people foremost in his official duties - not the GOP politicians and the lobbyists. Good things to come in 2022.

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Not to be a Grinch on this Christmas Day, there have been good things in our family to share this season, as I'm sure there must have been in yours. Granddaughter Kelly had her sixteenth birthday in November and finally talked her dad Matthew into taking her to get her learner's permit to drive. They did that this month and dad sent these photos. Kelly rode that little car like a pro and I jokingly nicknamed her the future Danicka Patrick. I hope she doesn't try that on these Austin streets and freeways!

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I am finally going to be a great-grandmother! Surprises kept on coming. Oldest granddaughter Audrey and her husband Erick are going to be parents come next April! They recently held a gender reveal party and that let everyone know they will be having a baby boy! This little one will be welcomed by a big brother, Ishan, who is Erick's son. He is already a part of our family, and most of the time I speak of him as mine, too.  Congratulations to the proud parents!

I had hoped to get this out earlier, but so many technical changes are taking place I have taken too long to write this. All of you people who are sending photos taken with your iPhones take note: many do not open or download in a manner to be used unless you are on Apple or Mac. I had a couple I could not use because the instructions to change them to .jpg were too complicated for this aging brain. I did however get the following one from my daughter Carajean. This was taken today. It is 80 degrees here in Austin at 3 pm. Christmas ain't what it used to be!

Wherever you are and however you are celebrating, I hope you are enjoying this holiday season. Due to some minor health issues I will not be joining in the fun. However, I woke during the night and turned on the TV in my bedroom. I was amazed and happy to watch Pope Francis and his Christmas Mass. It's been a good day.

Peace and love,  Marilyn                            

P.S.

And a Happy New Year!

Big Boss

I sat at my desk across from the empty room, working on paperwork as other employees were at their desks behind me. Today I had to bring my toddler to work. He was happily playing in the empty room where I could keep my eye on him.

Engrossed in my work, I took my eyes off the room briefly. Suddenly, to my surprise, the closed door in the room began to open and my toddler was going through it into the next room. Before I could get out of my chair another door opened off that room and a bright light shone out of it. “Oh, no!” I whispered under my breath, as my precious babe started to enter that room as well. “That’s the ‘Big Boss’s’ room!” I gasped. Then I thought to myself, “It'll be okay. He will charm the 'Big Boss' like he does everyone else who meets him.”

Then I woke up. 

Three days later my friend April and I were waiting to watch the online memorial for my son Craig, who died the year before. I told her about the “strange” dream I had. “Marilyn!” she said. “Don’t you know who the ‘Big Boss’ is?” She was excited as we discussed the obvious meaning of my dream. God was reassuring me that my beloved son was being welcomed into His “office”. My eyes tear up now as I tell this story. I’m a believer you know.

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Life goes on. It's been a year since the worst experience of my life happened. Grief does terrible things to one's life if you allow it. Personally, it has taken it's toll on my body with various illnesses and complaints. Nothing serious enough to send me in search of the Big Boss's office, but enough to send me spiraling into the depths of self-pity. The more I hung onto my sorrow, the more my body has held onto enough illness to keep me feeling pretty miserable and wanting to isolate myself from well-meaning family and friends. Slowly but surely I am overcoming the worst feelings of despair. I'm beginning to see joyful happenings around me and desiring to participate in some of them.

I am blessed with a wonderful family. All are well and happily progressing in their lives. Grandchildren are working or in college and the youngest grandchild Kelly is still in high school. This weekend there will be a jubilant celebration when the oldest granddaughter Audrey and her husband Erick host a "gender reveal" party at their home. I will finally have my first great-grandchild! Great reason to hang in here, get healthy, and be around for the arrival of the baby next spring! Ahhh.. the Circle of Life.

There are many more tales to tell about our family's history. As I'm the oldest one left, I guess it falls on me to tell them.  Stay tuned.

Peace and good memories,

Marilyn

SCHOOL DAZE

School is starting now or very soon for my grandchildren. I checked in with them to get the latest. Of course, Tanner has been on the Texas 4000 bicycle ride for cancer research followed up by a week in Alaska with family and friends. His University of Texas courses will be up and running soon. In the meantime, here are some of the news from the others returning to classes.

    Hannah will be a senior at Southwestern University in Georgetown. She recently returned from Dallas where she spent the summer interning at a law firm and studying for the LSAT. She will be taking that soon. When I inquired about her schedule this term she sent me the following:

"I am about to head into a very busy semester. I will be doing an internship at The Georgetown Project, a local nonprofit focused on serving the needs of at risk and homeless youth in the community, as the Capstone project for my Psychology major. There are sadly enough kids in need everywhere, especially in the wake of the pandemic. I’m really excited about the work I’ll be able to do!" (I know that Hannah's late dad Craig is beaming his pride down on her.)

"This year I am also serving on the executive boards of three societies: Alpha Xi Delta, my sorority, as Membership VP, Alpha Chi, the academic honor society, as VP, and Psi Chi, the psychology honor society, as president. All the while, I will be applying to law schools. I’m already exhausted at the thought of it but excited for the challenge."

I asked Hannah for a favorite new photo and she sent me this one of her on the Seattle Space Needle. She certainly didn't get my genes when it comes to heights!

       

                    

Grandson Travis had a family entourage 

accompanying him last week to Texas Tech in Lubbock for his Sophomore year. He spent his Freshman year on a golf scholarship that disappointed him. Due to the pandemic, the golf team never got to play in a tournament. That small university was also in Lubbock so Travis made lots of friends at Tech in his off time. This year he talked mom and dad into allowing him to change schools. No golf scholarship though, but he's going to follow his dad Matthew's footsteps again and major in Business! (I'll bet there will be plenty of golf in his spare time.) Travis spent a good part of this summer working at the golf club where his mom and dad play weekly.

I got a big kick out of this picture of the gear Travis found it necessary to take to college. This doesn't show everything that took two carloads to carry. (i.e., an Xbox and a TV to play it on!) He probably won't be using those until his CA roommate moves out! Of course, I'm just teasing Travis. I think that he will be bringing that grade point average up to the 4.0 range like his cousins now that he will be in a happy frame of mind at his new school!

The Riders - Matt, Kelly, Travis, Amy

"Little" sister Kelly is a Sophomore at Vandegrift High School this Fall. She is also a member of the Vision Dance Team, and

has been practicing with them all summer. In July the Dance Team and the Band had a remarkable parade through the streets of Steiner Ranch, the development where she lives. Along with the Vandegrift High School Band, they got a big surprise when they were invited to march and perform at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2022. Besides being a good student, frequently on the honor roll, Kelly has enjoyed acting in school productions.

Kelly - Age 9

Recently she has been requesting going to Drivers Ed so she can drive herself to all her busy activities. Yikes! I dread that, as Austin traffic is horrific. In the meantime, she was a good companion on the golf course, driving the golf cart for her mom and dad! When Kelly wishes to learn something new, she turns to YouTube. She studied flute, ukulele, and her latest musical instrument is the keyboard - all by viewing YouTube tutorials! (Drivers Ed?)

Speaking of musical instruments, of my seven grandchildren all but one play at least one instrument. Daughter Carajean's three children play, and she accompanies them from time to time on her violin. All are classically trained, the young ones beginning the Suzuki method as young as three years old.  Tanner is now playing guitar as well as the cello. Cameron, who's late dad Craig played a mean guitar, majored in voice in college and also plays guitar.

Erick & Audrey

None of the musicians in the family plays professionally. However, granddaughter Audrey married Erick in 2019. Erick is a professional musician, playing in a band he helped form Superfonicos, which plays Colombian Funk music here in Austin. Today he sent me the following message: "Made it on BBC yesterday!"

Superfonicos LIVE on BBC  Erick is the good looking guy in the front row, right. 

The pandemic has prevented too many performances for the last year and a half. I'm sure they will begin to increase their performances as this year progresses. The Austin City Limits (ACL) Festival will be held two weekends, Oct.2 - Oct.10, if all goes well and the pandemic doesn't force them to cancel like last year. Superfonicos will play the 2nd weekend of ACL. October 10th. 3:30pm. BMI stage.

Peace, love, and toe-tapping music,

Marilyn

PROMISE FOR OUR FUTURE

In my last post, (Sentimental Me) I told about my grandson, Branch Tanner Archer, and his latest endeavor. As a member of the Sierra Route group of bicycle riders raising money for cancer research, (see Texas 4000), they just completed a 70-day trip of over 6,000 miles in the lower 48 states. They were originally to ride all the way to Alaska but Canada closed its borders before their ride began. Arriving back home in Austin this past Friday, Tanner is now on his way to Alaska (by plane, not bicycle!) to meet up with his parents and other family members. They had made reservations to be in Alaska to greet the riders before Canada closed its borders, and they were unable to cancel their flights for refunds. The family will enjoy this next week with Tanner. Although Mom and Dad were not here to celebrate with him at the ride's conclusion, other family members were:

Papaw, Tanner, Aunt Amy & Cousin Kelly

I haven't yet heard how much money was raised, but the dedication of these young riders is extremely admirable. I want to share what Tanner wrote as his reasons for participation in this grueling fund-raising event:

"My mother survived breast cancer, but I was too young to remember much of what happened. I remember her wigs, and I also remember her lying in bed a lot. My Aunt Elizabeth passed away from colon cancer, but again I was too young to really understand. I finally understood when my Aunt Evelyn, single mother to my cousins Bruce and Annie, passed away from metastasized breast cancer in her spine that we thought she had beaten years ago.

"I'm not sold on free will, but I do think we have choices (and that matters). These women chose something. My mom chose to double the length of her chemo to ensure that it never came back. My aunt chose to laugh at my dad’s jokes that Thanksgiving, just weeks before her death. She chose to fight through ten years of chemo, work full-time as a physician, and raise two children by herself all at once. I have never heard a word of self-pity from either of these women. That’s what they chose, and I want to thank them and their children for their brave choices with my choice to ride."

If you wish to feel optimistic about the future of our country, go to the website for Texas 4000 and read what other young riders wrote about their own reasons for joining in this worthy cause. Many of them are studying for careers in the environmental sciences. You may also choose to donate at this site.

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The strength and courage and determination of these young adults give me much hope for the future of our country and the world. 

Peace and love,

Marilyn

 

SENTIMENTAL ME

“I am at peace with the process of death and grieving. I give myself time and space to go through this natural, normal process of life. I am gentle with myself. I allow myself to work through the grief. I am aware that I can never lose anyone and that I am never lost. In the twinkling of an eye, I will connect with the soul again.” 

As I have written about before, my son Craig made his transition last October. He had lived here with me the year before. When he moved into his own apartment he left behind all of his ties. He no longer dressed in white shirts and ties as he did in previous jobs. If he needed to wear one for some occasion he would just retrieve one from my closet. Many of them I had given to Craig as gifts. His favorites were by Jerry Garcia. I later gave them to my daughter Carajean to keep. Perhaps someone in the family could use them. Carajean surprised me with the small quilted piece above for Mother's Day. She had it professionally made from his ties. 

Craig had a cat named Floki that he was crazy about. The feeling was mutual. Floki has since been adopted by my granddaughter Audrey and her husband Erick. They have all been staying at Carajean's until they move into their new home. Carajean said that when she was working on a pattern for the above and spread the ties out on the floor, Floki immediately came and sat down in the middle of them. He did so again once the quilted piece was finished. He must have smelled his beloved master on them. (I have to admit that being near them on my sofa I feel a strong sense of Craig's presence as well.)

FLOKI

As you can see in the photo below, he is being well taken care of by granddaughter Audrey. To keep Floki safe from predators and traffic she takes him for walks in his very own carrier. 

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Carajean's son Tanner never wastes time. His pursuits are always out of the ordinary. (For instance, he has spent the last couple of years learning Mandarin Chinese. He plans to apply in the future for a year's study in China.) Besides a full load of courses at the University of Texas, he has been a member of the charitable organization Texas 4000 for Cancer for the past year. They have been training on their bicycles for a grueling 70-day trip that began last weekend. Each had to demonstrate they were able to ride 100 miles in 10-hours or less in order to participate in the current Sierra ride. To read about this wonderful organization and perhaps donate, check out their website: TEXAS 4000 Each rider has a personal, moving story about their reasons for raising money to combat cancer.

I got a big kick out of the photo below. This was taken of Tanner on Day 1 of their ride. Ballinger, Texas was where his grandfather and I went to school, met, and married. It's a small West Texas town on their route. The ride originally was to be all the way to Alaska, from which they would fly home. However, due to the pandemic Canada closed their border which instituted many changes in their route. They now are riding in the lower 48 states, returning home on their bicycles. I assume the route will be the same distance mileage-wise. There is a good map on the website.

I couldn't be prouder of this young man. Last year he and a good friend did a "standathon" to raise awareness and money for "Extinction Rebellion", an international nonviolent movement seeking real solutions to climate change. They not only remained standing for 24-hours, being watched online, but they raised over $2,000. Standing for Change

I know Branch Tanner Archer is going to go far in this life and contribute even more to make this grandmother proud!

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It has been difficult to endure the news during the past year and a half without spewing out obscenities on my blogs. Staying home due to the pandemic made it worse, as COVID-19 made it worse. I am now practicing changing my negative thoughts to positive ones before commenting on politics again. Events such as these I have experienced from family make life a lot easier.

Cheer up everyone. There really is light at the end of the tunnel.

Love and peace,

Marilyn