Category: Commentary

Parade of Celebrities 

My dreams have been chock full of celebrities lately. I suppose their nocturnal performances are subtle attempts by my psyche to heal itself during this soul-scarring election.

Last week Chris Hemsworth, in the guise of Thor, snuggled with me in dreamland: https://nananoyz5forme.com/2016/10/30/a-thor-in-my-side/


Since then, I’ve danced with James Franco at an Italian wedding. He approached me as I stood off to one side, gallantly bowing and asking me if I’d care to dance, and then twirled me about the marble dance floor as I giggled helplessly. 


The next night Michelle Obama appeared during a dream visit to the Lincoln Memorial and gave me a hug that filled me with happiness and peace. She wiped away my tears and told me we’d all be fine as Abraham Lincoln looked on.


Last night, Brad Pitt flirted with me at Central Perk while Jennifer Aniston served us coffee. We sat on a couch holding hands, discussing everything except Angelina and Donald Trump. I think we are going to build homes together in New Orleans one day soon.


I’m pretty proud of my subconscious during these days of angst. I should send it to a spa as a thank you. I might even tag along.

Peace, and sweet dreams, people.

Considering Calamity

What if Trump wins this election? I’ve invested so much of my time, my sweat, and even my money to electing Hillary that I’m not sure how I will handle a loss, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t considered my options in case the worst should happen.

The first thing I’ll do is pray. I’ll pray that there is some substance to this man beyond the demagoguery and bluster. I’ll pray that he surrounds himself with intelligent and steady handed people who actually have experience in governing. And I’ll follow that up with a fervent prayer that he is capable of listening to them and of taking their advice. Thus far I haven’t seen that side of him.

I’ll keep on working for Liberal causes: health care as a right and not a privilege, a living wage for all working Americans, reproductive rights for women, affordable college that doesn’t burden students for their entire adult lives, racial and gender equality, LGBT rights, and compassionate immigration reform along with common sense gun regulations.

I still believe Americans as a whole are too smart to fall for Trump’s grandiose lies and hate filled rhetoric, but they’ve gotten him this far. No one thought he’d win the party nomination, but here he is. 

Friends, there has never been a more qualified, more experienced candidate for the office of the American presidency than Hillary Rodham Clinton. You don’t have to like her. You don’t have to think she’s perfect. But if you want an America that we can be proud of, one that values the rights of all Americans, not just those of white men, you need to get out and vote for her. 

Vote early if you can in your state. Don’t let anyone intimidate you. Just vote.


Peace, and common sense, folks.

Survivor

I’m a breast cancer survivor. My diagnosis wasn’t dire; I always tell folks I had a slight case of cancer. A few weeks of radiation and inconvenience, and I was as good as new. 

I know I was lucky. My husband’s company has great insurance, so every part of my diagnosis and treatment was covered once my deductible was met. Great doctors, a caring hospital, and a road to recovery were all in reach.

But what about women who aren’t so fortunate? What about those women whose jobs don’t offer coverage or those who are students or unemployed? Where do they turn for help?

Planned Parenthood, that’s where. Republicans in congress would have us believe that PP is only performs abortions, when in truth, abortions make up a very small fraction of PP services. I’d hate to live in a country that didn’t provide such import diagnostic services to women in need. 

Vote Blue. 

Elephant Revival

My son turned me on to this group. Guess he got his great musical taste from his mom. I give you Elephant Revival. 

http://youtu.be/UXNT_1FFs7g

A Beastly Number

I picked up my 666th follower on WordPress today! Now, I’m not terribly superstitious, but I’d greatly appreciate it if at least one more follower joins the ranks and puts me over that beastly number.

What to Read? What to Read?

After weeks of dragging my feet, on Sunday evening I finally finished reading the eighth, and thus far, final book in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. Fittingly, my well worn Kindle Paper White e-reader bit the dust with less than 3% of the book remaining as if it knew I didn’t want the story to end. Thank goodness I have the kindle app on my iPhone, though, so I was able to cry myself to sleep with Siri comforting me.


She’s a rock, that Siri. Salt of the earth, and all that.


As soon as I was able to leave work on Monday afternoon I drove with cautious haste to Best Buy and bought a new Kindle Paper White. The relative ease with which I registered the device and downloaded my virtual library restored my sense of well being. Once again all was right with my world.

Except that now I had no idea what to read next. At random I chose a book with a catchy title. The Shelf Life of Happiness by David Machado. In contrast to the weeks, nay months, I’d spent with the Outlander books, The Shelf Life of Happiness took exactly four hours to read. It’s a good book, totally unlike the Outlander series, and I found that comforting. The last thing I needed was a poorly written replica of a cherished series. 


Currently I’m looking for my next great read, and I’m open to suggestions. My tastes are eclectic, but I greatly enjoy science fiction/fantasy and post-apocalyptic novels, (zombies are a plus), as long as they’re well written. Outlander was a bit of a departure for me because it was a historical, albeit, time-travel romance.

So what are your suggestions dear readers? I’m eager for some new perspectives. The world is my library, and this is my motto: Have Kindle; Can Download.
Note: I still purchase physical books, just in case of an apocalypse, lest anyone should fear for my reading soul.

Peace, and happy reading, people.

A Thor in My Side

I’ve developed a new pattern of sleeping. Studly Doright and I get into bed around 8:30 (don’t judge; we’re old) and he watches tv while I read for a few minutes. We kiss good night, I say my prayers, and then bam, I’m sound asleep. 

Around 2 a.m. I wake up with some weird worry on my mind: Did one of the cats just puke beside my side of the bed? Am I going to put my foot in puke if I get up to use the restroom? Do I even need to use the restroom? What if there’s a snake in the toilet? Seriously, these are my 2 a.m. concerns.

The great thing is that once I determine if I need to use the restroom, and the answer is always a resounding “YES!” I return to bed and fall immediately back to sleep where lately I’ve had the most vivid dreams. 

Last night Thor, (played by Chris Hemsworth) was trying to seduce me. He kept showing up in my house, in my shower, and against my feeble protests, in my bed. I tried to tell him I was a married woman and old enough to be his mum, but he promised he just wanted to snuggle. 

“Well, in that case,”I thought, “What’s the harm?”

And we were snuggling so sweetly, so innocently, until we heard Studly Doright open the front door. In one smooth move, Thor rolled off the bed and underneath it before my husband reached the master bedroom door. The sound of Thor rolling off the bed awakened me, and I patted Studly on the arm.

“Did you hear that?” I asked.

“Huh? What?” he mumbled.

“Oh, nothing,” I giggled. “I just thought I heard thunder.” 

After Studly left to play golf early this morning I couldn’t resist the urge to peek under the bed. No Thor. I did find a bedroom slipper I thought I’d left in Clearwater Beach, though.


Peace, and sweet dreams, people.

Rally Sign

Great things were happening in Tallahassee today. 

Tim Kaine came to rally Florida voters to vote early.


Tim is a great speaker and immensely likable. The crowd was huge, so I didn’t get very close. Thank goodness for zoom lenses!

The most moving part of the afternoon, though, was seeing Gabby Giffords and hearing her say she couldn’t wait to speak the words, “Madame President.” 

Speaking clearly is still a struggle for former representative Giffords, who was shot and nearly killed by a gunman at an event in her home state of Arizona in 2011. The woman is an inspiration and a tireless fighter for common sense gun regulations. 


Below, Giffords and her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly.


The energy at the rally was inspiring. Since it was held on the campus of Florida State University a great many of those in attendance were college students who were excited about casting their first votes ever.

Loved this young woman’s shirt.


Pre-rally college students discussed their plans to go vote after the rally.

The line went on and on. Everyone was pumped up. Fired up; ready to vote.

I stood in line with these three adorable students. They thought I was in my 40’s. 


I’ve already voted. I’m always overcome by emotion when I realize what a privilege it is to cast a vote in this country. Even if you are a Republican, even if we disagree, I hope you exercise your right to vote. And then we all need to be prepared to accept the results. 

This has been a divisive campaign. Harsh words have been exchanged–I’ve certainly not minced any syllables. But for my part, if Trump wins this election I will accept his presidency as the voice of a majority of the people. I would hope that he and his supporters will be as gracious if Hillary wins. 

Peace, people. Really.

Twenty-four Hours

Days aren’t as long as they used to be. Back when our two children were feisty toddlers and my 

Husband worked revolving shifts, twenty-four hours lasted twenty-four years and nobody

Cared that I was drowning in every single second. Nurturing was a foreign concept peddled

By well-meaning matrons and judgemental church ladies. What in hell was wrong with me 

That I didn’t gush over every milestone, each budding tooth, too exhausted to care that my babies 

Wouldn’t be babies forever and that someday twenty-four hours would feel like twenty-four 

Minutes, and a year reduced to a week and my babies grown and out on their own. Too soon.

My daughter celebrates her 36th birthday today. Even though I love her fiercely I wasn’t a patient mommy. The days of her infancy passed as slowly as liquid concrete, and I wish with all my heart we could have a do-over. 

But she’s grown into an amazing, beautiful woman, and I’m so very proud of my Ashley. I love her, like her, care about her. Every day.

Peace, people.

The Elephant in the Room

(Caution–some strong language)

Picture if you will Mr. and Mrs. Republican. We’ll call her Jane and him Dick. The two have gathered with their 2.5 children (Dick Jr., Little Mary and a player to be named later) ’round the dinner table. 

Dick: Look at this fine dinner your mother has prepared! Little Dick, why don’t you ask the blessing?

Dick Jr.: Ok, Daddy. Dear God, thank you for this meal, and please don’t let that bitch Hillary Clinton become the president. Amen.

Jane: Little Dick! That was hardly a Christian prayer! 

Dick: Son, you can’t just say that word in a prayer. Er, (looking at Jane) or about a woman.

Dick Jr.: But Daddy, I heard you call her a bitch.

Dick: Yes, but I’m a grown up. Pass the roast.

Little Mary: Mommy, what’s a bitch?

Jane: (sternly looking at big Dick) Sweetheart, that’s what a female dog is called. 

Little Mary: Bitch! Bitch! Bitch!

Jane: Sweetheart, let’s not say that.

Dick: I’m sick of political correctness! Call a spic a spic, a coon a coon and a bitch a bitch. You know that dear. That’s why we’re voting for Donald Trump.

Jane: (covering Little Mary’s ears) Well, about that. Well, hmmm, I’m not sure I can support Trump.

Dick: (slams hand on table) For heaven’s sake Jane! We’ve always voted Republican, and we’ll continue to vote Republican. Now, pass the potatoes. Did I tell you Rev. Johnson stopped by work today?

Jane: Oh? What was he doing?

Dick: Well, he’s in charge of the county’s “Baptists for Trump” rally and he asked if I’d introduce him. 

Jane: I don’t know why our church endorsed Trump. Shouldn’t the church stay out of politics?

Dick: Not with that Hillary knocking on the door of the White House. 

Dick Jr.: Trump that bitch!!

Dick: (ruffling son’s hair) Now, Little Dick….

Jane: Little Dick, if you say that word one more time you’ll go to your room without dinner.

Dick: (winks at son) Best mind your mom, son. 

Jane: (frowning) Maybe I just won’t vote this year. 

Dick: (turning red in the face) Now Jane, remember the good book says you must submit to your husband. Your husband says you’ll vote for Trump and that’s the end of this conversation. 

Little Mary: But Mommy!

Jane: What sweetheart? 

Little Mary: Didn’t preacher say we need to be like Jesus?

Jane: Yes. Yes he did. 

Little Mary: Did Jesus say it was ok to grab women by their pussies?

Jane: Oh! Little Mary! We just don’t say things like that, and Jesus would never have done such a thing.

Little Mary: Then why does Daddy like Mr. Trump? 

Jane: I’m beginning to wonder.

Note: I started this piece months ago, but just felt it was too dark and too cynical to publish. Then Trump went there, boasting of having groped women against their will, bragging that they let him because he was a celebrity. Still, I thought, surely this will give those evangelical Christians who’d thus far supported him time to reflect and realize that Trump really is the antithesis of Christian love, respect, and humility.

Then last night I came across a video post on Facebook that shook me. A supposedly good Christian man was exhorting people to put their trust in Trump. Most alarming, though were the comments of people I know, groupie-like in their pleas for Donald Trump to avoid some trap the media had set for him–the trap of telling the truth.

Jesus loves Trump, but I’m pretty sure he would drive him from the temple with whips and chains given the chance. God help us all if Trump wins this election. Can I get an amen?