With so much negativity swirling around, I have been instructed to post something positive. And that’s not only from my friends and family but from my inner self. So let’s start with an admission that I have been concerned about the fact that I made my previous confessional post on a Wednesday instead of on Thursday as is my usual practice. To tell the truth, I’m doubling down on enjoying life one day at a time, and as I awoke that morning with the need to address miasma I somehow thought it was my day for Substack. Now obviously my near and dear one’s think I’m absolutely bonkers for worrying about switching a self-imposed deadline; but perhaps the greater issue is that I’m hyper-focused on watching for signs of dementia. So far so good . . .
And now for the uplifting part. Here on Substack we got lovely pictures from Jay Kuo of his baby Riley at 30 days. I had no idea that it was Chinese custom to celebrate that milestone and it’s great to learn more about our world. And in real life, I recently met two young women from Nigeria. The first was working the machines that tested my eyes at Yale, and the other one was shopping for bargains with me at the Big Lots. I do like striking up conversations with strangers, so I was pleased with the coincidence of their stories happening back to back.
Then Diane’s Blue Notes gifted us all the link to Heather Cox Richardson explaining history to us and the importance of voting to save democracy (definitely worth the time to watch in full). David Pepper shared his beautiful artwork for a Sunday reprieve, and I am incredibly impressed by his ability to carry on in the face of Ohio political shenanigans. The McGill Office for Science and Society brings us Dr. Joe (another favorite of mine) and his video about Sherlock Holmes was a particular treat. He collects lots of things and actually managed to combine his favorite duck with the famous detective. Then of course I love watching Asha and Renato do their Friday roundup; and after all the current drama it was fun to focus in on the very cute cat that Asha has named Pancake, who I learned uses he/him as pronouns.
Speaking of pronouns, it takes some getting used to for us old people to be concerned about such things. But I realize that it is part of the hopefully freer societal norms which include gender fluidity. I have a friend whose child uses they/them, and I am consciously trying to remember that when we converse. Meanwhile, my grandson is standing tall and walking while holding on to things, and no one has discussed with him what his pronouns may end up to be. We’re just thrilled to watch his development and cheer him on as he faces the world with a wonderful curiosity.
Peace and Love to Everyone!
TTFN
It seems it has to go both ways. I’m sitting with two tour guides in Laos, both of whom spent years as Buddhist monks. I cannot learn to much about them because they are both peppering me with questions. Why me? Because I have no religion and they find that unusual. Yet, we seem to have somewhat similar belief systems and I’m knowledgeable about Buddhism except all the little ceremonies that are different in each country. I’m not interested in the ceremonies as I want to know more about how their beliefs fit with their reality.
So, to learn about others I must share some of me.
Nice post Katharine! Very positive, so welcome amidst the barrage of negativity, stupidity, and mendacity with which we are being bombarded these days! Thank you. 😊