My nephew (a very fine young man) just asked me “how was I handling the craziness going on right now?” My response is that I have moved from “pain and anger” to RESOLVE. And action. Two things to do. In my case, optimism needs to be carried out by some efforts - even if they are small.
In my case they are related. I am going to continue to write. The political posts, yes because I really believe that we are here because too many people haven’t been paying attention to the fact that their lives, their freedom and their money have been stolen. Much more on that soon.
But there must be a balance. The second thing for me is to volunteer to help in the community. I have applied to serve on the “Agricultural Commission” of our town. The mission is the protection of and the encouragement of town and private lands for the purposes of forestry, equestrian uses and… yes, growing food!
If I am accepted, I’ll work with some like minded souls. Maybe we will accomplish some modest goals - like more official protection of farmland. And a broader education for the community. We are a suburb, of course. But we also have a large percentage of the town under conservation or agricultural protection.
This might be healthy for all concerned - including my brain that can hardly believe what is happening at the Federal Level. It is staggering in it’s insanity. Literally insane.
Yes, America is going nuts. But most of our lives are led in a town or city where we can perhaps make a difference. We’ll see. In the meantime, the end of the season has arrived. The garden has been cleared of debris and received a top coat of terrific compost from a local stable. (Thank you M&D). It’s like a blanket for the winter. There is still some kale to pick. But I just clipped the last of the fall lettuce. We are having 20 degree nights.
I get my seeds from Johnny’s Selected Seeds of Maine. All Star Mix of red and green leaf, mini romaine and mini butterhead. I love the company. Organic focus and employee owned. Imagine that. Employees in charge.
The garden and I will have a rest through the winter. But I’ll order seeds soon and remap the raised beds - rotating crops.
I am putting my pain and anger to sleep just like the garden. But we will be roaring back in 2025 - stronger and more focused. It’s time for a revolution. I am serious.
Well done Bill, and the garden is great. In the end, every action is political, and every positive action reverberates through the greater society. When the GOP turns on itself in a power-seeking free for all we'll be ready to move in and restore some sanity and civility. In the meantime, baking, reading, writing and walking the dog will keep me sane enough to help.
I'm with you, Bill. I've taken a bit of a break, but plan to get back to it soon. For me, it's writing (maybe not as much political as before), donating platelets, and serving my community on committees. I'm also planning to stay engaged with the local Democratic organizations.
I haven't watched a news show (other than a few snips) since the rejection...I mean election, and I refuse to watch or listen to or pay attention to the shenanigans of the felon who stole our nation.
I started a kitchen project Monday that I should wrap up tomorrow, and it's been a good diversion. It's my version of gardening. I highly recommend it!