Category: Home

No comments

Wandering Thoughts

  By , , , ,

Wandering Thoughts

Wandering Thoughts

D. S. Mitchell

Thinking Aloud

I’ve spent most of the afternoon potting plants. I’m putting my beloved lake house up for sale and I noticed the deck needs a bright summer look so I went on a buying spree in Home Depot’s garden section. LOL. My dear neighbor came over with his wheel barrel when he saw me struggling with my blooming treasure and made quick work of the unloading. Brilliant blue Witches Hat, a dozen baskets of gorgeous red petunias, and 8 giant pots of amazing white Snow Thimble.

Getting the picture; red, white, and blue; the 250th anniversary? Anyway, none of this matters except that I do very little on Sunday, except play in the garden, eat gummies, canvas the internet for conspiracy theories, and write for Calamity Politics. The Calamity Politics part of it is where I am right now. Some days focusing on a particular topic is easier said than done, so please bear with me as random thoughts bounce around the page as I play with what’s hopefully going to be an article for Calamity Politics.

Misfiring Electrons In My Brain

Mom Said

My Mom used to say, “People will ignore facts, dismiss science, and argue the unarguable; if it’s in the interest of their pocketbook.” I thought for years that she had come up with that on her own, but then one day I saw the quote attributed to New York Yankee catcher, Yogi Berra. Whoever the source I think it is particularly astute. I wonder what she’d say about Donald Trump making at least 8 billion dollars since the first 19 months of his second term? I won’t mention his kids cuz they seem to be everywhere snagging US government contracts, causing protest rallies as far away as Albania. Since when is this alright?

Yogi Berra

When Yogi Berra left this world we lost the greatest baseball comedian-philosopher of all time. I didn’t say that, I read it somewhere. In addition to the first quote noted above he had a million more; such as, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”  “Nobody goes there any more, it’s too crowded.”  “You can observe a lot, by watching.” “The future ain’t what it used to be.” “Never answer an anonymous letter.”  “It’s like deja vu all over again.” “He hits from both sides of the plate.  He’s amphibious.”  When queried about where he wanted to be buried, he said, “Surprise me.”  Yogi Berra had a zest for life that even death couldn’t stop. While men like Yogi Berra continue to bring smiles to our faces men like Donald Trump and his cronies are literally trying to break the American spirit.

Start Writing

What about encouraging some blowback? If you haven’t written a letter to your Mayor, your local newspaper Editor,  your State Legislators, or one of your Federal Legislators, you should do it immediately.  It is a great way to get what’s bothering you off your chest.   The Letter to the Editor is especially rewarding because you can present your beef to the community and garner a few minutes in the spotlight. While you’re fired up, make some poster board signs for the next NO Kings protests, get your drum, your voice amplifier, your comfy shoes and be ready for the biggest protest in US history.

Continue reading

No comments

30 Ways To Celebrate Memorial Day

  By , ,

30 Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day

 

30 Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day

By Cate Rees-Hessel & Wes Hessel

 

We Remember and Honor…

Let’s honor our veterans that have given their lives in service of our country, making the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. God bless those who serve… 

  1. Attend a mass or service on Memorial Day – light a candle for a military member that has passed away. What better way to honor our fallen service members? Remember that our military were never suckers or losers – stand up to “The Donald” and supporters on social media.
  2. Send a card or gift to a military person; those on active duty would love some home baked treats – older veterans may welcome a visit or card.
  3. Let those who serve or have served know you care, and appreciate their sacrifices…
  4. Widows, widowers, and children of fallen soldiers might enjoy a present, also – a batch of cookies or a bouquet of flowers.
  5. Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, so let’s decorate. Honor the graves of service members with flags or flowers – I put patriotic decor in our living room window and on our patio.
  6. Red, white, and blue bunting, banners, and decor are great ways to get in the holiday spirit. Doors, patios, balconies, walls, and windows can all be decorated. I leave my patriotic decor up through Flag Day, July 4th, and Patriot’s Day; don’t forget a patriotic wreath for your front door.
  7. POW and MIA bracelets may be a thing of the past but a nice patriotic pair of earrings or necklace are pretty ways of honoring the holiday. I also have red, white, and blue pins, and bracelets.
  8. Veterans in nursing facilities might like a visit – make a new friend. Leave off books or magazines at assisted living center. In addition to patriotic events there will be loads of other activities.
  9. Patriotic films can be found online, on streaming services, and at your local libraries. Hallmark channel has great ones

Taking nothing from our troops, Memorial Day also ushers in Summer and all the fun things that come with the sunshine…

  1. Picnics and barbecues are always a lot of fun. Try new delicious recipes with less red meat (who can afford it anyway???!!!), such as grilling fruits and veggies. Keep food safe from warm temperatures, keep it iced or cooled until time to eat. Fresh salads and cold sandwiches are always a treat. If you have any doubt about your food’s safety, then throw it out.
  2. Parades, as well as outdoor concerts and films at City parks are often free and great activities for the whole family to enjoy. Check your local library or municipality website for ideas. In our neck of the woods we have boat races, carnivals, a downtown parade, a Brewfest, and fireworks, with all proceeds donated to local youth and children’s programs.
  3. Many pools and water parks open Memorial Day weekend. Use a safe sunscreen (ones containing only zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide are the best) and enjoy some fun water play. Remember SPF lip balm, also. It’s fun to hit the beach, but check conditions and bacteria levels locally before swimming – do the same for lakes.
  4. Do not swim alone. Install a weather app on your phone for quick updates on air quality, temperatures, and storm warnings. Bring a bottle of water and a beach towel along, and a snack to keep up your energy.
  5. Pay attention to boating safety if you decide to hit the water this weekend. Keep keys on a floating chain, at least enough life preservers on for everyone in the boat, and a well charged cell phone in a waterproof case with you at all times. Be extra cautious in choppy water.
  6. If it rains, an indoor picnic is just as much fun. Indoor grills are a great way to bring the outdoors inside – salads and summer food are just as yummy indoors.
  7. Check ingredients before allowing pets any of the celebratory fare. Onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and chocolate are some of the foods toxic to our furry friends. While you’re thinking of your furbabies, take your canine to a nearby dog park for Memorial Day.
  8. Remember summer is a short season, so patriotic items are usually inexpensive. Some stores will put them on sale after Memorial Day, so you can stock up for the 4th – I buy my patriotic plates and napkins right after the Memorial holiday weekend
  9. Take a walk in the park, or a leisurely bike ride – summer is finally here. Some cities have free or minimal fee bike rentals available. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
  10. Use the long weekend to clean out your garage. basement or attic. Power wash your deck or patio, and don’t forget the outdoor furniture; mow the lawn, trim bushes and hedges. It’s time to get everything season ready…
  11. It’s a great weekend to wash the car or the dog…the cat, however, might have other ideas.
  12. Start a vegetable and flower garden – fresh vegetables and fruit you grow yourself are nutritious, taste great, and rewarding. And who does not love the look and fragrance of beautiful flowers? This is also a great way to help protect the environment and your family.
  13. Don’t forget the insect repellent – check websites like the CDC and Consumer Reports about the safety of the various active chemicals; I still like the Skin So Soft products by Avon, myself. Be careful and do your research. In fact, insects are in a dangerous decline and you may find this is the first year in memory that you don’t need insect repellent.
  14. If you have allergies to bug bites, food or the like, carry your EpiPen, and your inhaler if your asthmatic. Hotter temperatures can cause worse reactions. I carry my Epi everywhere…
  15. Stay hydrated – water is important in avoiding heat exhaustion and heat stroke; Evian is my favorite.
  16. Sunburn cream can be kept in the refrigerator for a nice cooling effect. Lipsticks, lip balms, and eye pencils are less likely to melt if kept cold, as well. Toners are more refreshing when chilled, too. And don’t forget to keep your skin hydrated…
  17. I am addicted to indoor plumbing, so camping does not work for me, but if you are inclined to enjoy nature this way, keep safety first and foremost. Know where you are – carry physical maps and a compass. Most cell phones go out of range even when a little far from civilization. Have provisions such as hand sanitizer, wipes, extra socks, antibiotic, and burn ointment and Band-Aids with you, as well as acetaminophen and water. You might want to carry a pocket size Lysol for those outhouses. Keep a cooler with ice for anything perishable to avoid dehydration and food poisoning. Nothing can ruin a trip more than an unprepared and unexpected injury or illness. S’mores are great, but bring clean metal sticks to use over the campfire. Respect nature by cleaning up your camp site. Consider a tree hanging shower pack. Personally, I feel a nice camper with a kitchen and bathroom inside at a camp site or a cabin on the campground is a bit more my way of roughing it. Cabins have indoor plumbing facilities; guess I am a hotel kind of girl. I must have indoor plumbing, to be honest…
  18. If you are traveling for Memorial Day, make sure your gas tank is full – carry a tire gauge, jumper cables, and Fix-A-Flat or the equivalent, as well as coolant and water in your trunk. Have transmission and brake fluid on hand also. Check your vehicle’s oil before you, or get it changed. Make sure your battery is well charged. Check your car’s safety before you hit the road. Better safe than sorry, is my motto. Keep your motor club and insurance cards handy, too, like in your glove box.
  19. Many restaurants have outdoor patios to dine al fresco – search the Internet for money saving coupons and offers. Have dinner on your own patio to save even more money…
  20. Festival season has begun – wear your comfortable shoes and carry a light jacket for weather fluctuations. A bag chair or other portable seating is a must. Check policies before bringing a cooler. Many venues might require that you carry clear purses or tote bags – leave anything that might be problematic at home or locked in your car, out of sight. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry, and keep cash and credit/debit cards on your person. And carry a charged portable charger with you.
  21. Enjoy your loved ones, include your furbabies, but make sure pets are permitted at your outdoor events. Check local leash laws, and bring a travel water bowl for Rover or Fluffy, when attending events close to home. When traveling with animals, pack a small favorite toy, disposable litter pan (for cats), and baggies of food. Furry friends likely won’t need clothes in warm temperatures but a cute neckerchief never hurts. Remember, if you are warm in your skin, imagine how hot they must be in fur – keep pets hydrated and cool. Bring a cold wet washcloth in a bag or container; antibacterial wipes are also good to keep on hand.

As President Biden said in his Memorial Day remarks when he was in office. “We haven’t always lived up to it, but we’ve never walked away from it. And today, standing together to honor those Americans who dared all and gave all for our nation, we can say clearly: We never will.” Yes this Memorial Day 2026, we long for a real president again. I miss Presidents Biden and Obama. We could have had Kamala and Walz – this weekend I wear pearls for my President Harris. Hope we have good weather despite global warming. Stay safe and happy start of summer, everyone….

Bean There, NOT Done That. . .

  By , ,

Bean There, NOT Done That…

 

 

Bean There, NOT Done That…

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

I recently researched unusual jelly bean flavors. Strange activity you say?  Normally, I would agree, but I was looking for a new flavor for my candy dish. You would be amazed how many disgusting varieties of jelly beans have apparently been created or at least proposed.  Some bodily function flavors are simply too revolting to even mention, but here is a list of the ones I won’t be putting in my candy dish, and should certainly cause a normal person to widen their eyes. I’ve pretty much decided I’m sending a 100#’s of number 12 to the White House. Marketers call them failed flavors – in my estimation that should apply to the recipients as well…

  1. Jalapeño flavor – why? Because just like garlic and cinnamon you can never have too much jalapeno.
  2. Moldy cheese flavor – I’m allergic to mold- so I’d need my Epi Pen for this adventure.
  3. Fried chicken flavor – I think the mind of whoever came up with this idea is fried, or should be.
  4. Canned dog flavor?- even my pug turned her nose up at this one.
  5. Essence of Bacon – not everything is better with bacon.
  6. Taco flavor – I love a good taco but not in my candy dish.
  7. Febreeze flavor – this is for stinky tennis shoes and wet dog odor on the sofa, not for the candy!
  8. Sausage flavor – um, no, just no.
  9. Gin flavor – Nope. Strawberry Daiquiri has my support…
  10. Sex lube teaser. Nope. But I’m curious; do they make actual sex lube in strawberry daiquiri flavor? Sorry, I’m only kidding.
  11. Fish sticks flavor-again, NO. And, NO, NO, NO.
  12. Gasoline flavor-I forecast some gastric disturbance in the car at a high cost. I’m sending 100#’s to the WH.
  13. Gravy flavor-does it come in a package with turkey and stuffing flavors?
  14. The flavor of old books -Huh? What?
  15. Toothpaste flavor-it seems counterintuitive that a sugary snack would taste like toothpaste. Perhaps wintergreen or peppermint might be better here.
  16. Boba Milk Tea flavor-The Taiwanese might make this one work.
  17. Curdled milk flavor-EWWWW.
  18. Okay, we are really gettin weird with this one; ready for it?  Skunk spray flavor-it’s a black jelly bean, but where is the white stripe down the center?
  19. Lawn clippings-a pretty lime green jelly bean. Here’s an idea, how about a fresh lime flavor?
  20. Rotten egg flavor-what the hell?
  21. Centipede flavor – how does anyone know what a centipede tastes like? Or, ever wants to find out!
  22. Bubble gum flavor – but can you swallow it? Why not chew a piece of bubble gum instead?
  23. Anchovy flavor – bet that’s really salty; NOT what I want in a jelly bean, yuck.
  24. Pizza flavor – guess it goes with anchovy flavor; just order a damn pizza; I suggest.
  25.  Habanero flavor (“Ass Kickin’” brand, not Jelly Belly) – not sure if my brother who loves spicy food would enjoy these, but bet they kick more than your derriere…

Instead of jelly beans in the candy dish this go around I decided on Andes Creme de Menthe candies; with those pretty shiny green foil wrappers.

 

The Legends of St. Patrick

  By , , , ,

The Legends of St. Patrick

 

The Legends of St. Patrick

By Wes Hessel

 

Irish You Were Here…

Hello from Chicagoland, where we take our “wearing o’ the green” very seriously; green river, anyone? And I don’t mean the soft drink… Today, with the coldest St. Patty’s (or is that St. Paddy’s?) in about 60 years (the low was in the mid-teen’s this am; no, there isn’t any climate change – NOT!), our thoughts turn to the saint whose day we celebrate, separating fact from fiction.

Lady First…

But first, we mention the other saint commemorated on March 17th, patron saint of cats and their people, gardeners, travelers, widows, and the mentally ill, St. Gertrude of Nivelles. So if you’re having a rodent problem, a prayer to her might be in order…

Not A Pat Answer

As is typically true with so many real world historical figures whose life story is expanded to epic proportions, St. Patrick was a man who did many significant things that historians primarily agree on. The tales and traditions which surround him, however, are the stuff of legend, though they may be rooted (one almost literally) in an aspect of fact.

The Beginning Is A Very Good Place To Start

It is generally accepted that Patrick was a man who lived in the fifth century, born in the area of Britain under Roman control, who went to Ireland when he was in his mid-teens.  In his semi-biographical treatise, “Confession of Saint Patrick”, Patrick wrote that he was kidnapped by Irish pirates when he was 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave.  He went on to write that he escaped six years later, and eventually made his way home to Britain.  Some years after, he had a vision which he believed was God calling him back to Ireland, where he went to serve as a Christian missionary.

The Stuff That Legends Are Made Of

The first of the St. Patrick legends is probably just an amplification of the plausible idea that he taught about the Holy Trinity using a common three-leaf clover, the shamrock.  This triple-leafed plant has long since been the main symbol of St. Patrick’s Day, and by extension, Ireland. The second folklore was that the patron saint of the Emerald Isle had banished all snakes from the country – evidence suggests that Ireland never had any snakes to begin with. The third tale is about the saint’s reputed carriage of an ash staff on his journey from his home to return to Ireland to minister.  Patrick’s practice, it was said, is that he would thrust his staff into the ground at the place where he would speak about Christianity – one such stop dragged on for so long, it is said, that his walking stick took root.

Celebrate Safe…

Whatever you may believe, raise a glass (Guiness, perhaps?) to the saint associated with the land of blarney, beer, and beauty (not necessarily in that order). Thank you, St. Patrick, for inspiring countless generations with your work to spread the message of a loving God and the green of life.

The Trump Stench

  By , , , , , , , , , ,

The Trump Stench

The Trump Stench

 

Editor: When I read Cate Rees-Hessel’s 50 Things She Trusts More than Trump I was motivated to do a bit of a take off on her piece. Forgive me, I couldn’t help myself. Here are just a few of the thoughts that came to mind as I read her piece.

By D. S. Mitchell

 

  1. We can thank our own Agent Orange for all the environmental deregulation.
  2. Left over unrefrigerated milk found in the WH pantry. Bobby’ll drink it! Bobby’ll drink it! We hope.
  3. MOLD WARNING. Not all mold forms are deadly just the smelly toxic orange variety.
  4. I heard Greg Bovino and Pam Bondi are offering at home body piercing. Och, och, och. Show me your papers!
  5. The government was forced to get supersized Porta-Potties for DHS ‘cuz Kristi Noem and Cory Lewandowski do everything together.
  6. The smell of an outhouse on a hot summer day, has nothing on the Trump White House.
  7. Got stomach acid? I’ve been told the Trump store is running a special on gold sprayed Rolaid packets.
  8. Dirty diapers found in the bushes at Mar-a-Lago’s front gate, apparently left following an Epstein memorial party.
  9. Puppy pee pads? OMG! Where’d they bury that poor puppy? I bet Kristi knows.
  10. The foul odor of used Kitty Litter lingers persistently in the air after every Cabinet Meeting.
  11. A box of sexually transmitted disease video tapes found at the Trump Tower after an Epstein memorial training.
  12. A bag of torn prophylactics found with the video tapes. What do you think? I say party favors.
  13. The stench of a dumpster on a hot summer day smells much like the image of Corporate America taking the knee for their revered Mango Mussolini.
  14. The fermenting odor of the Epstein Files permeates every space Trump enters. You don’t want to get caught in any tight spaces with DJT.
  15. Windmills are killing whales and causing cancer Donald tells us, but he’s got clean coal and Venezuelan oil for us.
  16. The ghosts of the demented Ronald Reagan and the criminal Richard Nixon have nothing on the crazy ass Mafioso king pin currently running our country.
  17. Trump has been given a second term to rape and rob the people of the United States. There’ll be no more emergency PayDay loans for Donnie Boy, now it’s direct hand-to-hand-cash in the billions from the Middle East dictators and potentates and who knows who else.
  18. Some rumors never end, especially the one about how Melania lost her virginity to an ICE agent who dummied up an Einstein visa for her ‘extraordinary intellectual abilities’. How bad does that smell; it’s been rotting in Melania’s closet since 1996.
  19. Trump is a publicly diagnosed power-mad narcissist demanding his name be placed on government buildings and that an arch be built with his name emblazed on it, all while threatening to withhold monies for already allocated major projects unless he gets his monuments. The only monument I want to see Trump’s name on is the one in the above photo.

 

 

Hints Your Valentine Might Not Be A Romantic

  By , , , ,

Hints Your Valentine Might Not Be A Romantic

Hints Your Valentine Might Not Be A Romantic

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 Here are 14 warning signs your date isn’t Cupid-approved:

  1. His idea of a romantic evening out involves a monster truck rally or tractor pull.
  2. He drops a hint that maybe you will be getting something sparkly and he gifts you a roll of ‘Sparkle’ paper towels.
  3. Instead of a heart shaped box of chocolates you get an expired granola bar with a left over Christmas bow on it.
  4. He spends half the evening comparing you to his ex (you need to run away screaming).
  5. He brings an old college chum that happens to be in town along on your date.
  6. He lives with his mom.
  7. He tells you to wear your paint clothes and ratty old sneakers on your date.
  8. He wears paint clothes and ratty old sneakers on your date.
  9. He keeps staring at his reflection in every glass surface he passes.
  10. Every gift he gives is stamped “made in PRC.”
  11. He arrives for your date with no gift and an explanation that the Dollar General had already closed.
  12. He brought an open half drunk bottle of wine for your romantic evening at home.
  13. His Valentine’s Day present is a re-gift from Christmas.
  14. A romantic dinner with this guy involves a bucket of chicken and a can of beer.

More food for thought:

In recent weeks, I have seen a number of ads for un-Valentines celebrations and I find it disparaging for such a beloved holiday. There is an old song entitled “What the World Needs Now is Love (Sweet Love)” – it goes on to say, “It’s the only thing, that there’s just too little of”; I agree. “Lord, we don’t need another mountain, There are mountains and hillsides enough to climb…” Yes, what the world needs now is love for our fellow men and women. Love for all humanity.

I know Valentines Day is about romantic love, but for this year let’s make it about love for all humankind, animals, and our planet. Let’s perform an act of kindness before we devour frilly pink and red heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and heart-shaped pizzas. A smile or a wave. Hold a door open for someone, send a card, hug somebody that needs it, agree to disagree with kindness. “Love thy neighbor as thyself”. Practice self love: take a break from social media, binge watch Hallmark movies with your significant other and your fur babies, take a bubble bath, get a massage and pedicure. Eat healthy, do some yoga, because as another tune teaches us, “love in any language, straight from the heart”, has style…

26 Affirmations For 2026

  By , , , , , , , , , ,

26 Affirmations For 2026

26 Affirmations For 2026

Editor: Positive affirmations are important to us as human beings. Repeating positive statements allows the brain to reprogram our subconsciousness. Additionally, repeating positive statements aloud allows us to create a clearer and more powerful image of who we are. Positive self-talk challenges the doubt and negative thoughts that bombard us daily with empowering messages that lower stress levels, decrease worry, fear, and anxiety. Affirming our self worth builds and reinforces feelings of happiness, optimism and harmony with our world. When coupled with meditation affirmations create a powerful tool that can  aid us in dealing with the challenges that face us everyday of our lives. In some cases, the individual will invoke a greater power, as does Cate in her piece, or some will use a mirror and trust the power of their own inner self.

By Cate Rees-Hessel

      

  1. I affirm to be kind and treat others with respect, even when we agree to disagree – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  2. I affirm to practice self care and self love – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  3. I affirm to stand firm in my beliefs, even if they appear to not be popular – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  4. I affirm to respect animals and the environment – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  5. I affirm to laugh more – laughter can be the best medicine; I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  6. I affirm to get fresh air and exercise – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  7. I affirm to set boundaries and not be afraid to say no when I need to – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  8. I affirm to not give my permission to be made to feel inferior (thank you, Eleanor Roosevelt) – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  9. I affirm to stay well informed regarding the world around us – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  10. I affirm to choose my faith over my fear – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  11. I affirm to eat my fruit and veggies; nutrition is important – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  12. I affirm to occasionally indulge – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  13. I affirm to a have spa day often – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  14. I affirm to have a mental health day often – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  15. I affirm to rid myself of toxic relationships – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  16. I affirm to stand up for myself and not be bullied – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  17. I affirm to take care of my health and well being – mentally, emotionally, and physically; I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  18. I affirm to be impeccably groomed and well dressed – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  19. I affirm to put others above myself when they have needs I can meet – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  20. I affirm to have fun – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  21. I affirm to try something new with an open mind – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  22. I affirm to dance with abandon even if somebody is watching – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  23. I affirm to be me in every way – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  24. I affirm to purr like a cat when I feel happy – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  25. I affirm to be the person my pets, my BFF’s, my siblings, and my spouse think that I am – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  26. I affirm to be the person God knows I am – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.

An OMG Christmas Newsletter

  By , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

An OMG Christmas Newsletter

 

 

An OMG Christmas Newsletter

By D.S. Mitchell

 

Too Many Days

I know all years, except for Leap Year, have 365 days.  So, why does 2025 feel like it’s got 750 days? Never mind; I figured it out on my own. Donald J. Trump’s in office and it feels like every ‘friggen day has somehow been virtually stretched and twisted until it feels like two.

How Much Bullshit is Too Much?

My memories of Trump’s first term are foggy at  best, but I think Trump wanted to takeover Greenland during his first administration and he continued the rhetoric into his second term. While deflecting the fallout from suggesting that we should make Canada the 51st state, I think  that’s when Trump started  demanding Google and all the map makers change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Just meaningless distractions? I’m not so sure. The ramblings of a demented old man? I’m sure it’s some of that, but certainly not all of it.

Heritage Foundation

None of it makes sense; unless you believe in Project 2025. The deeper we move into Trump’s Alice in Wonderland world the more chaotic…the more numbing. Trump has signed more than 220 Executive Orders since retaking the White House, surpassing all previous records and raising major concerns about the abuse of presidential power. The Robert’s Supreme Court seems more than willing to grant Trump’s every wish. Is there no conscience? No justice? No honor? No fairness? Apparently, not. There seems to be no limit on the Heritage Foundation’s love affair with the Robert’s court and its willingness to drag us back to 1950, or 1850. A time when women bore children, lots of them, a time when a woman had no rights except those allowed by her father or her husband. A time when white children were sold into indentured servitude, when blacks were slaves. A time when none of us want to go back to unless you are white, male, and wealthy.

Continue reading

12 Days of Christmas Gone Rogue

  By , , , , , , ,

12 Days of Christmas-Gone Rogue

 

12 Days of Christmas-Gone Rogue

 

By Cate Rees-Hessel

1. On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree…

What a cute little birdie and I do love fruit… Apparently, my dear true love forgot I have a cat. That little bird sure can fly fast when being chased by a feline. I had a devil of a time getting him down from where he landed on the chandelier. Then the little dickens ate the biggest pear off the tree, the one I was saving to make a tart. I put the tree and its occupant on my patio. Perhaps a basket of fruit from Harry and David with a partridge figurine from Wayfair would have been a more appropriate present…

  1. On the second day of Christmas my love gave to me, two turtle doves…

It appears my love is quite the birds enthusiast, but these “peaceful” little creatures have a mean streak. They attacked the poor partridge when I placed them on the patio. The feathers are flying here today.  The veterinary bill is being sent to my darling gift giver. How can one re-gift feathered creatures?

  1. More foul – hens! Three of them, and not for Christmas dinner, either. Three French Hens, complete with a tariff bill I had to pay before they were shipped, arrived today. I don’t have a hen house, and my patio is getting crowded…
  2. The man with whom I share some affection sure is a bird lover. Today I received four squawking, er, I mean calling birds. These birds certainly need their own cell phones. My patio is beginning to look a lot like an aviary. Has this man not heard of Zales? My dear seems to forget I work from home…
  3. Finally, my true love sent jewelry – five lovely stackable gold rings. Maybe a diamond bracelet or earrings is in my future, in place of our winged friends…
  4. More feathered friends. Six geese-a-laying eggs all over my carpet. Perhaps my love is hinting he would like to come over for an omelet. I know eggs prices have soared, but this is a bit overkill…
  5. Enough with the birds already – my boyfriend sent seven more avians. Apparently my condo association has a rule about seven swans-a-swimming in the community jacuzzi. Who knew such a codicil existed? Perhaps my next gift will be a consultation with an attorney, and I will be seeking the services of a realtor in the new year. This has been a challenging week, thanks to my guy. I sincerely hope he doesn’t acquire a fondness for rodents…
  6. Well, at least no more birds. The gentlemen with whom a bit of affection is shared sent me eight maids carrying empty milk jugs, since I don’t have a cow. Perhaps tomorrow’s gift will involve bovine. I do love me some fat free milk but really, a grocery gift card would be much more appropriate here. These alleged maids did a terrible job with the kitchen and bathroom; they did nothing for my egg stained rug, either…
  7. Now there is a ballet going on in my living room. Nine ladies are dancing their hearts out here – I had to move the furniture out of the way. I am sending them and the maids to a motel for the night. My friend with benefits is getting an invoice for the Uber and accompanying accommodations…
  8. My friend without benefits has now sent ten lords-a-leaping. These men in tights already knocked over a table, broke a floor lamp, and scared my dog, who was already quite traumatized from all the birds and women that keep arriving. Another trip to the veterinary clinic…
  9. More noise in the form of eleven pipers piping in my dining room; my acquaintance really needs to choose gifts more wisely. Has this dude never heard of Sephora or Macy’s? I am amazed at what one can purchase on eBay or Amazon…
  10. Even more noise for my frenzy – a dozen drummers to give me a raging migraine. I flew the coup and filed a restraining order against lunatic “true love”.

 

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, everyone – hope my gift of laughter made you smile this holiday season…

 

What I am Thankful for this Thanksgiving

  By , , , , , ,

What I am Thankful for This Thanksgiving

What I am Thankful for This Thanksgiving

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

Our nation is in crisis, but I am still thankful to God for the following this day:

 

  1. My loved ones: spouse, family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and furbabies.
  2. I am thankful for all the progressives at every level fighting against the dictator who thinks he is a king.
  3. I am thankful for the fact I never voted for him – I couldn’t live with that on my conscience.
  4. I am thankful for the arts in every form.
  5. I am thankful for children’s laughter – may we protect these innocent ones from harm.
  6. I am thankful that LBGTQ rights are still protected for now, because I love people in that community, including family and close friends.
  7. I am thankful our right to free speech is still present and we can speak our mind for now.
  8. I am thankful for the opportunity to make people laugh.
  9. I am thankful that the government shutdown is over and people can buy food to fill Thanksgiving tables, but my heart breaks that healthcare premiums will pay the price.
  10. I am thankful we can still worship in the faith we desire, and pray that God’s truth may finally break through the racist hate that is not what Christianity should stand for.
  11. I am thankful for freedom – the freedom our military has fought for and protects.
  12. I am thankful for a democracy – may our nation never be robbed of this.
  13. I am thankful for the 25th Amendment – may it be put to good use very soon.
  14. I am thankful for the right to vote – may we use this wisely.
  15. I am thankful for the power of the press, and may I never abuse that privilege.
  16. I am thankful for the power of words that we must use wisely.
  17. I am thankful for all those standing against ICE – just like the first Thanksgiving when native Americans and pilgrims shared a meal together in peace.
  18. I am thankful pumpkin spice season is nearly over.
  19. I am thankful to not have to eat turkey spam from a can.
  20. I am thankful for each of you reading this.

Continue reading