Just over here grabbing JOY

 which doesn't negate

 for a minute

the HUGE BS Bill which could negate health care 

for millions,

 a bomb strike by a leader of another country as corrupt as ours is,

human beings -who sought out this country for a better life -

as did most of OUR relatives, generations back -

now being handcuffed by masked militia and sent to prisons

in foreign countries with no accountability or due process

and lets not forget zip tying seniors

IN WHEELCHAIRS

for the crime of exercising their freedom of speech.

 

Just when you think they can't sink any lower,

they find a new rung on the evolutionary ladder.

 

So, just a reminder

 Despite all things political,

beauty remains

 and is a stunning reminder that even the current regime

can't destroy all the 'good' that is out there!

Friends who are master gardeners get out there,

playing in dirt in all our Midwestern heat,

creating harbors of beauty. 

and invitations to look for even more beauty in backyards.

When I saw THIS piece of what looks to be a pile of confetti on Instagram,

it was love at first sight.

Such a great reminder that there's something to celebrate

every day -

as long as you look for it

and stay open to ways to surprise and delight yourself!

 

Hope renewed

I know this feeling won't last forever

but, boy, does it feel good 

for right now!

The much needed reminder that you're not alone;

that you're not the only one that thinks our country is seriously out of whack;

that the cruelty which is SO the point of the current administrations policies 

do NOT represent who the majority of the citizens in this country are;

the possibility, no matter how slight, that there will be an end,

a reckoning,

of this terrible period in our history.

 

My sign was ready.

And, after much debate - and an ongoing argument with my brother,

I painted over the NO Dic tator sign and replaced it with

No Mad King.

There were several protests planned in our area and I went to the closest one.

I had every intention of joining the larger event downtown several hours later,

but between my health, the heat and symptoms of dehydration,

I opted for AC and home instead.

 Luckily, there were thousands of people to cover for me.

 

St Louis turned out in glorious style.

 

It was heartwarming to see.

I know I'll be returning to these images in the months ahead -

reminders that there are like minded people out there IN DROVES

who object to what's being done in our names, 

to our country

in the coming 3 years -

oh god, that's a long time!!

 

Soaking up every glimmer of joy I can to get through.

 

Art Boy had an exhibit in Kansas City last weekend

and, on opening night, sold 7 of his paintings.

I was SO pleased for him.

Had a quick visit with him before he headed west again.

Stay cool out there!

And grab your joy where you can find it!