After a late-afternoon walk, where the above picture came from, I’m sitting in my kitchen. Sofia just devoured her dinner, and I’m deciding what I’ll do for mine. While I figure out that most important question, I am listening to a playlist that I created three-years ago when life was horrible. It’s filled with songs that make me laugh and cry, but mainly, they distract me. I need to get out of my head. I’m uneasy. Am I the only person trying to distract myself from tomorrow’s election? Certainly not. Many Americans feel it. We are who we are, and tomorrow is going to be another chapter in our personal story.
I had a planned a very nice update on life here in the new house and dealing with a second confinement in France. However, it seemed foolish to think anyone wanted to hear about that this week. Blah..blah..blah..I’m fine here. I’m doing much better than many, and for that, I am grateful. There’s the update.
I thought it would be more appropriate to drop a quick message to all of my readers and just share some of the same angst you feel, “What is going to happen tomorrow when America votes?”
If you think America’s government does not hold the interest of Europe, let me correct that thinking. In Europe, I find people have far greater knowledge of the political events in America than some Americans do. They know Nancy Pelosi and Mitch McConnell, Schumer and Melania, along with a host of other key players. They know about the Supreme Court and the rushed addition of Amy Coney Barrett. In short, they follow what happens in America because they understand the impact it has on the world. Whether they admire or have disdain for America, it has an impact on billions of people. Our cultural, political and social exports are pervasive. One would be hard pressed to find a person in the world that cannot name an American product, celebrity, song or city.
It’s a gift and a curse, because the world watches and judges life with a strong influence on how America behaves. And now the spotlight is shining on what happens next and how America behaves. Will we take to the streets and protest peacefully, or will we destroy so much of what people have worked on over the years. Will we flood social media with noise, or will we sit in quiet contemplation asking ourselves, “What happened and how could I have made a difference?” I don’t know.
We may not know for several days, weeks or even months how it all is going to turn out. However, I do know this. Regardless of the outcome after tomorrow, people will cheer and cry, people will feel vindicated while others feel violated. There will be winners and losers. We will be tested on who we are and how we want to show up after tomorrow. That never changes. At the end of the day…we are who we are.
I want to show-up well after tomorrow. It requires that I remind myself that my world is bigger than a geopolitical border, a party affiliation or just a set of beliefs of how the world should operate. I am not a political party, a believer or a non-believer, gay or straight, pro-life or pro-choice, white, black, Latino or Asian, an activist or a bystander. I refuse to define myself by those simplistic terms.
First, I am a human. A human who wants to see the world open instead of closed. I want to see the hungry fed and the sick aided. I believe in embracing diversity and not fearing it. Everyday, I want to learn something new about the world. Hopefully, I will stop screwing things up when they are just fine. I want to experience things that scare the hell out of me because I see them as foreign, while others see them as common. (I do have one caveat, I draw the line at eating certain street-vendor foods..I’m sorry God, I just can’t go there.)
Regardless of how things turn out after tomorrow, we’re going to need humans in the world to help cope with all the other shit going on out there; COVID-19, terrorism, racism, gender inequality, discrimination and those damn Kardashians (Why are they still making millions?). These are not political problems, but human problems. Yes, there is a tremendous influence governments have over cultural norms, but you can sow or destroy the seed that is planted. You are more whole than a political party, a philosophical belief or a country. You, my friend, are made from the same source that created the Universe. It is so much bigger than we could ever imagine.
I’m asking all of my friends to do what they need to do to feel better about tomorrow’s outcome. If you need to cheer, then cheer. Do you want to cry? Cry. If protesting on the streets dispels your anger and projects your voice–then please exercise your rights. But above all, do it humanely. Do it with love for those that do not see it through the same eyes as you or hear it through the same ears as you. Remain curious about what they see and hear and ask them to be curious. What you learn, may surprise you. Remember, at the end of the day…we are who we are. Who are you and who do you want to be? The magic lies in that question.
Luke
Wow, you were busy today! Funnily, I’m writing on a similar topic right now… but you are a much better human than I, and have a lovely perspective on what we all need to do for each other.
But ya are Blanche, ya are….That’s sort of how I feel about this whole election and the state of politics in the U.S….like I’m stuck in a wheel chair at the top of the stairs….oh well, the vote will happen, one of two sides will lose their shit and I will just hang out with my friends Ativan, Xanax, Vodka and Ice Cream.
I like your friends! I may need to become better acquainted with them myself!
Oh you will LOVE my friends.. 🙂 Sending you a big hug to you, the kids, and the best ladies in Phoenix. XOXO
You would make Joan Crawford proud…I think she may have outdone you with friends, although you run in the same circles. 🙂 You are right, there’s going to be some losing of shit..let’s hope it’s always moving in the other direction.
i like this one…more then anything, the universe is sooooo much bigger than this, than us, than myself. i always like looking at life with my head tilted. Stay safe and warm and looking forward to seeing you soon. 🥰😘🤗
Tensions are high here on the East coast as we await the election tomorrow. The National Guard is still just north of us in Philly, having arrived to quell the looting and violence in the aftermath of a police shooting, and staying to see what comes next. My sister lives across the road from the Biden’s and the road is under guard now, allowing only neighbors and those with clearance through this very middle class area. I don’t know what will happen, of course, but preparations seem to be underway for all possible outcomes. What I know is that life will go on, maybe not how I would like, but it will continue and we will enjoy our democracy. Stay safe and enjoy that we can vote and do have a say in our government.
Sigh..tensions are high everywhere indeed. Did we ever think we would find ourselves here? You are right..life will go on, this will be an important day not to forget. Here’s to resilience…even when we don’t like the outcome we get. There’s always something underneath that loss to learn. I hope everyone takes full advantage of our right in this democracy to vote and be counted! Be well, Kelli. Thank you for following along. Give your sister a shout-out from Europe for me.
Once again, so beautiful!
I hope it is a possibility given the multiple ways things can go. Keep on living your beautiful life. As soon as the skies re-open, we’ll be over to see you!!
Sending love and peace,
Rob
WOW! I didn’t realize how much I needed this today! Beautifully written and such a great reminder to all of us on each side…be kind, no matter how things turn out.
In other news…FB sent me a reminder this weekend with a photo of the breakfast table at The Clinic when we had the homemade Ramos House biscuits. :-).
xo
Thank you, Cheryl. I seriously had another post in mind..but realized, it’s likely to be lost in the noise. Be kind..no matter what. What a world it would be! And yes..in other news…can we just eat Ramos House biscuits, fresh eggs from The Clinic and Belvedere Bloody Mary’s?? What happened to the simple things in life? I miss you both, and know that I think of you often. Keep those posts coming..they always make me smile on the other side of the Atlantic.
Hi Lucca and Sophia,
I plan on cheering tomorrow! Cheers for a new leader and a brighter, kinder and more civil future. We have much to be thankful for inspite of an unprecedented 2020.
We have hope and no one can take that from us!
Be safe friend. We love u!
❤️👏
YES! I hope for brightness, a fresh perspective and a new direction from a new leader. It is such a defining moment for us under incredibly difficult circumstances. I think the wake-up call is loud and clear. I too have hope that we will put things right…be safe and love you both!
As usual a beautifully written commentary about an impending day that is sure to see unrest on both sides. I will just be glad when it’s over and we can move on to whatever that looks like. I must say I was looking forward to pictures of your home and the before and after pics of rooms you are working on; I’m sure they are beautiful. Let’s hope for peace and calm.
Thank you my dear friend! I will have some pics coming soon…hopefully the next post will be a return to normal life (which will surprise you!). It involves a tractor..a toad..a ton of garden work, and a tenacious Pekingese. Love ya and here’s to peace!
Well said Luke and I would agree….the whole world is watching. As many have said this year, of all the things you can be….just be kind ♥️ 2020 has been more than any one person can handle.
Thank you – Clare. I think 2020 was the most unfair deck of cards ever dealt. If we were in Vegas, we’d be hitch-hiking our way back to Barstow because we lost our car at a Craps table! It certainly has been a year that continues to unfold with never-ending drama daily. You are right. Be kind..the rest will work itself out. You stay well, and I look forward to staying connect on the other side of 2020.. 🙂
Four years ago, a different character won the popular vote in America and by the slimmest of margins, an unknown was put into office thanks to the Electoral College. There are no unknowns this time around. 70% of Americans think this election is about who we are as a nation and they are showing up to vote early. Texas currently has 700,000 more votes for this election than it has ever had for ANY election in the past. For me, America was on a pretty good bearing before this current President, and his cronies, took control. I live in a bit of a bubble here in Washington State, but I have friends in Florida, Pennsylvania and North Dakota and family in NY and Virginia that are all disappointed in the current direction of America. The Electoral College is the big unknown, but many signs, including Federal Judges nullifying attempts by the Right to exclude early votes, suggest that America will get back on track tomorrow. Will it be easy? Nope. But Americans are resilient people. Many of us understand the influence we have around the world and know that a unified nation leads to strength in other places. Stephanie and I have a bottle of champagne in the fridge. OK, sparking wine, but it’s nice. And we will open it tomorrow to celebrate our nation getting back on track.
John, Thank you for your comments. I happen to believe you 100%. This election is not about the president..as much as it is about how we want to be defined. I hope everyone who can vote…votes. It sounds like the turnout will be record-breaking. That is telling already. I think that even if the outcome isn’t what we expect..change is happening. It’s happening in the streets, in the colleges and universities, and even in the churches. It also seems that checks and balances are starting to be restored (just a glimmer). Will it be easy, no. But as they say, nothing worth fighting for is easy. You give Stephanie a big hello for me..and I hope to toast with you tomorrow (Europe time..when the results are more clear).. Be well in Washington. Thanks for your comments and for your support.
I certainly couldn’t have said it better. I have no idea what tomorrow will bring. I have had a dreadful feeling all day today. I’m sure everyone is on pins and needles. Que Sera, Sera… I only hope and pray our families and friends are safe and Stay healthy through this pandemic and our country comes together. Love you friend.
You nailed it beautifully, Teresa..let’s make sure our families and friends are safe and healthy..and there are people that need friends out there. Find them and be your beautiful self and make them smile! XOXO. Love you my friend!!
Thank you for this! Yes, many of us are here – shaking our heads in disbelief – as up has become down, right has become wrong, hate has become the norm … and yes, the Kardashians celebrate on a private island. That image is actually more spot on for today’s America … a group of people living lavishly, reaping the benefits of corruption and lots and lots of money, entitlement, and the “haves” … while everything else echos a past everyone said we wouldn’t repeat …
I want to trust the voting/system … but so much tells me “you in danger, gurl”
I do feel like I’m watching “Stranger Things”..and it’s an upside down world. Everyday we get to choose how we see it..and it’s hard not to feel like all that is wrong is right. But..I know this..this is not me, nor you, nor anything we have to participate in among our lives. I’m choosing to imagine a better circumstance is at work here. Even if all of this is simply to point out how much work there is to do on the American Dream. Sending much love to you both!
Spot on my friend. We may not be the shining beacon we once were, a little tarnished and bent but everything we do is under the world microscope.
You said it when you mentioned we’re all made from the same stuff. Many people forget that.
It was always interesting to see news programs in Europe that covered the elections.
Hugs to you and Sophia
The old girl needs a bit of polish on her..but I agree, we can get back to who we were. It’s going to take a lot of healing. I hope it doesn’t take a revolution..but perhaps that what is happening in its own way. Yes..I’m fascinated by the coverage in Italy and France..it’s only bested by the Covid coverage in Europe. Hugs back to you and Kevn..Sofia..is sending a bark your way! Oh and at some point, we need to talk about sourdough…I’ve got time on my hands! LOL
Luke,
Your post has inspired me to take a breath and try to look at tomorrow as a chance for each of us to put our mark on this day by participating in this great democracy we live in. I am looking for and patiently waiting for good to take back this crazy place we are living in. There is lots of anxiety here and for good reason. So, I will take a deep breath, do what I can to make a difference and hope for a better future. Oh, by the way…..those Kardashians? My guilty pleasure…🤣
Sue
Thank you, Sue! I agree..a breath is in order…and probably several the next few days. I am also hoping that we take ownership of what has been given to us, without any guarantees of permanence. it must be nursed and cared for every day. I’m watching and sending lots of love..and yes, I’m all for a Kardashian distraction…if that’s what gets you through this. LOL. Be well..and stay well!
Lou, you are always insightful and have your finger on the pulse of the moment. “We are who we are”, and with luck we will always strive to do better and bare good fruit like the blossoms which give way to almonds which are transformed in so many ways to suit our individual tastes and needs and yet remains a simple almond. ~Carol
Carol…thank you! That is a beautiful analogy. Just my simple post created angst among people…who would prefer to see my share an opinion about the outcome. If people know me..they know my opinion. My opinion is useless at this point..the die is cast. Now it’s about the what next. I think every one of us has the potential to blossom or shrink from a moment. That fact that you choose to blossom..reiterates why we stay connected after all of these years. Thanks for your wonderful comment and reminding me to
“blossom”! Love it.
Such a beautifully written post, Luke, thankyou. I am thinking of you, and your compatriots, here and there, as the starlings chatter in the trees below my Paris chambre. Stay well, a bientot, Christine
Thank you, Christine! Oh to have rosé and frites in the 6th arrondissement in Paris..I would do that again in a heartbeat! I hope you are enjoying your new place, and that this quiet time is giving you plenty of writing space. The starlings are such magical creatures..they are always living in a world just a few moments in front of ours! Be well..and à bientot!