An interesting party we have going here

Hi Debby. Yes, I am doing really well. At this point in my life, I have an inner sense of joy that I've wanted to feel for a long time. A lot of that comes from understanding and giving to others and also realizing that life is just a gift. I was very mission oriented during my working life, and I think that obscured the fact that our goal in life is to have a good heart no matter what we do. There's nothing to build that will last forever, so I am focused on my relationships. I hope you are well. I was always very fond of what you wrote here. It is uniquely kind and positive in a very striking way. Take care!!!

Jennifer, your comment reflects your kind attitude and inclination for peace on Earth! We're definitely interested in hearing disagreeing views, but presented with a "normal" sense of humility. I certainly do not have all the right answers and it's not always a pretty world out there, but we know that it takes a lot of hard work rather than bullying to address. That kind of interaction should start here. Smiles!!

Thanks Jan. This can be a great space and we can enjoy all the different sights, sounds, and smells (something you appreciate). You're really a breath of fresh air!!! Take care and smiles!!!

Thanks Gershon. I hadn't expected to have this much attention. I was thinking that there are already many "lambs" slaughtered with "iambs" of misinformation. In any case, it helps to have an open mind and realize we're all sometimes wrong or unaware of harm inflicted in the name of profit and efficiency. We have an opportunity to discuss it all with mutual respect. Smiles!!

Daniel, your words are most kind. I think of what you have to say as well since it takes a grand view of our position in the universe. Really special you are. Poetry itself and the dialogue we have provides a source of good. Take care, sir!!

Anaya, thanks for this thought-provoking and hopeful comment. We certainly do hope we make a difference. It does seem that we're steaming ahead full speed despite being in troubled waters. We're seeing some protest and I suspect it will increase, but it's hard to predict. A billionaire supported autocracy doesn't fall easily. I suppose an appropriate lapel pin these days would be a titanic button rather than an American flag. There's a museum in Belfast that sells them, and they could do a brisk business there. I had purchased some a couple of years ago and recently sent some to people I know who work in the federal government. Smiles.

John, you are a very kind soul. We only wish for peace and harmony in this place and in the world at large. We are not alone. It seems to me that it's easy to lose sight of worthy goals if we lose focus on love...you point this out in your poetry with grace and humor. Smiles!!

Thanks Benjamin. There's a lot of good interplay among almost all of us all here. I learn a lot from people and reading poetry exposes me to different ways of thinking about different things. If am very pleased what I wrote aroused your curiosity and thirst for knowledge. However, I don't particularly appreciate others that portray themselves as infallible. I certainly am not, and I believe you are also very sincere and open to ideas. That's a good thing and I enjoy reading your work. Smiles!!

That's pretty funny. Yeah, at first, I thot it had something to do with iambic parameters. I get the reference to that Silent movie, never could quite get through them though.

Thanks David for the thoughtful comment. I tend to chalk up any negative feedback about DT and MAGA to cult-like acceptance of misinformation, inadequacy of certain male members of society, and religious extremism. However, I don't think Kamala did a very good job explaining her position. There were some things that clearly went awry, many people wanted a change, and many were under the impression DT would act in their interest. I don't have to tell you how well that worked out. The options we have seem somewhat limited for the time being. However, we can protest non-violently to make our displeasure more public.

Thanks Maureen. A small thing, but seeing a cult crack happens slowly at first. Your poems are inspirational and your ideas make sense. I love how you are living with a small footprint. That is really something of value. Smiles!!

Thanks Mike. I looked at a couple of your latest poems. You have a good handle on what's important in life. We all have something to say and it takes a kind soul to be willing to open up, listen, and forgive others for what they may have done which we find unkind. Amazingly, sometimes someone who affected us with their biases might come back out of the blue and apologize. We never know, but there are thoughtful people who can change. Smiles!!

Thanks Tania. It's a funny thing about the comments we get when they come across as if powered by a bulldozer. It's a reflection on what some people are thinking and the fact that they seem to have doubts or have closed their minds to reason in some way to make themselves feel better. Cults tend to do that to people.

Anne-Lise, funny indeed! I usually am interested in what went wrong in the kitchen! If the chef would only come out with the explanation, we could all benefit. Smiles!!

Zyrool, thanks so much. It was not expected and it also creates a bit of a challenge since I like to read what commenters have written also. Hope you have a great week!!

Jan, you, me, and others are trying to have fun here! We can have disagreements, but at least let's talk them out with civility and share why we feel the way we do. Disagreement and mud when handled in the right way can make this an even better place. I love finding out I am wrong in what I think provided there's a reasonable explanation. Of course, sharing some of the great stories we get here is just a hoot!! Take care!

Beryl, much appreciated. And now, before making any further responses here, I must go and get a pick-me-up by clicking on that link just under Minnie!!

Tom, you are very kind. I really appreciate your philosophy of life as comes through in your work and comments. Hope you have a wonderful rest of weekend and I know you understand how to enjoy the gifts that nature has somehow provided to all of us. Not everyone has that good fortune, but it's evident in the stories you tell. The nuances are just phenomenal and touch those of us who can appreciate them. You're providing great therapy to everyone and it's free. Laughs and smiles!!

Thanks Lin for this opening. This is really about the feeling we get that depends on how we interpret and react to each other's comments. I would hope that each of us would take the trouble to express carefully what troubles us. In the case you're citing, I see what the position taken was, but it wasn't presented in a way that indicated there could be a constructive discussion or interaction. It sometimes helps asking a question rather than stating a questionable fact. I wanted the third line "eating foul crunch" to also refer to spreading it around. We wouldn't mind if it were sweetened with a touch of humility. I know I am not always right and certainly very far from perfect in my own perception of things. All we really ask is for someone to have a bit of an open mind. Smiles of course.

Karen, thanks for taking time to comment. I never expected this honor, but the fact that it has brought you here is a neat thing indeed. Hope you are well. Smiles!!

SP, thanks so much for this comment. There's plenty to think about regarding our current complex situation and how many innocents will be sacrificed along the way by our leaders. Most poets know what they're looking at, but a few may have adopted the bulldozer approach to the discussion, and that doesn't help any of us feel better. We have a great forum here for sharing our experiences with a little humility. I expect not everything anyone looks out works exactly as any of us expects. Smiles!!

Andrea, are you saying I'm obsessed? LOL!!! I think it's all really important and this allows us to poke a little fun at some of the bad actors (of which there are many). There's bad on all sides, but what we have now is particularly threatening to our way of life! Smiles!!

Tom, yes this will definitely pass. At some point we suspect people/countries will stand up to the bullying and everything he has politically will crumble. We'll be watching. Smiles!!

Maureen. Thanks for your comment. You pointed out so clearly and effectively that the trans issue is not about what we've been led to believe by our leaders. Many of us understand marginalizing others simply distracts us from the toxic actions of the very rich to pass a tax cut so that they can enlarge their bank accounts and try to make themselves feel better--even if it harms everyone else. This will neither eclipse nor deny the brief nature of human existence and what we should do while we're here. Your behavior seems exemplary. Smiles and thank-you!

Make Algorithms Great Again!

Really, Duke, was that the best last line rhyme you could come up with?

Top of the world!

Keith, thanks for the visit. You certainly make an impression on people. Hope you are well.

Thanks Arthur, a was just reading your latest work and see you raise some very interesting questions about how we treat each other. It's amazing how it always comes down to a money grab and the idea that a few wealthy people should have control over everything. You're very kind.