Monday, July 29, 2024

In America, this week is starting with the national scene heating significantly. The presidential candidates are tied neck-to-neck, the Feds might cut interest rates, Joe intends to reform the Supreme Court by instituting term limits and an ethics code, and gender battles are re-energized and in an uproar.

There’s plenty to worry about locally, too. Here on the West Coast, wildfires are raging; they’re huge and destructive, with arsonists, as usual, responsible for many. I’m not personally fighting a nearby wildfire, but grid damages and supply shortages will increase my monthly electric and water bills.

Now, it’s much more than “the economy, Stupid.” Today, all nations are involved; “it’s” a world economy of environmental changes, supply chain inadequacies, overpopulation tensions, and religious and migration issues.

We’re all on edge with worries about earthquakes, wildfires, rising costs, and shifting populations, and we are doubting the once-rosy visions of promising technology. For example, electrical grids that can’t adequately charge the predicted waves of battery-powered vehicles.

Sure, societies have weathered big changes. They cycled through the Industrial Revolution, a horseless carriage era, and the Twentieth Century’s post-world wars. Finally, resistance to the war in Vietnam changed how societies weathered events.

My point is that this week is opening to a renewed wave of social-economic issues. They’re about who will run the country, who will legitimize decisions, and whether the economy can be regulated to help daily living become more affordable.

It’s about a world economy, Stupid.

Dear Friends: About the movie “Casablanca,” I love its naive dose of heroism. Diana

Sunday, July 28, 2024

I am excited to see how effectively my re-self-generating Spanish Lavander plant attracts bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Today, I will add new sets of that easy-care, fragrant, and beautiful plant, even a whole section, with nearby seating for hanging out to see and enjoy insect action.

Before living on a small acreage, I rarely thought of insects as more than nuisances. Nowadays, it’s astonishing how well I have learned to appreciate and admire them. Also, what’s different from the “old days” is my great awareness of the value of small reptiles. Lizards and garter snakes that live on my property are always mightily seeking prey with quick tongues that flick and grab.

My increasingly trained eyes see much more around. Time has taught me the value of watching closely every tiny critter. Most of them have small footprints but are, as a whole, essential to environmental and plant welfare.

Having rethought my garden, I will select new plants, and those most applauded for attracting insects and birds. The high desert weather is perfect today for digging and planting activities.

Dear Friends: From the ridiculous (politics) to the sublime (nurturing). Diana

Friday, July 26, 2024

Whee! The Olympics, America’s presidential race, the Good Guys intercepting jets from Russia and China, and Netanyahu’s visit to America. Plus, in Central Oregon’s cooler weather last night, I slept under a blanket.

The chaotic world news forces us to find balance. Staying informed is worthwhile, and so is maintaining personal well-being.

We must know to vary our perspectives. Absorbing news through an historical perspective reminds us of how societies have navigated past crises. Absorbing news with a global perspective provides insight into how other countries are dealing with similar issues.

Following news with various perspectives to analyze it broadens a grasp of challenges and potential solutions. Those aren’t necessarily calming, which makes it important to constantly nurture personal balance and a sense of well-being.

News chaos that seems disheartening presents opportunities for growth, learning, and positive change. We must stay informed and engaged and have a sense of personal well-being. It’s how to navigate political and social turbulence, and hopefully anticipate a more stable and just world.

Dear Friends: These days of chaos have been refreshing my sense of hope. Diana

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Today, the weather bug anticipates that Central Oregon temperatures will drop significantly. A cooling-off will make working outside easier than in the intense heat during the last weeks. Fortunately, this is a day off from my part-time job. If it’s cooler outside, I will feel more like handling the work waiting here at home.

I said I’d not make political comments but am completely offended by a public persona, an alpha male, who has called women without children “cat ladies,” suggesting they’re not “normal women.” Bye, bye, dumb-sh*t. I sensed long ago, upon reading your book, that you have deep, unresolved psychological problems. Now, you’re confirming my impression.

Not only mine, because today’s social media are full of cat lady memes, clever, laughable, and on-the-point. This election cycle isn’t a good time to be picking on women’s choices; those are huge issues these days. Trump and Vance are misogynistic. It’ll be interesting to see how they will or if they can adjust their campaign styles.

Hey, if they even need to adjust! A large section of Americans, both men and women, consider those guys the tops and potential saviors of what’s best about this country.

While working outside in the cooler weather, I’ll stay aware of what’s happening politically. Like almost all (and likely worldwide) others, I intend to watch and listen and expect to have shifting perceptions.

Dear Friends: We are characters in a reality novel written in the moment. Diana

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

I can’t tear myself away from the news. Americans are witnessing a sudden, new gulp of historical change and guessing at the possible outcome(s). And the rest of the world is equally worried about American political turmoil. We’re all wondering how a “changing of the norm” will impact the larger landscape.

Experience has taught me not to write my opinions. I will comment generally because a massive social change deserves recognition. Watchers like me want to see political leaders reacting and adjusting appropriately to an unanticipated new normal.

One of the most difficult challenges in my life has been accepting that all things are impermanent. Time has taught me that my existence evolves with changes. Change is never a single event but a constant force that can reshape my life and the surrounding world.

We truly are in a moment of history representing a huge cultural shift.

Dear Friends: It’s like plunging into deeply rushing water and managing to swim. Diana

Sunday, July 21, 2024

I’m interested in creating a website but haven’t a clear vision of its ultimate purpose. I’m focused on simply getting started in web creation, which is new to me. I have quit wondering why I want a website; I can develop the details while moving along.

As a non-coder, I must first learn basic coding. That’s about as interesting as watching grass grow, but regardless, the world increasingly is demanding skills in at least one coding language. I will be stepping up.

My website might highlight Central Oregon; despite its constant growth and changes, it’s still a magical place. It’s impossible not to enjoy a place that’s minutes away from the surrounding mountains, forests, and deserts. However, there are also negatives. Climate change and its impact on water availability are a big concern because of our enlarging population and ongoing construction.

A website could promote my interests: animals, photography, and Central Oregon’s fascinating history. An active site could also affect my blogs, composition, and chosen topics. All those are yet to know because, starting off, everything’s about coding.

Here I am, reading mysteries, learning about gemstones, and planning to enroll in coding language courses. I’m also actively living. Today, my artist friend Janet and I plan to have lunch somewhere interesting and tour the horse show afterward.

Dear Friends: An evolving fantasy on the verge of becoming reality. Diana