Wednesday, November 9, 2016

What the world needs now...

I’ve been struggling with writing this post this morning.  I tossed and turned about it last night as I lay down to sleep.  I’m not going to get political. Yes, I am shocked and saddened by the results of last night’s election. On the other hand, I can understand that some Americans are so desperate for change that they felt this was the best answer.  Regardless, it is done. Too all that went out and voted, regardless of your political affiliation, thank you for exercising your right as a citizen of what I still believe to be the greatest county in the world.  I pray that we continue down that path. And I think the accountability starts with each and every one of us. Republican, democrat or independent; this is our country. This is our future.  These are our children.  We teach them the basics of right or wrong.  Not a man or a woman on the television or in the White House.  We raise the children in our communities to someday leave the nest and take on what can often be a dark and scary world.  We can’t hold their hands forever but we can pray that we did our best to raise them with morals, ethics and love for all humans regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual preference.  To my friends and loved ones that have had to fight these obstacles, know that I support and stand proudly beside you. 

We are not born with hate and fear in our hearts.  We learn it through our environment.  So my challenge to you today and each day you are blessed to wake up - be strong! Send supportive messages through your words and actions.  Fight for equality. Be active in shaping and molding our future. Spread love. Abolish hate and prejudice.  Teach respect. Just as every vote counted in that election tonight, each of us have the ability to change the world around us.  We often find ourselves in a bitter world full of judgement and finger pointing, obsessed with those that “offend” us.  Don’t worry about what Jim Bob down the street is doing. You can’t control him and frankly it’s none of your business.  Be the best you can be! Let your light shine! It starts within each of us. And I believe with every fiber of my being that love and goodness are contagious.  They are stronger than fear and hate. Do things with kindness, not because you want to be recognized or have it reciprocated.  Do it because it is the right thing to do.  Do it because the world doesn’t need any more assholes.  Peace and forgiveness may not be the easy choice but it is the only choice we have to move forward in a positive manner.  Never give up what you believe in.  Be like the Cubs.

The Cubs, Lyndee?  Really?  Yes!!! For a moment last week no one cared about the election. My social media feeds were positive and celebratory.  The underdog of 108 years, the nice guys finish last, “loveable loser” Chicago Cubs rallied back in the World Series and came out champions.  It was one of the greatest moments in sports history, in my opinion. I am a Cubs fan but it’s more than that.  I spent late nights with my friends watching the games and sharing laughs. We had something wonderful to talk about at work. I watched my brother’s dream for his baseball team come to life. Fans came to celebrate their heroes 5 million people strong in the 7th largest gathering of humans in history.  There was no hate. No riots.  There was joy and jubilation. The curse had been broken.  And for a moment, people of all walks of life were united in celebration and hope.  It wasn’t just a baseball game.  It was a testament to the human spirit.  A moment I will never forget. 
Of course, I still feel like I have a bit of a “Cubs hangover”.  No, I didn’t drink too much but lots of late nights watching the games kicked my butt.  Friday night I enjoyed a relaxed evening with my girls around the fire.  Saturday took a much needed road trip with Summer and Maria. We drove to Iowa City and spent the day at a metaphysical expo. I know, it sounds kind of weird but it was awesome.  We got new stones, I bought a beautiful amethyst ring, had a chakra session and a a psychic drew my animal totem and gave me a reading.  Turns out mine is a mix of an owl and a butterfly, with the spirit of a phoenix.  I know! How fricking cool is that? It made a lot of sense when she described the drawing to me.  I love it. After the expo we went and visited my brother and his family.  You know I can never get enough time with my Gable and Kirkie, aka, Rizzo and Harry Carey if you saw them at Halloween.We enjoyed a wonderful dinner before heading back to Des Moines that night.  
Sunday was a productive day of cleaning, gym time, writing and running errands.  Sunday night I went to Ben’s for dinner, cards and a hot tub party.  It was a great weekend of chill time to recharge a battery that has been running low the last few weeks.  I’ve got lots of doctor’s appointments this week and next to make sure that all is running right again. Fingers crossed and prayers accepted for continuous progress and strength. 

It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner.  Wasn’t it just 4th of July? Time to get working on my ugly Christmas costume for this year.  And my gifts for the Beaver Framily Crafty Christmas! 

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

The thin blue line

The city of Des Moines. The place I have called home the last 11 years. The capital of Iowa and one of the best places in the Midwest for young professionals and to raise a family.  Last night we were a city in celebration. Our beloved Chicago Cubs forced game 7 of the World Series.  Everyone knows the story of the goat, the drought in our pennants and the fortitude of this young team bringing hope and joy to so many longtime and diehard fans.  What some may not know, outside this area of corn fields and farms, is that the Cub connection to Iowa runs deep.  We are the home of the Iowa Cubs…the Triple-A minor league team that farms talent for the Chicago Cubs. Many names you’ve seen on the playoff rosters have been part of the Iowa Cubs at one time or another.

We went to sleep last night singing “Go Cubs, Go!”, chanting “we believe”!  A proud and excited city, draped in red, white and blue.  We woke this morning under a cloud of darkness, praying for the thin blue line. Unable to believe what had happened on our streets overnight. 

Two police officers were ambushed and killed last night just blocks apart from each other. http://whotv.com/2016/11/02/two-metro-police-officers-killed-in-apparent-ambush-attack/.  The breaking news has not only rocked our community but the nation as a whole.  This is not how we want to be featured on CNN, The Today Show and other news outlets.  This is not what Des Moines is about. This is a strong community with ethical beliefs, smiling faces and “Iowa Nice”.  A place where children play outside without fear.  Families walk their dogs after dark without a second thought.  We are family, neighbors and friends.

The first officer was killed four blocks from my old house. Down the street from my cousin and the school where children I love attend. The second officer killed near my bank, my gym, my mall, the stores I frequent, less than 2 miles from my home.  We’ve lost brothers in blue in the line of duty and in accidents.  Never, that I can remember, in cold blooded, senseless murder that will ravage the heart and souls of their families, colleagues and loved ones forever.  Many of my nearest and dearest friends have close ties to officers in this city that risk their lives to protect ours. My heart breaks for them.

Regardless of you ethnicity, religion or political views what happened last night is devastating. It shakes you to the core.  We often see the world and it’s darkness in the media but rarely this close to home.  The blatant disregard for human life that has encapsulated our country brings tears to my eyes.  We cannot continue down this path. We must come together. Stand strong for each other, for our children, our futures and for those that vow to protect and serve us.  Hug your loved ones close. But maybe, just maybe today, hug a stranger.  Share a smile. Salute an officer. Pay happiness forward.  Be thankful and count your blessings. Think before anger engulfs you.  Tell someone you’re sorry.  It costs nothing to be a decent human being and show love.  The world needs it right now. 

Sending all my love and prayers to the victim’s family and the city I will forever be proud to call home.  We are Iowa strong.  

A memorial fund has been started for the fallen officers.  Please consider donating by clicking here.