I do. I want to post about good things, about stuff we’re making here, things we’re doing, how cute my dog is. How cute my kid is, even. But to talk about this stuff and pretend that the country isn’t in a dark place right now is disingenuous, it’s pretending that everything is fine, everything is normal.
It’s not fine. I do not support the policies of this president. My husband is an immigrant, our daughter has special needs, I am a former public school teacher. This is not the world we want. I have been speaking out, marching, giving to the ACLU, calling my senators and congressmen. I’m getting involved locally, joining committees, and even meeting with county democrats about a possible run for office sometime down the line. If you’re friends with me on Facebook, you know I’ve become one of the insufferable numbers who post endlessly about politics. But this is beyond politics, beyond an election. This is now about actual governing, and what I’m seeing is not what I think America is all about.
I want to go back to talking about all the stuff I love, and that I’ve been talking about here for almost 9 years now. But refugees, fleeing awful circumstances in their own homes, are being turned away at our airports. Five-year-olds and the elderly are being detained in isolation for hours. Betsy DeVos is meeting with minimal resistance as I type this in her bid to become Secretary of Education. I’m all for jobs, and a boost in the economy, but I do not believe this administration is the way to do it. The costs in return are way too high.
So, I will go back to posting about everyday life, and the stuff that feels so frivolous lately but is actually a tether to keep me from spiraling into constant worry. But it needs to be said out loud, and in writing, by anyone who disagrees with this government, that this is not normal. Our grandkids will one day read about how we stood up, what we did. And even on a little blog like this, that’s basically just read by Kathy and my mom, it needs to be announced.
And then we can move forward with the happy stuff. But you know where I stand. There are good things still happening in everyday life, and these policies have not reached my front door yet. But they very well might. And I need to keep posting the good stuff, keep my mental space clean and bright, so when they do ring the bell I’m rested, and I’m ready.
So, here’s a photo of my dog, who went to the groomer yesterday.
Thank you for recognizing what is awful and saying it out loud, as well as noting the relief in maintaining something normal and loving and creative. I wish I lived in NJ so I could vote for you when you run for office . . .
Thanks, Naomi!
I love your blog. I am also a teacher librarian just retired , obsessed with my little dog , and my favorite color is orange. Imagine my chagrin to hear people call the not- my- president “Mr Orange.” Ick. I’m also a beginner quilter so I was happy to find your blog. Please keep up the words and the power as we all must do in this unspeakably grim political climate. You are a breath of clean, cool fresh air.
Yes. To all of this. I have been struggling so much with how to continue my normal life with all of this and this …just…. black cloud over everything. Thank you for articulating it in a way I still can’t. I like the idea of clinging to the normal things so we don’t go off the deep end, while also taking action in the ways we can for now. Ugh. Sigh.
Not to downplay the dumpster fire that America has become, but that IS one cute dog!
Tava, thank you! And thank you for reading! It is…hard to keep everyday normal when we are not Big Picture normal.
We still have kids to raise, who don’t know the world is not one we’re proud of for them right now. I’m trying to remember that the world is still magic for them, and we can keep that going and maybe help our own sanity a little. While also speaking out and helping.
I never thought of myself as a dog person, we always had cats growing up. But this dog, I can’t get enough. Especially after he’s had a haircut and is extra fluffy!