So… for those of you who have read my drivel for a while and to all the newbies (thank you all for reading!), I’m sure you’ve noticed a certain pattern. I talk about pretty much anything and everything, with two exceptions. I rarely, if ever, speak of religion and/or politics. They’re both very delicate subjects that I only bring up in conversation if I feel like having some fun watching people get all fired up over nothing while I stay calm and collected. It’s how I amuse myself. Don’t judge…

However, there is something that has been bothering me for years that I’ve never really brought up to more than a few people (who don’t like to speak of these things, either). What I’d love to do is make this long, lengthy Facebook post and just start spouting off about this shit, but my hands are a bit tied. Some of the people I’d like to blast out of the water are either family of some sort or friends of family. And despite how much I love rocking the boat, I can’t create the tsunamis I want to. I can barely make ripples…

I know that, no matter how nicely I express my opinions, no matter what logic I present people, they’ll still have a fucking stroke over anything I say, so I remain quiet. But yesterday… I think I reached my breaking point.

I’m not one who watches the news. Ever. I know people think I need to know what’s going on in the world. No I don’t… My depression and anxiety aren’t under control at all. Watching or reading news, having people telling me things in the news… they just get me more stressed, depressed and anxious. Maybe ignorance isn’t always bliss, but it’s better for me. However, I really feel the need to bring this up somewhere, despite my discomfort in doing so. And for those who are sensitive about politics and the like, I would stop reading now…

I’m sure all of us are aware of what’s going on in the world right now (unless you’re living off the grid, in which case, how are you reading this?) We’ve all been in isolation too long because of COVID-19. If you have to leave your house (like I’ve done only twice), you see it’s not the world you know. Last time I went out, I had a meltdown and cried because this isn’t the world I know anymore and I don’t like it. If that weren’t enough, that poor man, George Floyd, was strangled, essentially, by a cop pinning him to the ground, knee in his neck, despite him stating he couldn’t breathe, until he was dead. People who tried to tell the other cops he was killing this man were threatened with mace. The cop wouldn’t even allow paramedics to check on George when they arrived. That’s fucked up… It’s a prime example of “absolute power corrupts, absolutely”. That man died over a $20 that seemed counterfeit. He died over $20… And then the world went bat shit crazy. The entire state of Minnesota broke out in destructive riots. Then Trump, in his infinite wisdom, chose his words poorly, stating “when the looting starts, the shooting starts”. I really think he should have worded that in a more professional, presidential manner because it just seemed to piss people off more. Everyone, think before you speak. Once it’s out there, it’s out there…

So, now that we’re up to speed, I’ll continue…

I have a cousin I just recently began speaking to again (after years of being estranged). He often likes to go off on tirades, whether texting them to me or writing short novels on Facebook. It’s hard to not say something… He’s a die-hard Republican *shudders* which makes it difficult for me to keep my mouth shut. Yesterday, when commenting on the riots, he said, “I had no idea the Democrats wanted Trump out of office this badly!” So… instead of people saying, “The Devil made me do it” the new thing will be “The Democrats made me do it”?! See, this is the shit that bothers me. People use “Democrat”, “Liberal” and “Left-Wing” like they’re dirty words. And it seems only Republicans do this. I don’t believe I’ve ever heard any of the afore mentioned bash Republicans in this fashion. And I especially hate the term “Lib-tards” when referring to liberals.

I’m also not sure people fully understand the terms of “right-wing” and “left-wing”. Wikipedia describes it as: Generally, the left–wing is characterized by an emphasis on “ideas such as freedom, equality, fraternity, rights, progress, reform and internationalism” while the right–wing is characterized by an emphasis on “notions such as authority, hierarchy, order, duty, tradition, reaction and nationalism”. So call me “left-wing” if you must, call me “liberal” if you must. I still like it better than the alternative. Actually, I’m kind of my own thing… I don’t fit fully into either group.

My theory on why the world has gone mad is simple… You lock people up for months, change how the entire world works, shut everything down, all because of a virus. Albeit an unpleasant virus that has been the cause of a lot of deaths. But the percentage of people who have died from it is .03%. Wearing our masks and social distancing isn’t why that percentage is so low. But they don’t report that. They report only the bad things to keep us living in fear. What the hell is wrong with this world?! So people are already losing their shit, then an injustice occurred and it was the final straw that broke the camel’s back, plain and simple. That’s why people are acting like animals. They’re getting out their pent up frustration over the way the world is and the police brutality that’s been a thing forever.

Yeah, yeah… I know. Me and my hippie-dippy crap, right?

Yeah, that’s me… a modern day hippie. But you want to know something…? They seemed much happier than people are today. Today, people seem very buttoned-up and constipated. But, I suppose it was the same then, too, right? You had the free-spirited hippies and the buttoned-up and constipated rest of the world. You know which group was happier…? The hippies! You know why…? Because, in their eyes, peace, love, compassion for all things, despite race, creed, color or religion was what they focused on. Love for the Earth, leaving it in peace, not destroying it. Love for all creatures and living things. Things that were lost along the way… except for a few of us who were born hippie. I’m not sure what the fuck happened with me… My parents were certainly not hippies. I have no idea where this shit in me comes from. But I embrace it.

Speaking of… A few entries ago I was torn between staying where I’m at and moving. In a trailer, I’d look out my windows and see someone else’s trailer. Here, I look out the back window and see trees, a creek running through the yard, plants, flowers… nature. I grew up in a lot of nature. In fact, I feel my best when I feel connected with nature, with the Earth. I was afraid to give that up for fear I’d be more unhappy than I am living in the hood. Some think it’s silly for me to base my decision solely on that alone, but I’ve decided. I’m staying here. I need my nature and that beauty. I need to feel grounded…

I’ll end this bummer of a post with something happy! I know, some of you have no interest in video games, but 2 of the Animal Crossing characters are celebrating their anniversary all month and I get to decorate and be photographer for them. Yesterday, after I decorated for the reception, Reese (the bride) wanted a party with my villagers. I thought this was the cutest screen shot I took. It’s nice to have some sort of celebration where you can be close together, no masks, and just party. And it’s super cute! Thus brings us to the end of my bummer of a post. Sorry… I’ll try to be happier next time.