Author Archives: Lenora Good

Are You Adoptable?

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Oh for heaven’s sake. Somehow, when I copied and pasted, I dropped the lead paragraph: This is a reprint from my now defunct blog, Odds n Bods, from a different tim, with a few changes, and additions. /sigh/

I read an article the other day that got me to thinking a tad bit about old age, growing older, and all the related implications.

The article, “He was one of millions of Chinese seniors growing old alone. So he put himself up for adoption.” is by Emily Rauhala at The Washington Post, May 2, 2018.

It is about an 85-year-old Chinese man, a widower, with children who had long since moved away and had lives of their own. The old ways in China are dying, if not dead. Modernity has come, and with it the fact that children are not always in a position to care for aging parents as once was the norm. Han Zicheng, tired of being alone, of having no sons to care for him (he claimed he had two, one of them said there were three), posted a note in a public place asking for someone to adopt him so he would not die uncared for, alone.

Loneliness is a terrible thing, and we, as a species, seem to feel it more when we are surrounded by people, strangers. I wrote a blog about it December 28, 2015, Are You Lonesome Tonight? on a now defunct blog and even had a link to Elvis singing his popular song. Fortunately the YouTube link to The King’s recording is still available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XVdtX7uSnk.

My memory of the article about Mr. Han is he was “needy”—he complained about his plight, he didn’t want to do for himself, he expected others to do for him. He refused to go to a nursing home. There were people who maintained contact with him, sporadic at best, but not his family. 

I’m sure we all know people like Mr. Han, I certainly do. They are very needy, and though surrounded by people, no one pays them much attention because they are always angry or complaining. Most of them are also excellent manipulators, and often one doesn’t realize what is happening until they’ve been sucked in. Needy people are exhausting people. They don’t want to help themselves; they want someone to “fix” it for them, whatever “it” is. There is a reason I never became a counselor. 

Someone sent me a quote by Cynthia Nelms the other day, “Nobody cares if you’re miserable, so you might as well be happy.” It’s good advice. Truly, nobody cares. Oh, that’s not to say, when the now and again calamity hits they don’t care, but it gets jaded hearing nothing but complaints from people, even when couched in such a manner they think they’re being cute and people won’t notice. Complaining is a habit, and like any habit, it can be broken with a little work. Okay, a lot of work. Still it’s a habit that can be broken. Or continually reinforced. Pay attention to what you think, speak, and write. Is it positive, or is there a hint of whine? Cheese not included. 

I read an article the other day by a counselor, and I now wish I’d marked it, written it down, but I didn’t. Old age, ya know? Anyhow the counselor said that forgiving someone isn’t about them, it’s about the one who forgives. You can hate someone for your whole life, and guess how much sleep the hated person loses over it? Yeah, none. How much do YOU lose over it? The counselor suggested even if you don’t really want to forgive the offending person, pretend to forgive them. Every time you think of them, and start getting angry, etc., stop and say something like, “(Name) you really hurt me. I forgive you.” and then go one with your day. Repeat as often as necessary. Eventually, you’ll really forgive them without really noticing, and you’ll start to feel better than you’ve felt in years.

At some point in my life it came to me that I’m probably going to be alone far more than I’m going to be coupled, and if that’s the case, I’d darned well better learn to like myself, because I’m going to be the best, and possibly only, company I’m going to have as I age, grow old, and die.

By the way, this idea of being afraid to die alone is rather odd, if you think about it. Two things we always do alone are being birthed and dying. There may be friends and or family present, but when push comes to shove (pun intended) we’re gonna do it alone. If it frightens you, I suggest you do some searching as to why it frightens you, and then act and change so it doesn’t. Educate yourself. If the face of the god you worship is a vengeful, wrathful, frightening one, consider finding a more forgiving, humorous, and loving face of your god to worship. As Reverend Mother Odrade, BG, said, “Face your fears or they will climb over your back.”

Are you lonesome? Want someone to adopt you? Are you adoptable? Which baby do you gravitate to—the happy, bubbly baby, who loves to burble and smile? —or the grumpy one who would rather cry and whimper and scream? Who would you adopt?

Public Service Announcement: I sent two checks off to the ALS Association and End of Life Washington today, in memory of Thomas, each for $80.00. Thanks to all of you who bought the book. And thanks to all of you who will buy the book, the next check will go out in February.

Lenora

“Don’t take life too seriously. You’ll never get out of it alive.” –Elbert Hubbard

The Book has Launched

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I was at The Book Tree in Kirkland, WA on Saturday 2 August 2025, to read some poetry from Saying Goodbye to Thomas and other poems to officially launch the book, to send it out into bookstores and the hands and hearts of readers.

I spent time figuring out how condense the video my Sister of Choice, Lee, took of m reading. Finally called my Guru, and he said why not just load it to YouTube and put the link in. So, I did. This was in a bookstore, and you’ll hear me read AND the door bell, as the door opens and closes.

Enjoy the reading. Enjoy meeting Thomas if you weren’t one of the most fortunate to have known him in life, meet him in spirit.

The ISBN: 979-8899900471, take it, the title Saying Goodbye to Thomas, my name ah, come on, you know be my now, I’m Lenora Rain-Lee Good–your favorite Auntie Lenora, and go into your favorite brick and mortar bookstore to order your copy (either paper back or hardback). Remember, all proceeds/royalties will be divided equally between ALS Association and Death With Dignity.

Aho!

An Open Letter to Adult Children of Parents of a Senior Age

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Are your parents ageing in place? Are they losing physical abilities? Mental abilities? Has the time come for them to move to whatever city you live in so you can more easily care for them?

Might I suggest you consider changing the game? YOU move to be near them. Yes, I know, they’re retired, and you’ve found a marvelous retirement home just a few miles down the road where they can be with other people their age, they can take up golf (they’ve never expressed an interest in golf, but still, they can do it), they have two busses to take them to doctor’s appointments, etc., did I mention there are lots of people their age to play cards with, visit with, knit with, yadda, yadda, yadda…

Just because they are of an age doesn’t make them instant friends. I can’t think of anything worse than moving in with a bazillion old farts and fartesses. They tend to have two major topics of conversation:  1. their bodily functions and 2. their children who parked them there and never come to visit. Oh, and remember the cliques of grade school? They thrive in retirement homes!

I know you love your parents, and you care about them, and want to see them happy, but pulling them from a town they know, from people they know, and moving them to someplace else is a way for you to assuage your guilt, not to show your love for Mom and Pop.

Can you imagine going to the dining room to eat and find yourself either unable to break into an established clique to eat with someone whose company you might enjoy while eating, only to then find yourself mired in a conversation of bowel movements—color, consistency, or lack thereof, or the complaint brigade whose children never come and seldom call? Or, if you moved them into the place with the golf course, which they don’t use, being stuck at a table of avid golfers. That’s what you want to inflict upon Mom and Pop.

It’s hard moving from a place where you’ve lived for years, made roots, have friends, and go someplace where you know no one. I know. I’ve done it. And I sought out areas with a good mix of ages. As irritating as those short-legged people with high pitched voices can be, they make me smile, and I would NOT want to live anyplace without them. They help keep me young. 

What do your parents love doing? Quilting? Writing? Open Mic readings? Going to the museums? Sitting in the park and watching people? Go out to eat at their ethnic restaurants? Plein air art? Watching High School football? Going to the University for mind limbering classes?

Consider looking at apartments downtown, preferable ones with a wide range of tenant age, where they can walk to the grocery store, take advantage of public transportation, walk to parks to watch and listen to kids run and play, lovers walk arm in arm, visit museums, go to outside venues for music, art, etc., where they can make friends of different ages, and stay younger, longer.

There is one other idea that needs to be discussed—that of the Parent of a Certain Age moving to be closer to her children. It does seem to be mothers who wish to be closer to their nuclear family, especially if Mom is widowed or divorced, and grandchildren are young. I’ve known several women who moved to be near their children, and grands, selling homes they loved, leaving friends of years, etc., only to get moved in, and have the chosen child get a better job a thousand miles down the road. One case I know is the chosen child moved clear across the country. Mom followed. Chosen One moved back. Mom followed. I have no idea if Chosen One has moved, again, but those moves were expensive. For all. 

So, if you want your folks to move near you, ask what they want. And listen. And be realistic in the amount of time you are willing to spend with them. Have a date night with your partner every week? Set one up with your folks! Take them out, show them their new town, take them to dinner, the theater, whatever they choose. Make that night sacrosanct as your date night. If they don’t want the old folk’s home, don’t forget downtown apartments.

Lost Files and Box of Books

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Lost Files:

As mentioned a couple posts ago, I had my identity stolen last April—the nightmare that keeps on giving.

Once I had my computer back (note: the thief didn’t steal the actual computer, he hijacked my iCloud files) from the thief, I took it to a trusted computer store, and had it ‘scrubbed’ for any trojans, viruses, etc. that the thief may have planted. It came home all squeaky clean—and missing about four and a half years of my poetry. I thought my files were backed up, but, alas, not to be found. Talk about grief and depression! 

The thief also stole my phone number, and many thanks to the crew at our local Verizon store, I got it back the night before my number was to go back into the pool of numbers and beyond retrieving. We had to take my phone back to factory settings to get the thief’s phone number off it. Which meant I’d lose all the apps I’d put on. No biggee, just a pain. Well, one biggee, I’ve not been able to find the solitaire game I had enjoyed. The new ones are subpar in my opinion.

Sooo, last Monday night, I saw an app on my phone I didn’t remember seeing. Called “Files.” Now, I’m just a tad leery of clicking on things since the Great Hijacking. But eventually I had to click on it. And there were my Document files. Would my lost files be there? I wasn’t sure I wanted yet another major loss, and it was with a great deal of trepidation I scrolled down and there they were and are. Depression cured. 

When I was spending so much time in Kirkland, with Thomas, I started saving everything to the cloud so I could access files I needed/wanted from my iPad. Then, after I came home, where I had my computer, I forgot about it. Apparently, when I started backing everything up to the cloud, a magic app appeared on my phone, which I never saw (wasn’t looking for it). I couldn’t figure out why the thief would want to delete them, and seriously doubt he did. Not sure where they went, but I’m beyond delighted to have found them. 

Box of Books:

I ordered books from the publisher and received 15 pounds of books in a box the other day, direct from the printer. Books ordered from the publisher in ones and twos, such as pre-orders, should be arriving in your mailboxes this week. I am thrilled with the way it looks. The cover photo by Sherry Walker turned out great! Thank you, Ms Walker!!!

I haven’t received my hardback book yet, but I’m sure it, too, is gorgeous. If you haven’t yet ordered your very own copy, please consider ordering from the publisher, your local indie bookstore, or any of the online stores. 

Saying Goodbye to Thomas
by Lenora Rain-Lee Good
ISBN 979-8-89990-036-5 First Edition
Finishing Line Press (dot) com

Paperback: $17.99
Hardback: $27.99

Remember, all royalties will be divided equally between the ALS Association and End of Life Washington (and no, it isn’t suicide).

Please consider ordering a copy, and if you’re in the Kirkland area of Washington State, please consider combing by The Book Tree from 5:24 to 8:22 pm on August 2, 2025 for a Special, Remembering Thomas, and the official launch of Saying Goodbye to Thomas. Enjoy a great night of poetry by poets who knew and loved Thomas.

“A poet who reads his verse in public may have other nasty habits.”
~ Robert A. Heinlein

Hello! Remember me?

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Your friendly, neighborhood poet. And do I have news for you!!! Saying Goodbye to Thomas has been released by the publisher. If you pre-ordered a copy, I thank you, and it should be in your hands maybe next week. If you didn’t pre-order, that’s okay. In fact, perhaps you’ll be glad—there is also a hardback book, if you’d rather not have a paper/softback copy!

This book is available from your favorite bookstore. Admittedly, you’ll probably have to order it, as not every bookstore carries every book, but…. 

All you need is          the title: Saying Goodbye to Thomas, 
                                    the author: Lenora Rain-Lee Good
                                    the publisher: Finishing Line Press
                                    the ISBN: 979-8-89990-036-5

                                    paper back: $17.99
                                    hard back: $27.99

I will be holding a book launch at The Book Tree, in Kirkland WA the afternoon/evening of 2 August 2025, starting at 5:15pm. This was Thomas’s favorite indie bookstore. If you’re in Kirkland area, come on by!! There will be other poets there, who knew Thomas, so it will be a Thomas night superb.

Speaking of Indie publishers and bookstores—support them when possible. Buy books from the publisher, buy books from the indie bookstore in your town. 

Remember, I make NO money from this book. ALL royalties received will be divided between the ALS Association and Death With Dignity. Incidentally, DWD is not suicide, it is a hastening of certain death, usually slow, painful, and robbed of personal dignity, that will happen within the next six months or less.

Please consider buying a copy.

“In a world largely uncomfortable with death, Lenora Rain-Lee Good writes through the process of embracing grief as it approaches, “It’s so easy to be brave / when not required,” she writes, yet these poems remind us that every day, each moment, requires its own bravery—that even the rehearsals for the great performance of death demand our presence, demand that we connect with one another, insist that we open ourselves to love even thought it will break our hearts–because it is the only way to live.” —Zach Hively, Author, Owl Poems

Have I Got a Story For You!

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On 8 April, I had my identity stolen. Admittedly, with my unsuspecting help. I received a couple of texts from “goldmansachsfd” wanting to know if two charges to my Apple card were mine, press 1 or not, press 2 and an Apple Representative would soon be with me. Silly me, I pressed 2. A couple minutes later, Morrice Paul, Apple Representative called me. According to him, someone bought my iPhone11 (traded in a year or more ago), hacked into it, and got all my personal info. Yeah, right. I lost my email, my phone #, my iCloud account, my sanity, and who knows what else.

Kudos of the highest order to the manager of the Spokane Boeing Employees Credit Union (BECU), the guys in the Apple Store in Spokane, and the guys in my Kennewick Verizon store. A lot of heartache, a lot of information overload, a prescription for anti-depressants that made me suicidal, a prescription for an anti-anxiety which worked properly, and now a freaking croupy cough for no known reason I can figure out, but I’m coming back. I have my original email and phone number back, and that’s a biggie.

BECU caught the fraud way before I did, and locked my accounts. When I went to Spokane so I could prove I actually am who I say I am, I had all new accounts waiting for me. And help on next steps. (The Spokane branch is the nearest one to me, a 2 hour drive vs 2.5 to Issaquah!)

The guys at the Apple Store helped me get my email back and the guys at my Verizon store managed to get my phone # back. 

I have spent days talking/visiting/calling companies—when I could think. Some I could actually get past the AI and talk to a real human—or at least a more intelligent AI. The one I really dreaded was going to the Social Security Office. Had to go in person to give them my new checking account numbers for my direct deposit. I had no appointment, so just had to wait my turn (what a concept, eh?). The people were polite, friendly, humorous, professional, and fast. Easy peasy. Great kudos to the Kennewick SS Office. I assume DOGE didn’t know how to either pronounce, nor find, Kennewick, and left them alone.

From what I’m hearing, it will take something like 2-3 months before I will know if I have my life back. I can see why the hackers wanted my email and phone, and I’m ecstatic I got them back when I did. He went to my Pay Pal account, using my name &c, got them to send everything to him, not me. But because I got my email back, I got that stopped. I also got his ‘alleged’ name, email, and address, which I turned over to my Police Department, and every fraud dept I talked to. And my Favorite Daughter has been a huge support. She came over and helped me fill out an online federal form. Believe me, I was in such information overload I couldn’t do it on my own.

Bought $23.00 of groceries, and my new pin wouldn’t work on my new debit card. I put my groceries back on the counter, with tears running down my checks, and said I’d be back later, wondering how I would pay for my prescriptions, etc. The checker called me back, placed my groceries in my cart and send me on my way. He bought them. All I could think of during all this is, this is how homeless people must feel, when they first become homeless. I went home, called Favorite Daughter, she met me at the store, I got there earlier and asked for the manager, told him what a hero I thought Wes was, and the whole story. He called Wes over, and told him what a hero he thought Wes was, that we was looking after the community, etc. and so on. Between us, we managed to embarrass Wes no end. Then when I got home I called Corporate HQ to tell them the story, and get Wes some Corporate Recognition. Favorite Daughter paid Wes for me, and for my prescriptions, and loaned me enough to get by on. I have good kids! And I now have a pin my debit card recognizes

All of the people I’ve talked to, have been most helpful and sympathetic, from the ladies at SSENSE (pronounced Essence) and Nordstrom and Gucci, to the people at Paypal, USAA, Pay One, Synchrony Bank, and all the others I can only say, Many, Many Thank Yous for your help, your understanding, your empathy.

Of course, I wouldn’t wish having one’s identity stolen on anyone, but it has renewed my faith in my fellow Americans. From people in various fraud departments to Wes, Hero Checker at Safeway. Well, maybe I’d wish it on the yahoo who decided electronic forms need those damnable drop-downs for states, and other things, instead of giving the option to type it in. Naw, I can’t even wish it on them. But Karma’s a bitch, and she’ll get the ones who steal identities as a way to make money. Oh, yeah, she will.

Lesson Learned: If I ever again get a text or email that wants me to click a link for any reason, and I’m not absolutely positive it’s legit, before I do, I’ll go to the www and call the company using the phone number on their website. 

And for John, who misses my photos:

first tulip of spring.

It’s Monday, and time for a coffee break escape!

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Goodest Monday Morning to You All!

Thank you for your patience while I took a few weeks off. I wasn’t sure where the Brave Dog and I were going, in regards to our Monday Coffee Break Escapes. Part of this is my volunteer job, which is taking more and more time, which is a good thing as I’m happy to be busy, but can also play havoc with any schedule I may have whether or not self imposed;-)

First off, MANY MANY THANKS to all of you who pre ordered my book, Saying Goodbye to Thomas. If you haven’t yet done so, and now can’t find the link, well, here it is: https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/saying-goodbye-to-thomas-by-lenora-rain-lee-good/ and please remember two things:

1. Pre orders determine future royalties, so please order now, before it’s too late and your price goes up.

2. ALL royalties will be donated to the ALS Association and End of Life Washington, equally.

Here is a poem from the book. It has previously appeared in the newletters of A Sacred Passing and End of Life Washington.

Your Death, Rehearsed

I rehearsed your death—
            did you know?

First, it was now and
            then, slowly became

weekly and then
            nightly.

Not that I wanted
           you to die—

We both knew
            you would.

No, I rehearsed
            your death

so I wouldn’t come
            apart at the seams,

so I wouldn’t
            bring shame to you,

to me. It helped,
            I think.

Oh, I still hurt,
            I still cry

but softly. And when
            you breathed your last

as I held your hand
            softly stroked your arm,

I could barely form
            the words, let alone

force sound out of my tear-
            constricted throat

It’s over. And then
            we all cried, held each other.

None of us could find,
            or define, the hole

that suddenly engulfed
            us, the hole

that gave dimension
            to our loss

the hole
            drilled through our hearts.

~ ~ ~

Yes, this one is sad, I’ll try for some humor next week.

You may notice there is a different format to today’s post. Or, perhaps, lack of format? Do you like it better or not?

Sammy says he may, or may not, return. The days are getting warmer, sunnier (yayyy!!), and he’s not sure about schedules other than feedings and walks. He’s stealing my line and claiming to be old and gray-haired.

Attended my first protest yesterday. There were more than a 1000 of us turned out for the Hands Off! protest in Kennewick, there was another protest in Richland, and I’m not sure about Pasco. Not sure how much good it did, but I feel like I’ve done something positive, so that’s worth the time and the standing. Am already planning my signs for next month. 😉

However you spend your week, please spend it with love in your heart and remember:

Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ “We are all related” 
~ Lakota Saying

“Re-examine all you have been told. 
Dismiss what insults your soul.” 
~Walt Whitman

Happy Monday, Everyone

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Happy Monday, Everyone.

I have decided that your Coffee Break Escape will, for the next few weeks/months, be more or less on a catch as catch can basis. Life has happened, and I find myself busier than when I worked for a living. Things are going well, but until I figure out how to wrestle this life into a semblance of order…

You may remember, I packed my Life away in a shoe box and placed it on the closet shelf a few years ago, then lost it. Well, I found it by accidentally knocking the box to the floor, and Life spilled out in a colorful mess which I am now in the process of picking up and organizing. If I can remember how to organize it. By topic? By color? By size?

Rest assured all is well with Auntie Lenora and the Brave Dog, and we shall make contact as we can. In the meantime, look for joy and beauty. Remember Simon Wiesenthal saw a Sunflower, in all its beauty and glory, as the Nazis marched him from one hell camp to another hell camp. If you must, close your eyes and see that Sunflower, or whatever your favorite flower is.

Quotes of the Week:

“Medicaid is not just for the blacks in the ghetto, 
it’s for our people, too”
~ so said someone close to the white house.
[emphasis mine]

“Re-examine all you have been told. 
Dismiss what insults your soul.” 
~Walt Whitman

Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ “We are all related” ~ Lakota Saying

“I’ll be back.” ~ Arnold Schwarzenegger

Love n Joy n Hugs to you all. 
Be emotionally and physically well!

Just Call Me the Late Auntie Lenora, Again

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Weather in the Tries:
It’s going to be mostly cloudy this week, with highs in the 50s and lows in the 40s with a couple dips down to high 30s. Some rain, some wind, but warm enough nights that the dog and I haven’t had to turn the electric blanket on for the last 3 or 4 nights. Just hope the rains come at a time other than his two daily walks. He just doesn’t understand why rain should fall from the sky, when it obviously needs to come from a bowl, only. Alas, he is not King of his Universe.

Just Call Me the Late Auntie Lenora, Again
I met a gal a while back [how do we define a ‘while back’? — weeks? months? years? take your pick] and we became instant friends. We were of an age, grew up with the same music, same fashions, and we shared the same sense of humor. Instant friends. Not just with Lena, as we called her, but with her kids. I reminded them of their grandma, in a good way. 

Anyhow, Lena was dying, and we all knew it. She was very open about that, and I spent time with her and her kids last week. Her kids were great. They broke into shifts, and took care of her in her own home. They had it down, and humor filled that house that was full of Lena’s things, where she could see many, and with which she had happy memories. 

Sunday, yesterday, Day of the Semi-Annual Insane Time Change, I got a call to come say goodbye. I got there 30-40 minutes before she slipped into a coma, from which the Hospice Nurse said she probably would not awaken. Lena and I talked before then, laughed before then, and just before she closed her eyes, she asked me to look after her kids (all 50 and older). I said I would. I sat with them for about 6 hours, until I had to go home and take care of my dog who was alone in the apartment, and needed both dinner and a walk. Boy Howdy! He really needed that walk. And some loves. He’s not used to being alone for so long. Housemate Dan was also gone, it seldom happens we’re both gone at the same time.

The kids and I texted through the evening, and about 11 hours after slipping into a coma, Lena awoke in her eternity. 

At my age, I say those goodbyes to a lot of friends. I come from a double line of long-lived people. But what no one ever said to me, was that she who lives the longest, says the most goodbyes. 

Photo of the Week:
This is a Hug blanket, sold by Penzey’s Spices. It’s soft and snuggly, and is a Hug. I have ordered a few of them for people who needed a Hug I couldn’t be there to give them. They are $24.95. They are on sale right now, you can order one for yourself, and one for a friend OR you can order two to be donated to persons in need. These are lightweight, brightly colored, and two blankets for the price of one is a good thing. I did not take the photo.

order at: https://www.penzeys.com/online-catalog/hug-blanket/c-24/p-3281/pd-s

Videos of the Week:
reminds me of the Blue Man Group 😉

Thousands sing for Ukraine

Quotes of the Week:

Grief is love with no place to go 
~ Neil Scott

Death is not extinguishing the lamp;
it is putting out the light 
because the dawn has come. 
~ Rabindranath Tagore

“Re-examine all you have been told. 
Dismiss what insults your soul.” 
~Walt Whitman

Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ “We are all related” ~ Lakota Saying

Love n Joy n Hugs to you all. 
Be emotionally and physically well!

Are you there, yet?

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Weather in the Tries:
Why bless my soul! We’re getting nights into the low 40s this week, as well as high 30s. No freezing!!! Our days will be like Seattle, over on the Dark Side, mostly mid 50s, with a couple jaunts all the way up to 60—and cloudy, except for Thursday which is scheduled to be sunny! Perhaps Spring is truly approaching? Officially, it arrives March 20.

Are you there, yet?
I am. In fact, I am past it. The internet is, indeed, a marvel of goodness to behold. But all coins have two sides, and the internet is also a marvel of sickness. The anger, justified or not, becomes too much when shouted from every site, every channel. 

I told my housemate his limit of news was 20 minutes per day. He laughed. But that’s about my limit, now. I change ‘channels’ as soon as the PINO (President in Name Only) comes on. Or any of his henchpeople. After Friday’s reprehensible actions in the White House, I found myself physically ill. I’m so glad I didn’t watch the live performance.

Now, I look for beauty—music, ice skating, travel, foodie shows, good news. I’ll still get enough of the doom and gloom, but it’s beginning to be like the old soap operas—if you tune in once a year, once in a while, you haven’t missed anything. 

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, welcome to my world. Set a timer when you check the news, or your social media. limit yourself. Search for beauty, give your brain a break. Your heart will thank you. Your partner will thank you. Your pets will thank you. 

Some short videos you might enjoy:

Man rescues hummingbird
Two cats talking
2 elephants enjoying the didgeridoo

And you know I’m really stressed when I, your Auntie Lenora, Mathphobe of the Universe,, click on a math video and watch it! No promises that I understand it. /snort/

Some longer videos:

Adagio Guitar & Cello about 90 minutes, good background music11 hours of 
Samurai Meditation and Relaxation Music
Space Ambient Music Mix great graphics & I think this is the same music track at the one above, but has graphics.

I use the longer music videos, for background while working, whether sewing or writing or napping. Much better than talking heads and news. 

PINO and his buddies are NOT the Borg, resistance is not futile!

Photo of the Week:
A friend and I walk down by the Columbia River, and we had sunshine and (moderate) warmth on Friday. Here is a shot with some trees, Pasco on the far shore (we were in Kennewick , Richland, third of the Tri Cities not in picture) and a group of Canada Geese heading upriver. 

Video of the Week:
well, doh, see above 😉

Earworm of the Week:
Yeah, I’m back to The HU — Wolf Totem. I love the words, and this link has the lyrics in English. I think it would be great fun to see the HU and a Lakota, or other tribe, have a musical faceoff. 

Quotes of the Week:

“It’s a victory when the weapons fall silent
and people speak up.
~ Volodymyr Zelensky

The president can’t change the country on his own.
But what can he do? He can give an example.
~ Volodymyr Zelensky

Let’s find those people whose names
do not cause controversy in our present
and in our future. Let’s name the monuments
and streets for those people whose names
do not provoke conflict. ~ Volodymyr Zelensky

“Re-examine all you have been told. 
Dismiss what insults your soul.” 
~Walt Whitman

Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ “We are all related” ~ Lakota Saying

Love n Joy n Hugs to you all. 
Be emotionally and physically well!