Every time I turn on the television, I think it can’t get worse. Then it does. I’m scared for our country. I’m scared for our democracy.
I’m scared for human kind.
I’m tired of watching clips of people treating others unkindly. I’m tired of folks calling the police on people because of the color of their skin. I’m horrified about what’s happening at the border. I’m exhausted from the anger I feel very time the president opens his mouth.
My head is about to explode. I’ve had enough.
Today, I’m taking a break.
For the rest of the day, I will try my best to focus on all the good things around me. Because right now, it’s all I got.
Here are a few photos of the things that bring me joy.
She’s going to kill me for posting this, but I will anyway. This face makes me happy, even when it’s looking down at an iPhone screen. Oh, to be thirteen again!
Pink, cotton candy smoke coming out of our chimney.
The view out my upstairs window. My neighbor probably won’t appreciate me taking photos of her house, but the color of this Bougainvillea is just so beautiful.
My younger brother recently gave me this adorable handmade birdhouse for the garden. I love it.
Leo pretending he doesn’t care who wins the World Cup.
My husband’s family at his sister’s recent memorial. No matter what you think about immigration, this is America.
Good always conquers evil. And there is so much good to see if we just look for it. Tomorrow is another day and when I turn on the television, I’ll probably find myself angry again.
But not today. Today, it’s all about finding the good.
Maybe take a moment and find yours.
Allegro non tanto 
You are amazing, my friend, and not alone. I’m in London feeling very much the same: time to focus on what makes us happy. Love the photos. Love you. xxo
Love you back! Go have a scone and a cuppa and put your feet up!
Thank you, Jessica. Wise advice and needed. Hugs to all of you.
Hugs back to you, too! I was just thinking of you and how much you’re missing your dear Frank. Actually, I think if you quite often—hard not to when we’re surrounded by so many Clevenger masterpieces!
So many of us feel like you do. This is not a good time for our country. We do need a break from the sadness, frustration, and anger, though. Changing our focus can make a big difference. Yesterday a dear elderly friend and I went to the movies, and saw “Won’t You Be My Neighbor.” It’s a documentary on Fred Roger’s, and is so beautiful. He was such a kind, caring, gentle man.
I want to see this film! I’ve heard it’s wonderful. We need to grasp all the good we can during these tough times.
So many are right there with you, Jessica. So we engage in music, can be distracted in our teaching of it to young people, and the simple pleasures and goodness to which you refer. And we do what we can to raise voices of reason, goodness and hope opposite of what is going on …