Those People

It is incredibly disgusting to know that the person running for President, "the other guy," has absolutely no relationship with the real world. In this world of total media domination, with the instant cell phone cameras, videos, audio, twitter, FB, instagram, and the rest, it amazes me that anyone anywhere thinks that he/she can say something and no one will know. Just like the layers of an onion, the "other guy's" layers are being peeled away. How dare he say that the 47% who will vote for the POTUS are those dependent upon the government, and furthermore, he "doesn't need THOSE PEOPLE." I don't even know what to call "THOSE PEOPLE" who will vote for him. I would suggest that they try to wake up. I have often said during this president's term, that the sheets have come off, but they continue to come off. In a sick sort of way, it reminded me of the book we did in our book club last month, James Patterson's Alex Cross, The Trial. In it, cothe sheriffs, the police, and those you would supposedly would not suspect (southerners know better), were all sheet wearers at night. As far as I am concerned, same principle. Whatever happens in the dark, or is said in the dark should be able to stand the light, if not, we know that it is evil. What he thought he was saying in the dark, cannot stand the light, and is, therefore, evil. I am sick of the entire group, from the teawhatevers (I refuse to call any of their names), to the one who pretended to forget his key so no one would know he was the one, to the one who also said "If I had been born in Mexico to Mexican parents, I would have been better off." What is that man thinking? He is a disgrace to American politics. It was bad enough that his robotic performances show that he doesn't have an original thought in his head. Our first big hint was when he wanted to bet $10,000--on what planet is he living? My, my, sad, sad. I am glad that I am supporting a man of integrity with a brain, a brainy wife, a lovely family, manners, "coolness," and a relationship with all people, regardless of how ignorant they may seem.

Bamboo Connectedness

Today I began my fifth year in my Sumi e (Japanese brush painting class). The morning began wonderfully because at 6:00 a.m., an East Coast friend called to tell me that yesterday she received a painting (which my husband framed) I sent her--it was a belated 80th birthday gift. She absolutely loved it and already has it on an easel in her living room. So, went I went to my class, my confidence level was in the sky (although, many of the people have been in the class for ten years plus, but I digress). Our subject today was bamboo--the three gentlemen of sumi-e are bamboo, chrysanthemum, and plum. Once you master these three, you are well on your way. Our teacher always demonstrates whatever we are to paint and engages us in conversation as he is doing it. Today he talked about how bamboo roots intertwine and are connected (anyone who has ever grown bamboo can attest to this). This intertwining of the bamboo represents the connectedness of family. How cool is that! So, let us "bamboo up."

Elder Zombies

I never listen to the radio unless I am driving, and I usually listen to NPR. A couple of days ago as I listened, the interview subject was a former journalist who had to be placed in an "assisted living facility" because he had early onset Parkinson's at age 50. He said he had to have help taking a shower, dressing, and doing all of the things he had previously taken for granted Initially, he spent most of his time being depressed, and in order to keep his sanity, he decided to become an observer advocate. Most of the people there were 80 and up (a few in their late seventies), and he said the most depressing part was to see people who had been so vital (doctors, lawyers, PhDs, carpenters, cabinet makers and the like) relegated to this zombie like existence. He spends most of his time playing card games that he has never heard of, just to keep his sanity. He said he does it, not for the card playing, but for the communication. He recalled an incident when he was out--he saw an advertisement for his facility on a bus bench. It showed people dancing--he said he never ever saw anyone dance in all of the years he has been there. He said, what they show on the outside is quite different from what is going on inside, and he was in a fairly fancy place. It all reminded me of one of my favorite shows on PBS, "Waiting for God," which is on every Sunday night. It takes place in a British assisted living place, and Diana, my heroine, lets them get away with nothing. Of course, an elder does not have to be in this place in order to be "zombified." It happens every day when folks look at you as if you must be stupid because you are old.They will deem you invisible, unless you speak up and become an advocate for yourself. Some time ago, a good friend, about 20+ years my senior, told me to never let a doctor begin his/her sentence with "at your age." I will never let anyone begin a sentence with "at your age!" I have known as many dumb and zombified young people as I have known dumb and zombified old people. Unzombie yourself!