Thank you for the burst of optimism and reminder that those following in our footsteps are working hard to be able to carry on. And Bella, dear Bella, your support of Joyce is much appreciated. Dog love is an integral part of he process.
Yup! And did you hear about the latest encyclical from Pope Francis? Dogs have souls! And their souls are always good souls, unlike some humans we know about. No wonder dog love is so important!
Enjoy my little story from my book "Donald's Vanity
Tantrums"
Evacuation Plans for Washingtonians
There has been some chatter in online talk rooms (and in real life) about a scenario in which Premier Kim Jung Un of North Korea is planning to launch an atomic bomb at Washington. My cousin Barney, his wife Jennifer and kids live in D.C. and he told me that some residents are already doing dry runs to Barrackville, West Virginia, and other nearby towns to purchase houses. Barney has a small art gallery in Georgetown and he is concerned that if the bomb comes, his paintings will become radioactive. Art dealers are like that. They don't think first of the human cost. It's always the paintings. I know because I am an art dealer.
Trump is feeling the heat of investigations regarding his continual abuse of power. Now the House of Representatives is investigating the President for withholding Congressional military funding for Ukraine in order to investigate his Democratic political rival, Joe Biden and Biden’s son. Many high-ranking officials are being investigated and a few of them are already serving their country in federal prisons. It’s not that far-fetched that Trump could start a war in order to deflect attention away from his impeachable offences.
Trump has the perfect psychological profile to start a war. Any number of hot spots, such as Iran or North Korea, provides the perfect context to attack their growing nuclear capability. This makes Washingtonians nervous. On one of the drives Barney and his family have made to Barrackville, they stopped by a farmer's house to ask about homes for sale.
The farmer came out holding a shotgun.
"What do you want here?"
I'm looking to buy a house. Do you know of any for sale?
"Git off my property."
"I was only asking about a house."
"You have 30 seconds to git off my property."
Poor Barney ran back to his car and sped off with Jen and didn't stop until they reached Washington.
"Honey," said Jennifer, "It's still safer living here than in D.C. with that mad man in the White House. Let's go back to Barrackville next weekend and find a realtor."
Actually, an attack on Washington weren't surprise me. Where better to attack. When Trump, who's so fucking stupid, narrow minded, and just a down-right moron, is sucking's Musk's D__k, things are bound to go bad, real bad. Washington D.C., and all it's dumb-asses in government, will not be spared nor should they be. That's KARMA to our rotten Trump sucking government officials.
Cheyanne said only a few white men are human beings.
Referring to souls !
And of course we know about the Vatican Christ crusades , the inquisition and the slaughter of over six million northern, central and southern indigenous peoples!!
Dont need any advice from the Vatican about anything!
I'm fantasizing about the Pope taking on the Fascist Catholics who are doing our country in. The Kochs, Leonard Leo, and the SCOTUS Five, as do the science scoffers, come to mind. Also, he needs to get off the dime vis-a-vis women: Women as clergy, women as not-servants, women with bodies not regulated by religious ideologues. Pope Francis might be sweet, but he is behind the times and relatively ineffective.
I still think Pope Francis is far superior to most of the previous popes. But I'm mostly in agreement with you--especially on the Fascist Catholics, as well as on women--as clergy, as not-servants, and with bodies not regulated by religious ideologues. And women as equal in all ways. And, Hope, can you tell I had a really good mother?
Pope Francis is very different from the previous popes except for John Paul I, who was only pope for 33 days in the latter half of the 1970s, and died under somewhat mysterious and what some consider to be suspicious circumstances. I’ve had a dim opinion for the Catholic hierarchy since I was around 12, but I was truly upset when John Paul I died, and Francis is the first pope since that has reminded me, in a good way, of John Paul I.
Any mention of cat love? I have a half-Maine Coon cat that lives with me in Assisted Living. He’s The Mayor of the Third Floor. He likes to go out on the floor and check that everything’s all right. And say hello, pet me please to anyone he knows. Truly a strange fellow! We’re Jewish, but he says a good word from the Pope would be ok too. I asked him, thats how I know, with a short conversation. Maine Coons are very talkative you know. Anyway, I’m delighted to know dogs have souls. Maybe I’ll see my long ago German Shepherd!
How wonderful your post and cat! We too are Jewish and all the cats we had and have were given Hebrew names. Speaking of souls: my mom (z”l) was sure the soul of my dad (z”l) who died too young returned in a cardinal (bird, not Catholic Church!) that showed up regularly and sounded as if it were singing Rhapsody in Blue, Dad’s favorite. A digression from Joyce’s post because yours was lovely.
I'm glad to hear it. Of course they have souls! In fact, I believe all living entities have souls. There is so much in the universe that we humble humans don't see or understand.
I taught U.S. history and high school civics for 30 years and not a day went by that I wasn't inspired and motivated by my students. I'm retired one year now but go back to my school to mentor students and consult on projects. More time to surf but I still crave the connection with these eager young people who always bring me hope :)
Well, you've done a lot of good in the world, by teaching civics! There should be a lot more teaching of civics. But thank you for your 30 years! Undoubtedly, our country is in better shape than it would have been without your efforts! My mother started my civics lessons when she took me to vote with her, when I was 7, and JFK was running. I asked her at the polls who she was voting for (I knew damn well JFK, but I think I had the governor's race in mind.) She explained to me that it was verboten to talk about that at the polls, and why.
Smiling, David. My parents (z”l) were Stevenson voters. Thus after accompanying them when they voted, I told my teachers to do the same when they voted. I’m sure I didn’t understand. I just liked what my parents said about the intelligence of Adlai.
My parents were for Stevenson, but that was just in the primary. They switched to JFK after Stevenson got knocked out of the race. But they definitely preferred Stevenson, likely for the same reasons your parents did (they both had long academic careers). And in fact, I can remember going by a neighborhood kid, someone I knew slightly, sitting in his family's car (probably waiting for the rest of them) who's now a Stanford professor, and he turns to me, and says, "We want Deeb'nee." (I think he was 3, or maybe 4, I was 7.)
For me, it was Stevenson v Eisenhower. My dad, a WWII vet, admired Gen Eisenhower, but didn’t want him to be President. And your experience made me smile. Thanks.
My parents voted for Stevenson against Eisenhower. I don't know if we ever discussed it, but my mother's maternal uncle, one Philip Hornbein, had run the Colorado Democratic Party for most of the first half of the 20th century, my father came from left wing Jewish stock, too. Both voted for Stuart Hughes over Teddy Kennedy in the latter's first race for Senate. Hughes was a left wing Harvard academic who was either the grandson or the son of Charles Evans Hughes. (In my first act of rebellion, I decided somewhere along the line that I was for Kennedy. I was 10.)
Angela: How great! And lovely that you had that positive outlook on your students. You being a mentor resonates with me: back when I was a HS grad, and about to take the SATs, I went back to my geometry teacher for help. She spent several after-school hours helping me, on her own time! I will never forget that, even though I've forgotten what my math score was.
Thank you Joyce. As a 20+ year school administrator, I tell everyone this generation will save us. They are smart, interested, care about issues, and are very determined.
Marcia, To stay in the fight I need to believe that, together, we still have time to prevail against authoritarian and divisive agendas, safeguard our democracy, protect our most vulnerable communities, and, at least partially, heal our planet.
I'll pass on the scent of wet dog, or rather I'll tolerate it when necessary, but did you hear about the latest encyclical from the Vatican? Dogs have souls!
I have thought for along time it is the next generation that will finally get gun control into law.they unfortunately are the ones who have gone through the drills in school, etc. they give me hope
I'm glad to hear the positive thoughts on the next generation. This is the time for families to gather together and celebrate the bounty that we enjoy. I hope you enjoy the holidays with your family close by. Let's recharge the batteries and get ready to defeat Trump and his cronies.
Thank you for the burst of optimism and reminder that those following in our footsteps are working hard to be able to carry on. And Bella, dear Bella, your support of Joyce is much appreciated. Dog love is an integral part of he process.
Yup! And did you hear about the latest encyclical from Pope Francis? Dogs have souls! And their souls are always good souls, unlike some humans we know about. No wonder dog love is so important!
Sorry Pope Francis, but we already knew that.
About dogs having souls, yes we did. Not so convinced regarding humans anymore.
I'm with you on this one Linda. Humans are very questionable, and I'm a mental health therapist, but calling it as I see it.
Enjoy my little story from my book "Donald's Vanity
Tantrums"
Evacuation Plans for Washingtonians
There has been some chatter in online talk rooms (and in real life) about a scenario in which Premier Kim Jung Un of North Korea is planning to launch an atomic bomb at Washington. My cousin Barney, his wife Jennifer and kids live in D.C. and he told me that some residents are already doing dry runs to Barrackville, West Virginia, and other nearby towns to purchase houses. Barney has a small art gallery in Georgetown and he is concerned that if the bomb comes, his paintings will become radioactive. Art dealers are like that. They don't think first of the human cost. It's always the paintings. I know because I am an art dealer.
Trump is feeling the heat of investigations regarding his continual abuse of power. Now the House of Representatives is investigating the President for withholding Congressional military funding for Ukraine in order to investigate his Democratic political rival, Joe Biden and Biden’s son. Many high-ranking officials are being investigated and a few of them are already serving their country in federal prisons. It’s not that far-fetched that Trump could start a war in order to deflect attention away from his impeachable offences.
Trump has the perfect psychological profile to start a war. Any number of hot spots, such as Iran or North Korea, provides the perfect context to attack their growing nuclear capability. This makes Washingtonians nervous. On one of the drives Barney and his family have made to Barrackville, they stopped by a farmer's house to ask about homes for sale.
The farmer came out holding a shotgun.
"What do you want here?"
I'm looking to buy a house. Do you know of any for sale?
"Git off my property."
"I was only asking about a house."
"You have 30 seconds to git off my property."
Poor Barney ran back to his car and sped off with Jen and didn't stop until they reached Washington.
"Honey," said Jennifer, "It's still safer living here than in D.C. with that mad man in the White House. Let's go back to Barrackville next weekend and find a realtor."
Actually, an attack on Washington weren't surprise me. Where better to attack. When Trump, who's so fucking stupid, narrow minded, and just a down-right moron, is sucking's Musk's D__k, things are bound to go bad, real bad. Washington D.C., and all it's dumb-asses in government, will not be spared nor should they be. That's KARMA to our rotten Trump sucking government officials.
I like the story; however, that's not nearly far enough away to escape radiation from a nuclear bomb.
Cheyanne said only a few white men are human beings.
Referring to souls !
And of course we know about the Vatican Christ crusades , the inquisition and the slaughter of over six million northern, central and southern indigenous peoples!!
Dont need any advice from the Vatican about anything!
I probably agree with you on almost everything, including Vatican in general. But Pope Francis is different in the best way.
I'm fantasizing about the Pope taking on the Fascist Catholics who are doing our country in. The Kochs, Leonard Leo, and the SCOTUS Five, as do the science scoffers, come to mind. Also, he needs to get off the dime vis-a-vis women: Women as clergy, women as not-servants, women with bodies not regulated by religious ideologues. Pope Francis might be sweet, but he is behind the times and relatively ineffective.
I still think Pope Francis is far superior to most of the previous popes. But I'm mostly in agreement with you--especially on the Fascist Catholics, as well as on women--as clergy, as not-servants, and with bodies not regulated by religious ideologues. And women as equal in all ways. And, Hope, can you tell I had a really good mother?
Pope Francis is very different from the previous popes except for John Paul I, who was only pope for 33 days in the latter half of the 1970s, and died under somewhat mysterious and what some consider to be suspicious circumstances. I’ve had a dim opinion for the Catholic hierarchy since I was around 12, but I was truly upset when John Paul I died, and Francis is the first pope since that has reminded me, in a good way, of John Paul I.
Any mention of cat love? I have a half-Maine Coon cat that lives with me in Assisted Living. He’s The Mayor of the Third Floor. He likes to go out on the floor and check that everything’s all right. And say hello, pet me please to anyone he knows. Truly a strange fellow! We’re Jewish, but he says a good word from the Pope would be ok too. I asked him, thats how I know, with a short conversation. Maine Coons are very talkative you know. Anyway, I’m delighted to know dogs have souls. Maybe I’ll see my long ago German Shepherd!
Actually, it was "all God's creatures"; so, YES!
Ah! Much better! I had many horses and a few lovebirds!
I'm Jewish, too, but there is something special about Pope Francis. You'll undoubtedly see your long ago German Shepherd. And yes to Maine Coons.
How wonderful your post and cat! We too are Jewish and all the cats we had and have were given Hebrew names. Speaking of souls: my mom (z”l) was sure the soul of my dad (z”l) who died too young returned in a cardinal (bird, not Catholic Church!) that showed up regularly and sounded as if it were singing Rhapsody in Blue, Dad’s favorite. A digression from Joyce’s post because yours was lovely.
Yours is lovely too, Joan! A bird singing your dad's favorite song to your mother!
It meant to much to my mom.
I can well imagine how much it must have meant to your mother!
David, I didn't know the Pope said that about dogs having souls. I thoroughly agree and feel reassured.
me too, Sally!
Dog bless you and Natalie David🩷
Thank you Karen RN! Dog bless you, too!
Any dog lover already knew this, but its good to have it announced. Our sweet pup went to Heaven 2 days ago.
Oh, Janet, I'm so sorry. But you'll eventually reunite!
Will a dead dog hear my prayer?
You may have to ask Pope Francis about that. But I wouldn't be surprised.
Absolutely true. I adore my fur and feather babies. They are family!!!!
Absolutely! The literal love of my life was a sweet little one-eyed Siamese girl, who wasn't with me nearly long enough.
I'm glad to hear it. Of course they have souls! In fact, I believe all living entities have souls. There is so much in the universe that we humble humans don't see or understand.
If you look for this online, you find that the whole quote and who said it and when and what they meant is a bit muddled....
WOOFF!
Tickling our funnybones is what we all need now.
Jena, you said exactly what I was thinking. Joyce's message is just the optimism I need to start this day.
I taught U.S. history and high school civics for 30 years and not a day went by that I wasn't inspired and motivated by my students. I'm retired one year now but go back to my school to mentor students and consult on projects. More time to surf but I still crave the connection with these eager young people who always bring me hope :)
Well, you've done a lot of good in the world, by teaching civics! There should be a lot more teaching of civics. But thank you for your 30 years! Undoubtedly, our country is in better shape than it would have been without your efforts! My mother started my civics lessons when she took me to vote with her, when I was 7, and JFK was running. I asked her at the polls who she was voting for (I knew damn well JFK, but I think I had the governor's race in mind.) She explained to me that it was verboten to talk about that at the polls, and why.
I just learned something. DANKE, David!
Smiling, David. My parents (z”l) were Stevenson voters. Thus after accompanying them when they voted, I told my teachers to do the same when they voted. I’m sure I didn’t understand. I just liked what my parents said about the intelligence of Adlai.
My parents were for Stevenson, but that was just in the primary. They switched to JFK after Stevenson got knocked out of the race. But they definitely preferred Stevenson, likely for the same reasons your parents did (they both had long academic careers). And in fact, I can remember going by a neighborhood kid, someone I knew slightly, sitting in his family's car (probably waiting for the rest of them) who's now a Stanford professor, and he turns to me, and says, "We want Deeb'nee." (I think he was 3, or maybe 4, I was 7.)
For me, it was Stevenson v Eisenhower. My dad, a WWII vet, admired Gen Eisenhower, but didn’t want him to be President. And your experience made me smile. Thanks.
You're welcome, Joan!
My parents voted for Stevenson against Eisenhower. I don't know if we ever discussed it, but my mother's maternal uncle, one Philip Hornbein, had run the Colorado Democratic Party for most of the first half of the 20th century, my father came from left wing Jewish stock, too. Both voted for Stuart Hughes over Teddy Kennedy in the latter's first race for Senate. Hughes was a left wing Harvard academic who was either the grandson or the son of Charles Evans Hughes. (In my first act of rebellion, I decided somewhere along the line that I was for Kennedy. I was 10.)
Angela: How great! And lovely that you had that positive outlook on your students. You being a mentor resonates with me: back when I was a HS grad, and about to take the SATs, I went back to my geometry teacher for help. She spent several after-school hours helping me, on her own time! I will never forget that, even though I've forgotten what my math score was.
We have let them down.
Big time.!
Thank you Joyce. As a 20+ year school administrator, I tell everyone this generation will save us. They are smart, interested, care about issues, and are very determined.
I spent 35 years and loved every day. Students, teachers, and parents were all an inspiration.
Thank you for this encouragement. Most of what I do is for my grandsons. I want it to be better for them. (15 & 12)
Exactly, Norma. Did you ever believe we’d leave a mess like this for our grands?
Marcia, To stay in the fight I need to believe that, together, we still have time to prevail against authoritarian and divisive agendas, safeguard our democracy, protect our most vulnerable communities, and, at least partially, heal our planet.
That is so encouraging, Joyce. Thank you!
How fortunate your students are that you reciprocate their enthusiasm and hard work.
I would like to add to that: How fortunate and privileged they are to have Joyce for their distinguished Professor!!
How does she find the time for all this? It's incredible.
Dog snores are the best!
And surprisingly enough I love the smell of wet dog!!! Weird I know, but there is just something about it. Trying to offer a little levity.
I'll pass on the scent of wet dog, or rather I'll tolerate it when necessary, but did you hear about the latest encyclical from the Vatican? Dogs have souls!
Bout time they got something right!
And, return to normalcy 🙏
LOL (I snorted!)
I don't know why I'm laughing, but thanks for the laugh!
Absolutely!
Joyce,
Thanks for sharing your love and hope for a soon-to-be better world…. for all of us, thanks to you and those you teach!!
If only dogs could rule the world!
My cat would take exception to that! 😂😂😂😂🐈
Well, here’s the thing:
Cats do rule. In fact, they are so good at it that we, their subjects, don’t even realize it!
"Ain't" that the truth!!!🐈☺️
One of the reason we love Tim Walz - he’s a cat adopter and better his cat than Pres-elect Musk providing guidance!
I wish I could like this more than once!
Good to hear that the coming generation of young attorneys still value our ideals. They'll be the ones fighting the battles soon, & they give me hope.
Love the picture of your beloved Bella.
I have thought for along time it is the next generation that will finally get gun control into law.they unfortunately are the ones who have gone through the drills in school, etc. they give me hope
I'm glad to hear the positive thoughts on the next generation. This is the time for families to gather together and celebrate the bounty that we enjoy. I hope you enjoy the holidays with your family close by. Let's recharge the batteries and get ready to defeat Trump and his cronies.
I am grateful that you are teaching, and to hear your confidence for the future. Take care!!! Yay Bella!
They’re so lucky to have you as a teacher, and you them. Beautiful bedtime story. Hopeful and joyful. Sweet dreams. And Bella too.
My reaction exactly….encouraging, very encouraging Joyce, and thank you for sharing it! I can breathe a sigh of relief as I slumber off.
Bella is Beautiful ❤️