I've been beta testing Coursera online courses on many subjects for years. This week the course I chose to review is Professionalism in Allied Health. It has some marvelous lessons that include tips on the importance of having an optimistic attitude (yes, I can find a solution to this situation) and handle situations in positive ways which is extremely important for healthcare professionals dealing with patients. For example, one of the best ways to reduce anxiety is exercise. And, I've known from my studies of positive psychology that getting out in nature even for 15 minutes each day improves your mood. Here in Kerrville, we now have a nature trail along the river that everyone is enjoying. https://www.kerrvilletx.gov/1341/River-Trail Have a great weekend.
Oh my goodness. In last night's Newsletter, Robert included a reminder about the challenge to flip the Virginia state house away from Republican control, and you, dear readers, more than 170 of you, donated a whopping $7,148 in a single day for candidates' campaigns through The States Project "Tending to Democracy" Giving Circle. Your donations ranged from $5 to $500, and some good people subscribed for monthly donations.
Your contributions are a fitting tribute to all those men and women who gave their lives in service of democracy, as we honor them this Memorial Day weekend.
On behalf of the Tending to Democracy Giving Circle, thank you.
We will fly the flag with appreciation this weekend. My folks managed to survive WWII. In fact, they met at a hospital in Italy. Mom nursed the wounded Lieutenant who fell in love. They were the lucky ones who were able to return home and raise a family.
They rarely talked about the horrors they experienced. But I know they were changed people. I miss them.
I I don’t think the negotiators on debt ceiling are close, and reports I have read suggest Biden maybagreebtomsomecRepublican demands proving their economic hostage taking works. Instead Biden should exit from negotiations and issue an Executive Order under 14rh Amendment and obligation to ensure all laws are faithfully executed.
For those who have given their very best, Memorial Day.
"I ask one thing, that in still far off days, someone who knew me should in their daily
rounds suddenly pause, caught by some sight or sound, some glance, some phrase, some trick of memories way, which brings me to mind, then I shall wait eager with hope, perhaps to hear "How great if he were with us still!" And then at the end, all that I wish for is just -
Let’s also reflect and pray for more collective wisdom to foster a more mature culture that has many fluid options for softening and resolving conflict without resorting to military weapons and massive loss of life.
I hope the reports on negotiations are not totally true; that Biden will NOT negotiate on items affecting the most needy and defenseless among us. I no longer attend church and should be one of the last to proselytize. Yet I cannot get out of my mind a sermon I heard a generation ago by a young priest in Meridian, Idaho. Yet, Kevin McCarthy and band don’t care. President Biden, feed his sheep; care for them. Remember that at your Mass tomorrow. Use the 14th Amendment. Christ and the rest of us Progressive-Liberals want that. So there, Christian Nationalists and givers of tax breaks to the most privileged among us!
We can all find renewed courage and resolve as we reflect up those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom this weekend. They shall not have died in vain.
I would like to ask our community to lift all that have served to defend our country up in there hearts this weekend. We are here to debate, discuss, support and defend democracy because of their sacrifices. Let us also not forget Brian Sicknick, Howard Liebengood and Jeffrey Smith, fallen Capital and Metropolitan police heroes that defended our nation in plain sight while the world watched in shock on Jan 6, 2021. May they all rest in eternal peace and may their memories forever be blessings.
It is good to remember that so many gave their lives for this country over a number of wars. It always seemed that we at least had one true vision of America at those times. I honestly don’t think that is the case anymore. I wonder who will go now, or if will become just another partisan issue. On a different note, I hope you’ll help us understand how all these states became majority red states. It feels overwhelming, as if the Democrats were asleep at the wheel while the GQP rigged the system year after year. I live in NC, and remember well when the GQP took over in 2010. Prior to that, we had a very long reign as a Democratic-dominant state. It’s been downhill ever since, though the worst has happened over the last few years. I wonder how VA has turned to the dark side? They were such a role model for the South. Did the message of white fear and impending doom just mobilize so many rural voters that it made the difference? What could the Democratic message be that frighten and motivate all of our reluctant voters??? I could give them a list of dozens of things to be afraid of under GQP rule, but we need a massive effort and a killer message to wake the beast of Democratic voters who want to take back their states. The fact that so many don’t even realize they are voting against their own self-interests is the great irony and mystery of all of this……………..
Thanks for the reminder to focus on honoring those who gave us the opportunity to remain a free democracy. Lots of power in those thoughts and we will NOT let them down. You’re right - let’s relax and get above all this and focus on our roots and those whose shoulders we’re standing on. We can do this - they did. Thanks coach for another half time boost ! The odds are on us!
My father, Reagan, turns 100 in August. My mother, Jean, turns 99 in November. My dad served in WWII. My mother did her part by accompanying members of the military tasked with the job of informing family members of their loss. On June 2 they will celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary. While I do not like war, I admire and appreciate all who do their part to protect our democracy. And I am grateful they adopted me at 3 days old so we became a family.
thanks as always & enjoy gathering and friends — while remaining aware that, even though the pandemic emergency may be officially lifted, risks of infection are still higher in groups & cases of covid can still be serious. 🤞💝 😊
A happy and restful Memorial Day weekend to you and Jill! You both brighten so many lives with your positive words and encouragement.
I've been beta testing Coursera online courses on many subjects for years. This week the course I chose to review is Professionalism in Allied Health. It has some marvelous lessons that include tips on the importance of having an optimistic attitude (yes, I can find a solution to this situation) and handle situations in positive ways which is extremely important for healthcare professionals dealing with patients. For example, one of the best ways to reduce anxiety is exercise. And, I've known from my studies of positive psychology that getting out in nature even for 15 minutes each day improves your mood. Here in Kerrville, we now have a nature trail along the river that everyone is enjoying. https://www.kerrvilletx.gov/1341/River-Trail Have a great weekend.
Oh my goodness. In last night's Newsletter, Robert included a reminder about the challenge to flip the Virginia state house away from Republican control, and you, dear readers, more than 170 of you, donated a whopping $7,148 in a single day for candidates' campaigns through The States Project "Tending to Democracy" Giving Circle. Your donations ranged from $5 to $500, and some good people subscribed for monthly donations.
Your contributions are a fitting tribute to all those men and women who gave their lives in service of democracy, as we honor them this Memorial Day weekend.
On behalf of the Tending to Democracy Giving Circle, thank you.
Ellie Kona
https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/1XQhnyD/Tending-to-Democracy
We will fly the flag with appreciation this weekend. My folks managed to survive WWII. In fact, they met at a hospital in Italy. Mom nursed the wounded Lieutenant who fell in love. They were the lucky ones who were able to return home and raise a family.
They rarely talked about the horrors they experienced. But I know they were changed people. I miss them.
I I don’t think the negotiators on debt ceiling are close, and reports I have read suggest Biden maybagreebtomsomecRepublican demands proving their economic hostage taking works. Instead Biden should exit from negotiations and issue an Executive Order under 14rh Amendment and obligation to ensure all laws are faithfully executed.
For those who have given their very best, Memorial Day.
"I ask one thing, that in still far off days, someone who knew me should in their daily
rounds suddenly pause, caught by some sight or sound, some glance, some phrase, some trick of memories way, which brings me to mind, then I shall wait eager with hope, perhaps to hear "How great if he were with us still!" And then at the end, all that I wish for is just -
"He was my friend."
A Soldiers Epitaph, circa 1863
Stan Brown,
Tay Ninh,Vietnam 1969
Thanks for the upbeat message. Every year I recall the message of a Gulf War veteran friend of mine.
There is no happy Memorial Day. It is a solemn occasion to reflect upon those who sacrifice their lives for this country.
Let’s also reflect and pray for more collective wisdom to foster a more mature culture that has many fluid options for softening and resolving conflict without resorting to military weapons and massive loss of life.
I hope the reports on negotiations are not totally true; that Biden will NOT negotiate on items affecting the most needy and defenseless among us. I no longer attend church and should be one of the last to proselytize. Yet I cannot get out of my mind a sermon I heard a generation ago by a young priest in Meridian, Idaho. Yet, Kevin McCarthy and band don’t care. President Biden, feed his sheep; care for them. Remember that at your Mass tomorrow. Use the 14th Amendment. Christ and the rest of us Progressive-Liberals want that. So there, Christian Nationalists and givers of tax breaks to the most privileged among us!
We can all find renewed courage and resolve as we reflect up those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom this weekend. They shall not have died in vain.
I would like to ask our community to lift all that have served to defend our country up in there hearts this weekend. We are here to debate, discuss, support and defend democracy because of their sacrifices. Let us also not forget Brian Sicknick, Howard Liebengood and Jeffrey Smith, fallen Capital and Metropolitan police heroes that defended our nation in plain sight while the world watched in shock on Jan 6, 2021. May they all rest in eternal peace and may their memories forever be blessings.
It is good to remember that so many gave their lives for this country over a number of wars. It always seemed that we at least had one true vision of America at those times. I honestly don’t think that is the case anymore. I wonder who will go now, or if will become just another partisan issue. On a different note, I hope you’ll help us understand how all these states became majority red states. It feels overwhelming, as if the Democrats were asleep at the wheel while the GQP rigged the system year after year. I live in NC, and remember well when the GQP took over in 2010. Prior to that, we had a very long reign as a Democratic-dominant state. It’s been downhill ever since, though the worst has happened over the last few years. I wonder how VA has turned to the dark side? They were such a role model for the South. Did the message of white fear and impending doom just mobilize so many rural voters that it made the difference? What could the Democratic message be that frighten and motivate all of our reluctant voters??? I could give them a list of dozens of things to be afraid of under GQP rule, but we need a massive effort and a killer message to wake the beast of Democratic voters who want to take back their states. The fact that so many don’t even realize they are voting against their own self-interests is the great irony and mystery of all of this……………..
Thanks for the reminder to focus on honoring those who gave us the opportunity to remain a free democracy. Lots of power in those thoughts and we will NOT let them down. You’re right - let’s relax and get above all this and focus on our roots and those whose shoulders we’re standing on. We can do this - they did. Thanks coach for another half time boost ! The odds are on us!
Thanks for the reminder. I’ve been jousting with people this week about what Memorial Day is for. I think I’ll go and give myself a break today.
My father, Reagan, turns 100 in August. My mother, Jean, turns 99 in November. My dad served in WWII. My mother did her part by accompanying members of the military tasked with the job of informing family members of their loss. On June 2 they will celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary. While I do not like war, I admire and appreciate all who do their part to protect our democracy. And I am grateful they adopted me at 3 days old so we became a family.
thanks as always & enjoy gathering and friends — while remaining aware that, even though the pandemic emergency may be officially lifted, risks of infection are still higher in groups & cases of covid can still be serious. 🤞💝 😊