GOOD THINGS IN LIFE

The lives of so many folks in our country are being held hostage by a corrupt and lying administration. It's more than one can bear when we see cultural choices injected with the toxicity of narcissism and self-aggrandizement. Just the gestures and voices of new, young commentators have been infected by the sanctioned trend to situate oneself as bully and victim at the same time, where every tone of voice is asking a question or trying to please. There is no sanity here, just a sick reliance on attempts to push individual branding, sell outrageous lies and take away our belief in unity and cooperation, to challenge our very trust in freedom of life. There is an awfulness being promulgated by the greedy clowns who fancy themselves in charge. It is framed in cruelty and centers on bestowing privilege on the few who have been allowed to occupy a sort of inner sanctum of "getting away with...."

To live well while aging in this disgusting environment takes incredible courage, deep frugality, a bit of luck and the ability to plan for diversity. It is also necessary to treat oneself. I find this often takes the form of food or household convenience, anything we may use daily, to be regularly reminded of the good in life. 

For instance thirsty fresh cotton kitchen towels are a highly recommended luxury item that manages to soothe the angst. 

Also fresh herbs - rosemary, thyme, cilantro, parsley, dill, and mint for the occasional Mojito. At Trader Joe's they are selling grilled chicken flavored with chili and lime - making the perfect filler for tacos accompanied by their wheat/corn tortillas and fresh hot pico de gallo. They also have seasonal cookies called Lemon Zest Madeleines that are fresh, soft and lovely. 

When engaging in satisfying well chosen consumption in a select and limited way, life seems possible again.

And always there are the available shows and movies that keep me interested and entertained. Looking forward to The Mandalorian and Grogu - love that Grogu - he always make me laugh. Recently I have enjoyed The Madison, Resident Alien, and a Turner Classic Movie festival of Gregory Peck films I had never seen. Speaking of Ted Turner it is good to recognize his passing, he who gave us CNN, TCM and TED Talks. 

Another activity that keeps me going is keeping the SENT and IN boxes in my 5 email accounts as clear as possible. When any get to over 100 I begin filing away and sorting contacts reminding me there are many folks I still dialog with in writing - a restorative blessing in and of itself.

So treat yourself, enjoy whatever you can and stay in touch with those you care about. That is perhaps the best recipe for living well, as we approach another summer of what often feels so stupid and impossible it is tough to breathe.

Paul Klee, “Crawling Man (Kriechender),” 1933, chalk on paper on cardboard. Credit...Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York; via The Jewish Museum