While I want to talk about my new grand-dog Luna, a rescue that Mr. 22 and his girlfriend have adopted there are other things on my mind. Although I have to say Luna is short for lunatic, but don't tell them I said that.
While I want to tell you that Little Buddy and I traveled to Kissimmee to meet a wonderful blogger from years past and her precious family on Friday, they were just as lovely as I had hoped. We spent two hours with them and I was so touched they wanted to meet up, traveling from way across the pond they included us in their adventures and I felt so blessed. We then traveled to meet Luna and squeeze Mr 22 and Luna's Mom, it was a long but wonderful day.
While I want to tell you that Little Buddy received a very special shirt from a very, very special friend and her heart is just so, so big to think of him so much and send him such wonderful gifts all the time, again other things are weighing on me.
While I want to talk about the frustrations I have had trying to make a different sleeve for my Ete Cardigan, because the one in the pattern is to wide for me at the wrist, I am not that much of a trend setter. I feel it is so unimportant today.
While my boys got a bath yesterday and are as fluffy and soft as can be, these photos were pre-bath, they look so much better now, I just need to be still.
I had a migraine just after waking this morning, before I had heard the news of yet another shooting here in America, on top of the one in Texas. This one in Dayton, Ohio a place my son has spent many, many days. He used to have a very serious girlfriend whose family lives there. And now he has a new friend, again from this area.
I scanned blogs today and I was a bit taken back that there were no mention of these horrible atrocities. Have we stopped noticing, are we numb to all that is happening right under our watch? I am a firm believer that those poor people who have died, who have been injured and whose family and friends lives are now destroyed have been prayed for today. In churches across the land, in homes where people are quietly sending their love, but will it change anything, no it won't.
The only thing that will change gun laws and therefore limit these senseless acts is to vote out those who will not take a stand. Those who write senseless tweets, Instagram posts and use pointless words to justify their stance on gun ownership. They need to be gone, all of them, because that could have been my son at that venue, it was someones son, someones daughter, grandchild,sibling, cousin, niece, nephew, parent and friend. Those people mattered, they mattered..........
So today no blog reading, no talking about flowers, crochet, cute boys and what books I am reading. Today I will reflect and call my government officials, I will call them out on their voting record and frankly I will pray that this will change. I will pray that those who who value the life of an embryo, a barely formed group of cells would value the life of those alive just as much.
I'm sure I will lose some of you, it certainly won't be the first time I have spoken up. I have to be who I am and that person has to say something. It might not be perfect but it is all I have today.
41 comments:
Here with you.
Polly
The shootings were all over the B BC news.25 minutes of the 30 minute bulletin was about the shootings so here in the UK it has been big news.So awful.Here in the big cities it is death from knife crime but not guns.Gun laws here are pretty strict.Thank goodness.
Hope the migraine has gone.
Any plans for going on holiday?
Hugs Barbarax
Here with you too Meredith. They mattered. X
We're across the pond but we've still noticed and I share your sentiments. I have to wonder where it's all going to end. Luna is such a cute pup.
Since I don't watch the news but only catch up once or twice a week by radio, I don't have all of the horror reflected in my life.
I do know our church prayed for all of the people involved-both citizens, police officers and politicians. It is interesting that the shooting took place in a gun-free zone so that isn't the answer, in my opinion.
We undervalue life itself and that has to be taught in homes and schools and be reflected in our entertainments (movies and games).
Yes, it is heart-breaking to hear of these horrors; I like the commitment that I heard this morning when my husband told me of the shooting yesterday and today-that FOX news wasn't going to broadcast the shooters' names or give them any 'fame' for their atrocity. I like their stand.
Sending you a hug!
It's our society that's mentally ill, Meredith and until we address that question, we shall go on hearing about these atrocities. Broken hearts all over the world today on hearing the awful news. I know I am deeply saddened about it.
Well done Meredith for doing what is right. All that it takes for evil to triumph is that good men and women do nothing. Both shootings have been on the news here and it has been sobering, putting other petty concerns into perspective. I am so sad that it has happened again, but I know that it isn't uncommon. I hope things will change, and soon. Sending you a hug my friend, and standing beside you in solidarity. CJ xxxxx PS New dog is ADORABLE, so happy that he has found such a lovely new home. CJ xx
Well said !! It scares me to think about the world my sweet grandkids will live in if something isn’t done .
I haven't commented here before but am a long time reader of your blog. I'm on the other side of the world (Australia) and to us your gun laws, and the response to such awful events, just makes no sense. Your thoughts and words are the answer, I think, so stay strong and don't give up. Many of us who will never meet you applaud you.
with you 1000%!
no action, you’re out! we’ll get someone else to take your place and get things done!
I'm also in shock from these two home-grown terrorist mass killings. I also want to vote out those who care more about having access to military assault rifles than our children, and families. And we KNOW which party puts guns above innocent living people. Those senators and congressmen who care more about campaign donations or outright cash bribes from the NRA and Russia - THEY NEED TO BE VOTED OUT.
Then we need to have social media monitored and when these mentally ill crazies post about who they hate and want to kill. They need to be put away.
There ARE things that can be done. We just need people that care more about US than their bank account to be in office running our country. Let's DO this.
((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Last night my husband said to me about a shooting in America, I told him I'd heard about it and that it was sad so many people had died. The terrible thing was that he was talking about a second shooting, not the one I had just heard about. What is going on with all the guns? The gun laws here in Australia are pretty tight and I wish for America the same. RIP and sympathy to all those affected. xx
I try to keep my blog a neutral place but I can tell you I raised all kinds of hell on Twitter and in the comments section of the WaPo yesterday. My little town government starting following me last week for some reason and I'm sure after they got a look at the tweets I sent to our elected officials they blocked me-not that I blame them. I was pretty ugly. I'm here ready and waiting in DC for the next march but I think we are worn out. Everyone I go to has fewer and fewer attendees. At the moment I feel pretty helpless.
Hugs all round. I am continually asking "where is the leadership on this world?" The only one in the news recently that is viewed favourably amongst people in the street is NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Adern for backing up her words with swift legislative action.
I suppose leadership will need to come from the general population when we cannot see strong leadership in our houses of government and public offices.
Thank you for being one of the few voices in Blogland to speak out. It won't end until the Republican-majority Congress passes meaningful gun control (and stands-up to the NRA). Another thing that is needed is terrorist legislation. Did you know there are no laws specific to domestic terrosism--only foreign? What a do-nothing Senate! Vote them out...it's a matter of life or death.
-Eileen in Fla.
When innocent babes were massacred at Sandy Hook, I thought surely now something will be done. Gun laws will be reformed; nothing was done. Massacre after massacre has occurred since then. In the past week alone there have been massacres at the garlic festival in California, at Dayton, Ohio, and in Texas. Unspeakable massacres of innocent people. Surely something will be done now. . . or will it???
God help us all. . .
this hideous week-end might not be of the magnitude of 9/11, but to each family impacted either directly or indirectly, it was an event of ultimate horror- i am so sad and so sorry and so thoroughly disgusted by those who could speak out and should speak out and remain sanctimonious and smug in their cocoons of indifference, hate, and greed- i am just deeply ashamed-
regards (and of course the pics are all great)-
barb
Everything you and Teresa said is point on. It's absolutely despicable that this is allowed to continue because no one has the balls to actually enact change that is needed. My NY boy sent me a text yesterday that said "What a great country I live in." All the shooters lately who are committing these atrocities have been the age of our boys -- early 20s. How horrible! What self-hatred they have for themselves that they can plan such senseless attacks. The TX gunman drove 650 miles to kill people. He left a manifesto. There is no need for an investigation as it is clear why he did it. The police are saying he felt this way before Trump. Well, guess what! If those feelings are already there, then the current climate only adds to the hatred that has consumed his soul. I honestly felt guilty yesterday doing anything other than thinking about what has happened, what continues to happen because of corrupt politicians. I feel guilty every single day, because there is so much that needs to be corrected in this world and all who want to do good are constantly scrutinized and criticized for wanting true change. Enough is enough! Something's got to give.
Another from the UK sending every best wish and wishing there was something we could do to stop all this senselessness. Appalled at what we are witnessing and standing firm with you
x
I totally agree with you. I really don't understand Americans' obsession with guns. Our country is not as great as America but at least I feel our public places are a lot more safer. I wonder how many more lives will be lost before the government agrees to bring in more stricter gun laws.
Dear Meredith, here in Oz, we just don't understand the gun debate in the US. It just doesn't make sense, and I have often wondered whether it will ever change over there. Things must change slowly if people in America stand up and say what they feel and continually vocalise what they feel. I feel so sorry for those innocent souls who have lost their lives and for their loved ones who remain. Regards, Robyn
Meredith
You are spot on. I too, thought about those who love their guns and shout about life beginnings at conception. Long discussions here yesterday with Zach and Fireman and I. There is so much to be done in both abolishing guns and helping the mentally ill who cannot seek or afford help. Those poor parents of those boys. Oh my
I quit watching and reading mainstream media quite a while ago to spare me the horror (and also hate, propaganda and fake news). There was a quick note on the radio this morning when I drove to school.
I read on blogs I follow that "it" had happend again. I'm relieved to hear that so many want to change the gun laws. I totally agree with you. In fact, I would stop following you if you did speak up against gun restriction. Take care of your headache. Hugs, Regula
Meredith, I completely understand your sentiments and share them up to a point. I have been a political activist for decades. I have worked on local and presidential campaigns, and I have called members of congress tirelessly about dozens of issues, especially during this administration. I have called registered voters in almost all 50 states during pivotal elections for high-stakes seats. I've been involved in politics for what seems like forever.
And I am exhausted, disheartened, and just about broken. I cannot live in it anymore. Someone else has to step up. And I need to have something of mine be about something else. So my blog is going to be a little escape for me for now. And anyone else who feels as I do.
Of course my heart is broken. But my vote is not. My will is not. I am ashamed of my country, and I have been since the night the results came in electing this amoral beast. I hope we can (and will) do better.
I did love your post about your beautiful boys, (all of them,) and the new puppy. As for the rest of it...I wasn't online yesterday at all so am just now catching up on blogs, yours is the first, so I don't know what was said elsewhere. Maybe they just want to keep their blogs places of escape from the evils of this world, I can't speak for anyone but myself.
I don't know what the answer is. I do know guns have been around, including assault rifles for years and we never had these shootings. Myself? I hate guns. But I think that the answer is deeper within ourselves. Life is devalued everywhere we look. People are hurting. VIolence is in almost all entertainment. Mentally ill are not getting treatment. Drug use abounds. It's terrifying. I honestly don't think we can blame any one group of people. I have family who live where gun laws are strict. They still have shootings. I know peopel who live where guns are completely outlawed. People are murdered with knives. Do we ban them? I don't know the answer.
I didn't know about the shootings until church yesterday where we spent a great deal of time in prayer for everyone involved. SInce then, I have prayed almost constantly that the evil in the hearts and minds of people will be changed. It's the only answer. If it's not guns, they will use something else. Here it was a backpack full of tacks left by the courthouse. Our society is ill and we need to be healed from within. There is so much hatred and anger toward each other and we will never recover if that isn't addressed.
Just my thoughts Meredith. I love you and your sweet family. I will pray that your migraine is better today.
Love and Blessings,
Betsy
I am across the pond so normally don't like to comment on another Country's politics but enough is enough...how many more innocent people have to die.
you will never lose me from speaking the truth Mere. and you speak it well.
and also the truth is... we think we're free! but our society has become so corrupt and materialistic and so far from true freedom that it's hardly better than living in the dark ages. only with more sophisticated weapons.
every politician is in a weird denial and they are in the HUGE DEEP pockets of the NRA. it's frightening.
I've contacted my own reps and senators until they've grown to know my name by sight. STILL... nothing. they are BIG OIL and PRO GUNS. it's beyond disgusting. how do you get rid of people like that?
you do more than you realize by simply the LOVE and KINDESS you spread. both on this blog and in your whole life. just keep being YOU.
I hope your migraine is gone. BLESS you darling child. xoxoxo
You took the words right out of my mouth. Agree 1,000%.
Barb
I am with you, too, Meredith, and many of our friends share your opinion as well. It's certainly crucial for everyone to vote and do what they can to encourage/help others to vote, too.
I read your blog but have never commented. I agree with you completely. The one way we can change this is to make our vote count in 2020 and to get everyone we know to vote.
I agree with you. Now that Luna is a precious one, and aren't all young dogs lunatics??? at least my dog was one long ago.
I agree with you all the way.
7:30pm Sunday night I got back from 8 days of blissful camping by the beautiful peaceful ocean with little internet service and no other media exposure...now back to work mourning lives lost and valuing life in the practical ways you listed! Hoping your headache is gone, your sleeve design succeeds, and you have loving times with your family, friends, new grand-dog, Luna, and your two furry boys. xx
A lot of people just lost their voices. Thank you for speaking yours. You are a good person Meridith.
I'm so heartbroken and fed up! As a mother of 5 and grandmother of 9 I feel helpless. Thank you for voicing my feelings!
I'm with you on this issue, Meredith. While I didn't blog about it, it's not because I don't care. Far from it. It's just not something I blog about. I do take action through my voting.
Your granddog is so cute. And I'm glad you got to meet up with a blogging friend.
Hope you have a good weekend!
xoxo
Oh Meredith, I stand by your side in solidarity. I fear things are going to get worse before they get better but I do have hope left. I think people are tired but I don't believe for a second that they stopped caring. It is just so overwhelmingly tiring even just reading the news headlines and wonder what comes next. The gun legislation in the U.S. makes no sense to anyone looking in from the outside. Nothing much of what happens in the political arena in your country makes sense really and the same holds true for my own home country. Sending you love xxx
I share your thoughts and pain over all this violence and the horrible state our country is in now. I haven't been able to blog for weeks now. I fear going to Walmart or any public outing and am in a constant state of sadness over what all those poor children are going through who have been separated from their parents. We have a monster leading our country right now and I pray people come to their senses and vote him and all who are responsible for these horrors out of office. I know I will!!
It makes me sad to think that people are insisting on having guns to 'protect themselves'. What is wrong with a society when people are afraid of their own fellow citizens?
Is it a coincidence that past leaders who tried to lead with messages of tolerance, love and humanity have ended up assassinated by gunshot? Will that be the fate of anyone who pushes super hard against 'the system'? Who is so frightened about changing the status quo that they need to use/have guns? Fear feeds on itself.
How do we, as individuals and in broader societal systems, help to stem those fears? People cannot make rational decisions for change if they are frozen by fear.
I applaud you Meredith for your fearless voice and for having the courage to take action. You are not a passive bystander. I am proud to know you, Meredith.
Hope you are feeling better. Good luck to Little Buddy with his horse back riding.
Marilyn
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