I wonder if Grace Linn made that quilt she is holding up on the banned books. Such inspiration turned into art! I love your wonder wall. Every time I look at that lady with the crazy glasses and the dancing banana peel and all the other delightful images, I giggle. You have inspired us with your wonderful wonder wall - so much that for the first time in my life, I am going to make a wonder wall (on poster board) - co-opting the name Wonder Wall because it is so much more fun and playful than 'vision board' which seems a bit cerebral/conceptual. Wonder is something I can understand because it touches body and soul and makes me want to skip down the street backwards. Thanks!
I can see you doing both, Joyce. One does not have to preclude the other. And I think in this dialogue someone mentioned, likely you will learn from the Mexico adventure things that will enhance and strengthen the political writing. Thank you for both efforts. They are extremely important. 💜
While on your journey, send postcards to undecided voters letting them know that, even though you’re temporarily out of the country (hence the postmark), you want to encourage them to vote!
Not an expert by any means. My understanding: while the President is the head of the Executive branch, the legions of civil servants whose jobs require them to understand the laws, and system limitations of the Executive system in the overall system of checks and balances, and whose loyalty is to the constitution, can and do advise the President when what he/she wants to do runs counter to law or constitution.
One scary thing about Project 2025 is the intent to replace 50 - 100K experienced civil servants with hand picked people who have signed a loyalty oath to the President rather than the constitution.
Yes, Unfortunately, now all presidents from Pres. Obama on have UNLIMITED executive powers. Kind of hard to stop the train if someone authoritarian and dictatorial gets in - and we've seen enough of that behavior on both 'sides' of the two political parties because they are all under the boot of their corporate CEO billionaire overlords. We may be headed toward a civil war. So enjoy Mexico - and travel while you can. This is just my take but I've been following 'the money' and power for years - though much of it is hidden in terms of knowing the top players.
Who is currently in charge of the executive branch??
Should the civil servants, who are not accountable to the voters, be guaranteed permanent positions?
Would that not make any head of the executive branch into a mere figurehead?
If the head of the executive branch is a figurehead, should we not save billions of dollars and stop electing them?
My understanding is that in the past, most of the employees of the executive branch, especially those running the white house, would be swept out with each election, and that occurred until the executive branch became so huge that it was too difficult to fire everyone and restaff.
Many European countries clean house and change administrations after elections within a few days, not over 2 months as done in the U.S.
I like the idea of the wall and for the wall would like kind off chaotic because that is how I am my thoughts go here there and everywhere all at once sometimes
That first wall - the linear tidy one - is not how life or Nature work. The 2nd one - the more chaotic and alive one - feels more heart than head. You knew it intuitively, and finally went with your intuitive idea. The lady CAN see out of those crazy glasses - both inward and outward. We can't see in, but she is clearly delighted.
I love Anita Perez Ferguson's suggestion of the Spanish words, which have so much more poetry and life in them than English words, and you are going to a place of poetry and magic. Whenever I'm stuck creatively or with a decision, I look to where the poetry, mystery, and magic is, and trust that. We can be led by delight and wonder. It’s why I am so drawn to your substack.
It's not irresponsible to go for the joy or what makes your heart sing! It fills your well, creatively and otherwise. Life is what happens while we are making other plans, as the old saying goes. Your wisdom wall is full of LIFE! A sense of humor in these times is essential. From that life and joy come strength to face whatever befalls; elections or otherwise.
I'd like to send the entirety of what I wrote in response to your post in a private message because it is long winded and may not be appropriate here. How would I do this – is there a way on substack?
AND... what a wonderful bunch of comments and commenters, full of poetry, wisdom, and intuition. Inspiring!
BB ... I always love your comments ... and you can always email me at jwycoff@gratitudemojo.com. Love what you're saying about the new wonder wall ... I think it is a form of breakthrough. Look forward to chatting.
A pendulum swinging, that I can relate to but mine isn't swinging back and forth. Erratic would be more like it. I can't even follow its course.
Maybe you can have your cake and eat it too by following through on your Mexico trip and then refocusing when you return. Maybe by then we'll have a better path forward to vote out the chaos.
Think just how young and healthy you are now compared to what you'll be ten years down the road. I suspect you'll still be running across your keyboard.
are there cardio points for that kind of running? One of the great benefits of getting older is understanding that "this is it." Nothing is guaranteed except this moment in time. And, if I don't press "Post," it could be because time just ran out. ;-)
LOL, you are so right about the "this is it" part, so each of us better be making the most out of this moment. Excuse me while I grab a piece of dark chocolate.
I suppose that’s the key: to be able to differentiate that one, quiet and mysterious inner impulse from the morass of confusing and conflicting thoughts from the world.
As Rumi said, “There is a voice that doesn’t use words, listen.”
“I would also love to know how you solve dilemmas like this?”
A dilemma only exists when trust in my innate intelligence is lacking. That’s when the thinking mind comes online and starts presenting me with choices between this and that, now and later, and right and wrong. In my reality, I only have one choice in life: trust my inner voice or not.
quiet them down with some good music or a walk out in nature where you can be silent and listen to all the life around you - or ask them to sing something in harmony. :)
I suggest adding Spanish vocabulary/words that bridge your two desires: contribute to political sanity & travel in Mexico. Curiosidad, ciudadano, viaje, justicia, votar, voz, adventura, mensaje, y mas.
I wonder if Grace Linn made that quilt she is holding up on the banned books. Such inspiration turned into art! I love your wonder wall. Every time I look at that lady with the crazy glasses and the dancing banana peel and all the other delightful images, I giggle. You have inspired us with your wonderful wonder wall - so much that for the first time in my life, I am going to make a wonder wall (on poster board) - co-opting the name Wonder Wall because it is so much more fun and playful than 'vision board' which seems a bit cerebral/conceptual. Wonder is something I can understand because it touches body and soul and makes me want to skip down the street backwards. Thanks!
Oh, BB ... I'm so glad you're going to make your own Wonder Wall! Would love to see a picture of it.
let's see if i really do it first! ;) Gathered some images over a month ago. but if I do, I promise to send you a picture.
I can see you doing both, Joyce. One does not have to preclude the other. And I think in this dialogue someone mentioned, likely you will learn from the Mexico adventure things that will enhance and strengthen the political writing. Thank you for both efforts. They are extremely important. 💜
Sue ... I should have just delegated the decision to you ... that's exactly where I'm winding up. Next time ...
Haha! Nahh, I'm just reminding you of what you've likely already decided but not accepted yet. It's going to be a wonderful adventure. 💜
While on your journey, send postcards to undecided voters letting them know that, even though you’re temporarily out of the country (hence the postmark), you want to encourage them to vote!
Cool idea. Thanks.
I vote for mostly images on the wall since they contain more data. :-D
Questions based on the 2025 stuff.
According to the U.S. Constitution, which official is assigned to run the executive branch of government?
In your opinion, which official should be in charge of the executive branch, and should it be more permanent?
Who is currently in charge of the U.S. executive branch?
Not an expert by any means. My understanding: while the President is the head of the Executive branch, the legions of civil servants whose jobs require them to understand the laws, and system limitations of the Executive system in the overall system of checks and balances, and whose loyalty is to the constitution, can and do advise the President when what he/she wants to do runs counter to law or constitution.
One scary thing about Project 2025 is the intent to replace 50 - 100K experienced civil servants with hand picked people who have signed a loyalty oath to the President rather than the constitution.
Yes, Unfortunately, now all presidents from Pres. Obama on have UNLIMITED executive powers. Kind of hard to stop the train if someone authoritarian and dictatorial gets in - and we've seen enough of that behavior on both 'sides' of the two political parties because they are all under the boot of their corporate CEO billionaire overlords. We may be headed toward a civil war. So enjoy Mexico - and travel while you can. This is just my take but I've been following 'the money' and power for years - though much of it is hidden in terms of knowing the top players.
Who is currently in charge of the executive branch??
Should the civil servants, who are not accountable to the voters, be guaranteed permanent positions?
Would that not make any head of the executive branch into a mere figurehead?
If the head of the executive branch is a figurehead, should we not save billions of dollars and stop electing them?
My understanding is that in the past, most of the employees of the executive branch, especially those running the white house, would be swept out with each election, and that occurred until the executive branch became so huge that it was too difficult to fire everyone and restaff.
Many European countries clean house and change administrations after elections within a few days, not over 2 months as done in the U.S.
I like the idea of the wall and for the wall would like kind off chaotic because that is how I am my thoughts go here there and everywhere all at once sometimes
That first wall - the linear tidy one - is not how life or Nature work. The 2nd one - the more chaotic and alive one - feels more heart than head. You knew it intuitively, and finally went with your intuitive idea. The lady CAN see out of those crazy glasses - both inward and outward. We can't see in, but she is clearly delighted.
I love Anita Perez Ferguson's suggestion of the Spanish words, which have so much more poetry and life in them than English words, and you are going to a place of poetry and magic. Whenever I'm stuck creatively or with a decision, I look to where the poetry, mystery, and magic is, and trust that. We can be led by delight and wonder. It’s why I am so drawn to your substack.
It's not irresponsible to go for the joy or what makes your heart sing! It fills your well, creatively and otherwise. Life is what happens while we are making other plans, as the old saying goes. Your wisdom wall is full of LIFE! A sense of humor in these times is essential. From that life and joy come strength to face whatever befalls; elections or otherwise.
I'd like to send the entirety of what I wrote in response to your post in a private message because it is long winded and may not be appropriate here. How would I do this – is there a way on substack?
AND... what a wonderful bunch of comments and commenters, full of poetry, wisdom, and intuition. Inspiring!
BB ... I always love your comments ... and you can always email me at jwycoff@gratitudemojo.com. Love what you're saying about the new wonder wall ... I think it is a form of breakthrough. Look forward to chatting.
A pendulum swinging, that I can relate to but mine isn't swinging back and forth. Erratic would be more like it. I can't even follow its course.
Maybe you can have your cake and eat it too by following through on your Mexico trip and then refocusing when you return. Maybe by then we'll have a better path forward to vote out the chaos.
that's what I'm thinking too. Go for the whole cake!
You got it - you're only young once.
What a great thing to say to a 78 yo woman who is never going to get any younger ... my present now is young. Thanks, Mark.
Think just how young and healthy you are now compared to what you'll be ten years down the road. I suspect you'll still be running across your keyboard.
are there cardio points for that kind of running? One of the great benefits of getting older is understanding that "this is it." Nothing is guaranteed except this moment in time. And, if I don't press "Post," it could be because time just ran out. ;-)
LOL, you are so right about the "this is it" part, so each of us better be making the most out of this moment. Excuse me while I grab a piece of dark chocolate.
Joyce your line “a chorus of inner voices” inspired me.
Intuition hums,
A gentle guide through the fog,
Whispers in my heart.
Inspiration strikes,
A vibrant flash fills my mind,
Chaos gives birth to art.
Laughter and sorrow,
Echoes of my deepest self,
My truth, raw and bright.
I suppose that’s the key: to be able to differentiate that one, quiet and mysterious inner impulse from the morass of confusing and conflicting thoughts from the world.
As Rumi said, “There is a voice that doesn’t use words, listen.”
“I would also love to know how you solve dilemmas like this?”
A dilemma only exists when trust in my innate intelligence is lacking. That’s when the thinking mind comes online and starts presenting me with choices between this and that, now and later, and right and wrong. In my reality, I only have one choice in life: trust my inner voice or not.
To trust or not to trust. That is the question.
Sounds perfect, Tom ... however ... what if you have a chorus of inner voices?
quiet them down with some good music or a walk out in nature where you can be silent and listen to all the life around you - or ask them to sing something in harmony. :)
Joyce, if you have a chorus of inner voices, you're probably a writer ):
Oh, Jeanine, that is so perfect. If that's the price to be paid, I'll take it. Writing is the one clear stream of my life.
And yes, you Are one!
I suggest adding Spanish vocabulary/words that bridge your two desires: contribute to political sanity & travel in Mexico. Curiosidad, ciudadano, viaje, justicia, votar, voz, adventura, mensaje, y mas.
love those words! The idea that comes out of it is to connect with a Spanish speaking group working on the election!