Hello Everyone, yes, we’re still in England, but not for much longer! On our way home soon. 🏡 But ever since our election, I’ve had a hard time sleeping, I can’t turn off my brain, I wake up thinking about it, and go to sleep worrying about it. Finally I turn to the cure, I’m going to work it over in my mind by writing about it. It’s not that I have any secrets from you. I usually see my blog as a happy place, even as an escape from the negativity these days, where kindred spirits gather to talk about the little things that make life wonderful, things we all have in common. And, until recently, I always thought
And I have done it, risen above reality, quite easily throughout most of my life. When bad things happen, I go to the garden and pick a few flowers, make a cup of tea, get under my nap blanket with an old movie, and I feel better. I put away the disappointment I feel for the direction of the world and go knit my 89th scarf instead. I invite friends to dinner, light candles, pour wine, play beautiful MUSICA that fits my mood and forget. Even during 9-11, the worst, most intrusive example of man’s inhumanity to man, followed 
by all the other ones since, I could turn on Shirley Temple or Fred Astaire and slowly but surely, be healed. Maybe this made me a shallow person, but I didn’t see it that way. I saw it as a “take charge” of my life gesture, and it has always worked (except once, Sandy Hook 😥). But what has just happened to our country, I fear, is a 9-11 in very slow motion…no Shirley Temple movie is going to help. Where this election will take us, as a people, is still to be seen. And I have to talk about it. Please try to read this, because it comes from my heart. It’s not so much about the election, but more about us, and this angry world we live in.
See this photo, this room full of anything-but-angry Girlfriends? This and the photos below are the wonderful faces of some of the people that Joe and I had the privilege of meeting while crossing the country in the Fine Romance 
Van this last spring. I have no idea what political party they affiliate with, and I honestly don’t care. Because that’s only one small part of who a person is, and these people were so giving, kind, and filled with light . . . and we have so much in common! I would much rather concentrate on that . . . I could write a book about our commonalities! Oh yes, I forgot, I have! I’ve always known it from the wonderful letters I’ve received over the years, my whole life is based 
on it. We love our families and our best friends, we love nurturing them. We love to decorate our houses, make curtains and pillows, pick wildflowers for vases, because we all agree, home is where the heart is. We fold clothes, warm from the dryer, on the kitchen table (sometimes we wrap our kids or husbands up in them), we call each other to catch up, bake cookies and birthday cakes, feed our beloved pets, make Thanksgiving dinner, welcome family home with open arms, work hard, get the kids to school, put their drawings on the fridge, give to charity, mourn our lost loves, count our many blessings and are so grateful we have this amazing opportunity and gift to be able to do these little things that make life so very sweet.💞 We know how quickly everything can change and we are grateful for a normal day.
These days though, another thing we have in common, we worry. Mostly for our children and grandchildren in this changing world ~ we want them to hold on to the look in this little girl’s eyes for as long as possible, to grow up free as the wind, 
so tenderly careful never to touch butterfly wings, never experiencing war, sure that all things in our world are right and good. We want them to read books, embrace honesty, integrity, and ethics, have the very best education possible so the stars are the limit, honor family traditions, lay under trees, watch the leaves fall, dream, and 
feel perfectly free to reach for the moon and make this world a better place because I’ve never met a child who didn’t wish to do that. Every one of us wants our families to receive the best health care, and none of us want to see our parents grow old, destitute and alone. I don’t care which political party we’re from. Or even which country. Right? Isn’t that who we are as human beings, all of us? It’s what I believe.
Some of us are Catholic, some of us are Methodist, Jewish, or Muslim, and some of us have no religion at all, but that’s okay, because we respect freedom of religion as our forefathers, those we honor on Veterans Day, have fought so hard to preserve. We aren’t afraid of people that are different from us. We know their children will be bullied in school if we adults do not stand up for the rights of their parents. No child should ever be bullied because of some crazy adult thing. And common sense tells us, you can’t hold a person down without staying down there with him. And it’s our intention to rise and rise together. Right? One world, one people? Our grandmothers taught us that we’re going to disagree with people, but to be respectful, don’t throw our trash in other people’s yards, and remember that religion and politics are taboo subjects in mixed company and good manners means that sometimes we just keep our mouths shut.
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If A is success in life, then A equals X plus Y plus Z. Work is X; Y is play; and Z is keeping your mouth shut. 💛Albert Einstein
We might be Republicans or Democrats, but until the last few years, we’ve always believed we were on the same American team, trying to make a better country. We agree that we’d like to use our tax money to have safe bridges, clean water, good schools. Despite what we are told by a divisive media, we do want the same things, Yes we do, and are mostly just exactly alike. And that is true for peace-loving, garden-planting, women and men of all backgrounds, in all countries. Imagine waking up each morning not knowing if your child will make it home from school 
alive. Not knowing if men with machine guns will pop in the door of your little house with the one flower in the vase. Really imagine it, because it’s like that for some women in the world, women just exactly like the ones in these photos, people like us, who never stop dreaming of a better world. We are so lucky to live the way we do. To knit Christmas presents, make soup, take the kids to a movie. To go to tea parties wearing a new hat. All the joyful little things that make life so wonderful.
But our peace is under threat. We are being torn apart from within. I can tell you for 100% sure, no one in any of these photos hates America, whether she’s from Iowa, California, Arizona, Texas, Utah, Oklahoma, New York, or Wisconsin or all of the lovely places in-between. You know it, and I know it. Believing they do hurts our country. The people who tell us one part of the country is BETTER or WORSE than another, is a traitor to his country. His purpose is to rip us apart when he does that. It’s cruel and wrong, it has not a single American value in it, and if I was queen I would put these people in rehab (on a desert island). They do it for money. Look closely at those faces, we all love our country. We are good people, all of us. Anyone who tells you different is lying. That’s the first thing I wanted to clear up.
“Reporting is expensive, and making stuff up costs nothing.” 😜 BBC
But something has clearly changed when we elect a President of the United States who 
admits grabbing women by their private parts. I don’t care about one political thing, but that statement was a knife in my heart. That was the moment I said to myself, “Done.” Because it tells our young men that we condone this, it tells our daughters they are nothing. There is not one honorable thing in it, it is against everything I want the world to be. I would be very surprised if we didn’t all agree on this too no matter who we voted for. When I think of women in other countries who are buried in the dirt up to their necks and stoned to death for not following the local rules, and remember how hard we’ve fought for respect in this country, my heart bleeds and I cry very sad tears.
So what changed and when? Our country didn’t always suffer from so much divisiveness. Our media didn’t always take us to the lowest common denominator. I know, because I’ve been around a long time. When I was in high school, whether you were a Republican or a Democrat did not matter a bit. Most of us didn’t even know what we were. When did half of us become “the other” and the other half become “reviled?” How did this knife get driven into the heart of our country, dividing us like we are today? How did we all get so hurt, because both sides are very hurt by this. And, with all this glorifying of negativity, this shamelessness, how do we raise our children? How do we teach them? How do we take care of the sick and dying? How do we live and work together in peace?
How’d it happen? I think I know because I watched it unfold. Age is very good for this type of thing. It began for real in 1988. . . when radio and TV talk shows (on stations owned by huge political corporations) starting using fear, 
telling people that half of us were trying to undermine America by doing things like getting rid of Christmas (which is the MOST ridiculous thing I ever heard, no one ever wanted to do that, breaks my heart to think anyone would believe it), that our leaders, our media, were “not to be trusted” — that only THEY could be trusted. And guess what, fear worked! And radio talk proliferated, and moved to television. This kind of media, with their 24/7 brainwashing, was allowed because of a change in the law called the Fairness Doctrine in 1987. Turns out the people doing the talking were cheating on their wives, having affairs in bathroom stalls in airports, were addicted to 
drugs, yet the very things they would blame on “others.” They told us Obama wasn’t born in this country. They said he is a muslim (as a fear tactic). These days they are starting to call this Fake News. They’ve lied to us a thousand times, and yet, for some reason (due to a myriad of personal experiences) many of us believe them, and, slowly, over the years, we have allowed them to tear us in two. Because there wasn’t anything we could say. We couldn’t stop them, they gained strength and filled the airwaves with this stuff. Now it’s all over social media. Families are being torn apart, friendships are ending, violence is occurring. It’s not getting better, and no one knows what to think. Or, we think we do.
I used to imagine it didn’t matter who became president, because if I turned off the news, I couldn’t see how it made an actual difference to my life. Sun still came up, trash was picked up in same big trucks, street lights still worked. Then two things occurred. First, 
good paying jobs began going to other countries where people could work for a lot less. Our little towns were robbed of our small businesses, some look like ghost towns now, because they could not compete with large corporations such as Walmart who bought everything cheaply-made from foreign countries. (And, to be fair, we forgot to notice that we supported them by flocking to their stores.) In my art licensing business, in the years just after 2000, so many manufacturers closed, I was no longer able to license my products, the jammies, or the 
dishes, the way I used to…there was no one to make them anymore. All the money that used to go into the hands of small bookstores, publishers, editors, printers, authors, PR people, and agents, and most importantly, their families (who spent that money supporting other small businesses), now goes into the hands of just one person, Jeff Bezos, who owns Amazon. Yes, a billionaire is born every minute, to the exclusion of the rest of us. Everyone was affected by this mass abandonment by our government and big business who had gotten their successes on our backs. Our middle class was having the rug pulled out from under it. It was going away. ALL of us felt it! Then they had the nerve (and greed) to invent Black Friday and open stores on Thanksgiving (no, young ones, Black Friday is NOT an “American Tradition” despite that they tell us it is). There was a time when corporations felt a duty toward the country and the people that supported them. But no more. We’re losing our American way of life. We’re all in the same boat, together, the people on the coasts, the mid-west, the south, the coal miners, the manufacturing towns. And we put up with it. But we are mad. And media and the powers that be used our anger to divide us even further. It’s not US, it’s THEM.
Then in 2008, the banks walked away with all our money, they foreclosed on us and our neighbors who had done nothing more but applied for and were granted a loan from a bank, and walked away with retirements and pensions. Zip, too bad, gone. They were bailed out with OUR TAX MONEY (but not any for the foreclosed-upon), and the powers that be did absolutely NOTHING about it, news media did nothing, talk news ignored it. I have never 
been so upset with government in my life. Someone should have gone to jail. Someone should still go to jail. None of my friends got through it unscathed. It’s become much harder for everyone to make ends meet. It’s not just you. It’s not just your imagination. We are all worried sick about what will happen to us when we get too old to work, or if we get really sick. Most of us, including me, now work for nothing most of the time, and 
steal money from the retirement funds we’ve managed to put by, to make ends meet, still trying our best, adapting, the only way we know how. New graduates from colleges and universities are hurting, young people saddled with massive debt that the government gets interest on (btw, university in France and other countries is free, we could most definitely have that too, if it wasn’t for the large faction of our legislators that are trying to convince us now that we don’t need a Department of Education in this country) and these kid’s lives have a hopelessness to them that we never felt. These are our children, and words such as “Liberal” or “Conservative,” used as poison darts have NOTHING to do with it. Some things should not be politicized. They have undermined our beautiful American middle class. There is plenty of money in this country, it’s OUR money, and our government officials, corporations and media are using it to enrich themselves, through changes in laws, tax codes, and sadly, war. It’s our money, it should be used to make America better.
I hope I haven’t lost any of you. I want more than anything to figure a way to bring us together. I speak right out of a broken heart. There is common ground in every single subject and we are so sensible, and so like minded, kindred spirits can always, always find a way. 💙 But not unless we can see the truth that we are being used, divided, and conquered. 
Who’s in charge, who are the powers that be, who are the ruling class in this country? It’s not just the President, or congress, it’s the guys behind the scene, it’s the CEO of Walmart 
and every large corporation in America, the heads of CNN, CBS, FOX, oil companies and insurance companies, drug companies, chemical companies, bankers, and all their lobbyists that work behind the scenes making sure the laws are written to make them richer and happier. It’s the media and talk radio that have realized that they become richer and more powerful by separating us. And they are willing to say 
anything to do it. They tell us they are the “true news,” the only believable ones, and they use fear, the cruelest of all, that Isis (or whatever the fear is because they make up tons of them) is coming into YOUR town to GET YOU, and that they are the only ones that can save us. They tell us that people (the other, who just might be your family member or your next door neighbor) who disagree with them are Godless, or hicks, or racist, violent, or anything they want and tell stories to back it up. Problem is, it’s legal to say 
anything in this country. You can go in, make a fake newspaper, put a fake article in it, put it on your website, all fake and newspapery-like and say it’s true. And it’s really hard to tell the difference between fake and real these days. And some websites are so inflammatory, using despicable language, frightening everyone into fearful action, when what is needed is slow, thoughtful contemplation based on truth and fact. We don’t trust anything anymore. Friends and families are being torn apart by these lies, and our country is being torn asunder from within. Our beautiful country. I know this is strong, but I don’t care, I call this treason.
Imagine a town meeting: I’m sure many of you have attended them, so you recognize the process: the town identifies a need, a water system or stop sign at the corner of Park and Main, something. So they hash it over in the most boring way possible, what’s the best way to get what they need, how do they find the money for it, etc…and then, the town votes, and they SOLVE the problem between them, and the water system gets updated, the stop sign gets put in, and the town is better.👏
Your national government should work exactly the same. But if half the people refuse to deal with the other half, nothing gets done, your air turns dirty, your water becomes poisoned, your health care is taken away, your education system gets dismantled, your bridges fall down, regulation goes away so big business doesn’t have to tell you what additives they put in your food or how much lead is in your water. And who benefits from all that? Because definitely someone does, and it isn’t us.
We have to work together. Because there is a way to bring America back together, but not with all this name calling and fake news. And saying it’s okay because the other guy did it first, doesn’t help. The buck must stop with each of us. Turn off the radio. 
Just say no. Don’t believe everything you hear. If there is an issue, follow it through to see who is benefiting from the divisions it causes. A very good place for that is C-Span, it’s a little boring because it sticks to facts, but it lets you see all sides of issues and decide for yourself. It doesn’t lie. Your presence in your government doesn’t end with your vote for president. Watch your congress. Watch them like hawks. Don’t let anyone TELL you what they do, see it for yourself. Many of them (not all!!!) are selling us out. Doing NOTHING for the people, giving all our tax dollars to the lobbyists for the large corps. We are alike, we are Americans, we sink or swim together, and what we provide for our fellow citizens through laws we all work to make together, in jobs, healthcare, affordable housing, clean water, the best education, internet and hospitals for small towns not only brings up our country, it brings up our children, and it brings up the world.
We are being kept apart by an evil force that we need to join together to fight. Please, 
believe in each other, please don’t believe in these voices using us for, when it comes right down to it, money. They take our tax money and give it to each other, while we are fighting about stupid things, they manage not to spend it on the things we want, those schools, those roads, a VA that works for our lost and suffering veterans . . . they ignore us completely, pay lip service, and all the money, OUR money, goes to wars that we don’t want or ask for, to make up for the taxes that corporations don’t pay. And at this point in time the 
ruling class, media, government and corporations are in cahoots against we the people.
Not to throw out the baby with the bath water, because there are several wonderful politicians/people who are in it for all the right reasons. Of course these good ones are first to be demonized by the media. A politician that they can’t control is a bad one as far as they are concerned and has to go. If one of them chooses to vote for gun control, the NRA does everything in its considerable power to unseat that person no matter what his or her other achievements 
have been. The NRA, therefore, runs our country, not us. (And don’t go crazy here, nobody and I mean nobody, wants to take away everyone’s guns, that’s another lie, but who needs machine guns in the hands of crazy people or children? Lovely to be in England where people don’t have guns, and go to the movies, and be perfectly sure that no one will begin to mow everyone down.) And yes, politicians with that kind of bravery, who put their jobs on the line for doing the right thing, are few and far between. We should find the good ones, check backgrounds, find out what they’ve stood for, and bring them forward. It’s not what they SAY, it’s what they DO. But if our elected officials divide us, refuse to work on behalf of the country we love, we should vote them out of office.
💞
Americans are WONDERFUL friendly, hard working, generous, creative people. Don’t believe ANYONE who tells you differently. Our country does not have to be made great again, it is already the greatest country on earth. This bit about some of our United States being filled with “hicks” and some filled with “elites” makes me sick, they are doing this to separate us and we are letting them.
We have to outsmart them. If the media outlet you’re listening to tells you your neighbor thinks you are stupid, laugh in their face and say, “You must think I’m stupid if you think I believe that malarky.” 
If they tell you, “They don’t think like you,” “or those people are baby killers,” or “Christianity is under attack,” be aware that these are total and complete lies, they make it all up because our laws say they can and no one can stop them. If they blame Mexicans, Jews, African Americans, Iranians, Muslims, whoever, it’s because they want to separate us. Remember, Timothy McVeigh who blew up the Murrah building in Oklahoma City was a white Christian American. Terrorists come in all colors and from all countries. You and your neighbor are in the exact same boat, and the powers that be want to OWN the boat and will SINK it if they have to. Government has limits. It’s not supposed to be in charge of religion (they honestly don’t care about it, they use it to divide), it’s supposed to be in charge of roads.
Trump was appealing because he sounds like change, and at least he spoke to our total national frustration with the ruling class that shipped our jobs off-shore (even though he manufactures all his products in China), and let the banks walk away with our national treasure, foreclosing on people (hardworking citizens of this country) to whom they had approved loans because they thought they could get away with it (then blaming it on them), and the truth is WE ALL FEEL THAT WAY, no matter WHO we voted for. We all feel the need for change. But, unfortunately, electing this divisive man, a billionaire who told us that if he lost, the election would have been rigged, thereby inviting violence between the American People, for whom he was purporting to work, was not the answer. It is the saddest day America has ever seen. It’s the loss of presidential nobility, honor, honesty, integrity, truth, justice and the American way I lament. 😥 I know some of you disagree with me, and you have every right to do that, and write about it on your own blogs. But you can’t disagree with some of the things he has said and done. I see the election of Trump as the culmination of massive amounts of misinformation coupled with total frustration at the system. Everyone has a right to vote they way they see fit. Remember, I’m still here in England. I JUST basically woke up to this, and I’m torn apart. What has happened to us? There has to be more to this than meets the eye, this wall building that Mexico’s going to pay for, this “Lock Her Up” rhetoric, I don’t believe he will do these things. It will unfold. If Trump puts people in his cabinet that are on the side of We the people, I will be thrilled and happy. But if it ends up as all deal-maker conmen billionaires, heads of corporations that have been running this country for years anyway, I will be heartbroken even further than I am now. 
Yes, we desperately needed change and Hillary should have said, “I will jail the people that stole our national treasure, I will stop us from subsidizing corporations for taking our jobs overseas (that money will go to rebuild our infrastructure and fix health care), and I will raise taxes on corporations. I will work for the people.” Obama, instead of trying to “make nice” when he got into office, should 
have had opened a huge investigation into the banks. Banks should have been broken up. Drug makers should go to jail for overcharging us. Insurance companies should be prosecuted for not being there when we need them. But he wanted to soften the rhetoric between the parties, so instead he went to work saving the auto industry … he tried to be a healer, but the congress had vowed not to work with him, and in the end, he missed the boat. Hillary is also more of a hawk than I would personally like. She voted for that ruinous war we were lied into. But at least I know her as an honorable person. Despite the fake stories, she is not a murderer, she has worked hard all her life to make a better world. At least she tried to talk about roads and schools and children’s health. And, sadly, the powers that be (which even includes foreign governments like Putin) would rather see a man in office, no matter how inappropriate he might be, than any woman. Tons of manipulation went into that. (And now Melania Trump is in the crosshairs. She’s not evil either, and neither is Michelle Obama.)
But our country was so upset, we needed change so badly, we’ve been lied to and manipulated so much in this post-truth world, we forgot our core values as defender 
against tyranny, champion of the little guy, equality and justice for all. If you see an article beginning with, “Sources have told us . . . that so and so is sick, dying, meeting with the KKK, in a rage, falling apart . . . whatever . . . be suspicious. What sources? Never forget, they can say anything. The unvarnished truth is the only way we can make a better world. We need to know. There was a huge discussion on BBC here yesterday about false information coming from Facebook. We can’t let the forces of evil take over the world. We need new foot soldiers to join in the fight against the misinformation they are using to control us. If you think it’s all one side or the other, you are wrong.
We grew up in our lovely middle class world believing in the American Dream, and this includes Hillary Clinton, who is my age and remembers it the way it was, is a good mom and a hard worker, and since I’ve been around long enough to watch it unfold, I have to tell you, she is the most investigated person in the history of this country. It’s been almost constant since I first heard her name. Looking back, ever since Rush Limbaugh began calling her a femi-nazi in the early 90s (because she wanted to help fix health care and the powers that be didn’t want that, because it would change the status quo, i.e. their pocketbooks, follow the money Insurance and drug companies), she has been demonized. I don’t know how she’s stood it. She’s a brave person, and in my opinion, she stood it for us. Despite our congress spending millions of dollars of OUR tax money on the best and the brightest lawyers hired to prove something against her (should have spent it on reopening the mental health facilities in this country that were closed in 1982), she has never been charged … not with the murder they said she committed, nor any of the “crimes” they say she did. Because accusing someone of something is perfectly legal ~ totally reprehensible, without integrity or honor, but legal, and lucrative. And if you put them through hell and find out they did nothing, too bad for them. If she was guilty of something, she would be in jail. Obviously the system, despite Trump’s lie, is not “fixed” — or, for example, Donald Trump would not be president. He was willing to say that, to shout LOCK HER UP, to incite violence (because he never had any intention of locking her up, he knew she’d never been charged with anything), even to bring this country to civil war, in order to win. Donald Trump, supposed outsider, was not the answer. He is the ruling class (and so is Hillary, btw). Before he 
ran for president, he was a pro-choice, bonafide card-carrying Democrat who invited Hillary to his wedding in order to court her for whatever he wanted voted for, now he says he’s a Republican and he’s vowed to lower corporation taxes from 35% to 15%. But we have no idea, none of us really know what he will do; he will say anything because what he really is is an opportunist. He’s the art of the deal. He would have done anything to win, and he did. Now we are going to have a government run by his children. Please God. Common sense tells us this is not good. Yes, we needed a shake up. But the damage that can be done in four years can actually never be undone. We can never take back the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the costs associated that we paid for, we can never bring all those soldiers back to life, we can never take back what the banks were allowed to do to us. And if it’s bad for us, you can only imagine how hard it is on people of color.
One thing I know for sure, the enemy is not your neighbor. Look at the faces in these photos and ask yourself, who benefits from reduction of corporate taxes, reduction of 
death taxes, and who profits from war? Because people do, and those people aren’t us. Who benefits when there is no regulation or weak regulations on car safety or safety of our food or water so they can make it cheaper, faster, using slave labor? Who profits when they advertise disgusting drugs on TV that none of us ever heard of? Who benefits if the legislative process is stymied? Do you think that oil companies want us to believe in global warming? Heck, no. Standard Oil started calling it a hoax 40 years ago. Kids gun down their classmates with AK47’s and we’re scared when we’re told that “libs” want to take away our first amendment rights, who benefits from that 
lie? Us, our kids, or gun manufacturers? Who benefits when we fight each other over gun control or Obama Care? Everything is fixed to benefit them, not us, and in this, Trump was right: the system IS rigged against us, but not the way he says it is. When we fight, they get away with it. It’s our NOT ALLOWING them to divide us that can save us. Can we do it? I don’t know. We’re in 
so deep. The yelling on Twitter breaks my heart, moms screaming at other moms. And the powers that be are loving every moment of it. I mean, how better to sell a newspaper than the screaming headline VIOLENCE ENSUES OVER ELECTION. And some media outlets say the violence is coming from the right, and some say it’s coming from the left, and the only thing we know for sure, when they do this, they win and we lose. We’re being used. They would rather we don’t vote at all actually, they make it harder and harder for us to do so, and when media made both candidates seem so unpalatable, when they decided issues didn’t matter, many people stayed home and didn’t vote at all!!!! Perfect. Just the way they like it.
See this photo? This is a room full of Girlfriends who have EVERYTHING in common. We can be mad, but not at each other, let’s be 
mad at them! Some of you may like what I’ve written here, some of you may see it as political, some of you may wonder why I didn’t write it before the election. Now I wish I had. If my dad was still alive he would have made me, but, sadly, I no longer have his sage advice. I’m on my own. Although I’ve paid close attention to politics over the years, I’ve never been a political person, I’ve believed that goodness would always just automatically win. I have a vision of a strong, inclusive America. Some of you might agree with me that our divisions are not real, but are caused by influences from within, from the powers that be who have everything to gain by keeping us separate and off message, if you do, pass this blog around, because we need all the help we can get. Some of you might decide I’m the enemy and never come to my blog again. So be it. Let the chips fall where they may. Many tears have been shed over the choice of best words here, maybe I didn’t do it perfectly, but please, never doubt one thing, my sincerity for the outcome: Us. Together. Forever. One country, one world.🌎
He drew a circle that kept me out, heretic rebel a thing to flout, but love and I had the wit to win, we drew a circle that took him in. 💖
I’ve said my piece. Now back to our regularly scheduled programming.
We’re on our way home! We leave England on Saturday, via the Queen Mary 2, back to America across the deep blue sea. It’s been wonderful beyond words and I wrote it all down in my diary.✍🏼 And don’t worry, my blog will come back in its same old homemaking celebratory way because that’s my heart and it’s almost Christmas🎄, and despite everything, I was born with the happy gene and I know I’ll come out of this. I could probably go on all day, but I believe I have entertained you long enough.💞
Dear Susan,
I agree with you 100% and as I was reading all these letters I thought a lot of these people that were upset with you are young enough that they do not remember WWII and Hitler. When I hear President Trump has appointed a man who is a White Supremacist (Neo-Nazi) to his cabinet I shudder. He owes money to Russia and China (will our country end up paying his huge loans) he wants his children to have security rights like he has. As for Hilary, I would like to know what she has done wrong. If she would be President she would see to it that women had better rights for their health care, that is why congressmen shake in their boots when a woman is mentioned as a Presidential candidate. As when the Ambassador was killed, she had requested more military assistance and Congress turned it down, so that is their fault. I would like to know if a man has a vasectomy isn’t that like murder? Someone asked me that and I could not answer. I will never quit buying your items and I hope I can meet you some day and give you a big hug.
Your comments made about Donald Trump are astoundingly naive. I believe a very small percentage of men have not said something like that…certainly they have thought it.
Of course, Trump is not perfect, but I believe it will be seen in the days to come that he is what America needs at this crucial time.
What do you think about the fact that Mrs. Clinton had people performing at her rallies saying things like Jay Z and Beyonce said? Their “music” is vulgar and extremely offensive. What do you think about the fact that Mrs. Clinton has received millions of dollars from countries who do not respect women and who execute homosexuals?
With an open mind, you need to take the time to research about Mrs. Clinton. Don’t just believe the media, but really research it for yourself to see what is actually true and what is actually false.
I appreciate your beautiful work and have enjoyed your books immensely.
But HE said it, he did it. He’s not just any man, he’s the President of the greatest country on earth. I have to say, respectfully, I’ve totally researched Mrs. Clinton. And what you are saying is just not true. I’m sorry, but it isn’t. I appreciate your kind words, and am sorry that we disagree, but somehow I think I must be tired, because I keep responding to comments about Clinton and Trump, and that’s really not what the blog was about.
Then maybe you should have kept to what the blog was really about.
What’s it really about?
The Heart of our Homes!!!
At least we can make our own homes a place of peace…a haven of sorts.
Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All Men!!!
God Bless Us!
Omg. To say a molester “is not perfect” is unbelievable. Who is being naive here? I, myself, agree that Hillary Clinton has her problems and I preferred Bernie, but we should never make excuses for his terrible behavior, including his accusing Obama of not being a citizen, when no white president has had to go through such disrespectful treatment.
Your blog is about spreading love and light in this now very gray world. And if spreading the light means shining it on a man with a dark soul (yes, I mean Donald Trump) and on the dark influences that affect the politics of this country (big, greedy corporations) then your blog is absolutely the right place for this discussion. Keep spreading the light Susan, especially in our darkest corners where it’s most needed! I applaud you!
I don’t expect or even want everyone to agree with me (“if everyone is thinking alike, then someone isn’t thinking”) I want us to see how we are being used, and what it is doing to our country. Thank you Marianne. Shine that big light on these greedy corporate/media overlords who divide us for their own profit. xoxo
LOVING and that is what you wrote about! Keep doing it and help push the fear and darkness away.
She never promised you a rose garden. Ms. Branch’s blog celebrates life, the home, womanhood, and all things classically American. Donald Trump has publicly mocked and insulted women, immigrants, the disabled, and people who’ve served honorably in the US military. See a relevant connection there?
NJean–I have to comment on that response.
It’s Susan’s blog. SHE decides what it’s about.
Since Susan’s blog is Susan’s, I’ve just always thought it would be whatever she decided it would be about. Hmmm… maybe I was wrong. I know, I’ll ask the media. They ALWAYS tell the truth!
In re-reading it, I find that it, after all, is NOT about Trump & Clinton. It’s about the great divide that has overtaken our country and what we might do to mend it.
Again, I could be wrong.
Thank you, Susan, for bringing this all out. It IS ok to put it out in front of us, because it is what most of us are spinning our wheels about, not moving ahead, fretting and worrying about. We’ll still drink our tea and feed our birds and love our books and oil our wooden spoons – but how do we get on when we don’t trust our neighbor? I appreciate you for helping to bring us closer yet, even though some of we Girlfriends are a little out of sorts about it. They’ll move past it and we’ll all keep loving, because that’s what we do. We are kindred spirits, not clones, and we just don’t all have to be in agreement about everything.
Keep spreading the love, dear Susan.
We love you!
♥Deb♥
Yes, I’ve been spinning my wheels for years about this. I didn’t know WHY it was happening. But one day, I followed the money, and voila! There at the end of the line were the corporations, bankers, media, the congress, all there with hands full of OUR money, and us with almost nothing, less in fact, every day. And blaming each other for it. Come ON.
I, very disappointed in this Susan… Thought you were above lies and politics.. You were a joy to read.. I don’t like your replies to some of us girls… Stick to keeping your head in the sand..you reLly had me fooled
I’ve been loving reading your books, Susan. However, I’m sorry to have to tell you that I don’t enjoy reading about politics and etc. here. I never want to disagree or cause any discomfort. But there has been so much anger, exaggerations, lies, and dreadful things said on Facebook by some friends since the election, that I will never see them the same again. People on both sides are guilty of these things. But the election shows that many people are really tired of the political correctness that allows some to vent and dictate while the rest of us try to get along. I believe we had two bad alternatives. I’m hoping for the best now. All I can say is, God bless and safe journey home.
SUSAN!
Bravely written on behalf of all women!
I’ve read your blog and followed your art joyfully for many years. I have always liked you.
Now I luv ya!
xoxo Susan!
http://journal-neo.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/1agop-sol-hands-to-face.jpg
Dear Susan,
I hope you can see the pic I attempted to paste here. I guess it’s too big or something, but a picture says a thousand words and it sums up every word of yours in one image. Thank you for your courage to finally speak up. I was wondering when the moment would arrive when you finally had enough of this fiasco and share your opinion. I applaud you! My friend Jane, who is a rabid Democrat sent this to me and it’s priceless. I wish it wasn’t so accurate, but it is. All we can do is keep the faith and get on with our lives as best we can. Four years can fly by, from what I’ve seen. Sooner or later, this political system of ours will have to change with the times, starting with this dinosaur called the Electoral College. I’ve signed a petition to try to repeal the thing and it may or may not work, but the idea is starting to catch on. Once enough citizens grasp a concept and demand change, even unto the expense of their own lives, it can’t be stopped. Remember Susan, at the end of the day, even Rome fell. Remember the French Revolution. Heads rolled. Remember they tried to kill the EV-1 (the “first” electric car, by burying the last of production in the desert). But it was too late. the auto mfrs realized they couldn’t stop progress and they had to work with it or be left behind. My activist friend Jane says we have to organize, organize, organize! And she didn’t mean our filing! So I hope that this message has given you a glimmer of hope. We can also hope the evil in this world will be undone by its own greed and they will kill each other in the process of trying to be number one. Just so long as they don’t take any innocent bystanders with them! And to give a twist to a quote from our beloved Tiny Tim, God help us, everyone! Amen.
Wow you really had me going there for awhile. I was feeling so good you were taking the high road with all this crap that has gone on during the course of this election. Then BAM you hit the home room and slammed into our faces you’re a Clinton fan, and proceeded to slap our faces with how wrong the people who voted for Trump were. You left a bitter taste in my mouth, but it’s your blog, and your right to free speech as I, but you like the media are telling me I am so wrong with my free speech. Apparently a lot of Americans feel the same way as I so do, because look who is in the Office now. I will pray for you . Thank you for allowing me to “voice” my comment.
I think I said I was not a Clinton “fan,” that in fact I saw her as part of the ruling class, and that I disagreed with some of her policies. But I won’t stand up for lies, and she is not a criminal and she did not condone her husband’s infidelity. And I told the truth about Trump too. But that wasn’t what the blog was about, and I continue to press that fact no matter how badly people want to make it about this particular election. I’ll say it again, our country is being divided, something that wasn’t true about 25 years ago, not even a little bit. Both sides worked together to make stuff happen. I’m not saying everyone has to think alike, I’m just saying we don’t have to hate each other. Because when we do, nothing gets done and our country suffers.
Diana, please understand that when you say, “I will pray for you,” it screams self-righteousness. It also implies that you have a connection to God, while the other person does not. And that’s patently absurd. Ms. Branch and others who do not share your political opinions (my self included,) do not need surrogates to contact God for us. And note: The Almighty is non-partisan.
Media, the corporate world, and most especially politicians use religion to divide us. God would want no part of the greed and lies that keep us separated, and when I hear a politician invoke His name for VOTES? I feel sick inside.
Sending love and support, Susan, and girlfriends. It’s snowing here this evening – wish I could send you some of these pretty snowflakes, too! ❄️
Thank you, beautiful Susan for saying what is in my heart. Tears are streaming down my face as I write this. Thank you for your bravery in sharing this with us. We need to stand up to this racist, homophobic, xenophobic, and sexist animal. Our children and grandchildren need to know we are better than this. If you ever find a platform, as I’m sure with your well-deserved fame you may have more influence, please share it with us so we can all move forward to a happier and healthier America for all of our children! I’ve never loved you more than this moment!
Donna Wilson xoxo
p.s. Safe travels home!!
Darling Susan, thank you for writing this. I know it was so hard to write, but you have expressed your heartfelt emotions and no one can fault you for that. You are strong and loving and wise. I have always admired Hillary, she has done her best all her life to help women and children and has been vilified for everything she does. My daughter and I were so stunned Tuesday evening when the news came in, and still can’t believe it. She also is having nightmares, she just said, and can’t stop dreaming about it. Two of our sons believed the other side, or at least voted that way, two very adamantly did not. This weekend we are gathering for a “gender reveal ” party to learn if we’re going to welcome two great grandsons or great granddaughters, one of each or two of the same. Our ‘kids’ are all in their 50s and 60s, and it will be a time of laughter and good feelings, no matter the conversations this last week, I hope. I know. We share your concerns and worries for the coming days and years ahead. Stay strong. You’re not losing anyone. And if so, so what. Safe travels home to your lovely home on the island, and Jack.
Dear Susan, thank you for your bravery in putting it all out there. Your words are a comfort during this awful time. The lovely photos and you and your husband took at the book signings this summer remind me of a happier time and how much my best friend and I enjoyed meeting you. The bigoted rhetoric and painful barbs being thrown across social media this fall have kept me awake at night and as a 53 year old gay woman, I feel marginalized for the first time in my life and genuinely scared about what is happening to our country. My partner is a highly decorated retired USAF officer who fought for her country in Dessert Storm and Dessert Shield. We both work in health care. I am an R.N. We take care of our elderly parents and neighbors and friends. We aren’t hurting anyone…yet we and those who love us are holding our collective breaths about what comes next. I have had to turn off the television but it is difficult to focus on much else because what has happened is so painful. It is a feeling I know so many others before me have felt, those who were in any way marginalized or persecuted because of their race, their sex, their religion or nationality or sexual preference…and even though I was well aware of the history of it all, I somehow was sheltered from the experience of these feelings because I grew up in a loving family and had loving friends and a respectable career. Now nothing feels certain. It is hard to imagine that the painful things that have been said and published by those who will now be close advisers to the new president are finding favor and are cheered on by its citizens. We wonder how anyone who cares about other human beings could support such hate, such awful behavior and we find no answers. I am a very creative person (which is why I love your books and your art) and come home and stare at the knitting projects in my study. I don’t care to cook and can’t focus to read or enjoy much of anything. I know this probably will seem a bit dramatic to some of your readers but the closest thing I can think of to describe this is the way one feels when there is a death in the family or of someone close to you. I/we feel grief…in a big way. Perhaps no one intended to hurt their neighbors, but it has happened just the same. In the spirit of drawing together, I would just ask that everyone who reads this blog do something kind for another human being…and if you know someone who is hurting and scared as a result of what has happened, who is fearful of being deported or having family members ripped away from them, reach out and speak to them with kindness and let them know you care. You are right…none of us needs to be part of the hateful vitriol that has marked this election or that continues to be endorsed in the press. But so many of us are heartbroken and in shock. Thank you for your comforting words and for the distraction of your beautiful art and sharing your heart with us, even whilst on your wonderful vacation. You are a treasure.
Susan, thank you thank you so much! I agree with EVERYTHING you said, and that took such unbelievable courage for you to write. I am so afraid for my grandchildren and the world they will live in. Women already work hard, but now we all need to work even harder to bring this country together. My grandmother, born in 1899, always used to say “the Lord helps those who help themselves.” So I believe in getting out and working for the change I want (and I am not at all quiet in the process). XOXOXOXO
Dear Sue,
I have to admit that I was surprised by your post about our country but I support everything you said. It was very brave of you to put yourself out there like that. It’s so difficult to find the happiness these days, especially recently. I don’t know what will happen for our country in the next four years but I hope everything is going to be okay. I have to believe that because if I don’t, the stress and worry will send me to my grave. I’ve been with you since 1989 and nothing will ever change that. xo Tracy
Susan, I just felt compelled to write again. I hope I didn’t hurt your feelings but so felt the need to respond, You are such a kindhearted person who is always able to be positive and
encouraging and I was so happy with what you were writing at the beginning of your blog. I guess I was just stunned at the way the post was going. I guess I just needed the other Susan to help me to get beyond this whole thing. But you are human too. I don’t know if this will get through because it’s a second comment but hopefully you will read, I continue to pray for the whole world for love and peace. Thank you.
Hi Susan….I love ur blogs, but this one was not n good taste. Many many of us look forward to n
Hearing from u and sharing trips, your home, books calendars, etc. As many of ur readers have said..its not good to discuss politics or religion in some places. This is one of them. Looking forward to reading ur next blog…without the mention of any of the above. Life gles on…glad u had a great trip…have a safe trip home. I am sure u miss home.
Sue,
Thank you for this post. You said what and how many of us feel! We do need to come together! We do need to dig in to see the depths of people’s feelings, in politics. What are they thinking and what do they want from it all. Will it be good for us or not. It think this has been one heck of an eye opener for all of us. It’s scary and I hope things work out.
Thank you for writing what you are feeling. I agree with you. In our home we too are physically under the weather. Hard to sleep, hard to explain this to my fifteen year old granddaughter. One thing I am doing is praying more than ever. This is a “black swan” event.
Unbelievable and has shaken us to the core.
Susan, my pastor often says that “politics divides” rather than bring together, & never has that thought been more true than during this past “circus” of an election. I experienced first hand the outright HATE towards Hillary Clinton when I told a friend I felt Trump was unqualified to serve as our President a couple of months ago. That was all I said! He angrily stated that Hillary was a awful person, had murdered people, & that he would not give her so much as a bucket of water if she were on fire! We were celebrating a birthday w/ a fellow friend so I said the conversation was over right then. I was not going to allow this friend’s lunch I’d prepared to be RUINED! Like so many others I was very surprised that Trump’s campaign went as far as it did, & shocked that he won. Also surprised at the total change in his personality AFTER winning. Highly doubt he’d have conceded as Hillary did if he’d been the one to lose. Enough said. Our God IS in control, & my faith in Him is no less because He allowed Trump to win. So I will to continue to ask those I know to pick themselves up & do what’s right. Volunteer & spread awareness to help others, (slavery is at an all time high in our world, violence, child abuse, & so many other injustices need to be righted!) You hit the nail on the head when you said the real issue is division among us, & sadly hatred is fueling the fire. Even if I did not agree w/ you on this blog, I’d still applaud your “bravery” in speaking up on what is so obviously important to your heart. THANK YOU!
What a beautiful blog. The only thing I can say is maybe right now what we need is someone who is not a politician. We didn’t get this way overnight and the solutions won’t come easy either. I long for a more innocent way of life, where we respected the government and each other but only time will heal.
We had it, at least a lot better than what we have now, the anger is so terrible.
The only ones that are angry are the ones in the streets demanding we forget federal law. Well I want to pick a law and avoid it as well. At least I’m a citizen. Actually the media is losing their minds as well. They are frothing at the mouth.
Susan !
How does this post help? I realized long ago not to listen to the media for my
information, I’m 67. It is offensive to me that you went this route, you are
adding to the difficulty. The next president isn’t even in office yet, the present one has caused great divisions but no one speaks of it.
It’s not about the president Kathy, it’s about us.
Unfortunately you make it sound like it is about the President. You can be part of the problem or part of the solution. I think I see which part you have chosen. So sad.
Then you didn’t read it.
Yes, I did read the whole thing because I wanted to keep an open mind and see what you had to say. I just think you leaned too far one way. I wish we would all just return to God and better values.
Gosh, I read every word and thought it was very clear that Susan was providing us with the opportunity to come together in this special community of kindred spirits and be part of the solution by continuing to be the kind, gracious people we are.
No matter which candidate had won, we the people would still be in this mess they’ve put us in.
Really don’t appreciate your superior attitude. Why can’t
I express myself without being told I’m wrong?
You asked how my post helped. I answered that it wasn’t about the election, it was about how we are being divided. You can express yourself, that’s just fine, but you changed the subject back to who was elected president and I was saying it didn’t matter who won.
Yes, Kathy, I totally agree with you. It is our current president that has caused much of the divisiveness & hatred engulfing our country now. No, I wasn’t a big Donald Trump fan, but I knew with Hillary things would not change for the better. She’s as trustworthy as a snake, and I frankly felt like we would sink with her at the helm. Let’s pray that we get good Supreme Court judges that will make good moral decisions to lead our country in the right direction. Frankly, I feel like that is most of our problem–people are beginning to be afraid to say God or I am a Christian and you can see what road we are going down. Let’s pray for our leaders and for the American people to work together, and for God to show us how to get back on course.
Thank you, dear Susan, for your bravery, honesty and deep empathy with many of us – and for speaking your truth. It is indeed a heartbreaking, sad time in this country. I am 74 years old and have never seen anything so divisive on so many fronts. Family members fighting with one another on Facebook. People standing on one side and hating those on the other. Whom do we trust now?
I myself have not had the courage to speak up at all on this issue and admire you for doing so, even at the expense of making some of your followers uncomfortable. You have done me a huge service by expressing yourself so eloquently, by explaining why you couldn’t support Trump and that Hillary was not the satan/crook so many wanted us to believe. One thing that has concerned me throughout this election and post-election, is that I have become afraid to speak out, to speak my truth. I was afraid to even discuss this election with almost anyone! The social media posts were appalling, ugly, and divisive, in addition to the media and political parties with all the negativity. It alarms me that we may think it is time to just overlook the unfair negativity and divisiveness we are victims of. “Put on a happy face,” just doesn’t cut it. But, of course, we don’t want to attack anyone or participate in the hate acts. So, my deep question for myself is: how can I speak my truth and build bridges, without pretending everything is just fine? It is not fine to target groups of people, to divide a country on the controversial issue of abortion, etc. etc. I hope we can all begin to speak softly with respect to one another, but I also hope we can also speak up and explore issues of difference, not for each one of us to prove our “rightness” but to begin to understand one another, so we reach consensus and pull together. My husband mentioned our moving to Canada, and all I could say was, I’m going nowhere. This is my country. I participated in it and I will believe in it, in its good people. I will stay here to do what I can to support respect of all and to believe in reasonable approaches to difference. More than ever, I believe we are all here to Learn the Lessons of Love, and that the hatred we are seeing is really deep-seated fear and misplaced negativity, as well as a wake call for those of us who may have not worked hard enough in what we believe in. I hope and pray that I will learn now in these difficult times to come from a place of love and caring, with belief in the best of all of us.
Thank you, thank you, for being you. I consider it a privilege to have seen and loved your work over the years. I consider it an honor to have read your blog – I know how hard that must have been for you to verge into politics. I, too, have avoided publishing my thoughts – for fear of retribution, hatred, and furthering misunderstandings. But, the world has shifted, and now we must stand somewhere and face a different future. We will need to be brave and participate in what will keep the country improving and becoming better for all.
Blessings to you!!
Well done, Susan. It is so hard to address political topics when all you want in the world is for people to get along, be safe, feel loved. It is much easier to a) ignore it b) place blame on “the other” (whether that is an immigrant, someone who doesn’t share your political beliefs, religion, etc.), though neither of those reactions is really honest or “humanity positive.” You’ve done neither of those things here, and anyone who criticizes you for speaking your truth on _your_ blog is missing the larger point of what you are preaching, which is a message of acceptance for all of us. (And it is one I’m still struggling with myself because I’m so angry at friends and family who didn’t draw the line in the sand that I did at the hate speech, and now I have to worry about my immigrant husband, my Korean-American brother, my friends who are gay or women or of color. I’m not there yet–the forgiving–but I’m working on it, and words like yours work towards that, drive me towards that forgiveness, not away from it. And that is a mighty thing.
Please stand proud, Susan, for this post required bravery and was heartfelt and genuine! Two things that we need more of these days. My lovely mother has enjoyed your blog, your books, and your art for many years and I just started following you on your recent voyage (so romantic!). You have a new loyal reader in me. Not enough women stand up for women! HRC has been put through the ringer since becoming Arkansas’s first lady (the first time!). Her hard work for women and children around the world, her commitment to public service, standing by her husband even while she was being judged by his actions — and having the nerve to do it all as a woman — incenses people, and leads to untruths to try to hold her back. Her story is the story of many women and minorities in this world. Even if we don’t see her in the public eye (what a shame) I know she will be working for all of us, quietly, behind the scenes, fighting the good fight. I’m not giving up.
Thank you Susan, for standing up for all us “girlfriends”, regardless of how we vote, where we live, who we pray to, or who we sleep with. If we don’t stand up for each other, all hope is lost.
p.s. Thanks too for so succinctly debunking some of the mistruths used to put down HRC and raise up DJT. The late term abortion lie is one of the most incensing to me. It’s just not true. I was so proud when she stood her ground on this in the debate. That too, was brave.
Thank you, Susan. Thank you. Your concerns, pain and confusion over these election results mirror mine. I was a republican conservative living in a blue state… until this election. I ‘voted my conscience’. Trump’s willful ignorance, bigotry, and lack of substance turned me off during the primary and Presidential debates. I truly believe he wanted the win and the glory of the title, but does not possess the ability to do the real work involved in running our country.
I agree with you that everyone needs to stop giving credence to fake news stories and instead investigate the facts. My sister, my daughters and I were all ‘unfriended’ by five of our cousins (Trump fans) on Facebook recently when my sister disputed one of their false postings about Hillary. I wasn’t even involved in the argument. These same cousins are now rabidly gloating over Trump’s win and still posting false new stories. This type of behavior will not heal our country and will only continue to divide. So, for now, I pray. And I hug my children and grandchildren. And then I pray some more for understanding and unity across our beautifully diverse Nation.
Warm hugs to you, Girlfriend. Travel mercies to you and Joe as you journey homeward.
Susan, I love you dearly, I’ve been a loyal fan for years,have your books, etc., however, I really wish you hadn’t made a political statement in your blog. I know you’re from California, so that will, naturally, shade your point of view. So, here is my take on this last election: I have worked for my lifetime (I’m now retired) for the government in the field of International Affairs, so I know a fair amount about that. I’ve had high level security clearances all my working career. She is not telling the truth about whether information was classified. Information is ALWAYS marked with the classification first thing. Second, I am very sorry to have to say this but I with NEVER forgive her for saying “What, this point, does it matter?” when she was testifying about Benghazi and the death of Americans. Never. I know many people in the diplomatic service and let me tell you it matters a LOT. And third, there is positively, absolutely no way, repeat no way, to “vet” the thousands of “refugees” she wants to bring into this country. Why? Because we have no governmental way to vet them with their country of origin (Syria). There are no official channels in which to vet them. What we would have is what is happening in Europe with the chaos, riots, violence, etc. I know, I know, you like the idea that we would help those who are in the worst of circumstances. I do, too. But, let me ask you this, would you take people into your house who are totally unknown to you? That is what America is, our home. I am very well versed in international affairs even now I keep up with international news and not just from network news. Europe is now very unhappy with the state of affairs of throwing open their door to unknown foreign aliens. Germany who was the first to open their arms to refugees, now is admitting it was unwise. Norway is making them leave, as are Denmark and Sweden. And, in her position as Secretary of State to accept millions of dollars for the Clinton Foundation from foreign countries who have the most horrific treatment of women is beyond any ethical standard ever. I know you’re going to say that I’m set against her because I’m Republican, no, I just cannot abide such disregard for law and ethics, and the safety of Americans. So, that leaves the kind of language used by the other candidate when he was unaware of being recorded and whether that bothers me. No, I didn’t like it all. But, I will tell you this, being upset by his private comments means so little by comparison to the matters above that really mean something to me. I am not a single issue voter and I look at the broad picture–and ethics, honesty, security of our country, economy, healthcare, etc. mean a whole lot more. And, last, but now least, I think this country has become divided more because of the political climate we’ve had for years. I’m sad the press is so biased and it’s hard to get to the truth of things.
Maybe what I should do here is just let everyone vent. There is so much anger, even now! Why? Because the media has everyone so worked up, and they don’t notice it.
I would like to repeat that our country’s issue is NOT political…..misogyny, racism, disrespect for people with disabilities, disrespect for Muslims are terrible poisons that need to NOT be represented in us, in our leaders. That is not political.
Children being mowed down in movie theaters is not political either.
It is absolutely political when politicians refuse to support even the most sane efforts for gun control as well as providing zero support for mental health care when it is so desperately needed because they are afraid of the NRA and losing the backing of their constituency by doing the right thing.
I see it as common sense rather than political, when our children are being killed by each other. But call it what you will, I’ve heard that something like 90% of us want some modified laws when it comes to guns, I believe it’s something most of us actually agree on, even NRA members have written about it … but we can’t have it, because our government is owned by the NRA. (And by almost every thing except US, we the people.)
Just wondering why, after the voice of actual experience here ( P. J. Showe) that you simply dismissed what she had to say with a simple “Maybe I should just let everyone vent”. Her knowledge is first-hand….and while some may find it hard to accept, it is based in reality.
I happen to know that some of the information was incorrect, possibly it is based in HER reality, but arguing about this kind of thing gets us nowhere. Also, it was about 1 am when I read that last night, and even though you might think otherwise, I am only human.
Thanks PJ for sharing a few words. I have much I could say also but, I come to this blog to get AWAY from politics. My family is political and my husband is a political commentator. With the exception of election night and 2 days following, I have unplugged from all news sources because of the lies and stress it instills. I can agree that we all want peace, we all want to get along, we all feel, we all love…but we vastly disagree on how to achieve those ends. And believe me, I have plenty of opinions. My personal belief is that Hillary would have brought no welcomed change to me or my world.
I’m just about to unplug from this too Laura, it’s overwhelming. Yes, I know, I brought it on myself. I just thought I saw something different, that wasn’t particularly about either candidate, but about the system, and how it’s dividing us. We have a hard time discussing issues now, and it looks like Congress is at a complete standstill.
Saying to Susan: “You are from California, so, naturally, that will shade your opinion”… Are you kidding me? That is an arrogant statement. Sounds petty to me.
The big problem is that some people think Californians are elite and others think Wyoming people are hicks, and both are ways our media manipulates us, because neither is true.
Why is my comment still “awaiting moderation” when I see that so many others which were posted later than mine are shown?
Because there are, right now, 795 waiting in moderation, AND, they don’t come in in order, well they do, but actually, backwards, so the newest comes in first. So if I go to bed and have to leave 400 comments still to be moderated, when I wake up, there are 300 on top of them, and the 400 go to the bottom, so I start working on what ever is on top, and while I’m doing it, 30 more come in and get on top of those. I’m so sorry, I’ve been trying, as you can see, and now we have to drive across country to catch the boat tomorrow and I know I’ll never get them done, and I won’t be able to get Internet on our 6 day trip across the ocean.
THANK YOU SUSAN BRANCH!!!!!!!!!!!! God Bless you and God Bless the United States of America. We shall prevail. BIG hugs to you, Susan!
And back to you Rosemary!
Dear, dear Susan…I have cried every day since the results of election. I met a beautiful, intelligent African-American woman at a Home Goods store the day after the results came in. She worked there as a cashier. My husband started talking with her about the election and I said please stop discussing it because I will start crying again. Then she started sobbing…this woman was married to a white male…engineer…who traveled the world doing his job. She was very well off and worked to get herself out and to be of use. She has had people that she has waited on in the store who were abusive because she was black. Anyway, she sobbed that she was going to be deported to Africa (I laughed at her and said “as if you have ever been to Africa”…). Nevertheless, I felt her pain. A pretty, young cashier joined us and said “I’m going to be deported to Mexico”. Really? When we left the store, I hugged the first woman I mentioned and I said “we’re going to be ok”…but I’m not sure…I’m just not sure. Thank you Susan Branch, for your honesty and your compassion. I agree with you wholeheartedly. I cannot, and will not, listen to the news…perhaps ever again. And while my husband is in the living room hearing the Nightly News…I am in another room…still crying.
Hey Susan,
We’ll get through this. I pray a lot, and, as St. Mother Teresa said “We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” I have faith in God that He will see us through the difficult times ahead. You are still and will always be my friend, Susan. Bless you!
Thanks for writing this Susan. I know it must have been so hard for you, but I appreciate it and I have always been a huge fan and always will be. I send your calendars and books to my sister in Australia for Christmas (delivering them in person this year), so thank you so much for your beautiful work and honesty.
Mr. Trump was not my first choice. I certainly do not agree with some of his actions and comments in the past. I feel very bad for women he mistreated. They are able to speak and defend themselves unlike the millions of babies that have been killed through abortion. Mrs. Clinton stated in the debates that she was in favor of partial birth abortion. Mr. Trump has stated that he is pro life. I used my vote to speak for those who could not and will not be able to speak for themselves, as well as for our religious liberties that have already been affected.
This is your blog to express yourself. I have always enjoyed the light hearted positive tone. I agree with many things you say. We should all think for ourselves and investigate everything thoroughly. Who is in control? God. May He have mercy on us all.
I feel your pain —worry –& uneasy feeling of the outcome of this election….. more for my children & grandchildren. I’ve cried the tears – and pray daily that God helps & continues to bless this country. I hope we will be pleasantly surprised by Mr. Trump -I will not address him as President until his inauguration. I am scared & so very disappointed as well …I will carry on and like you I have my methods of coping ….bubble baths 🛀🏼… HALLMARK movies 🎥….and chocolate 🍫! Thanks for posting the picture that Joe took of a group of us waiting to meet you & having YOU SIGN MARTHA’S VINEYARD ISLE IF DREAMS -in Danville, California 😘. I’m the one with the very sheepish grin I wasn’t certain Joe included me in the picture! 💃🏻 Love &. Hugs to you sweet woman that you are ❤️ Penny
Susan Branch, thank you, thank you. Your words, “what is needed is slow, thoughtful contemplation based on truth and fact” is what keeps coming back to me through prayer, meditation and listening to my gut. You are being courageous, responding to every comment. Perhaps MV opens our minds, it surely has mine since 1965 when I first stepped off the ferry. Please know I am with you all the way.
Your words are a true comfort Susan. I’m going to have to stop answering comments though, it’s midnight, I have to go to bed, and believe it or not, there are 431 comments still pending. This seems to have touched something. I’ll read more tomorrow. But we have to pack tomorrow, it’s, wah, the last day before we begin moving down toward the ship and then to home . . .
Hi Susan,
Like so many others, I THANK YOU for sharing your truth and holding a bright light up really high in the hopes of illuminating those willing to see.
I was also deeply wounded by Trump’s “locker room talk” because I was similarly assaulting once. When I was 9 years old. By a classmate (also named Donald, as it happens) who with no warning, in the back of our classroom during a team project session, suddenly jammed his hand between my legs, grabbed painfully, and twisted. It knocked the breath out of me.
Of course I never told anyone this … until recently when I have felt compelled to share. Because our children ARE listening. And they WILL do what is modeled for them, be it good or evil. As they sang in South Pacific, “You have to be carefully taught.”
We are at a turning point in our history, and it is up to each of us to heal the hurt in our own hearts, and turn it to love. Love for the goodness in all people. And that will take energy (which requires lots of excellent food and sweets) and vigilance (good tea and coffee play a role here) and most of all, LAUGHTER. Someone once told me that the most important time to laugh is “when it’s JUST NOT FUNNY.” So true! Try it. It helps. So much love to you and all your Girlfriends across the globe … turning up the MUSICA may be the most important thing each of us can do!!
I’m laughing right now! And whew, I needed that! Thank you Nancy! And for sharing that personal and sad story. xoxo
Yes, that was a traumatic event for her. However, how traumatic in comparison to the Bengazi loss of lives and the loved ones left behind. The lie spoken to them in the hangar by Clinton!!
She has been questioned so many times, I’ve watched a lot of it. It’s complicated, but the congress did not charge her with anything. Only the media. They bring it up over and over, embroider it, add to it, and pretty soon, none of us know what happened. But while we argue about it, they fill their coffers with our tax money. We can turn that around and talk about all the lives lost in an unnecessary war. It CAN and will go on and on and on, until we say, hey, why isn’t anything getting done on our behalf? Why are our children not being educated, why is health care a nightmare . . .
perhaps it is because of our moral decline. America is not a socialist country. Capitalism only works when the people have morals. So our system is suffering because of its people and their decline in old fashioned values, not just because of media manipulation. Just my opinion.
As long as we blame each other, the politicians, corporations, etc. get away with murder. I really don’t think it’s us, it’s them. The faces in those photos were from every part of this country. The were wonderful, and I promise you, very mannerly and sweet.
Brian Williams said it after the Election – the next morning. “We woke up to a different world” *and not in a good way. As if this whole thing isn’t beyond words, the NRA are going to lobby for making silencers legal (among other things on their wish list). I have been voting since I was 18 (couldn’t wait:) – I just turned 63 and I am so sad for our country. What will become of us all? But I said this to myself after Sandy Hook . . .
Its Okay Karen, just remember it ain’t over till it’s over. The powers that be allowed Sandy Hook to happen with absolutely no change in protecting our children except the suggestion that all teachers should be armed. I don’t see that as political either. I see it as a crime against the people of this country.
Once again, laws like that regarding weapons are only solutions for symptoms, not the real problems.
Education, jobs, family, healthcare, mental health…..those are the issues we should concentrate on. Not on more regulations that don’t address the real issues.
Not to resort to a cliche’……but guns don’t kill people, people kill people.
A person took a gun and mowed down 28 young children. I’ll never get over that.
And I forgot — remember how they defeat the Boggart at Hogwarts? They laugh at it!!
I’m not sure how to say this. I was so looking forward to this blog, very interested in your long vacation in Scotland and England. Instead, I saw this post about politics. I was disheartened. I look forward to your comforting life, your art, your travels, your books. It lifts me up when other things in life bring me down. For some reason this post brought me down. I believe in our country and I believe that no matter who holds the office of President, it will continue to thrive and be a great country. The President is not the only one to set agendas and make things happen in our government, it takes many hands to do so. You have the same right to your views as I do, and we can all live and thrive together. I do look forward to a more uplifting blog post in the future.
P.S. If your post would have concentrated on the division of hate that you speak of and how to heal that, I would not have felt bad. But I didn’t need to know how you voted or why you voted the way you did. It was pretty mixed up.
Perhaps you’re right. But I wasn’t trying to be coy.
You aren’t reading what I wrote.
Susan, is that really all you can respond when someone disagrees?. That we didn’t read your diatribe? Some of us felt that the election was the miracle we were praying for. So happy to finally have a chance to be free of all the democratic regulations that are strangling our businesses. I wish you could have stayed a creator and not become another blind follower. Very sad to say goodbye.
My point was that it didn’t matter who won the election, because this terrible divisiveness between perfectly normal people will not end until we see that we are being used, that we are being divided by corporate greed, media greed, government greed, who demonize one side or the other with emotional issues like Christmas, Christianity, Immigration, or Abortion, and while we fight, they gleefully walk off with our jobs and our money. Believe me, the powers that be do not give a fig for any of it. They just use it to divide us, remember it’s not against the law to call people Baby Killers, or lie to people about how “the other side” feels about an issue. We have to stop letting them. Benefit of the doubt is a good beginning. Thinking about it a bit can’t hurt. Just follow the money and you will see that what I am saying is true.
Follow the money? Clinton Foundation
Again, the right used this against Hillary because, truly, right or wrong, it is legal to say anything you want. And since I don’t see their books at the Clinton Foundation, I will never know for sure, none of us do . . . I can only go with what I find through Google on Fact Checking sites, and they are overwhelmingly positive about the running of this organization. That’s all I know about it, except what I’ve heard on C-Span. I know you won’t like this, but I’m not trying to say something bad about you.
I agree, Lisa! This blog was so disappointing. I have loved Susan’s work, but it seems diminished now. I too will be saying goodbye.
When political discussion is so negative that no one can even stand for a moment to hear even the slightest comment they don’t agree with, we have to ask ourselves why? It did not used to be this way. Divided we fall! We are being used! I’m a good person, My heart is in the right place, I have a mom and a dad, sisters and brothers, I like red Jell-O with whipped cream on it, I’ve worked hard all my life, I love ALL of us. And so are you and so are all of us! Why are we letting them do this to us? We could solve all these problems in about 6 minutes if we weren’t constantly be demonized by our media and goaded into fighting with each other.
Goody! Sorry Susan, I just couldn’t help it … the devil made me do that!😇
We may have thought that we would be swept along in a different victory on Election night and become part of history that way. I realized the morning after that perhaps MAKING the history is what we need to do. Do what is right, really DO it. Watch. Listen. Continue to be led by your values and not fear, or hatred. Become Active. Work cooperatively.
A president does not make our country great. Our PEOPLE do – all of us, actively.
Arguing, even in your head, about this outcome isn’t going to help us go forward, and forward we must go. It is what it is. Mr. Trump says he wants to help America, and while I may feel one way or the other about that, we have to watch and wait. He could end up ‘hoist with his own petard’, or end up illustrating the benefit of his tough talk. We don’t know, but whatever is going to happen, I will be more thoughtful, and I hope, kinder, more attentive to others needs, more an active participant in my country.
Susan, what this must have taken for you to write this I will never know, but I thank you, because all the sweet things, the lovely things, the true things you show is in your words and pictures – these things are threatened. We can still save it all though, I really believe that, magic or no.
To all the negative comment writers, whatever happened to ‘freedom of speech’? Susan has every right to write about whatever she wants to write about on this blog. She has been a bright light with her postings and books through all of this and just because she chose a subject that some of you may not agree with, you are quick to dissent without even knowing for certain what is truth. Susan’s words were thoughtfully thought out and there was a great deal of care put into each sentence. You could tell that. She wasn’t out to hurt anyone, simple to share thoughts and open a dialogue. Something we need in this country…dialogue between all people. So before you quickly dissent and write negative comments remember that the very same things you may believe in…freedom of speech…give Susan the right to voice her opinion.
Thank you Kelly. Yes, maybe just read it and think on it a couple of days and let me know what you think. It really isn’t meant to be world war III! xoxo
Kelly Reid…”To all the negative comment writers, whatever happened to ‘freedom of speech’”? Sounds like you aren’t interested in the “freedom of speech” of those who have a different opinion. We ALL have the right to express an opinion, whether you agree with it…or not!
If everyone is thinking alike, then someone is not thinking! George S. Patton
If Susan has the right to freedom of speech, then I have the right to freedom of speech. I agree she put a lot of thought into each word she wrote, as I put a lot of thought into each word I wrote. It was mentioned that she opened a dialogue…then so be it. This is what dialogue is about.
Yes as long as we somehow stay to the subject, which is why we are being torn asunder from within. Talking about Bill Clinton really doesn’t help.
But Susan, if you would have left it at ‘division’ and the media, I and many others would not have been hurt by your words. You wrote the post. You wrote the words Trump and Clinton’s. You brought them into the post. Not your readers whom you have asked to ‘read’ the post. I did and was understanding until you brought in Trump and Clinton. From my reading you made it clear you supported Clinton and not Trump. Your comments to those that have commented are clear you do not really wish to hear their difference of opinion.
I wrote that neither were going to change the anger and vitriol that’s going on between Americans, because both are part of the culture that thrives on it. Yes, for myself, despite the lack of the kind of choice I would have preferred, I could not vote for a man who was so flagrantly sexist. Not so much for me,but for the children that HAD to be confused when they heard him say that. For myself, the world deserves a leader that doesn’t do such things. I’m sorry if you disagree. I do not mean that to be a personal attack against any other person. I’m not mad at the people who voted for him. My blog was about how neither of these two people would change anything for us because they are part of the ruling class, the rich, the media, corporations that support the ripping apart of the American people. And when we hear that anger at our fellow citizens, we know they are under the influence, because why? Why are we so angry? We are being used. And they ship our jobs away, start wars, don’t protect our children, and the banks take our money. Your comment was thought out, measured, and had a point of view, and all that is exactly how it should be.
Thank you for putting into words what my heart feels. As my grandmother used to say…I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck! <3
xoxo Gloria.
Thank you!! I agree with everything you’ve so beautifully written. It is about us and what we want for our fellow citizens. This is a country too good to be divided by the media and large corporations. We must all work together to stop it. Far too much greed and self interests rather than open minded acceptance of each other is driving us apart. Time to stop it. Be vigilant and keep an eye on Congress. Remember that Hillary won the popular vote by over a million people – people who are upset and worried about what a Trump administration will bring. I shared your words with a coworker who said to tell you she is in total agreement also. Please have a safe and happy trip home. Love & Hugs to you and Joe.
I have to admit that I too could not continue reading your message. We are America that was based on God! I know many Evangelical ministers that prayed for Mr. Trump to win the presidency because of the lies and misgivings that the Clintion’s have done for over 30 years. You have your beliefs and I have mine and I DO Believe we are going to move forward to better times with Mr. Trump. I find that I cannot read your messages anymore due to your lack of hope for a better America with someone who is not a politician but someone who believes in America. I will remove myself from your list.
I LOVE YOU …SUSAN BRANCH for “opening up the dialogue”!!!! I have my own small {wool fabric business} online & work like a dog 7 days a week, hours on end & most often see your posts & catch a glimpse of the first few lines & have to tuck them away in a folder I keep for them to read at a future time. But…this “Blog Heading” & first few lines “grabbed my attention” & made me click to continue reading. What struck me the most was that since this election I have felt immobilized for a just over a week now & I too have not been able to sleep well or stop thinking about how this country is being torn apart. I’ve not been back on my personal Facebook page since then (thinking through HOW I would tie up comments & my feelings in words) since this election & in response to some customer’s & friend’s comments that left me very upset. I have never just posted a “knee-jerk reply” to any comments, ALWAYS would write my thoughts down first & re-work them because I ALWAYS wanted to keep in mind that everyone has their OWN opinion & position that I truly value.
What you wrote was no less than a “flood” of emotions, reactions, questions, concerns, anger, passion & then some. You exposed such a “rawness” that most would shy far away from ever expressing & least of all …AFRAID of the backlash that might ensue. But you held yourself to your HIGHEST CONVICTIONS & BELIEFS from a place so DEEP that I applaud you, respect you & you brought me to tears …because I have held so much of the same feelings & thought I was mostly alone “out there” with most people afraid to take a strong stance.
WHAT MAKES AMERICA *GREAT* …is the voice of a true patriot…a deep & heartfelt thinker…Apolitical Humanist, ….a lady willing to express her deepest convictions with her “mighty pen” & a whole lot of Chutzpah!
♥ Diane (Wool-N-Wares) …and I too, believe we are *MaGIc* — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDYNuD4CwlI
Thank you Susan for echoing my thoughts so much better than I would ever be able to do. I admire your courage, I’m certain you had to weigh losing readers and customers against voicing you own opinion. I applaud you and my respect has grown ten fold.
Yes, I did, but I really didn’t expect anyone who has known me to hate me for what I wrote. I was trying to think of a way to bring us back together, and I still think that is a laudable thing. Perhaps naive in this day and age. Thank you so much Laurie.
Susan, I’ve been thinking about your post for a bit and while we might not always agree on how to make the world better, politically speaking, we can certainly agree on how to do it as homemakers and homemakers at heart. At first, I was sad that you posted your political views. I already kinda knew where you stood, but seeing it in print was a tiny bit unsettling (as would my views if you read them 😉 ). But you were quite brave to open your heart like that to us, knowing you’d ruffle some feathers (mine, lol)! I respect that. We have freedom of speech in this country, and you were exercising your right to speak your mind. This is your space to do it. As your friends, we can all agree to disagree where needed, but also love you because of your passion and hunger for good. We may not see things the same way sometimes, but we can still enjoy each others’ company. It would be so boring if we all thought alike! So bravo to you for sharing your heart yet again with us. Let’s not lose that sisterhood just because we’re passionate about our world in different ways. Much love.
Susan, I read your blog with interest. I really enjoy everything, but this one, I am a 74 yr old, retired woman. I am a registered Democrat (always have been) but I vote for the best person for the job. I have worked for State and Federal Government, a BIG corporation, little insurance company. Worked from age 16 until 60 yrs old. I have seen dirty old men (and women) in all the jobs. Some women instigated the behavior, etc. so if you think Trump is the only one, you are badly mistaken. That being said, how could anyone vote for a women who approves of sticking a needle in the neck of a baby about to be born and pull it out dead!! That’s evil! And, yes, as far as I am concerned, she is a fake, using charity money for her and her family, not the needy.
I am a Christian and yes, Christians are being persecuted. I am one so I should know. In reading, you blame all the politicians, big corporations, etc. They aren’t the reason we’re in trouble, it’s us. We are turning our backs on the Lord and it’s everywhere. All you have to do is look around you and see what’s on TV and social media. Everyone of us is born with a sinful nature. It’s how we live our life and what we do with it that makes a difference. I get up every day thanking God for my life and asking Him for guidance in everything I do.
God made this world and everyone and everything in it. I live my life for Him, not the President, corporations, etc. If each one of us does good toward each other, help each other and the needy around us, ask God for help, we will be fine. I, my church, Christians everywhere, prayed long and hard for God’s help in the election. I trust God for my needs. He’s provided them so far, and He always will until he takes me home.
Thank you Susan. There’s nothing I can say here that hasn’t been said already, and far more eloquently, by someone else. Please know that I appreciate your thoughtful words and how much care you have taken to express them well. Your honesty, bravery and kindness are a shining example. Your wisdom and clarity have helped me to understand my own thoughts better. I hope that you won’t let the negative comments hurt you. Your post was a healing balm to so many of us.
Dearest Susan,
Sigh…..
First off, thank you for taking the time to share what’s been on your heart and mind. That didn’t just take you 5 minutes…and getting to the core is hard work. You didn’t have to, but obviously you were moved enough and felt some duty. I sense some angst in your return and as timing is everything, you said/did what you felt you had to in preparation. Yes, your “happy place” is somewhere us kindred folk can always count on to gather to escape some of the harsh realities of life….and I so wish things were such that issues were non-issues….but even though you could have chosen not to say anything, it’s your blog and I feel you did so with only best & beautiful intentions and as a means to begin again. You wrote, “How did we all get so hurt?” ….that is what is on the forefront of my mind. My husband and I have 4 children….young adults now. We love them fiercely…..but it’s hard not to feel “apology” when we look into their eyes. This was not the world we brought them into….and what will it be like when they are our ages? I know some comments left were cutting and everyone is entitled to their say (however, only respectfully so as I am VERY strict about that! :), but I choose to side with those who, agree or not, are just choosing to come from an equally concerned and loving place. I appreciate them because it brings me hope. I am not alone. The world is leaving me behind with its ways of reacting and dealing. I am praying harder than ever for our country. The election is over, but today and every day, I vote for kindness. It is there to exercise for everyone in all situations. I will continue to turn to you for the joys and inspirations I can always count on you for. We can’t shut out the world and I will do my part to be a part of the solution, not the problem but I, too, am just focusing on being mindful, grateful, and creating peace in my daily life and in the lives of those around me. I found it poignant that the great Leonard Cohen passed away last week…..he was the writer of that song, “Hallelujah”….”the broken Hallelujah”. But he also wrote a great quote: “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” May you and Joe have a safe and enjoyable sail back. Thanks so much for sharing so much of the loveliness of your adventure so far….I look so forward to all the treasures you still have in store for us! xo
We are a nation of double standards. How soon we’ve forgotten what went on between Bill & Monica!
Who cares? It’s still being used as a wedge issue to separate us.
Hey Susan!
What a hoot to open your blog and find that the second picture in this blog taken on your book tour to be that of, from the left, me (Pat), my best buddy (Bette), and a brand new friend (Nanette)! As we stood in line for a few hours together waiting to hear you speak in Asheville, NC, we got acquainted very well. We found out that our new friend actually lives where we do!! We all drove at least 4 hours to see you and ended up in line together! My best Buddy and I met singing in our local community chorale many moons ago, were roommates in the same home on a singing trip to our beloved England in the Yorkshire area, and have remained dearest of friends ever since. So we asked our new friend if she sings. Long story short, she has joined our choir and is a dear new friend we now enjoy singing with each week. You brought us together. The heart of the home brought us together!
I know it was painful to put your thoughts down in your blog. But your words only proved to me what I have long said. We all agree on where we want to go. We just can’t seem to agree on how to get there. Let’s hope for the best, and with God’s help, maybe we can ALL get going in the right direction and doing the right things for the right reasons. Without God, money and power corrupt. We see that happen on both sides to otherwise good people who only ended up that way after getting caught up in the Washington bubble. Let’s pray for our leaders that they will start their day asking for His guidance daily. Your blog has not offended me. It shows me your good heart. Add to that our kindred spirits in loving homemaking and all that it encompasses, and you and I are lifelong friends of the highest degree! I love you Susan Branch. Thank you for all the fun and joy you bring to my life!
I have thoroughly enjoyed your trip along with you and the other girlfriends. Enjoy your trip home!
I’m so happy to hear that Pat. I don’t mean to offend in any way, I showed all those sweet faces for one reason, so people could see us, how wonderful we all are, without knowing who is what … because suddenly, if you get pegged, as I now apparently am (by a few anyway), anything that you have ever been gets canceled out and all you are is, once again, the other ~ worse, you’re the enemy. How is that even possible? What has happened to us?
Love you back Pat, thank you for the kind words, and I will never stop praying. xoxo
I just started reading comments after I wrote mine….omg! Some of them were mean! Hugs and comfort to Susan! I think you have the right to express yourself on your blog. Maybe I am wrong, but I took your blog as you sharing your feelings and thoughts to try to keep us together, not to be divisive! I looked at those beautiful photos of the Girlfriends ….and we are all different, yet the same…and it warmed my heart!
Dear Susan,
I have been enjoying everything that you have been putting on “twitter”…( I am happy that I can see everything that you “tweet” because I don’t use Twitter or Facebook… but I can peek!!!😊 ) it looks like you and Joe have been having the best time ever, and that makes me happy. You re such a sweet, loving, caring HEART ❤️ I love everything that you have posted from your visit from England and Scotland, but I must say….that video of the little sheep dog BEGGING to play and be loved was my absolute favorite! I wish that the whole world were as innocent as this precious little puppy! You took the time away from your trip to share everything with all of your girlfriends, and I thank you so much for that! ❌⭕️ I hope from the bottom of my heart that you will start writing a new book very soon! I know that leaving England will be sad because you love it there and have so many friends, but there are so many people here who will be so happy to see you back home again! Have a safe journey home!!! Please let not your heart be troubled .❌⭕️
All is well Kathiellen, thank you for those sweet words. We have to start packing tomorrow . . . I think we’re in denial!
Thank you, Susan — I agree with everything you said.
Dear Susan,
You are very brave and I am so glad that you used your voice to speak the truth no matter how hard it must have been for you. Sometimes we need to hear the truth no matter how uncomfortable it may be to hear. We must all stand against those who would divide us and look for those things that can bring us together. You have always been an inspiration for me and the love and kindness you have shown to the women who follow you makes me believe that together we can survive anything. We must stand together, committed to peace and justice. It truly is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. Thank you for being a light in the world and for caring enough to share your thoughts. Now let’s go bake some gingerbread.
XOXO
Debbie
Susan,
As always I enjoyed reading your blog. It is always interesting to hear everyone’s ideas and thoughts. I truly believe when it comes to everyday people living their lives we are not nearly divided as it appears during elections and in the media. We all live and work together most of the time in harmony. Regarding politics I have come to realize that each side is not as bad or good as it appears. Each with their own weakness, faults, strong points they will do the best they can. Additionally, after each election life goes on and the world doesn’t end.
Your blog has always been a place I can just enjoy, and dream a little. Hopefully, politics will not intrude into that time of bliss.
Love you Judy
Bless you! Couldn’t agree with you more. Happy Thanksgiving.
I have been an enthusiastic fan for some time now, buying books and your calendar, and I always looked forward with great eagerness to your daily blog posts. On days that I might be feeling blue I’d even go back and read old posts to bring some sunshine in my life. It’s like God created you to be the Official Cheer-er Upper for us all.
I was so excited to see that you’d created a new post, but the further into it I got, and the longer it went on, the more dismayed, and then depressed I became.
I know it’s your blog to express your thoughts and feelings on, but I wish that you had done what writer Care K. said, just poured your feelings into your journal.
I am SO weary of the ongoing ugliness and rhetoric, a full week after the election now, with seemingly no end in sight. Weeks ago I stopped watching and reading media coverage on TV and news sites. I thought your special, cherished-by-us-all blog was the ONE place I could turn to, free of all the controversy swirling around this whole thing, but found I couldn’t even escape it here. I can’t tell you how sad and disappointed it made me feel; for me, it’s put a cloud over the end of your trip which I had so eagerly been following.
I do hope you and Joe very much enjoy your last few days there, and that you have a safe journey home. I know there’s a kitty there waiting for you, who will be happy to see you back.
It has been an incredibly emotional election season, hasn’t it? It continues on for a multitude of reasons. My outlook is a simple one. I believe in the power of prayer , that it can change the human heart. This is my prayer for Donald Trump, that God will move in his heart and life, and that He will rise to the occasion and become a worthy president. I do not in any way condone his past actions or words, but I will place my faith in God to help and heal our country. Take heart, Susan and girlfriends, don’t be overcome by fear. And those of you who also pray, let’s join together and lift our hearts to God. If we pray in faith, it will make all the difference.
Out
of a great need
we are all holding hands
and climbing.
Not loving is a letting go.
Listen,
the terrain around here
is
far too
dangerous
for
that.
-Hafiz
Susan, thank you for loving us enough to share your thoughts on the recent election, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, and the role the media has played in forming our view of politics and each other. I don’t understand those who say this is not the place for these comments. If not among good people (and girlfriends at that), then where? I always hope people will talk with each other rather than at each other. Realizing that the latter is many people’s comfort zone, I’m grateful that you’ve shown what it means to go into the middle and speak one’s conscience. Your post was beautifully said, true and good. We should all aim for integrity, as you have.
We all all so tired of hearing all of this. This is not the place for this. You always cheer us girlfriends up, not depress us. Just let it be over.
Your heart is so in the right place which is the same for most of the women I have known in my life. For me, like so many, this whole election has been so distasteful. But underneath it all for me, God is in charge of my life, and guides me to the choices that work for me to function in a loving way day after day. I am sure that one of the reasons so many of us have been drawn to you and your work over the years (since I first bought your first book…First Edition 1986) is your obvious goodness and joy about life and families. You took courage by the hand to share with us your feelings, and I have read every word and every comment. We learn by listening and reflecting. Thank you for sharing your thoughtful feelings. For me, I am trusting God for whatever His purpose. Safe journey home. :>) Judy Tracy, California (Newport Beach)
Your words are in my heart; I’m just not able to put them into words like you do.
Kudo’s. I’ve felt this for months, but my daily peace in it all comes from my faith in God. I am at peace. I hope your words have helped you, and that you, too can find peace in each day. Looking ahead toward your blogs.
Stand your ground, Susan! You speak for so many of us right now. Couldn’t agree with you more! Thank you for your courage and intelligent analysis.
After reading your article today, my plan is to unsubscribe and never purchase another thing that has to do with you again. You should have known better then to write a blog like this one . You are grossly uninformed about Hillary Clinton. So sad. I have lost all respect for you, but honestly never really have felt that you live in the real world anyway.
I respect your decision.
Barbara Eddy, your comment was uncalled for. I wish Susan hadn’t done this blog; however, I understand why she did it. She’s still Susan and does not deserve nasty comments such as yours. Let’s all be adult about this and, whether you stay a fan of hers or not, you owe her an apology.
One thing is true. No one owes me anything. But thank you, Ann Jane, for your kind words. My worry about the fake news we’re all being subjected to is how it affects our country. How can we make choices unless we know the truth? And you can always tell who’s under the influence of these horrendous lies, because they are the angriest voices on this blog. Seriously, not only are the fake news people telling lies, they are also working people into a frenzy. Like the guy who took a gun to a pizza shop the other day to save the children he believed were in Hillary Clinton’s “Child Sex Trafficking Ring”. He was egged-on by this fake news story, and thought he was doing a good thing, saving children. Of course he’s in jail now, and although he shot the gun, no one was hurt, thank goodness. But is this what we want?
There have been 2 generations since the laws that governed the Fairness Doctrine were canceled in 1987. The next year Rush Limbaugh started his national radio program, which divided Republicans and Democrats into “good” and “bad.” That means my niece, Holly, born in 1990, has never known a time where fake news and lies has not been a part of our society. But I know, because I remember, it wasn’t always like this.
Ah Susan! And I had hoped you and Joe had had the foresight to plan this trip to avoid this mess! ( I told me husband we should consider the same for the next election!) I should have known you were heartsick, which describes how I and many of my friends have felt over this campaign and over the election. Bravo for speaking your mind and heart. That is an AMERICAN RIGHT as provided in the FIRST amendment to the Constitution (the same one that forbids establishing a national religion). It came before the second one obviously, the one about bearing arms that gets so much attention. I recommend watching The American President again. There is a great line in it about free speech and the need to support it even if you disagree with what is being said. Basic. American. Right.
Thank you Susan. Beautifully written from the heart and I, for one, could not agree more.
Susan, thank you so much for putting into words what has been in my heart all week. I spend last Wed. in tearful disbelief and I am frightened about the direction in which our country is headed. I agree, we need to work together, to choose kindness over hate, and to treat each other with dignity and respect. Again, thank you so much for your wise words.
Thank you, Susan! I agree with you 100%, and I admire you for going public. I think we all have to get used to standing up and facing down what may come.
Dear Susan,
I have not been able to bear to go on social media since the morning of the election when everyone began to truly get viscious over their candidates. I took your advice that day, shut off the computer and the news and the radio and put on my Christmas music and began to clean the house, pack up things for charity and bake. Thank you for your wise words today. I truly love your amazing heart. I am with you.
The Truth is there are no perfect people in this world. We can never put our trust in man/woman. We can only trust in God. It’s even written on our US coins and dollars. I have voted for people who didn’t win elections — several times — and I survived. The world keeps turning and I kept on doing the things you talked about….. I kept on loving my family, friends, and people in my community, I kept on working, I kept on sewing and embroidering and doing dishes, I kept on doing good. The government does not control me. The people voted. There were two imperfect choices and there always will be.
You know what made me feel better and gave me complete peace? It was when after weeks of trying to figure out how a good-hearted American could vote for another American that they deemed unworthy I realized this…..that our mighty and wondrous God was in charge no matter what and that our “vote” whichever it might be for was not an indicator of whether our world would be saved or not. SO, the pressure was off. Yay!! I am so happy now and have complete peace today. I did vote, but my husband and I decided to narrow it down to the issues and not the “person.” Because in the end, it all adds up to prayer and trusting in that prayer this side of heaven. Until we get there, we’ll always have something we aren’t happy with because nothing will ever be perfect. May all who read this rest in perfect peace and happiness! God Bless You and Everyone and America!! <3 <3
and PS…Wishing you and Joe a safe and joyous return to the states:)
Susan, I’m so sorry you’ve had to keep defending this post. Even though I agree with you, I did not take it as a political post at first. I understood what you were trying to say and it brought a tear to my eye. I do think that this election has divided this country more than any election before, and I just hope we can recover from it. I have never in my life thought of giving up a friend for the way they believe ( on anything!!), but sadly I’ve been “un-friended” by people who did not agree with me. I respect my family and friends opinions, but they not mine. Thank you for saying what is in your heart, I think more people than not understood that. Love you, love your blog and I will always be a fan!! Safe travels Susan and Joe!!
This afternoon I noticed that your latest post had arrived in my email. I happily went to make a cup of tea and I sat down with my laptop all ready to read about your latest trip to England; to listen to the MUSICA and admire the beautiful illustrations. What a disappointment!!! This isn’t why I subscribed to your blog. Haven’t we heard enough of this from the media? I know this is your blog and you have a right to write whatever you want to, but this is the last thing I want to see in it. Reading it (and all the comments) has left me quite “down in the dumps” — not at all what I expected when I sat down with my pot of tea.
Sorry Susan, but I just had to voice my disappointment in this post. I hope you have a safe trip home.
Hi Susan,
You go girl! I debated whether to write a comment as I am not an American but reside north of the border in Canada. Believe me when I say I was GLUED to the TV throughout the US election. I believe the result will affect everyone in the world. I respect the right of everyone to voice their opinion, whether I agree with it or not ( in this instance I totally agree with you, Susan).
No matter what our country we are people of the world. We are being divided all over the world no matter of religion, creed, gender or sexual orientation. When does it stop and we start respecting and loving each other. It breaks my heart to see people divided and treated so badly. We are all we got. Stand together US citizens. Don’t let the media or powers that be create a wedge between you. You are better and stronger than that.
Susan, safe journey home. I will always be a fan and look forward to hearing about your trip to jolly old England. Isn’t it a fantastic place?
Yes! Maybe all it takes is a little distance to get the full picture! xoxo England is heaven.
Hi Susan, I may not agree with all you have to say but as a person I think we’d get along just fine. I think most of us on here could get along as long as we don’t speak about politics! LOL. You definitely do lean a bit more in the other direction than I, that’s ok I can deal it, we can agree to disagree. At the end of the day we can sit back, have a cup of tea and have a good laugh at ourselves. We just all need to calm down, relax and take a deep breath, see what happens.
You are so grossly uninformed regarding Hillary Clinton. You should have left this one alone. I have lost all respect for you.
I will be unsubscribing today. In the meantime, pour
Yourself a cup of tea and sit back in your unreal little world and watch Donald Trump fix this mess that started with Obama. It will be interesting to see what you say in 4 years when Trump is re-elected by a landslide while hopefully, Hillary Clinton is serving her well deserved prison sentence.
You don’t think it started with our jobs being sent overseas? Then two unpaid-for wars? Then the banks walking off with our money? All of which happened before Obama took office. I’m just stating the facts. Did you know that unemployment is at its lowest in 43 years? Trump just used the prison thing against Hillary because he understood the power of the lie. He was never going to “lock her up.” He has been a democrat all his life. He did what he had to do to win.
Although we are on different sides of the political fence (I really wish the race had been between say, Bernie Sanders and Dr. Ben Carson….) I agree with so much of what you said. Our country is running in fear and our small towns and “mom and pop” stores are being taken away. In our town of less than 100,000 our only locally owned grocery store has closed and we have an Albertson’s, an HEB (large Texas chain) and they’re building another, and 6, yes six WalMarts, 3 large ones, and 3 “neighborhood markets”. REALLY!
I’m from Southern CA, just like you, and grew up in the 50s, 60s, and 70s….we really took that time period for granted. People didn’t care what religion you were, we all believed in God. It didn’t matter if you were Republican or Democrat, they both loved our country and tried to do their best to make it better. Don’t worry, trust in God…I know you grew up that way!
I’m not going anywhere, I still love Susan Branch……have a safe trip back home. Kiss your kitty for me (I have 10!)
Susan, I am so grateful that you decided to set the art aside and speak from your hurting heart. You have always represented the gentle, tender, caring folks who love kindness, understanding, well being, and wholesome living. Even in today’s blog post, you kept returning to your theme: “divided we can fall, together we can stand.”
I too have a glad gene, and have been heart broken over the media, Internet tweets, sensationalism, and divisive acts since the election. I tried to ignore all the pre-election “he said, she said” media circus, but there was too much to filter out. For the last decade, I have been deeply saddened by the political system and the media reports that seemed to “egg on the people” so we would become violent in our actions/reactions and provide even more sensational news reports. I kept thinking that the fight for watcher/reader/listener shares is part of the problem that needs to be solved. And I also kept thinking that “we the people” took it upon ourselves to change how we got our share of the the American Way of Life. We stopped sharing and started competing, we stopped competing, and starting cheating, we stopped cheating and started fighting. Now were are in the middle of a nation’s playground brawl, with our ring of friends surrounding us and calling out names and encouragement and no one is stepping in to stop the fight.
Are we afraid of being hurt? But we are already hurting. Are we afraid of taking sides? But by not taking a side does that keep us off the playground?
At 66, I look back at the violence in the 60s with Viet Nam, Hippies, Civil Rights and Women’s rights. The nation was changing, evolving, and growing. Here we are 50 years later and the pendulum is swinging again and I can only hope it has reached the lowest point, before it swings us upward again.
I will continue to pray, and as another reader wrote, I will seek ways to share love and kindness to others every day the rest of my life. And finally, may I spray you with a delightful aroma of movie snippets? “Always look on the bright side of life;” “Blue skies are going to clear up;” “I’m a Yankee Doodle dandy;” “This is my country, land that I love;” “The house you live in;” “Everything’s coming up roses.” I could go on and on…but enough from me!
“God bless America”, and you and all of us we march our glad genes into the future!
You have caused your own division. You have ruined your blog, this trip that I will no longer read about and all the girlfriend happiness that you have created. We have all heard all of this from other people before again and again. This is not something to keep going on about. You are not the person I thought you were. God will handle this. It it not up to you . Use your talents that God has given you for the good and happiness of others like you had been doing. You have lost a large group of us. This is so sad.
Thank you, my dear Susan, for being brave enough to put your feelings (and mine) into words on your fantastic blog. I admire you so much for this. Have a safe and wonderful journey home. Your have helped to heal my heart and soul. May God bless you always!
I am not pleased with this blog post also. I come to her blog for inspiration, beauty, words of wisdom! We are bombarded with this type of negativity daily . I didn’t expect to see it here I also did not read all of it. I used to follow Mary Englebreit but she became too political which it’s her blog it’s her right . I don’t follow her and I don’t buy her products anymore . I used to think to myself after going to Mary’s blog I am so glad Susan Branch doesn’t do this . I did read the comment that you work now for nothing I’m sorry but I work everyday ten plus hrs and I could never take over a month off sail on a luxury liner and go on vacation ! I hope this blog goes back to the Susan branch blog I loved ! Happy thanksgiving Susan safe travels home
Thank you, Susan. Well said.
Hi sweetie,
Thank you for being so brave, speaking so eloquently from the heart, and loving our country so much. We must do something! I have been busy writing letters to our government, thanking President and Mrs. Obama, and donating money to keep our hard earned women’s rights from sliding back to the 1950’s. We need love and I will fight to end bigotry and misogyny. This old 66 year old girl still has lots of fight left in her!!!💗💗💗💗💗
I have felt your thoughts today when I have heard so many falsehoods from so much media that I am saddened by it all. We are back to the 50’s with racism , hatred, name-calling, unrest all rear their ugly heads and howl at us. Shame and sadness overwhelms me as I see people’s hateful comments on social media. I am trying to pull up my shoulders and go forward with the shining light of love and goodness for all people regardless of their views. I pray for peace and understanding and love for each other in the midst of all of this heated anger.
Thank you, Susan. I just wish there was a larger audience than your blog for your thoughtful, balanced, and loving words. Your sentence “What has just happened to our country, I fear, is a 9-11 in very slow motion” chilled me to the bone because you put into words exactly how I feel. Thank you for being brave enough to write this.
Susan, thank you for trusting us girlfriends enough to speak honestly from the heart. It takes uncommon courage. I almost didn’t read your blog today because I didn’t think I could bear it if you just talked past the reality of our national divisions by talking about tea and flowers (as much as I love them!) You speak with bravery and common sense, and you can answer back with the same. I have been shaken to the core with disillusionment and sadness, often to tears, about the rudeness and disrespect that has been modeled and even rewarded. Thank you for putting into words what has been difficult for me to say. Even though I’m a woman who usually speaks my mind, I’ve felt I must be very careful who I talk to. I worry about what will become of us, where I belong and where we go from here. Keep up the love and hope! We certainly need it now more than ever. Even though I don’t know you, I feel there’s one girlfriend out there who understands, and speaks the truth and I deeply appreciate that. Yes, it is magic when we can truly listen and care. Many blessings to you as you keep being real.
Wow Susan! That was some post! I understand your frustration, sadness, fear… Frankly, I did not know who to vote for this election, and many others felt the same. I wasn’t really happy with either of our choices. The entire political process has become a quagmire, with Democrats and Republicans working against each other, not with each other. Nothing can get passed or accomplished because of the misplaced competition. How crazy is this? I know there have always been differences and conflicts between political parties, but this goes way beyond. Although I haven’t always agreed with the politics of the current President, (even though I am a Democrat) I feel that inside he is a good man. He certainly always comports himself in a professional and honorable manner, and I believe he did his best for our country, but again, came up against many road blocks in congress. That’s why your comments about people really paying attention to who their congress people are in their states is spot on. Cooperation and getting things done, begins with this. Who we put in office to represent our state is extremely important.
All I can say is that I am so glad I was born in 1958. It was a wonderful time to grow up. We were Americans, and proud of our country. We sang patriotic songs in all of our assemblies, the pledge everyday (although the school I work in now still says the pledge everyday, and includes “under God”), people waved flags on the 4th of July, and weren’t embarrassed to do so. We were able to celebrate Christmas and not feel like we were committing a crime. People were kind, held doors open, helped neighbors, watched each other’s children, had neighborhood barbeques. It was “baseball, hotdogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet”! Remember that ad? There wasn’t this big divide of the haves and have nots. It seemed we were all on the same playing field. You’re right. The middle class has gone by the wayside. Life was so much simpler then. I long for it more and more as I get older…
As far as the news is concerned, I can’t even watch it anymore. First it was the crazy campaign and election, now it’s the talking heads on every news channel putting crazy thoughts into people’s minds and just obsessing over every little move/word/thought that they “think” Mr. Trump has. And is there not other news anywhere in the world to report? They are obsessed. I feel that the media is encouraging the protests going on in some of our big cities. It’s almost as if this country has become one big reality show.
I pray that somehow, some way, some day, we will all heal and realize, as you so eloquently stated, where our priorities really lie. That we should all come together as one, one country, one people, made up of many different colors and beliefs – but with one goal in mind: that we are proud, strong, kind Americans. Thank you Susan, for your honesty and bravery.
Dear Susan,
While waiting for my other comments to be moderated, I scrolled up to read some of the other posts and I agree with quite a few of your followers – Njean, Kathy, Diana, Jeanne and especially Marianne in MO – we all LOVE reading your blog about your travels, art, recipes, garden, sewing, etc., but like my parents taught me – we don’t want to hear about your views on politics, money or sex! It’s private and it should stay that way – just leave well enough alone! You should take direction from the responses made to all the celebrities who claimed they were leaving the U.S. if Trump was elected!! Enough said?! We just want to see your pictures of your travels and read the stories…………
Unfortunately, your “truth” is just that–yours!! I cannot understand anyone that would condone the illegal, immoral, name labeling of citizens of this country, religion, presenting herself as one way to the public and the real Hillary in private. What about her behavior towards all of Bill’s sexual victims?? I, personally cannot speak highly of someone with no moral values that has truly manipulated the Washington system to do whatever she felt entitled to do. I am honored to call myself one of her deplorable citizens of this country!!
All I am saying is don’t believe everything you hear.
Additional comment to my previous one. I have lost two sons. She had no problem saying “what difference does it make now” over the deaths of 4 U.S. citizens. When you have lost a child, there is no time frame on the grief that lives in your heart.
Ugh, you went political : (
Thank you for over a decade of enjoyment, but I am unsubscribing today.
Please remove my name…I no longer care to read it
Very disappointed in this post. I agree with Diana when she says she feels like she was slapped in the face. This blog is for lovely things, not name calling. This was an ugly post.
Thank you so much for this Susan. In the last few weeks my facebook friends went from 93 to 10. Not because I was friends with terrible people but because I had to silence all the noise. All the posting of this article and that article, so many lies all around and I just couldn’t do it any longer. Thank you for suggesting cspan as a news source because though part of me would love to bury my head in my home, knit, crochet, scrap, read your books, I know I must stay informed. I must be ready to do my part, my children and grandchildren deserve that. Thanks for having the courage of your conviction and posting. I think more chips will fall in favor of your gift of love than not. Mary from Michigan – the blue part
Hi Susan, thank you so much for posting this blog, with all of it’s honest comments and heartfelt feelings. I happen to agree with you on everything you said, but even if I didn’t I could only applaud you for putting your views here in such an eloquent manner. I don’t remember an election that spewed so much hate on both sides as this one, that has divided this country, neighbors and families as bad as this one. We had division in my own family, but we still talk to and love each other. And of course, we’ve been manipulated by the media on all fronts and both sides, it has been hard at times to tell what is true and what is hearsay, rumor or speculation.
I agree with others that your blog has always been a source of encouragement, a breath of fresh air for me from all the nastiness in the world, and it still will be, I’m sure. I love the recipes, quotes and optimism, beautiful art work I find here, and it’s still going to be here. I know you felt you had to say something….tell us how you feel, your fears and worries about where this country and us, the girlfriends are heading. You have every right to voice your concerns here, it’s YOUR BLOG! Those that don’t like it, well, don’t have to come back here, but I wish they would. We’ll never grow, or learn anything new if we only listen to those who agree with us. We have to listen, really listen, we don’t have to agree.
On a much lighter note, it’s hard to believe your time is almost up across the pond and you will be sailing back by the end of the week. Hope the next few days are pleasant and I wish you safe crossing back to us. Can’t wait to see more pictures, to hear more tales. I have enjoyed each and every one you’ve put up on twitter and on here. Have a safe passage back, and know that you are loved and much appreciated!
Thank you, Susan! Beautifully expressed. I have many friends who feel the same and commend you for sharing your feelings. 💕 Now, let’s have some tea! 😊❤️
I noticed you answered everyone’s comments but mine. Is it because I said that Christians are being persecuted and you don’t agree? Or something else?
I don’t think a lot of us are in denial. I think a lot of us think it’s time for a change in the way our country is going. I live in a small town and our communities are in trouble. I am a widow with a physically disabled son to care for and live on fixed income. I think ALL of us should look in the mirror and quit blaming Trump or anyone else for our lives. You say some are pegging you – I’m not pegging you but don’t put something out there and expect everyone to see things your way and not disagree.
Speaking of H. Clinton. My daughter-in-law works in admin for a hotel where H appeared and she saw her ‘behind the scenes.’ She cussed out her staff like a muleskinner (real bad) and she refused to have her picture taken with the staff at their request. Classy, huh?
No more posting from me. I’ll be glad when you get back to the blog I used to know.
You are a master of the word!!! I have been so diheartened since this election travesty.
Your writings are spot on……..Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, I could not
agree more!!!!
Susan thank you and I couldn’t agree more. I have turned off all news as I’m so saddened and sickened by all the hate messages throughout the campaign. I have so many friends I love that were fooled by the propaganda. In the end I just don’t understand how people could not see through the pure evil being poured out. I am a life long Republican completely heartbroken at our countries choice of a person with no morals whatsoever. Read the Wikipedia on the third wife too-we have never had a less educated 1st lady who has posed nude-I’m sure this will now be an accepted thing among young women in this country. As if it wasnt hard enough to raise girls today to be modest and focused on their character and minds instead of how they look. America what have you done? I’ve never been so disheartened, but your blog helps and it’s nice to know others feel the same.
Dear Susan (This is a long post, my thoughts came tumbling out, a catharsis, really, but a necessary one. Thank you for being my “jump start.”),
After reading your thoughts, I have started to breathe again for the first time since the election. I know I’m not the only one who was unhappy (read: aghast, horrified, furious) with the election results, but I did think I was alone in my distress over how we ever got to this place–the meanness and hatred spewing from every corner of the Internet, the lies being spread with reckless abandon, the potential for such permanent damage to my–your–OUR–country. I’d walk my dog and find myself hyperventilating because I was seeing the future we are handing to our children, and it depressed and frightened me. Thank you, thank you, for putting into words the confusion and questions I’ve been mulling over for months–maybe years. Thank you for sharing your hurt and anger, and for your courage in writing it down for everyone to see–and really think about. But you didn’t just rail, Bless Your Heart, you reminded us of our capability for great good, and that we Americans all basically want the same things–safety, education, freedom to worship–or no–as we choose, affordable healthcare, and the right to work and earn a living wage so we can live a better life and show our kids that it’s possible. And you provided tools of action for us, so we can discover the real truths, and expose once and for all the real Bad Guys and their criminal, treasonous tactics, so we don’t have to just take this madness lying down. And some of your posters also chimed in with the actions they are taking to give voice and constructive actions to their opinions. I know there will be folks who disagree with what you’ve said; that’s their American privilege, and they can exercise their right to no longer participate in this blog. As for me, I’m still here, still mad and scared, but at least I now know I’ve got company in the boat, and that there are citizens who understand the value of disagreeing, and who then agree to disagree, and follow that with a willingness to reach over the lines in the sand, share hopes and strengths, and be willing to help re-build our country based on common goals. I have to believe we Americans can do this. Keep on Keepin’ on Susan; hope your trip home is lovely, and I’ll look forward to your next post!
Sent in Faith, Hope, and Love,
Rosemary
Thank you for writing this. While it’s clear on which side you landed, I think you did an admirable job of trying to be fair and getting out the message that we are being massively manipulated from all sides. I’ve never felt such frustration with the media as I have with this election. So much of what passes for news is conjecture, punditry, trivia, rumors, and sensationalism. We have the burden of sifting through the noise to find facts and truth, although most of us just like to have our own views reinforced; we get our news from within our bubble and we don’t listen to each other. And then we’re surprised.
All of these comments are a perfect reflection of the division among us… neighbors hating otherwise lovely neighbors because of whatever political propaganda they subscribe to.. I saw your post as a wake-up call.. a call for unity among Americans. Thank you for being brave enough to speak from your heart. To me, this post makes you more human than many of your others ever have, and I admire you!