I was going to post a Friday Five today – had a fun topic and everything. And yet, in light of the news of this week, I’m torn about what to do.
On the one hand, I want to continue writing about beautiful things, about home, about comfort – because that’s what I feel like we – or at least I – need right now. And this blog is a community. We’ve built this community over the last several years as a place to talk about DIY, design, repurposing, and more. We’ve shared stories of our lives and dogs and homes and projects. I hope that it’s a place where you find ideas, creativity, and inspiration and where you are always welcome and welcomed.
On the other hand, I am sad, heartbroken, scared, horrified, and more about the violence and loss of life this week – actually, the violence and loss of life over many, many weeks, months, years – and the hatred being spewed by many in this country.
When I checked Facebook this morning, I found myself in this dilemma. While I was seeing posts about design and DIY and cool projects, I couldn’t find those interesting or relevant. I was drawn to the posts about love, peace, and community, and yet even those seemed to be less than adequate for the day as well.
So, that’s where I am.
This is not a political post. I am not going to discuss politics here. I am simply being honest about where I am today, so that you understand that, while most days I live and breathe DIY and design, I’m not there today.
My heart hurts today. For everyone. I’m praying for our country and for healing.
Wherever you are today, I wish you peace, safety, and love.
A "recovering lawyer," I turned in my power suits for power tools and a life of DIY. I believe in merging old and new to make a house a home.
Hi Karen, I hear you. Know that violence and sensationalism aren’t as prevalent as the news would like to show. Please know there are far, far, FAR more good, kind, loving and wonderful things going on in this world than ever makes the news. Breathe and know loving kindness prevails.
You nailed it, Karen. I think about the safe little bubble I live in with my family & friends & then realize how fragile it is. How come I was so lucky & others never have a chance?
Last week, my husband met up with a former student of his, now a county sheriff, at a local gas station/convenience store. After some small talk, my husband shook his hand and thanked him for the work he does. Work that most of us are glad not to have to deal with, being with people at their worst, in critical situations, probably often a thankless job. He told my husband that 90% of people are goodhearted, hard-working people, contributing to their community. He said that leaves only 10% that take up 90% of his time. People at their worst make the news. I agree with what Mickey says. In my 30+ years as a teacher, I think “we” in society know what goes in to being “lucky.” The hard part is “fixing” the problems we as a society recognize to make everyone “lucky.” It is not an easy task. We all need to keep doing what we can. Keep doing what you’re doing, like your ReStore workshops and recycling, reusing to bring beauty into our homes by working with our own hands. You don’t need lots of money to feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in making a welcoming and loving home to share with others. It’s a good message.
Agree, Karen. I live in Texas and this is just awful. God bless those policemen and women and their families. They are on the line for us each and every day.