It’s been a year. But this isn’t a political rant.
I no longer understand my country. I thought I did for most of my life. Money, materialism, compassion, empathy, and compromise. And more money. That’s what the mainstream is about these days.
I still believe that humans are basically good. I once met former President Jimmy Carter at an American Booksellers Convention. He had written one of his thirty-two books. I waited patiently (me?) in line to shake his hand.
“I believe history will treat you as one of our better presidents,” I told him. He took my hand in his and said, Thank you, I appreciate that.” I remember peering into his deep blue eyes. He lived many decent lives. I admired him and wonder when another similar president will hold the reins of democracy and concern about all Americans.
And I am so happy that reading takes up a big part of my life. Next on my list: The Public Burning by Robert Coover, “an outrageous novel about U.S. politics. Reality has finally caught up to it.” (NYT Book Review, December 29, 2024).
But this isn’t a political rant. I no longer understand my country.
I intend to pen more political writing like “Misogyny Amplified” https://www.startribune.com/misogyny-amplified/601180359 but this isn’t it. My heart isn’t in it. Not yet.
WHERE MY HEART IS
What this is a Happy New Year wish to my family and the people I love. I watch my grandchildren growing up and laud their parents, my son and daughter-in-law, who are giving them the most miraculous, happy childhood.
I am grateful to dear friends on Mt. Desert Island, Maine and in Antalya, Turkey and Berkeley, California and Fort Worth, Texas, here in Minneapolis, as well as in Tucson. Where we’re headed early, early tomorrow morning.
Following the sunshine in my life and on this planet. That’s where I’ll be. Because I don’t understand the rest of it.
Tucson Writer Editor 
Thank you, Sheila for your message and share your sentiments. Winston Churchill is purportedly to have once said, “You can always count on Americans to do the right thing – after they’ve tried everything else.” Hopefully, those who were/are slow to understand, will come around to see the terrible choice they made in voting for a traitor, criminal, liar and malevolent narcissist, before it is too late.
Enjoy Tucson where our son and son-in-law are now camping (Saguaro NP) before heading back to their home in Toronto in a few days.
Thank you, Sheila for your message and share your sentiments. Winston Churchill is purportedly to have once said, “You can always count on Americans to do the right thing – after they’ve tried everything else.” Hopefully, those who were/are slow to understand, will come around to see the terrible choice they made in voting for a traitor, criminal, liar and malevolent narcissist, before it is too late.
Enjoy Tucson where our son and son-in-law are now camping (Saguaro NP) before heading back to their home in Toronto in a few days.
Thank you for your comment evenkeel22! Do I know you? I lived in Tucson for 18 years and am always happy to return. I moved to Minneapolis three years ago to be near my precious grandchildren. I will miss them during the next 2 1/2 months but I can’t stand the gray and cold (being from the coast of Maine)!
Love you, your writing and with this one, am thankful for this inspiration. Thank you for sharing where your heart is. They are mighty important. I have hope for all as we step into the future, as it becomes the present moment, day by day. Happy New Year, dear Sheila! Best, Kim
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Thank you dear Kim! You are so kind.
Your grandkids are such good-looking children!Thanks for another thought-provoking article.S and V
THANK you S and V! I dreamt that you won a $25 million lottery. Happy New Year!