What Color is the Sky Today?
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When I got up this morning, I wondered: What color is the sky today? What kind of world am I waking up to?
I don’t always understand nuance. I’m on the spectrum, as many of you know. Sometimes everything looks like the same color to me with no distinction. And sometimes I just don’t see what you see in the way you see it. Does that make sense?
This morning, when I got on my laptop and opened this page, I didn’t know what to expect. I moderated comments overnight and only approved them this morning. Everyone was positive, and that was rewarding. Thank you.
My Personal Bulldog:
When Rhonda and I found one another again in 2025, or she found me, she told me that she wished I still wrote poetry. I said that this blog is my poem.
But somehow, when she said that, it felt like taking the clip off a bird’s wing and letting them fly freely. I just opened up and let all the birds fly skyward, in the way I wrote over 50 years ago.
Rhonda is a powerful bulldog. Yesterday, she took on the role of protector. What did I do without you all these years, my dear, sweet friend? Rhonda, if you happen to be here today, I thank you.
A World of Possibilities:
I love discussing books. Books saved me during my childhood. I found solace in that little library with its even rows of shelved books.
It was handing an introverted child a world of possibilities. And it became the reason I love words, and I said to myself, “One day I’m going to be a writer.”
And now something that I created 17 years ago has become like a dear friend, a soft place to land. It became everything to me, a place to write and a place to be with all of you.
Sometimes I struggle with what to write about and which direction to take. But you just have to find a topic, step forward, and let it lead you. Not everyone will find it interesting.
What I See Outside My Windows:
The windows, all three in this living room, show me that it is gray outside. Birds are flying every which way, dots against the horizon.
The Walmart associate just drove up in her electric van with my groceries. I’m so grateful for this option, because I can no longer navigate the grocery store. She didn’t seem to know much English, but that’s okay. We understood one another perfectly fine.
That woman is working, serving society, and making money for her family. She is paying taxes, regardless of what anyone tells you. I don’t know whether she’s legal, and it’s none of my business.
Immigrants in the United States, both documented and undocumented, pay taxes. They contribute billions of dollars annually to federal, state, and local tax systems.
Where you’re born is not of your choosing. Why can’t people just be kind to one another, help one another, smile in passing? What is so difficult about that concept?
We thanked one another, and we both said, “Have a great day.”
My Little Place in the World:
This is my little world. If someone handed me a million dollars tomorrow, I’d still choose to live in this little house, my soft place to land.
I’d still have my kitties, my container garden, and my books. And that is enough.
Where My Bookshelves Will Be:
I’ve decided to place my bookshelves back there along that wall instead of in the hallway. The girls are getting the bookshelves for me for my birthday next month.
Rhonda will help to put them together. She can actually read instructions and understand them. After all, she worked at a bank for 45 years, dealing with numbers and concrete things that involved directions. What seems to fly right over my head.
Comments:
It’s not important to me for you to comment; I really don’t care about that. Comments are nice, but it’s not why I write. I write to express myself and communicate with the world. Because I’m not as comfortable in a room with people.
When I miss the mark, or feel like I did, I am embarrassed and befuddled. I asked myself: how did I get it so wrong? How did I not understand that when I allowed my kite to rise up into the sky the other day, someone might take aim at it?
How do you figure out such things?
A Favorite Quote of Mine:
What I am reminded of today is a quote by Leonard Cohen. He wrote:
“There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”
I’ve always loved that quote.
What I think he meant is this: Imperfections and flaws are not weaknesses, but opportunities for understanding and insight.
So that is what I will think about moving forward. Everyone has their own opinion. And those differences are a chance for us to see everything from all sides.
But ultimately, we can only focus on our own.
I can blather on about nothing and everything, with no real focus. Or I can write about what color the sky is that day, or what the kitties are doing that makes me laugh.
I can spread out in all directions, as I have all these years, but not everyone will like what I write about.
Maybe this is the time to look through the narrow space where that small slice of light shines through. Because all you can do is embrace imperfection and see it as a pathway for growth.
Because the light, over time, heals wounds.
And Now…
So now I’m going to have my cup of coffee for the day. I like to write first, get my thoughts untangled. Then I sit here in my chair and look around me at the many cat toys of every variety lying on the floor.
I’ll deal with the many emails I haven’t opened today while I sip my coffee. Check the news to see what horrid acts were committed overnight in this country. I know other countries must hate the US right now. I’m not happy about it myself, I want you to know.
And now I will remove the moderation option from comments.
Brenda,
I really enjoy your writings. I look forward to them along with the beautiful pictures of your cozy home. You are truly inspiring. Thank you so much for all you do.
Brenda, I still hear a sadness in your post, which makes me feel sad. I so enjoy your posts. It’s like catching up with a friend everyone I visit you (aka your post) I wish for you a beautiful day ands for you to be the exact person you are meant to be… loved and supported in the way you deserve.
I meant everyday not everyone… autocorrect 🤦🏻♀️
The sky is a combination of blue and gray here today. Only 17 degrees. Snow coming tonight.
Books were my solace during childhood, too. As well as Barbies. Books are still my comfort in this crazy world. I also wanted to be a writer when I was young. It was a jr high school teacher (shout out to Mr Hanasz, wherever he may be now) who encouraged me after writing some Haiku.
I am looking for a bookcase for my living room right now, too. I am looking for midcentury modern with seven cubes with mostly open backs. I found one on Amazon that I like, but the only color is walnut. I want a lighter wood. I have looked all over online and can’t find anything. I’ve even looked on Marketplace.
I agree about being kind to one another, regardless of race (or religion or sexual identity, etc). We’re all human beings. As long as a person doesn’t hurt other humans or animals, kindness goes a long way.
“This blog is my poem.” Beautifully said.
And yes, other countries do indeed hate the US right now. I have friends in Canada, Mexico, England, Australia and New Zealand and they’re all aghast at what’s going on over here.
I don’t think you can ever miss the mark in your writings. It’s your blog and what you want to write about and even if the one article doesn’t hit the masses, it may make a huge difference in one person and to me that’s all that matters. I find your writing poetic no matter what you write about. Plus you look at life poetically. I love that. I stopped reading news that contained depressing news. I read Epoch which reads news and I like the home/lifestyle “Bright” section. It even has a day where they post about good Americans. I feel better for it. Our local news grabs the worst from other states. No more.
Brenda, I enjoy your blog, your thoughts, your way of looking at things, your kitties, your home & the way you decorate it. I, too, love to read & love books. Although I have plenty to read, I’m always looking for another! Thank you for your blog. Kindness matters!
I’m always open to finding a new book.
Brenda, we couldn’t live more different lives if we tried – you have kitties, I’m 72 raising 11 and 12 year old girls with a disabled husband. But sister, what you wrote today came straight from my heart. Stay warm, be safe and enjoy the day.
Oh my, you must have your hands full!
Well, if you find a way to keep from being the target of some nasty person, let us know…I am older than you by a bit and I have no idea truly. Just that this is part of life. I wish I could have avoided the worst ones of my life…and those attacking my kids and grandkids!! And as to what is REALLY going on in this country or any other…good luck figuring that out. We will really probably never know much of it in this life. When my hubby was in the military we learned that some things are never known to the public. There is good reason for that at least some of the time. Any rate, all we peons can do is just live our simple little lives the best we can. And I am looking so forward to the next life. Cannot really even imagine such a place of peace and love but looking forward to that.
It sure isn’t peaceful here now.
I have loved your blog for many years, and this post is exceptional! Thank you for being you. You are appreciated more than you know. Keep standing up for humanity and kindness.
I will! Thank you!
Thank you for your ‘Truth Comments’!
The country is in a mess, people are frightened and suffering and my heart is breaking.
Some of our age brackets and personal liabilities make us doing something to correct the disaster happening to our United States of America almost impossible. All we are able to do is call our elected representatives and beg them to gather some courage and stand up and do something.
It is personally refreshing to me and I hope to many others to feel you stand up for our fellow residents and friends, and bugger the consequences,
Thank You!
I’ve wanted to talk about what is going on in this country for ages, but I don’t want to offend and get ugly, angry comments. I don’t know my readers’ politics, and I know that shouldn’t matter. Kindness matters. Is kindness now considered political?
😉
Hi, Susan! Where have you been lately?
If we have a cozy little house we are truly blessed.
I think so!
Brenda, the sky here is blue, and the weather is cold, cold, and more cold. This morning when we go up the temperature was -15 with the wind chill at -45. I wish Spring could hurry up, but don’t want to wish the days away, just want warmer weather.
Anyway, wanted to tell you your photos posted today are “lovely”. I agree with you and your writing, which is really the best. But…if you weren’t writing, you could certainly be a designer-home decorator for others. Everything in your home is so well thought out and put together so beautifully. Makes me want to copy all of it. I can’t wait now to see how you style the bookshelves.
Life would sure be boring without your blog, thanks for that!!!
Life would sure be boring without me having this blog to write. I wouldn’t know what to do with myself.
Well said, totally agree😊
I read your blog everyday. And I am older than you and your house, cats, your outside flower pots inspire me. Things you write about are so interesting to me. Your house is just perfect. Just love the Christmas tree idea. It is so cozy.
Thank you! I love my little place in the world.
GM ! Have you ever read the book Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce ? It’s a book about friendship, don’t let the title fool you, I would have never picked this book to read on my own, I just joined a book club and this was the first book on the list. I really enjoyed it so much that I’m spreading the word ! I love books too and find that your lists are very helpful for choosing something that has a summary and an opinion, thank you.
Oh, a book lover! I’ll check out that book. I’ve been getting new free books to read and review. I just want to get the word out about what I think of the books, so people can decide whether or not they want to read them.
I loved that book!
Plus her two books (series)…The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and the sequel…The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy.
I love you! My father was right.
I still follow and read your blog because I do enjoy it, as I have for a very long time. I no longer leave comments because without meaning to it can cause hurt.
One bit of advice – just stay real.
I wondered what happened to you! No need to comment; it’s fine.
You have so much intelligence when you write so don’t underestimate yourself. I agree with everything you wrote today and if only more were more tolerant and willing to listen to facts and adopt moral values. Write about all the books you want as I truly love your style of writing. Might not read your scary choices but I like your blog with its variety. Thank you! And your house is always picked up and clean which I wish I had the ambition to keep up with so kudos to you.
Thank you so much for the support! Lately, I’ve been branching out and reading books across all genres.
Brenda, I feel
a sense of empowerment in this writing and I am so proud of you! You let that light shine through❣️
Oh, thank you, dear friend! I know you’re out there reading. I’m just going to let the haters hate and let the light shine through.
Hooray.
Love this!!!
I’ll write more in this vein, just my thoughts and my day. Thank you!