I’m going to refrain from commenting about last night’s debate except to say that I feel the need to take about ten showers today. There’s a stench coming from that campaign and from the nominee (and you know who I’m talking about) that I can’t seem to shake.
What has the level of discourse come to? A new low.
And though I’m told I should pray for him, I simply can’t do it today. The word ‘despise’ doesn’t come close to what I’m feeling. I can’t find a word for the revulsion I feel.
Okay. I must move on for my own sanity.
I took this shot from the stairs. It was one of those moments that made me happy about sunlight and wood floors and the ‘new’ table and brick chimneys and Maxfield Parrish.
Autumn light is lovely, isn’t it?
Yesterday, I glanced outside and did a double take.
A moonflower had opened up.
During the day.
Was it confused because it rained the night before and the day ended up being cloudy and damp?
I don’t know. But I was sure happy to see it unfold, something I usually miss.
They don’t last long, but oh, how lovely they are. And the scent is exquisite.
Has there ever been a ‘moonflower’ fragrance in the perfume aisle? I wonder…
One of my email accounts was hacked. This gets old fast, doesn’t it? If you get something from me with a link, just delete the email. It’s all so tiresome, and again I ask, don’t these people have anything better to do with their time? How about hacking the Russians?
Happy Monday.
It’s a beautiful sunny morning here in Ct. A good day to enjoy the simple joys of life! Take care.
It is here, as well. A good walk on the trail will be just what I need today.
I remember reading a Reader’s Digest condensed version of a book called “The Moonflower Vine”. I was in high school and my folks got these books in the mail. Anyway, the book was about four sisters, which is how I grew up, with four sisters. I loved the youngest sister (which I am) who married a barn storming pilot. I ended up marrying a pilot. Real life copies art! I remember enjoying the book, but can’t remember much of it. Hearing about your moonflower vine has reminded me of the book these past few weeks. I wonder if I could find it in a used bookstore? Not the condensed version though.
Oh, I’d love to find that book, Tana. I am a newly christened lover of moonflowers! (The title does ring a faint bell.)
You can buy it right now as a brand-new paperback on Amazon, called a ‘rediscovered classic’. Thanks for mentioning it; I’m always glad for referrals of good books!
I read the full version book The Moonflower Vine many years ago. It was such a good book and I’ve thought of it many times since. I think I may buy a copy off Amazon so I can read it again.
I love your pretty sunlit living room, Claudia. It looks like a wonderful place to be. I am finding pleasure in my home and nature too, as I try to distance myself from the horrible orange man…. Can it get any worse! I keep telling myself there’s no way he can win now and that is an uplifting thought!
I will have to get a copy of that book, Lily.
I will be taking refuge in my sunny living room today!
thank you Vicki! Sounds like a great Christmas gift.
ditto!
Thanks, Carolyn Marie!
For those interested in the book the author is Jetta Carleton. I think I would like to read it too. I hope our library has it. We had a dramatic sunrise here today. We have a combination blue skies to the east and clouds toward the west.
Thanks, Trina!
Yes…gonna be a beautiful day today! We watched the Packer game last night…sounds like we made the correct choice. Course, I did follow the debate online during commercials…it did sound as bad as you described. There is some thing special about October sunlight…but the word escapes me. Maybe it has to do with the angle of the sun? Anyway…enjoy your trail walk! ;)
He was worse than vile. I don’t know if I can take another debate!
Loathsome. Is that worse than vile? But then these are just words, and he whose name I’m reluctant to invoke has told us that words don’t matter.
Yes, of course – to Trump words don’t matter. Loathsome is good. I’m still searching for the most extreme word I can find!
I’m not around kids much, but I often think to myself how I’d be explaining and answering questions, should I be asked to, say, by a teen grandchild about things in the world such as this political campaign…and what went on in that sad debate last night.
I came from a patriotic family…like you, Claudia, as we’ve often spoken of, my father was as well a WWII vet…and we saluted the flag in classrooms at school, recited the Pledge of Allegiance (felt like a prayer); always looking up (in admiration and awe) to our President whose photo was in a frame on the wall by our desks. (Sure, I’m a boomer…as we aged, we also learned to question but, still, I had to have faith in my country and my President although of course we’ve learned they are not perfect.)
I know times are different now…do kids even know the Pledge of Allegiance?…but not so different that you don’t still look to your country’s leader for intelligence, along with knowledge and experience; someone who stands tall above the mire, who doesn’t discriminate, is well-spoken and dedicated; whose judgment and decision-making you trust…all those traits of fine and good character…a person in a powerful position who will use that power to chart the course but never abuse the privilege. I need to see ‘human’ but I also need to see erudite. And a commitment to serve for the better good.
I know it must be hard to speak off the cuff in a room full of people and a world-TV audience, but I’m again struck at the very least by Trump’s limited vocabulary, his repetition; his extreme rudeness. The fact-checkers are constantly taking his vagueness on issues to the fact test (which he repeatedly fails).
I’ve searched my soul but I cannot find redeeming things about this man. Okay, his kids, as Hillary mentioned. But weren’t they mostly raised by their moms in his absence as a very busy businessman? Thought I’d come across that in my reading. Maybe that’s not fair to him; we don’t really know much about the personal lives of these people. He could be a loving father and must have had some kind of good influence on his kids…they’re part of his real estate empire. Ivanka especially seems incredibly poised, not just beautiful and stylish but also brainy-smart and business-savvy.
But his kids aren’t really the focus, are they. The issue is whether or not Donald Trump can lead the free world.
It’s a shame he needed so much more fame and attention beyond his wealth and other achievements. It seems he could have had enough self-satisfaction and self-esteem…sense of purpose…just by his life as a business mogul and ‘family man’ (maybe even mentor?) rather than going for something he’s not qualified for in every way…and setting himself up for failure. He could have just semi-retired or retired at age 70 and looked back on his life as having been more than full and also very successful. Now, he’s just ruined it for himself, having presented himself as a fool.
He can’t put together a complete sentence. That means he can’t stay on topic for at least 5 or 6 words that have a subject and a verb among them. His favorite word is ‘disaster’ – and he just repeats it over and over again. Plus, he moves from one thing to another in one long run-on stream of thought that is completely nonsensical. My little 5 year old nephew is more articulate than he is.
As for the kids, they were raised by their mothers, for the most part. He divorced Ivana when the kids were quite young. He divorced Marla when her daughter was young. I give the credit to the mothers, not Trump. He gets credit for the fact that his sons are Trophy Hunters and pay lots of money to kill beautiful wild animals. That’s Trump’s influence.
He must be the most insecure person in the world. And also, the most dangerous.
I read an article online about the golden light produced this time of year. The article referred to the tilt of the earth’s axis creating the “gilded season.”
The gilded season…what an apt description!
Perfect description, Denise!
Bare wood floors are my favorite and yours are beautiful! October in the northeast is the best.
It sure is. It’s lovely today, Betsy.
I love your wood floors, Claudia, and the wonderful glow you always capture in your indoor photos. My daughter was home for just one night from college, so I chose to spend time with her instead of listening to the debate. I think I chose wisely….we had a laughingly good time! And the best thing was that she could stay through dinner yesterday evening and we drove her back afterwards….that was a treat for me.
So nice that you had time with your daughter. Far more important than the debate.
Beautiful sun here this morning, as well. It does help. But it doesn’t erase the images lingering in my mind. Now we get to imagine life with a President who threatens to jail anyone he doesn’t like. Where is it that we live??? I’m starting to feel like Sarah Palin: “and I can see RUSSIA from my house!!”
The sunshine IS beautiful this morning!!
You’re not kidding! Russia seems to be closer by the minute.
Your home makes me happy….it has such a comfy cozy feel and looks well-loved
Thank you so much, Donna!
I agree completely about the shower (!) . More escape mechanisms: BASEBALL PLAYOFFS! I’m watching every minute of it this year… The Great British Baking Show (so very civilized!) North by Northwest (even a few minutes is very refreshing!) early fall okra, squash and tomatoes…..APPLES!
We’re watching baseball tonight. Yesterday’s Red Sox game, which I was really counting on as an escape, was postponed due to rain!
My moon flowers have been just o”kay this year. Four/five per night. I took note in my calendar three years ago…it was 11,15,9,20,9,11 opening each evening in a week. The fragrance was awesome. I used to bundle up and sit outside to watch them open with a cup of tea in hand. Can I remember whose seeds they were, no! I will keep trying I think the weather has much to so with it. I have neglected to say ” I am in love” with your newest table acquisition. Jealous really. Have you ever done Broomfield, my two daughters and I go every May such fun.
I haven’t – it never seems to be the right time, but we will someday!
If I lived in a warmer climate and had planted the moonflowers earlier in the spring, I can tell that I would have had lots of blooms at once, but I’m afraid that won’t happen as sometime soon there will be a frost.
I find myself unable to respond to anyone who supports “him”. Disgusting and callous. Moving on…your photos are beautiful and soothing. Hugs.
I feel the same way, Linda. xo
Your photo from your stairs with the sunshine is the best living room shot. Your table glows and the rest of the room looks so very welcoming. Uplifting. Hugs.
Joy
Oh, thank you, Joy!
Dogs, rabbits, spiders, birds, horses. . . . “Claudia’s Critters”
Did I talk about critters today? Or maybe this is a general comment? Of course, it’s true! I have a lot of critters. Just this morning, Don and I rescued a spider and gently put him outside.
After reading your blog this AM, I viewed your Instagram and saw the photo of Don with the horses. Guess my comment sort of felt out of context.
Ah, that makes sense!
Don’t mean to sound ignorant about such things…but what signals do you get that you’ve been hacked? A bunch of really nasty spam?
In this case one of the bogus emails was sent to me. From me.
We are having a lovely sunny day on the other side of the country from you. Nice antidote to the politics of the day. I am laid up right now but as soon as it’s over I am going to houseclean like crazy!! nothing better to get things off your mind.
We just took a long walk and that certainly helped!
Claudia, I know what you mean. I actually MUTED the debate last night. After all, I knew full well what Humpty Trumpty would be likely to say. Hillary too for that matter [but in a good way]. These days, with 24-hour cable coverage being what it was, I knew I could find out about any surprises soon enough anyway. And I’ve been muting Trump alone for months now. I literally CANNOT stomach the sound of his voice any longer. Well, let me tell you, watching Trump – sans sound – is very interesting. Actually it’s very weird. I’ve learned that his movements are very contrived & have little to nothing to do with what he’s saying. More evidence, IMO, of the pathological disconnect in him. Although I’d be the first to admit that I’m not professionally-QUALIFIED to say so, I’d bet my retirement fund that [A] this individual is seriously mentally-ill and [B] he may even be seeing a psychiatrist, or better yet a team of them, right now. To be clear, I’ll bet my fund on A, but never on B. LOL. PS – go moonflowers!
That pacing around by him while she was talking was weird. I felt they should both sit while the other spoke. Getting up to address the question-asker was one thing; it just seemed polite. I dunno…probably everything about this debate was an anticlimax to the release of that awful tape which preceded it. Muting was a good idea; great way to watch the body language.
I told Don Trump gave me the creeps. Today I felt like showering about 20 times. He won’t see a psychiatrist – he thinks he’s smarter and better than everyone! And he has all these enablers around him who don’t challenge that. He is mentally ill.
I agree, except that I do think MAYBE Ivanka could talk him into seeing a shrink. She is probably the only one who could do that, and it is for sure a remote possibility. Not even Melania could do this, especially since she is approaching the age of 50 in a few years and therefore is scheduled for replacement soon. LOL.
Oh, I hope not, for her sake.
Beautiful moonflower…I’ve always wanted to grow one. I’ve been catching up on the last couple of days of your blog and wow, you are so spot on with your writings about DJT. I agree with you 100% and laud you for speaking out. Jen
Thank you Jen!
Been gone for an extended “girls” weekend and truly disappointed in the tone of rhetoric going on here-in fact, for some time now.
And absolutely, yes, I am welcome to move on-I may do so. And please, those of you that are personal peeps, you don’t need to smack my chops. Truly you don’t. I too, happen to be a very nice, conscientious person, if any of you are asking.
I don’t think it is your opinions or choices Claudia, that are necessarily contested by some of your followers but rather in your delivery of such as oftentimes you seem to express yourself perhaps a tad more vehement than necessary. I thought you had lit on a better idea several posts back, intending to concentrate on the positives and strengths of HC, an approach genuinely representing your truest passions? Perhaps I mistake the matter.
DT is crass, lacks class and when he opens his mouth, does more damage to himself. And yet, he is free to self destruct. Many who will vote for him would not disagree with any of what I just said. Yet they have their reasons for supporting him, the same as HC’s followers have for supporting her. You have (or sadly had?) your own followers some of which support HC and some of which support DT. But is very sad when you invite non HC supporters to move on with a simple “bye-bye”. Perhaps their delivery was a tad too vehement as well?
I have pretty thick skin myself, but I too have those days in many situations, I have to work doubly hard to find the high road. Some days I fail. But I must say when you post statements telling certain followers to not bother to comment if they disagree with you, or are not for your candidate and indicate you are not in the mood and their opinions are subject to “censor” (delete) by your hand……………………………..I find this sad. Yes it is your blog and you can ban debate (or sadly what might quickly degenerate into worse) but where is the high road in this behavior?
Anyone who follows you has the right to ask that question. You indicate you embrace inclusion, are fed up with divisiveness, have no tolerance for hate. And yet it seems that in how you choose to express yourself-you choose stiff necked. Some might want to belabor your choice of a “double standard”, I don’t think I need to. But hey, they too can move on.
Hoping you may experience a kinder and gentler demeanor during these days of political angst.
I appreciate your thoughts. I don’t entirely agree with them, but you are more than welcome to share them. Just as in life, there are times I just want to express my feelings and not have to defend them within the comment section. Since I answer every comment, sometimes I don’t want to have to deal with those who support Trump. It’s that simple. Since the vast majority of the time – actually 99% of the time – I do respond, I don’t think I can be faulted for sometimes taking a break. That’s my choice.
I make no apologies for my posts, either. I actually think speaking out about something I think is this important is taking the high road. I feel we have to speak out. Since I have this vehicle in which to do that, I am fortunate to be able to speak my mind.
You are uncomfortable with the way I express myself, and that is your right. You don’t have to read these posts. I am hoping that this will be the last one in this election cycle.
Not every blog post is an invitation to debate, you know. Nor I am required to provide that arena. Most bloggers wouldn’t allow any comments on this kind of post. And that would mean no discussion. So I think I have the right to – very, very rarely – draw up some rules for the comment section on a particular post.
The only thing I do agree with is that I can be a bit kinder in my responses. Usually, I am. I was a bit short with a few commenters this time around and I will write them and make amends.
Okay, now I want to smell a moonflower!
I’m back online after the hurricane and reading your blog/comments for the last few days…whew! I just can’t get my head around people who think that guy should be in charge of anything, let alone the USA! When did it become okay to act like a complete jackass and have otherwise thoughtful people actually considering voting for said jackass? The world has gone mad.
Thanks, as always for your informed and logical opinions. You go, girl!
I often say the same thing – a world gone mad. I can’t understand it. I guess I never will.
Glad you have power and the internet and are safe and sound, Shanna.
The gilded season..isn’t that a lovely thought Claudia…and you picture certainly proves that…How nice of your Moonflower to to come out into the light so you could watch her open her pretty face to the world…the joys of nature…the book “The Moonflower Vine” sounds so good I went to Amazon and ordered a used, in very good addition copy…I must get some sleep now..I’m off to have my gallbladder removed tomorrow!
That is “in very good condition” not addition.
xo
I wish I’d responded to your comment before your surgery! Thinking of you, Nancy. I’ve been through it and all will be well. xoxo