Greetings and salutations, dear Reader, and welcome to my obscure American blog. Don't worry, it's still "free" in every sense of the word as of the time of this writing, at least. I've been up for hours which is par for the course for me as I often/ usually go to bed before the Sun does.
from last night's sunset, with colors enhanced
Without any further ado, here is today's Proverb: First, in text format: Proverbs 31 ESV And, audio format as well (because "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing the Word of God"):
Well, folks, even though I did vote for Donald Trump this last time, that doesn't mean that I can blanket-approve of all things just because it's his decision. The biggest, most glaring (and, only if I'm being honest with myself) fail of this administration so far is the fact that he plans to allow 600K Chinese nationals (spies!) to come and fill positions in our colleges and Universities. I think that this can only be a huge mistake since the CCP has NO love for us AND the fact that all Chinese people who are allowed to come here are required by their government to spy and report all intelligence to them.
So, no, that was a very, very bad mistake on our President's part and I pray that he will repent and wholesale change his mind about that. Nobody's perfect, but WHOA what a F*** up that is going to be if it materializes! I wonder what on earth motivated him to make such a dead-wrong decision like that?! Sorry, man, but national security is priority numero uno! If we don't keep this nation together, then no one will have somewhere to emigrate to for a better life, and that would really suck for the entire planet, not just us who are already here. Anyway.
I don't pretend that our immigration system is perfect. In fact, I feel like, in this day and age, major reform is due. The process needs to be shortened because, as it is, our beloved legal immigrants currently have to wait in line for years, and that's just too damned long. With things like the internet now, it should be a much faster process to vet these people and get them in here. We have the technology, so let's use it to improve the currently-failing immigration system and, by that, I mean the actual process itself. It needs to NOT take them years to get in, because that only encourages them to do it illegally which ends up not really helping them in the end. It's not fair to our precious legal immigrants who want to do the right thing the right way only for the current process to stymie and frustrate them. It's not right. Anyway, that's about all I have for now, dear reader. Thanks for stopping by and spending a few moments reading my drivel, be blessed and have a wonderful day today. 💜
It's the largest concert that I ever went to and man did we have a great time! We kept leaving and bringing in cases of beer, handing them out freely to sweating but grateful strangers, saying "For tribal relations" with each beer given. The music was amazing, all the way around, each and every one of them.
Someone at the perfume website brought it all back to me with her topic about Lilith Fair and reminiscing for the past hour or so has been a welcome blast from the past, though I don't see myself doing it again anytime soon. 😎
I attended with friends and will always be grateful to them all for making it such a great time, even though we've lost touch over the years by now.
So, dear Reader: what is the most memorable event you've attended? Were YOU there, at Rockfest?! 👀
Greetings and salutations, dear Reader, and welcome to yet another day above ground. It got warm and that woke me up, but I do feel rested enough even though it's not yet four-AM (as of the time of these type-written words, at least, maybe not by the time it's been published though). Anyway, here's a look at today's forecast:
And, here is today's Proverb. It's my blog, so I choose to copy and paste it here. Thanks.
And, today is all about verse 19 for me:
Even with the changing climate with more and more Americans sanely moving to the political center, I am still today the recipient of real-life cancel culture, folks—by someone who's "in the party of tolerance"—yes, the political left. Not a politician, no; a rank and file voter like most of us.
Rather than engaging differing views with open dialogue, as many of us strive to do, I encountered heated words and frustration directed at my beliefs, without any personal attack from my side. (For the record, even now, I've refrained from any insults or ad hominem remarks.) All I did was invite the group chat to provide evidence of even one American citizen who has been deported, offering a wager I was confident in because, to my knowledge, such cases don't exist. I believe this is a shared understanding across the spectrum, though it can be a tough pill to swallow for some.
So, instead of sparking thoughtful discussion—which has historically strengthened societies by encouraging growth beyond initial reactions—our exchange highlighted a broader challenge. In 2025, it seems we've drifted from the constructive debates that once propelled progress, and that's something worth reflecting on together. What might it look like if we all paused to examine our assumptions more deeply?
When I was in high school, I signed up to take Latin—there weren't enough of us, so I had to choose another foreign language and went with German. These days, as far as I know, Latin in public high schools is rare, Civics classes have faded, and History is often presented through specific viewpoints shaped by extensive academic training. It's concerning when we assume those views are entirely original, as it can limit broader inquiry.
That's why, even at 13, I declined Duke University's offer to skip high school and attend for free (extended to those of us who excelled on Texas standardized tests). Instinctively, I sensed the value in a more varied path, leading me to become a lifelong, mostly self-taught learner who strives to think independently to this day.
I'm very grateful that my parents instilled these habits in my formative years. And, as a human, it's not always straightforward to prioritize thoughtful analysis over emotional responses. Sometimes, our feelings align with what's true, but other times, they can lead us astray unless we examine them closely. None of us is exempt from this—it requires ongoing effort to balance heart and mind. We all make room for emotions, as we're not machines, but how can we ensure they don't steer us into decisions we might later question? Consider how a child reacts to "no"—it's raw emotion, and as adults, we have the opportunity to build on that with wisdom.
These days, even those in their 50s and beyond can react strongly to differing opinions, much like that instinctive response. How might we, as a society, foster more resilience in these moments? It's a shared sadness when bridges break over ideas.
Anyway, since my opinions proved divisive, I decided to deactivate all my social media accounts (except for the apolitical perfume sites). I'd had my Facebook since 2009; it held memories of departed loved ones, relatives, pets, and life's milestones over 16 years. As invested as I was, I chose to step back in hopes of easing tensions, setting it not to reactivate automatically.
A gesture like this could be seen as an olive branch, inviting peace. Yet, if it's not received that way, it reminds us we're all navigating these waters differently.
Anyone who advocates for Socialism or Communism might benefit from reflecting on the historical toll—tens, if not hundreds, of millions of lives lost directly under those systems, every time they've been implemented. Lives have been tragically ended.
What might it take for us all to recognize potential flaws in our cherished ideas? Why do so few seem willing to engage in that self-examination? It's a capacity we once valued highly—let's consider reclaiming it.
Or, if we persist in letting differences fracture relationships based solely on emotion and opinion, we risk congratulating ourselves for rationality while missing the irony. In the name of tolerance, perhaps we can aim higher.
For my part, I'm saddened that sharing my political views honestly can cause such pain to others. Estoy muy triste.
Hello, folks! Greetings and salutations on another beautiful day above ground. 💖 We almost lost our little turtle today and it was wholly my fault, so I'll tell you about it.
she looks innocent here but she is much faster than you'd think!
So, earlier, we had the turtle outside and were talking to some friends who I asked to watch Freedom for just a minute so I could run and fetch something; when I returned, this creature had scuttled off into some nearby tall grass and instantly disappeared on them, so when I got back, we were all looking for the turtle. There were (my) tears, garden tools were fetched and used, and once I came inside for a hair-tie (due to building heat), Terry found the turtle and told me when I got back outside.
I realized that it was MY fault for not warning my friends about how super-quick the little turtle can and will disappear every time she reaches thick cover like that - it's in her DNA! I'd forgotten about the time I lost her like that, same situation with just me that time: I was walking her, she saw the tall grass and BLOOP! I spent thirty minutes searching for her that time.
So - the PSA is this: when you have a tiny little pet turtle and you take her for a walk, she WILL disappear like Houdini if she's able to get to the tall grass!
Hello, dear Reader, and welcome (back?) to this (in every sense of the word) free, obscure American blog on a mild July afternoon in 2025.
First things first, please:
If you are prone to, say, hating another person because that person, say, is a MAGA Republican (you know! 😉 for example) then, maybe, you know, don't read what I write? 😎👍 And, I say this as a former card-carrying Democrat (1979 - 2016). But I digress.
What I'd like to point out is a well-known, irrefutable fact and that is this: the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution ends with the phrase: "...shall not be infringed". Does it not? If not, then what exactly are the ending words/ phrase? Tell us, if you know. No?
Ok. So my point here is, the 2nd Amendment does not end with "but".
It doesn't say "maybe don't infringe". No, the words - verbatim - are "SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED".
Therefore, all gun control laws *are* unConstitutional.
The Devastating Impact of Childhood Lies and Why Parents Must Stop Perpetuating Myths
Parents, in their desire to create magical moments for their children, often weave tales of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy. These stories, presented as truth, are meant to spark joy and wonder. However, this well-intentioned deception comes at a steep cost. Replacing meaningful traditions, such as those centered on Jesus in Christian households, with fictional characters not only distorts cultural and spiritual values but also inflicts profound, lasting harm on a child’s ability to trust. This essay condemns the practice of telling children these popular lies and admonishes parents for the permanent damage they cause, including a diminished capacity for trust that can persist for life.
The Betrayal of Trust
Trust is the foundation of human relationships, built slowly through honesty and consistency. When parents deliberately lie to their children about figures like Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny, they undermine this foundation. Children, who rely on their parents as their primary source of truth, internalize these stories as fact. The eventual revelation—that these beloved figures are fabrications—can shatter their sense of security. For some, this betrayal plants a seed of doubt that grows into a lifelong struggle to trust others, even in the most intimate relationships.
This damage is not hypothetical. Psychological research shows that breaches of trust in childhood can lead to attachment issues and heightened skepticism in adulthood. A child who learns their parents lied about Santa Claus may question what else they’ve been misled about—family values, personal safety, or even love. This erosion of trust can manifest as hypervigilance, difficulty forming secure relationships, or an unyielding belief that no one can be fully trusted under any circumstances. Parents, by prioritizing fleeting whimsy over truth, risk sentencing their children to a lifetime of relational guardedness.
Distorting Spiritual and Cultural Truths
In Christian households, substituting Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny for Jesus during sacred holidays like Christmas and Easter is particularly egregious. These holidays carry profound spiritual significance, centered on the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Replacing these truths with commercialized, secular myths dilutes their meaning and confuses children about what matters most. A child taught to revere a fictional gift-giver over a figure central to their faith may grow up prioritizing materialism over spirituality, a distortion that can persist into adulthood.
This practice also robs children of the opportunity to engage with their faith in a meaningful way. Instead of learning about sacrifice, redemption, and divine love, they’re fed stories of magical beings who reward good behavior with toys or candy. When the truth about these figures emerges, children may feel cheated not only by their parents but also by the traditions they were taught to cherish. This can lead to cynicism toward faith itself, as the line between sacred truth and parental fiction blurs.
The Cognitive and Emotional Toll
Beyond trust, these lies can impair cognitive and emotional development. Children are naturally curious, seeking to understand the world through observation and questioning. When parents present falsehoods as reality, they disrupt this process, forcing children to reconcile conflicting information when the truth is revealed. This can lead to cognitive dissonance, confusion, and a diminished sense of self-efficacy. A child who once believed they could discern truth may feel foolish or inadequate upon learning they were deceived, eroding their confidence in their own judgment.
Emotionally, the fallout can be even more severe. The joy of believing in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy often gives way to feelings of embarrassment, anger, or grief when the lie is exposed. For some children, this moment marks their first experience of betrayal, a wound that shapes how they approach relationships and authority figures. In extreme cases, this can contribute to black-and-white thinking—an inflexible worldview where people are either wholly trustworthy or entirely deceitful. Such rigidity, as seen in some adults with heightened sensitivity to betrayal, can stem from early experiences of being misled by those they love most.
A Call to Repent and Reform
Parents must confront the gravity of their actions. While the intent behind these lies may be innocent, the consequences are not. The fleeting magic of childhood myths pales in comparison to the lasting harm they inflict. By choosing honesty, parents can foster trust, preserve the integrity of meaningful traditions, and equip their children to navigate the world with confidence and clarity.
To those who defend these lies as harmless fun, consider this: joy does not require deception. Children can experience wonder through truthful storytelling, creative play, or the rich narratives of their faith. Parents who perpetuate these myths must repent of their role in undermining their children’s trust and commit to a path of transparency. This means admitting past mistakes, explaining why they chose to tell these stories, and rebuilding trust through consistent honesty.
A Compassionate Perspective
From the perspective of a child, the world is already a place of mystery and complexity. Parents, as their guides, have a responsibility to provide a stable foundation of truth. By choosing lies over authenticity, they risk leaving their children adrift, questioning not only the stories they were told but also the motives of those who told them. Compassion demands that parents prioritize their children’s long-term well-being over short-term amusement. It requires seeing the world through a child’s eyes—where trust is sacred and betrayal cuts deeply—and acting with integrity to protect it.
For adults who carry the scars of these childhood betrayals, healing is possible but requires acknowledgment of the pain and intentional work to rebuild trust. Parents can support this by modeling vulnerability, admitting their own faults, and fostering open communication. In doing so, they can help their children—and perhaps themselves—learn to navigate a world where truth, not fiction, is the cornerstone of connection.
Conclusion
The lies of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy are not harmless traditions but deliberate deceptions that erode trust, distort values, and inflict lasting emotional and cognitive harm. Parents must stop perpetuating these myths, especially when they supplant meaningful spiritual truths like those centered on Jesus. The damage—potentially a lifelong inability to trust anyone, under any circumstances—far outweighs the temporary joy these stories provide. By embracing honesty, parents can cultivate trust, nurture resilience, and honor the sacred bond they share with their children. Let us choose truth over tradition, for the sake of our children and the adults they will become.
Hello, again if applicable, dear Reader, and welcome to this rambling, but honest, (free in every sense of the word) American blog with the awareness that you and I? Well, we're both breathing in and out right now, life a most precious gift that neither of us deserved and was not guaranteed.
Have You Ever Been In Love?
I have. He was a tiny little white bunny with beautiful grey markings and wide, innocent yet intelligent eyes. Bunny Bun Bunz (Bunz for short) was a gift from a dear friend, it was in 2016 and we were in Kansas.
Here he is in a picture from when he first came home, very much still a baby:
And later, as he and the Baby Kitten matured, their friendship grew concurrently closer and closer as well, deepening by the day until they were fast friends, and remained so until just a little while ago now.
But, Bunz had been hovering near us more than normal lately, and today it's like the moment that he realized on some level that 'this is it', he lept into our arms and we held him as he peacefully sighed out his last. His life-long best and constant friend, our Baby Kitten, hasn't been seen since before this happened at on or about 2:30 p.m. MST; we're trying to give him some space for the moment.
So, wow, nine years of having that sweet, wonderful little bunny with us! What a precious, most generous gift: thank You, Lord! 💗
