GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

When we are no longer able to change a situation we are challenged to change ourselves.

~Viktor E. Frankl

I WONDER

 I wonder if the fences surrounding the Capitol will be removed?

INAGURATION-THOUGHTS

I watched the inauguration this morning. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn in as the 46th President and Vice-President, respectively. I was impressed with Lady Gaga's rendition of the National Anthem. Amanda Gorman's poem was simply beautiful. 

I didn't vote for Biden but I wish him well. I said the same for Trump when he was president. Now the real work begins. Right now the country is divided. People of all political persuasions will need to come together talk and listen to each other. There are people of goodwill who have solutions to the ills that presently trouble us. Now's the time to come together and heal as a nation.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Just as despair can come to one only from other human beings, hope, too, can be given to only by other human beings.

~Elie Wiesel, Novelist (1928-2016) 

BIG FAN OF NFL

 The pro football playoffs are going on now. However, I want to recap the 2020 season. There were surprises, disappointments, and some downright awful play by some teams.

SURPRISES

Miaimi- Dolphins are rebuilding but have a promising future. Vet QB Fitzpatrick was a steady influence.

Cleveland- didn't see them making the playoffs. Was I fooled! Physical team; Good QB in Mayfield

DISAPPOINTMENTS

Las Vegas- Gruden's teams tend to falter late in the season; defense not good. Raiders need improvement on D line.

Philadelphia- Eagles were really bad. Unsettled at QB. Need more talent at skill positions.

Chicago- Bears unsettled at QB; 

Minnesota- Vikings were inconsistent. 

REALLY BAD

Jacksonville, NY Jets- nothing more to be said. 

COMMENTARY

Over the past four years, I have witnessed the extremes of the left and the right. Violence is violence and I don't care what kind of ribbon they try to put on it. People have been hurt, harassed, and sadly lost their lives. What have we become? 

People are fearful, lost, confused, and angry. If one is not part of a particular tribe then they consider you the enemy. The so-called 'leaders' of the nation have failed to bring peace and direction. Whatever happened to the time when people can agree to disagree without having their character ripped to shreds? 

I am praying for America. The country needs a spiritual renewal of minds and hearts. Yes, there are many concerns that do need to be dealt with. Solutions need to be found. I am an optimist because I believe that the good will prevail. I believe the majority of people want to see and help resolve climate change, hunger, homelessness, racism, sexism, and hopelessness. It has to start in each person's heart and mind. Something to think about in the coming days.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.

~Alexander the Great 

INSURRECTION

 What happened yesterday at the Capitol was horrible but hardly surprising. President foments much of this with the rhetoric he spews.  What is sad is that a woman was shot and later died.  Does Trump care about her?

In the past four years, I have seen the extremes of the left and right in full display and it's not a pretty picture. Also on full display was how the protestors were treated. There were police in full regalia at the Black Live Matter protest. They were prepared for the worst.  When Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, where was the show of force? If this was black or brown people there would be injuries and death, for sure.  Many were concerned that this would happen but were ignored. 

Right now, the country is so divided. The extremes on both sides are fueling this. One side won't talk with the other about anything. There are much fear and loathing. Perhaps in a future post, I will share my thoughts about the drive for nationalism and patriotism and why we are at this point. Stay tuned.

TRANSFORMATION

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

 

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

 

MUCH LOSS

2020 has been a tough year in many ways. A number of people I know have lost loved ones. This was the bloodiest year for transgender and non-conforming people with over forty reported deaths here in the US.

 I am mindful of how precious friendships are. Life is fragile as I can personally attest. Wearing a mask, not being able to dine in a restaurant, or go to a movie is minuscule in comparison to not being able to see my friends. 

This year after the Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil in November, I was emotionally drained like never before. Perhaps it was the combination of the loss of life and the way we go about our daily lives. It may have been the disappearance of the many places I used to frequent, some permanently. Perhaps it is the time to support each other like never before. In the end, this is more valuable than what any pandemic can serve up. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

BE YOURSELF!

DON'T LET OTHERS DEFINE WHO YOU ARE!

ATTACKS ON TRANS AND NON CONFORMING PEOPLE

 Democratic wanna-be Tulsi Gabbard recently filed an anti-transgender bill that attempts to limit trans athletes from participating on sports teams.  This has been a tough year for transgender and gender non-conforming people. We keep moving forward though. If we are being attacked, mocked, and ridiculed like we are, it means that we are having an impact. 

THIRSTING FOR MORE

Usually from Thanksgiving to New Years' is my time of reflection. This year I had even more time. I have written more, read in greater depth, and discover the need to be challenged. 

I have numerous points in my life where I will pass from one threshold to another. Last year I embraced my queerness though I always believed that I was. Here I am, a 72-year-old trans woman who still thirsts for more from life. If there's one positive from the covid pandemic. it is the willingness to break down more barriers.

I believe as I get older I need to do new activities. I'm thankful for many things but I need to cross new roads. I know that I will in 2021.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

I like to be a free spirit. Some don't like that, but that's the way I am.

~Princess Diana

ROBERT HAYDEN

 I am reading some of Robert Hayden's poetry. Like a number of authors, he was criticized because he referred to himself as an American author rather than a black author. What I didn't know about Hayden is that though he was married, he struggled privately with his own bisexuality. Whether he acted upon it I haven't found out. I will do more research on his life.

1968

 The year 1968 was touched on during a discussion last night. It was the year I believe a big change was coming to America. Reverend Martin Luther King was bringing together diverse groups of people in an effort to change the course of the country. April, Dr. King was assassinated. Two months later, Democratic presidential hopeful Robert Kennedy met the same fate. All hell broke loose during the Democratic National Convention. America had lost its innocence and its way.

Some may think 1968 doesn't affect us today but I beg to differ. Are there any great leaders with some kind of spiritual or moral values? Is there anyone who is concerned about the poor and middle class and have solutions to the problems that ails them? I left the Democratic Party over a dozen years because they weren't listening to me. The Republican party never listened to me. 

Today I sat in Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village. I first went there in 1968 where it became a regular hangout. The ideas were free-flowing. People could speak their minds without the threat of being silenced. At times I wish '68 could happen again. There needs to be a BIG change because as I see it if the course isn't changed, then our way of life is headed down the crapper.    

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all the others.

~Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman Statesman (106BC-43BC)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING