8/23/16 RMB Afterworlds

8/23/16 RMB Afterworlds

Dear Rita Mae Brown,

Yesterday I finished listening to Afterworlds by on CD by Scott Westerfeld. He crafted an interesting theory on the afterlife, alternating chapters between that world and the life of the writer who carried the reader into the new realm.

The writer becomes involved with another author, who happens to be another young woman. Subplots interweave; two love stories; one in the here and now and the other halfway in the afterworld; the adventure of writing the book for the author; and the afterworld story line of saving souls and surviving somewhere beyond this life.

I liked that the love affair between the young women was practically common. Their struggles barely touched on their own different kind of relationship, although still there, they didn’t overwhelm them. This is a YA novel. This is written for our youth.

My thanks go out to Mr. Scott Westerfeld, for another fine novel, for open mindedness, and for revealing the heart of humankind, in its many hues.

Cheers,

Loraine

8/22/16 RMB Celebrate

8/22/16 RMB Celebrate

Dear Rita Mae Brown,

After a long hot summer, cooler air is welcome and appreciated. This summer, as often happens, brought fires. Some more damaging than others. One very close to home.

After only one hour of evacuation preparation, the danger was passed. On a day nearing 100 degrees, fire fighters laden with heavy gear, in those big yellow jackets and pants, worked their magic. For every home lost, whole neighborhoods are saved.

There is a saying, “Celebrate what you want to see more of.” Give recognition, appreciation and attention to what matters most.

Today is a special day, Teddy’s birthday. As we celebrate her day and a wonderful friendship, I am reminded of the many things there are to be thankful for, too many to list and each of us has our own list.

Today mine includes Teddy, firefighters, cool air and you.

Cheers!

Loraine

7/31/16 RMB One for All

7/31/16 RMB One for All

Dear Rita Mae Brown,

What guides us, what draws us forward, holds common ground. Each wants something more, something better, a better tomorrow, a better place to be.

Where we differ lay in the details. The definition of “better” varies person to person and day to day. Often forgotten is that better for one, at the expense of another, is at a cost greater than any gain. Better for all at the willing sacrifice of some, will reap unlimited rewards. What is sacrificed will be replenished tenfold. Finding the place of better for all, is an art we have yet to master, or refuse to see.

What we devote our time to now will return in a measure beyond imagination. When the heart stops beating, the spirit carries on. No physical possessions, nor piece of land, will journey on with us. Yet every smile, given and received, every ounce of gratitude, the effects of all our endeavors, will linger, here and wherever we may go.  

During this presidential election, in the handling of global strife, and discrimination, our actions define us. It is not the loudest or most obnoxious voice that influences the majority. A silent vote from the heart can sway a nation. Kind deeds will be paid forward instinctively.
   

All for one and one for all. Every person for all people, each time for all time, generation to generation. It’s within reach.

Sincerely,

Loraine