What a Week!

So here I was, just minding my own business Wednesday evening, watching Jeopardy and happily stitching away on the binding of a placemat and there came the BREAKING NEWS graphic and the report of a mass shooting in Lewiston, a town ~40 miles from us. Over the next 2 days I spent probably far too much time watching news coverage, both from my local stations and CNN, who sent some very high visibility persons North. Heartbreaking stories emerged over this time, the last coming last night with confirmation that the suspect had been found dead, killed by his own hand. Yet another story of heartbreak, perpetrated by someone who would have benefited from mental health services that for some reason were not utilized. Over the course of the 2 days 4 towns were essentially put on lock down, businesses and schools and other entities closed, countless events canceled, including my UMC Harvest show this weekend. So, instead of putting the final touches on my booth in Portland at this time this morning, I'm sitting in my chair writing. (I have to admit that my heart was just not in this show even before the cancellation. I did not feel ready mentally to be there, although I certainly was ready with inventory.) So my next show will ease me into the Holiday season - it's a one day Sunday show right up the road in Waterville. Then 2 - 2 day shows (Augusta and Topsham) then 2 weeks off and the final 2 day in Portland. I'm thankful for the excellent show I had in Brunswick in August as it has taken the pressure off trying to meet my projected sales for the year. Before all Hell broke loose here, the House managed to elect a Speaker, but not without more controversy. Three candidates went down in flames (including chief flame thrower Jordan!) before they elected a relative newcomer who was acceptable to the conference because he shares everyone's Christian convservative (some would say ChristoFascist) views. Anti-abortion, anti-LBGTQ+, anti-gun legislation - his response to the shootings here was evil - calling it all mental. He espouses a view that we would be better off going back in time. Not a progressive thought in his brain and seemingly no compassion. And that is my biggest complaint about the GOP - their policies all seem to target any compassionate response to any crisis or situation. While the Democrats work to make life better for people, the GOP seems to be all about the Benjamins and fake morality. Which is how we ended up with a man in the White House who should neveer have been there. And members of Congress who are more concerned with how many social media followers they have instead of how many constituents they can help. It will take time for the residents of the city of Lewiston to heal and the families and friends of those lost may never heal. I just urge everyone to take the time they need - sit quietly with your thoughts. No need to share it all on social media. If you can't help it, please, I ask that you type something and let it sit, come back to it and see if what you have written will help anyone. I think you will find you may be hitting the "Delete" key. I know I have.