April 2026 – Page 7

The Three!

I woke up to Chachi, the cat, having dry heaves! It doesn’t happen often but it did seem that way this morning because Shiro, the Persian cat, had a problem yesterday. She threw up and had a slight case of the runs. Galli, the British long-haired cat, was alright and keeping a watchful eye on everything.

I spent most of yesterday doing the wash, cleaning up behind them, and taking care of Shiro who seemed to be out of sorts and spent the day sleeping and looking poorly. Stressful? Absolutely.

This morning, Chachi decided to get in the act and had me up at 5 a.m. and after cleaning up, I noticed that he had been eating too much of the dry food so I removed it and decided that I must be doing something wrong as far as these three are concerned. Just as I suspected, the other two were waiting outside the door looking at me like I was manna from heaven or rather, it is where their manna comes from!

ME: “Cool it guys! I have some cleaning to do before I can get to you two.”

SHIRO: “How come Chachi gets to stay with you all night and we have to be outside. It is totally unfair!”

GALLI: “I’m not saying anything but she has a point there.”

I wasn’t in the mood for small talk! I ignored them and got what I needed to clean the mess up. Then I removed the dry food and gave him just wet food until his stomach settles down. Not too happy with the situation, I took a deep breath, piled my hair on my head, and decided to go get my cup of coffee. Just then I noticed that the litter boxes needed to be cleaned up! The day was taking off and leaving me behind. Okay, it was something that needed to be done so I did it. I disinfected it and added some deo to it. As I was heading downstairs, I noticed that Shiro had jumped into the litter box and was lying in it! The girl has a problem. She looked up at me with googly eyes like she was thoroughly enjoying it.

ME: “What’s the matter with you?”

SHIRO: “It smells so good here! I can sleep in it.”

GALLI: “She never used to do that when we were with daddy.”

SHIRO: “That’s because daddy never kept it this clean!”

CHACHI: “Mom, what are they up to?”

SHIRO: “Would it help if we called you mom?”

ME: “Nope!”

GALLI: “I know what your problem is. You need to let your hair down. Piling it on your head like you do is not a good look for you. If you want the guys to come calling, wear it down.”

CHACHI: “Thank you Galli. I keep telling her the same thing but she never listens. We should talk about the creeps who come calling! I can go on and on.”

ME: “Enough! Don’t worry about me. Stop throwing up, having the runs, and expecting to be fed all the time. You’ve had breakfast and now you’ll have to wait for several hours before you get more food. Is that understood?”

GALLI: “Bummer! I was enjoying the all you can eat buffet! Anyway, that attitude doesn’t suit you as well. Try being nicer, things might just change for the better.”

Ignoring the three, I headed for the kitchen. I NEEDED my coffee real bad. Shiro and Galli followed.

SHIRO: “We need to talk.”

Galli looking wise with his orange eyes took a seat on the stairs.

ME: “Guys, we are not talking. It is way too early and I don’t want to hear it!”

Them in unison.

“We want to go back to daddy! This is no fun and that little guy up there hasn’t been brought up too well. He growls and hisses all the time and you never say anything. Instead, you kiss him all the time and keep mommy’s boy protected from us. This is a no go!”

“Okay, we will have a pow wow later and I promise we will come to a solution. I need my coffee now.”

SHIRO: “What about Easter?”

ME: “What about it?!!”

GALLI: “Give us some special food and if you do, I will grant you a wish. One that brings the right guy into your life. You will be very happy, I promise.”

ME: “What are you?!! A fairy or rather a genie in disguise?”

GALLI: “I am more than meets the eye.”

ME: “Oh Lord, have mercy. Chachi thinks he knows everything and now, I have a budding lord only knows what on my hands!”

Coffee made, I headed back upstairs. Walking into the bedroom Chachi pipes up.

What was that about?

ME: “Don’t worry about it. Come give mommy a kiss.”

THEM: “We rest our case!”

Have an amazing day.

Figure-Skating

I find it elegant and oh so graceful. It’s incredible how they (the skaters) can glide over ice and do what they do with so much ease. I can spend hours watching them and I did try it, ice-skating, but I found out that I am a major klutz when it comes to skating along with other things!

I recall I was in Alabama at the time. A group of us went to a huge skating rink there. I had never skated before and at first I wanted to get out there but after a few falls I realized this sport wasn’t for me. Even with two people holding me, one on each side, I kept falling! It was embarrassing to say the least and I couldn’t wait to get out of the rink AND I saw my dreams of being a ice dancer go up in flames!

Watching the beautiful and graceful skaters do their thing as they move around the ice so effortlessly is mesmerizing. It is one sport I can spend hours watching AND live vicariously through them!

Daily writing prompt

What Olympic sports do you enjoy watching the most?

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Trump’s Modus Operandi! (Archives)

Update: Nothing more to add here except that his Empire State of Mind is off and running! Where to? He doesn’t know yet but he’s hoping that it will right itself out and he comes out the winner!

His first term was nothing compared to what he’s doing now. Has cognitive decline set in and is it in full-force?

I was reading an interesting article by Evan Soloman called, “Trump’s Empire State of Mind.” It goes like this:

“From his threats to make Canada the 51st state, buy Greenland, reclaim the Panama Canal, and, almost implausibly, “take” the Gaza Strip, Trump isn’t hiding his ambitions.” He further adds, that Trump’s empire state of mind was front and center on Tuesday when he met with King Abdullah II of Jordan and declared or made a promise to take Gaza and “clean out the whole thing – choice words not lost on anyone remotely familiar with the worst crimes under international law – the meeting was expected to be about as uncomfortable for the royal as a crown of porcupine quills.” It was.

When asked under what authority he would take the Gaza Strip. The president replied without flinching, “Under the US authority.”

All ravings of a madman?

Add Musk’s cut, slash and burn antics and you’ve got what Rep. Hakeem Jeffries referred to as the “far-right” administration. We’re not giving a “flying flip” is the message from the current administration and if it hurts the very people who voted him in, who cares? He’s in and that’s all that matters.

Fast forward to the press conference with PM Modi and it is plain to see he’s not all there or rather “intelligence” and “commonsense” was missing royally. Does he even know what AI stands for? It is definitely what is in his head and what comes out doing leaps and bounds whenever he opens his mouth. Add his stunted grasp of the English language AND vocabulary of which a few words stand out like a sore thumb. “A lot,” “huge,” and “tremendous,” and you’ve got Trump’s delusional empire state of mind!

Inclusivity

I would try adding inclusivity programs. The village is old and the people mostly set in their ways. They view all newcomers with suspicion. Most of them grew up here and have never left home. It is not only a village that embraces old worldviews and ideals but it is also steeped in tradition. Sometimes I think it is a village that time forgot, the old cobblestone streets hold secrets and a rich history is part and parcel of its makeup. The outside world is frightening and they view everyone who comes in from somewhere else with suspicion first and so people who dare to come in here have a hard time integrating and no matter how hard they try, it is a losing battle.

When I first came here, I was met with the same. However, it took learning the language and a smile each time I came across resistance to break through that wall. It is home to me now and the people see me as one of them but others are not so lucky. So I would start some kind of grassroots program bringing people together, a safe zone where they can learn about each other, experience the different kind of foods offered and try to break down that wall! The village is close-knit so it won’t be easy but where there is a will, there is a way as they say.

Daily writing prompt

How would you improve your community?

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Open Mouth, Insert Foot! (Archives)

Update: Nothing much has changed. He doesn’t know anything about diplomacy and playing the bully suits him well, or so he thinks. I think he has met his match in Iran and they are not taking anything sitting down. The address to the nation about the Iran war was a disaster last night and instead of coming in as someone who wants to make peace, he decided to jump up and down like a spoiled brat! How do you expect the other side to step back when you want to bomb them back to the Stone Ages? Yes, open mouth and insert foot!

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

I used these four words often enough during his first term but it looks like nothing much has changed in that respect. The 47th president is off and running and he hasn’t come out of the playground where he used to throw temper-tantrums like a three-year-old when he didn’t get his way.

He wants to be a “peacemaker” and if I’m not wrong, he promised no wars. He’s all about “making the deal.” Hmm….

The tariffs are coming in fast and furious, shutting down government spending is his strong suit. Who cares about the consequences? He says what goes and what doesn’t and kowtow to the monarch or else!

Standing next to Israeli Prime Minister, Netanyahu, he spoke of taking over the Gaza strip and remodeling it. He also talked of moving the Palestinians out of the “hell hole” and temporarily relocating them. It was a “no go” as far as the Arab world was concerned. He still keeps mumbling about what a “good deal” it would be for the Palestinians.

Who demolished Gaza into what it is today? The Israelis destroyed almost 80% of the structures in the Gaza Strip in retaliation for the October 7, 2023 attacks that took place on Israeli soil. Since then, Israel has bombed 40,000 locations and dropped more than 70,000 bomb tonnage and the death toll exceeds over 70,000 casualties. Both Israel and Hamas have been accused of war crimes for their part in the destruction of the Gaza Strip and the killing of innocent citizens. According to Israel’s Channel 12 News, “it would take at least 10 years and cost tens if not hundreds of billions of dollars to reconstruct.” Someone should tell him that!

Now, he’s given the ultimatum to Hamas and the deadline is set for Saturday at 12 noon. What happens then? He doesn’t know! A bluff? It could be but what if it isn’t? Another war? Diplomacy is not what he’s about but strongman tactics are. He’s into “power” and who’s the strongest of them all. Remember him gushing about Kim Jong Un?

“He wrote me beautiful letters and they’re great letters. We fell in love.”

Trump on Turkish Presdient Erdogan: “He’s tough, but I get along with him. And maybe, that’s a bad thing, but I think it’s a really good thing.”

President Xi of China is a good friend. “I’ve gotten to know him very well. He’s a strong gentleman, right?”

Well, you get the picture. So what happens on Saturday at noon? Your guess is as good as mine!

Open Mouth, Insert Foot!

Compliments

It has been said that, “compliments are a dime a dozen.” It just means that, “flattery or positive remarks are very common, easily obtained, and therefore hold little special value or sincerity. It also implies that “such praise is unremarkable, abundant, and often dismissable because it is not unique or deeply earned.”

However, some compliments have the power to lift you up, make you feel worthy, and at times more than enough. They are also, “powerful, uplifting words that validate and encourage, often serving as small, heartfelt gifts of kindness.”

My day started out on a rushed note. I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off and I didn’t see it slowing down either! Yesterday, had been a stressful day as well. My ex showed up as he sometimes does. However, this time around he had a big attitude on his shoulders and looking to discard it on someone as quickly as possible. I came into view and was fair game, I suppose. Our meeting didn’t go well and he left after a short time leaving me to feel like I was not enough and somehow sorely lacking. In what? I don’t know, he just makes me feel that way. Needless to say, I was feeling down and I knew it was going to take an uphill battle to get myself back up there again.

Anyway, I woke up to chaos this morning. The three rascals were up early. Moe, Larry and Curly! Just kidding. They were begging for attention and I was ready to escape the mayhem! So, I took off after breakfast to have some time to myself. The sun was shining and it was going to be a beautiful day. I got my shopping done and decided to stop for coffee at my favorite cafe. A great cup of Italian coffee and a bread roll was just the thing to pep things up. Things were starting to look up. Then I headed to the bakery and got two pieces of cheesecake. Yes, THINGS were definitely up and up! It was going to be my treat for later with a nice cup of coffee. The fish store across the street beckoned and I headed there next. They know me well because I’m one of their best customers. I love fish and they have a fresh supply everyday.

The boss wasn’t there but his assistant was. He asked how I was doing and I answered in the affirmative. Just as I was getting ready to pay he said,

“You have beautiful eyes!”

I was not expecting that. I had a bad night so my eyes were definitely reflecting that I thought. Probably, bloodshot as well! He saw the surprise on my face and repeated,

“You do have lovely eyes. They shine!”

Okay guys, those days of “sparkling eyes” are over I thought so this compliment definitely took me by surprise but it landed where it should! My day was definitely starting to look up and in a very nice way, I might add.

I paid, thanked him and left with a smile on my face.

“Sometimes just one little compliment can make someone’s entire day.”

I took my usual walk when I came back home and the sunshine felt just a tad different. It touched my face like a warm caress and the feelings of not being enough the evening before had all but vanished. There are many kinds of compliments, flippant ones with not much thought put into them, ones that put a smile on your face, compliments that make your day and that guy didn’t know it but he had just helped to bring me back up!

“Build someone up. Put their insecurities to sleep. Remind them they’re worthy. Tell them they’re magical. Be light in a too often dim world.” Unknown

If you have a chance today, give out some compliments. You never know how it is going to land and just maybe, it has the power to lighten someone else’s load. A phrase meant to praise can sometimes be a powerful tool. I have to keep that in mind as well.

“YOU are amazing and strong and brave and wonderful-remember THAT today.”

Have an amazing day.

Covid-19

It came out of nowhere and kept us captive for a long long time. Things changed and life was all about that mask and those tests. I hated it but it was needed at the time.

I don’t remember much except that people were distrustful of each other and staying home was warranted. Life was a blur because I was going through something else. Something very emotional. A close friend was in the last stages of life and I remember how difficult it was to see him in the hospital. Hospital visits were not allowed. He was in ICU and I wasn’t allowed to visit. When he came out of it, visitations could only be made after a Covid test was done and you were pronounced Covid-free. I remember how frustrated I used to get about all the extra time needed to just make a hospital visit. This went on for several weeks and it drained me of energy.

Adapting to something that came out of nowhere and made the world pay attention required a certain mindset. It needed strength, resilience and a narrow-minded focus but I think more than that it required working together to beat this disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Mistrust was rife and a cough in the supermarket sent many running for cover, well, perhaps not running but they certainly kept their distance! Learning to cope within four walls was difficult for some but I mastered it like a champ. These days I am grateful when I walk into crowded spaces and don’t have to reach for my mask!

Daily writing prompt

How have you adapted to the changes brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic?

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Let It Be

Let It Be. How many times have we heard this phrase? I don’t know about you but I’ve heard it often enough mostly from well-meaning friends, people who care and those who want better for me.

Did it sink in? NOT when I was in the midst of what I call my “end of the world” meltdowns. During these times, “let it be” was the last thing on my mind. However, when you look at these three words, it does hold power behind its seemingly gentle facade. The strength lies in its ability to slow things down, to step back and to take a good hard look at the situation and to say, there is nothing left for me to do so breathe and LET IT BE. Three unassuming words but a powerhouse when it comes to comfort, acceptance and a message of hope.

I want revenge! I want my old friend “karma” to step in and do what I can’t do! I want payback! Unfortunately, revenge is a dangerous option and karma, well it takes its time and that is the problem. Payback? It doesn’t happen automatically. So what do you do while you wait for whatever it is that you’re waiting for to take place? Breathe quietly and LET IT BE.

There is comfort in knowing that you don’t have to do anything. Wipe away the tears, tone down the rhetoric and just LET IT BE.

Acceptance, well this is much more difficult. Accepting means you are ready to let go of an event or situation that has caused so much turmoil. How do you calm this beast down? Breathe deeply and LET IT BE.

Hope is a four letter word that holds power within its unassuming persona. When you zoom into this optimistic state of mind, all things are possible is the message. Armed with comfort, acceptance and hope, I’m going to breathe and LET IT BE, if only for today. Tomorrow is another story!

Today’s mantra will be?

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

The Beatles

My Morning Ritual

It used to be getting out of bed after stretching and cuddling with Chachi, the cat. Not in that order, but quite often it was a relaxing affair. Waking up, listening to the birds outside, snoozing, and kissing my little guy. That was back then!

Now, it is jumping out of bed because I have two cats waiting outside the door scratching and demanding attention! I have Chachi, my little guy, telling me that he is not too pleased with life at the moment, and stretching and listening to the birds have been relegated to never never land!

Life is stressful these days. There is a saying that goes something like this. You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone, and that is how I am feeling right now. I would love to go back to those days when my morning ritual was one of utter relaxation and there was time to dream before getting the day started.

Maybe at some point in the future, I will return to those lazy days of stretching like a cat, having breakfast in bed, and making a plan for the day. Until then, I will have to make do with three rascals who think they run my world! Right now, they do.

Daily writing prompt

What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like?

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