It's ok to stop talking to a family member or former friend because they praise the actions of people who bully. You are not required to bend your values and tolerate abuse just to keep the peace or to avoid being "divisive". Abuse is divisive. Boundaries are respectful.

Anger and aggressive attempts at dominance are easy. Compassion and understanding take effort.

This is an excellent discussion about so many topics but primarily about the importance of perspective. I'm so glad I heard it. (And it's funny.)

youtu.be/44uC12g9ZVk?...

Dear retired forestry worker at the gem&rock show,

The little things are often the most influential. That 10 minutes you took to teach a random kid at a picnic how to find cool rocks, resulting in that kid rock hounding for 2 hours, is going to change that kid's life.

The little things are big.

@ricksteves.bsky.social Rick, you have done more to make the world a better place than you'll ever know. One day, our grandkids will be giving tours of the PNW, broadcasted on some future version of PBS, & saying "this is where the famous humanitarian, Rick Steves lived". Thank you.

Taylor Swift writes 13 on her hand. 13th letter of the English alphabet is M. Her last name starts with S.

Let's see how long before people start saying Taylor Swift is a member of MS-13 and that "Shake It Off" is a recruitment song.

Enviro experts have raised concerns about the risks of overpopulation for many years, yet conservatives promote having many more kids per person while they cut jobs, eliminate support for families, destroy women's healthcare, drain education, & increase prices.

It's Earth Day!

This is the only planet we get, and it's the perfect paradise for humans (if we take care of it).

Go outside.
Pick up trash.
Plant some wildflowers or trees.
Make friends with a bird.
Recycle something.
Switch from disposable to reusable items.
Turn off your electronics.

Happy Earth Day Eve.

This is just a random reminder to relax your shoulders and take a deep breath. IN! And OOOOOOOUUUUUT ahhhhhh.

If Rick Steves (the very nice, gentle, optimistic travel expert) is speaking out against your political approach, there's a gosh darn big chance you're on the wrong side of history. He gave an amazing Apr 5th Hands Off speech and has an excellent video series on fascism.

@ricksteves.bsky.social

Resist oligarchy: Grow a garden using heirloom seeds, compost made from kitchen scraps + yard clippings + brown paper, & water from rain barrels and gray water. No gardening products from oppressive rich monopolies. No seed restrictions. Kill your lawn. Grow food. Learn permaculture.

Look at something lovely. Listen to something beautiful. Savor something delicious. Enjoy being in the moment and appreciating life and resting in the serenity and the miracle of it all. But first, a message from our obnoxious fear-provoking sponsor and a frantic news report...

Reminder: Breathe in. Breathe out. Say your mantra*.

(*expletives count as a mantra)