Skip to main content

Day 208: Is it "Enough" Yet?

My inner peace was shattered yesterday over a plate of butter chicken and dal at the Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant in Salem.

Add http://www.tajmahalsalem.com/
My mother called, sounding distressed. I think she was crying. She told me to turn on the news, there had been another shooting. I told her I was at a restaurant. They only played the "Punjabi" Indian music channel.

 So she filled me in.  It was still an active shooter situation in San Bernardino, California.  I told her to take a deep breath. I would call her back after I got to the bus station. They had wi-fi, I could get breaking news on my Kindle.

 I finished my lunch.  I did not mourn the loss of my inner peace.  I believe it is important to stay alert and informed in this world.  Noone can help or make changes if they turn their back on suffering and injustice.

 I walked downtown Salem, through the capital mall, past the"Walk of Flags". It occurred to me that life goes on.  Everyone seemed to be going about their normal life in Salem, Oregon. While there was terror, fear, and death one state south of ours.

 I got to the bus station and found a little corner with an electrical outlet. I sat crossed legged on the floor and plugged my Kindle in and started to read.  I heard some commotion beside me. I looked up to see some Cherriots Bus employees putting up Christmas decorations.  They were all smiling.

 It struck me as bittersweet and ironic that the shooting took place at a Christmas party at Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino,

 I had images of the "Who's" from "Whoville" in Dr. Seuss's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". You know, near the end when the Who's wake up to find their trees and gifts had been stolen. The Grinch is sitting up on his mountain with an evil grin. He is expecting moans and wails of sadness. 

But instead he hears singing: "Fahoo fores, dahoo dores
welcome Christmas, come this way..." (Welcome Christmas, by Geisel, Theodor S. / Hague, Albert
( http://www.metrolyrics.com/welcome-christmas-lyrics-dr-seuss.html)

He didn't ruin Christmas afterall!  

I don't think we are as resilient as the Who's.  Most of us. Not yet, at least. I think where many people are at is self preservation and denial.  Many just simply do not watch the news. Or change the subject to more pleasant topics. Like sports. Or Christmas shopping.

 Forgive me, but this sickens me.

 I refuse to become complacent. I vow to not become desensitized. I would rather turn away from commercials that encourage us to spend money, and reality shows that dumb us down. I will continue to watch every possible news coverage and pray and cry for the victims. I have so far. I will be there for the next attack. Unfortunately it is not a question of if there will be another attack, but when. We will not move forward if we do not get out of our comfort zones. Comfort, in my humble opinion, is over rated. Especially in this broken world where people are fighting just to survive.

 I have seen many tweets, posts and blogs with the words "enough is enough!"

  When will enough be enough?





Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Day 347: My Big Fat Greek Salad!!

I have perfected the art of making a Greek salad!  I have made two huge bowls in the last week. My kinds rave. Essentially the secret is f vegetables , good feta cheese, Greek olives and a homemade dressing made with light, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar,  and oregano. Here is my recipe: MY BIG FAT GREEK SALAD Serves 4 hungry adults 4 cups greens (I used a "spring mix" from Fred Meyer) 2 cucumbers 6 roma tomatoes one small red onion 1 cup cubed feta cheese 1 cup Greek olives (pitted) Get out a big bowl. Peel a clove of garlic, cut in half and rub it over the interior of the bowl.  Wash the lettuce if it is not prewashed and packaged like mine was.  Dry the leaves, and tear into bite sized pieces. Throw into the big bowl. Note: Romaine lettuce is good to include in the mix, because it is hearty. Peel the cucumbers and dice. Add to bowl. Cut the roma tomatoes in half and squeeze out the seeds (otherwise they make th...
Post a Comment
Read more

Year Two, Day 307: Chasing Away The Gloomy Weather...with Music and a Smile! :)

It seems to me that most of the city is depressed, tired and sick. I still have my low grade snuffly nose, along with sneezing, and itching eyes.  Low energy. It is nice to know I am not the only one. Misery loves company, don't you know! Even through the gloom, I had an enjoyable day.  I told myself several times that I really am a lucky woman. My kids are grown, I'm going to be a GRANDMA, and I love my work. My church job is a nice secure little job and it seems I am quite needed there.  I am still learning the ropes. But I am enjoying it. Meeting new people. And best of all, I have only a 1 1/2 minute commute (by foot!). I have a cozy little room in a household full of wonderful laid back people.  People who love animals and music. But best of all, my afternoons are filled with music. I basically get on the bus and travel about town, sitting at pianos, visiting with students, who are like my family. We talk. They play the piano for me. I offer pointe...
Post a Comment
Read more

Year Two, Day 50: Mindful Biking

More breaking ground today. I rode my bike to the Max, and then to my first student, who coincidentally lives close to my gym.  Maggie waiting patiently for me at the gym, 6/28/2016 I am starting to notice positive changes from my daily biking.  First of all, I feel such a sense of freedom and exhiliration when I hop on and take off.  It reminds me of my childhood. My brother and I rode all over Vancouver, WA on summer break.  It was my first experience of independence from a rather harsh father.  Back then we didn't wear helmets. And there were many hills. I will never forget the joy of coasting down a hill with the wind in my hair. I have hints of the feeling now. I also have noticed my energy is higher. And although I am sore (cycling uses muscles that I have not worked in awhile), I am getting stronger. Feeling strong! Cycling is also good for my mind. I find myself going through routes in my head. I am hoping to add more routes to my day...
Post a Comment
Read more