I’m a wildflower, growin’ in the sunshine
Soakin’ up the way of life I was raised in
Runnin’ barefoot, bloomin’ in a summer shower
Ponytail dancin’, I can’t help it, I’m a wildflower

~The JaneDear Girls

It’s been a busy week. Mj’s best friend, T, was here. She just went home, yesterday afternoon. I did a bunch of fun stuff with the kids. We had a movie night. We swam a bunch. We went to the indoor trampoline park. We went for a long walk, the other evening.

Adam and I are babysitting for Pj, tomorrow. I got her a swing, that we hung outside, under our deck.

Wyatt also helped me put together a new walker, we got for her.

Jackie was going through old pictures. She sent me a bunch of them. Where have all these years even gone?! It’s incredible, how many memories we’ve made.

It’s been a great week. We did have one incident, a few days ago. It was after supper. Adam was in the living room. I was cleaning up the kitchen. Mj and T were running around, being silly. Mj accidentally threw one of T’s flip flops behind the fridge. That was a bit of a panic moment, for me. Getting our big ol’ fridge to sit perfectly level, without tearing up the floor, was a hell of a chore, when we moved in here. It took 4 grown men, and a lot of finagling. If it isn’t just right, the doors won’t close properly. So, it wasn’t going to be a simple thing, to get that flip flop back. Adam and I argued, about how to do it. I suggested a wire hanger, to grab hold of the strap of her sandal, and pull it up from behind. It was right near the inside edge. He refused to hear my idea. Instead, he tried a bunch of things that didn’t work, and made it even more difficult. Finally, he walked away, and came back with a wire hanger. And, what do ya know? He got it out…using MY plan! In the meantime, I had grown evermore grumpy, and frustrated with him, because he wasn’t listening to me. It sounds so silly now, but I didn’t think so, in the moment. I’d definitely spoken to him in a less than respectful manner. When we got in the shower, we both stayed silent. Eventually, Adam looked at me and said, “You’re not going to talk to me like that.” I explained where my own upset had come from. Why I’d gotten angry, and then condescending, insulting, belittling towards him. He told me there will not be a next time, because he won’t be giving me another “get out of jail free card”, if I do it again. At one point, as he lectured me, I’d closed my eyes. He asked me if I’d just rolled my eyes to him? I insisted, I had NOT! I told him I wouldn’t do that, because I knew damn well, if I did do it, I’d be sleeping on my stomach for a week. That’s my own euphemism for, he’d spank me really hard. He said, “You know what? That’s the smartest thing you’ve said all night. Because, you’re right. I would’ve beat your bottom blue.” That’s his euphemism for, he’d spank me hard. We ended our night the way we do, most nights. Our naked bodies, pressed against each other. Adam was a little extra domineering, in bed. He removed the tee shirt and panties I’d gotten into bed wearing, and immediately climbed on top of me. Using his leg, he parted mine, and I gasped, as he pushed himself inside of me. It didn’t hurt, but he wasn’t exactly gentle, either. He maneuvered my body into many different positions, as he had his way with me. When he climaxed, he thrust himself deep inside of me. I let out a shriek. I used my own hands to cover my mouth, attempting to stifle anymore sounds I might make. He stayed where he was, on top of me, inside of me, and looked down into my eyes. He smiled. He leaned down and kissed me, as he pulled himself from me. I went to sleep wrapped in his arms. Several hours later, I must’ve been dreaming. I don’t remember what, though. What I remember, is waking up to my own whimpers, and my hand thrashing around. Adam had pulled me close to him, and he held my face in one hand, as he softly ran his other hand over my hair. As he stroked my hair, he was saying “Shhhh. You’re okay.” His hands can be so gentle. They can also feel like stone. It’s comforting, sexy, intimidating, and mysterious to me. My hands don’t have that ability. I was talking to him, about this, the next night. I told him that his gentle hands are so loving, and knowing how hard they can get, makes his gentle hands seem even more powerful. He said that, even when his hands aren’t so gentle, he’s always using them to love me. He assured me, for the umpteenth time, he would never put them on me in anger. He never wants to hurt me. He will never punch, kick, or slap me. He’s never done those things. We’ve playfully “slapped” each other. Not even hard enough to sting. He’s pretended to “kick” my behind. He’s made a fist, and pressed it against my own fisted hand. Holy hell, his hand in a fist, is like a cinder block!! I know he’s never spanked me, even close to, as hard as he actually could. I trust my husband. I know he isn’t going to harm me. I mean, if he really wanted to, he most definitely would’ve done it by now! I do have quite a mouth on me…

We had a great Saturday afternoon! Mj is staying over, with T, until tomorrow morning. I’m going to pick her up, in the morning. It’s been strange, not having my baby home. She’s never stayed overnight, with anyone other than family. She’s never been away, for more than one night, either! She was fighting back tears, when we left, but she so wanted to stay with her best friend. I’ve talked to her lots, and she’s doing just fine.

Saturday, at the party, Adam made a smart ass comment. As he was walking away, with his back to me, I flipped him off. If it wasn’t for Jackie, bursting out laughing, and giving me away with her guilty face, he’d never have had to know. Adam walked over to me, and leaned into my ear. He said, “You know that’s going to cost ya.” Nothing more was said, and we had a blast with everybody, the rest of the day. He didn’t act like he was angry, or anything like that. We got home, around 10:00pm, last night. Jackie and Justin went home. Adam and I came inside. Wyatt was exhausted, and fell asleep on the ride home. We had to help him to his bed, because he’s very hard to wake up. We put away all of our things. Adam let the dogs outside, and then closed and locked the house up, when they were finished. Then, Adam told me to step into his office. He walked me into our bedroom. The dogs followed closely. Adam started to tell the dogs to go out of our room, but they were all excited, since we’d been gone all afternoon. Instead, he pulled me into our bathroom, and shut that door. I protested, because when he sits on the edge of our bathtub, and pulls me over his knees, he is able to hold me in such a way that I cannot squirm out of the way from his hand, as it comes down on my behind. My protests were not at all successful. He put me over his lap, with ease. My skirt was pulled up, my bikini bottoms pulled down. He spanked me at least a dozen times, and then loosened his hold of me. I slid down to the floor. My breathing was quick, and my eyes darted back and forth, between his eyes and his hands, as I attempted to ascertain whether it was over. I didn’t anticipate Jackie giving my little hand gesture away, to Adam! I wasn’t looking for trouble. I mean, I shouldn’t have done that, but I didn’t expect to get caught. Adam didn’t appreciate my responses, as he lectured me about why we were there. Just because I didn’t think he’d find out, wasn’t a good excuse to do it, and he wanted to drive that lesson “home”. He pulled me back over his knees, and repeated the process he’d just done. Several hard swats landed in the same places as they had, just moments earlier. That made me sorry. Still, I was annoyed with Jackie.

This morning, Justin and Jackie came over, before we all went to church. I told Jackie she was a “narc”. Adam overheard, and told me to just “put the birds away” (keep my middle fingers down), and laughed. I glared, but couldn’t help the smile that betrayed my feigned anger. He was right. Jackie didn’t even remember that she’d done that! She’d had a good bit to drink. She told me Justin had said to her, on their way home, “I know one thing. [Eve’s] getting a spanking tonight.” She said that Justin told her I’d flipped Adam off. She insists, she doesn’t remember it, or that she totally told on me.

Our church service was such a good one, today. I really loved it. The message was amazing. We spent the rest of the afternoon, inside. I made meatloaf, potatoes and gravy, and green beans, for supper. Wyatt had a couple friends over, for awhile. They stayed and ate with us. I’m ready to go take a shower, with Adam, and get to bed. It’s been, yet another, beautiful weekend with my people.

Don’t feel like putting makeup on my cheeks
Do what I wanna
Love every single part of my body
Top to the bottom
I’m not a supermodel from a magazine
I’m okay with not being perfect

~Anne Marie

After my last post, I’ve had some questions asked. I wanted to address them. I really do appreciate the concern and suggestions I’ve received! My thyroid is within normal range. Everything else, with the exception of Vitamin D, was normal. I’ve been taking a regular multivitamin, in addition to another vitamin D supplement. I don’t feel bad. I’m not fatigued at all. While it’s great news, seeing healthy results, it is a little frustrating, when I can’t find a reason for my struggles with keeping weight on. I have always had a crazy metabolism. Anesthesiologists have always commented about how hard I am to keep “asleep”, during surgery. When I had my gallbladder removed, a few years back, the surgeon went on and on about how shocked he was when he cut into my stomach. He told us, you’re supposed to have to go through a layer of fat. He said that I didn’t have any, in my belly, and he’s never seen anyone like that. Those shots they put in your mouth at the dentist, to numb you, don’t work for me. Within one to two minutes, the medication is worn off, and I feel everything. I had red hair, when I was young. I’ve been told there’s a “red hair gene”, that affects some people. Apparently, it makes us harder to medicate or anesthetize, due to this? I suppose I just have a ridiculous metabolism?

As a woman, I want curves. I certainly don’t mean to suggest that I’m proud of having the struggle that I do. I’m not “bragging”, here. It’s honestly rather embarrassing. I worry that people will think I have an eating disorder. Or, that I’ve got a problem with meth, heroin, or something like that. Just like every other person, I want to be attractive. I want my husband to always be proud to have me on his arm. People don’t hesitate to comment on the way I look. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been told to “eat a cheeseburger”. It makes me self conscious. I was feeling real good about myself, when I’d gotten up to a more healthy weight. I can’t seem to maintain it, though. I’m venting. I’m being brutally honest. There’s no better word to describe the feeling, than frustrated. Adam has never made me feel unattractive. He’s never suggested that I wasn’t beautiful, to him. He tries to encourage me to do things that will help me achieve my own goals, but he’s not ever insulting. He doesn’t seem to notice the way my eyes get these wrinkles around them, when I smile. He thinks my stretch marks, leftover from carrying our babies, are beautiful. He doesn’t care whether I’m wearing a face full of makeup, or fresh out of the shower. It isn’t him, who creates these insecurities that I’m writing about. I suppose it shouldn’t matter to me, what strangers might think about me? Above all else, I want to be, and to stay, healthy. I intend to be around for another several decades, if I can help it.

I took the kids to swim at Jackie and Justin’s pool, today. Tomorrow, we’re all going to Mj’s best friend “T’s” birthday party. She’s also having a pool party, at her house. It should be a fun day! Adam’s going into work, for a few hours, tomorrow morning. We’re just having a quiet night, at home. I currently have “Judge Judy” on TV. I sort of love her sass. Although, you couldn’t pay me enough to go in front of her.

Goin’ a hundred in a fifty five…

~Pop Evil

We are officially into the Summer season, now! Our weather’s been abnormally cool, for this time of year. I think we’ve only had temperatures over 90 degrees, for 3 days of this year. It’s 82 out, right now. We’ve got a whole lot of storm chances, through this week. It’s rained, here and there, but nothing much, so far.

Last night, I made beef and noodles, and homemade dinner rolls, for supper. I made way too much, but it turned out delicious!

I don’t understand what’s going on with me, but I just cannot seem to gain, or even maintain my weight, recently. I’d gotten up to a healthier number, a few months back. Recently, it’s all been melting off of me, and I truly don’t know why? I hadn’t stood on our scale for awhile, until yesterday. The numbers I saw, as I looked down, scared me.

I’m 5’2” tall (short). I’ve always been small. My entire family is built like that. The women, anyway. My daughter is tiny. I’ve never had an eating disorder. I’ve never deprived myself of food. Hell, I bought a bag of snack sized candy bars, last week. I polished the last of them off, on Monday! I can put food down, and everyone close to me knows this. I got some not so tasty meal replacement shakes, in an attempt to help boost my daily calories. I load up my meals with butter, milk, and cream, just like the doctor’s have said to. My periods have been incredibly regular, with the exception of that one blip, a few months back. I don’t feel bad. I take my vitamins everyday. I haven’t been covered in bruises. That’s my first signal of iron deficiency. My blood work was perfect. My blood pressure and all the vitals look great. I’m certainly not depressed. Why though, is this happening? I made myself 3 scrambled eggs. I put those into 2 tortilla shells, with some onion and hot sauce, and ate them both. I’ve also had a protein bar, a shake, and an orange. I’m making ham steaks, macaroni and cheese, and stuffing, for supper. I know that I eat way more than Jackie does! Yet, she struggles to lose weight. I’m going to talk with my doctor about it. It’s frustrating though, because I pretty much always get told the same thing. Eat more carbs, and load them up with butter and cream. Y’all, I should be overweight, the way I already eat! I’m getting overwhelmed with this constant battle. I know that folks who are working hard to lose weight can get annoyed, when I bitch and moan, but I’m not lying here. I literally don’t know what else to do. I want to look good! I want to be healthy! Ugh…

One thing that my people know, is I almost never sit down. I’m always moving. I’m always finding something to keep busy. The warmer months, even more so. I love to be outside. I am always down to jump on the trampoline, go swimming, play basketball (or “horse”), with the kids. Keeping our house clean and organized is like a passion of mine. I also so enjoy cooking. It’s fun to make good meals for my family. If there’s one thing I’m not, it’s lazy. I will admit, I can procrastinate, sometimes. There are some things that I put off, occasionally. I suppose that’s because I often begin one task, that leads to another, and before I know it, the day is done. I do actually have, diagnosed, attention deficit disorder. For what that’s worth? My closest friends tease that I’m a “nymphomaniac”, too. I have never once, in my life, watched porn. I’ve had sex with 2 men, including my husband. I’m definitely not a sex addict. I do love to get it on, with my husband, though. I saw a survey that said 1 in 3 marriages are sexless. Wow! I truly can’t imagine not desiring Adam, and the sense of closeness that comes from the two of us becoming one.

On another note, Mj’s best friend is celebrating her birthday, this coming Saturday. They’re having a pool party. Justin, Jackie, Adam, I, and the kids, are all going to go to her party. Justin has to be out of town, all next week, for work. I think he wants to take Jackie out for supper, on Friday evening, and just spend time with her. We didn’t go to church, last Sunday, because it was Father’s Day. We were all meeting at Poppy’s place, so we missed church. I’m sure we’ll get back, this Sunday, though.

I really haven’t had any significant conflicts, or challenges, lately. I don’t have anything “deep” to write about. Adam and I have been great. He pissed me off, a couple weeks ago, but he knew it. He very quickly admitted his mistake, and made it right. Other than that, there’s nothing much to tell. Things are going good. If I can just get myself a little closer to 100 pounds, that would be amazing. That’s the only thing bothering me, right now. I don’t “push”, or “test” Adam, quite so much, these days. He’s become uber consistent. And, I can easily predict his responses, when I do. I don’t want a sore behind, so I don’t look for one. On the other hand, I’ve noticed myself becoming much less prone to let my insecurities drive me. Adam’s got me. I don’t need to run towards any cliffs, to believe that. Of course, I know there will be a time, one of these days, when I do step over the line. For the last while, though, I haven’t.

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,
May you never take one single breath for granted,
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed,
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

Dance…I hope you dance…

Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along,
Tell me who wants to look back on their years
And wonder where those years have gone

~Lee Ann Womack

I think yesterday was probably the best Father’s Day we’ve ever celebrated. The weather was perfect. The food was delicious. Everyone was happy, and we all had such a fun day together. Everybody swam. The guys barbecued a whole bunch of food. We had “pig sliders”. They’re sausage wrapped in bacon, filled with cream cheese in the middle. There were chicken wings, chicken breasts, and steaks. We had baked beans, chips, potato salad, macaroni salad, and the Oreo desert the kids made for everybody. My dad, his girlfriend, Justin, Jackie, my sister and her husband, their baby (Pj), Adam, our kiddos, and I were all there. Justin sent Jackie on a bogus trip to the store. Mj went with Jackie, and Justin called the rest of us into the kitchen, for a little “meeting”. He explained his intentions to ask Jackie to marry him, after they get back from visiting his family, in Wyoming, next month. He wanted all of our blessing. It was the sweetest moment! Of course, everyone was overjoyed.

Justin and Jackie got Adam a new grill, for Father’s Day. He was in dire need of a new one. I knew they’d planned to do that, so had to do my best to prevent Adam from buying a new one himself, before they could surprise him.

My heart is so incredibly full, right now. This season of my life is just amazing. I’m beyond simply “content”. I’ve always felt that contentment was joy, until recently. The pure happiness and love that I’ve been blessed to experience, is beyond anything I ever imagined. I’ve been given many gifts, in this life. But, these days, spent with the people I get to call “mine”, are indescribably beautiful. It’s only in knowing how quickly time passes by, that any twinges of sadness enter my mind. So, I’m doing my very best to “soak” in the memories we’re making. To live in the moments. To celebrate this time in my life story. It may be that my most favorite pages are being written, right now.

You’re gonna miss this
You’re gonna want this back
You’re gonna wish these days hadn’t gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you’re gonna miss this

~Trace Adkins, “You’re Gonna Miss This”

I got a “wild hair”, and decided to vacuum and shampoo our couches. I got the basement one looking good! I swear, I live with heathens. I found lots of granola bar and pop tart wrappers stuffed under couch cushions, along with the odd sock, here and there. Clearly, I need to check the furniture more often, for surprises like these. Even as a kid, I couldn’t stand a messy room. When I had the house to myself, I’d put music on, and clean the whole house. I’ve always enjoyed doing that. My next project, is to take everything out of Adam and my linen closet, and reorganize it. I cleaned out the fridge, the other day. I took out drawers and shelves, and scrubbed them all clean. It looks real good, now. I love having the space that we do, but having all these rooms, closets, and outdoor spaces definitely gives me plenty of “job security”. There’s always something that needs done. Having said all that, I know there’s going to come a day, when I no longer have to trip over toys that were left laying out. I won’t find my children’s socks stuffed in random places. I’ll think back, to days like this, and I’ll miss it.

Adam’s grilling burgers, brats, and hotdogs, tonight. Justin and Jackie will be here. I also invited my sister, her husband, and Pj. We bought a swing for Pj, to hang underneath our deck. Adam and Justin are going to get that hung up, this evening. I’m excited to see her swinging in it 🙂

I started my period, a couple days ago. I’d promised Adam a blowjob, if he let us play a few more games of cornhole, last night. He had to go into work, this morning, so didn’t want to stay up too late. We were having so much fun, though! We got our extra cornhole rounds, and he got his blowjob, when we went to bed. I’m letting him have some peace and quiet, upstairs, for awhile. He’s laying on the couch, watching a TV show. I’m sitting downstairs, listening to music, and finding things to do. Wyatt went to the mall with a friend. Mj is in her room, playing online games with her friends. It’s a pretty perfect Saturday afternoon, here.

Today was exactly the kind of day I’d expected it to be! The boys are at the gym. Wyatt’s been going with them, this week. He likes hanging out with the men. I just made pizza for supper, tonight. Jackie, Mj, and I are waiting for the boys to get home, so we can start our cornhole championship tour. 😉

It looks like they’re heading home now. I’m fixing to go down to the patio, and hang out with Jackie, while we wait for them.

In my next 30 years
I’m gonna have some fun
Try to forget about all the crazy things I’ve done
Maybe now I’ve conquered all my adolescent fears
And I’ll do it better in my next 30 years

My next 30 years I’m gonna settle all the scores
Cry a little less, laugh a little more
Find a world of happiness without the hate and fear
Figure out just what I’m doing here, in my next 30 years

~Tim McGraw

My last couple of days have been pretty quiet. Simple, sweet, Summer days, spent with my favorite people. My sister and Pj came by, the other morning. Pj loves the little jumper I have here, that hangs in our front entry to the family room. I also bought her a baby swing, to hang underneath our deck. It just needs hung up, this weekend. I think she’s going to love it!

Yesterday, Wyatt was over at a friend’s house. Mj and I went and did some shopping. She found some things for the Father’s Day gift she wants to make for Adam. I’ve already got mine for him. I got some things for my dad, too. We’re all going to his house, Sunday, to celebrate Father’s Day. Justin and Adam are going to bring some meat to grill. The kids and I are going to make the Oreo desert that Adam loves. My sister’s husband really likes it, too! He’s celebrating his very first Father’s Day, this year. ❤️

Last night, Jackie came over and hung out with me, while the boys went to the gym. It was a beautiful evening, outside. We all sat out back for awhile, after they got back from the gym.

I really am seeing changes in both Adam and Justin, since they’ve been working out and eating healthier. Adam’s lost about 13 pounds. Justin’s face is slimming down noticeably, too. I also appreciate the way it’s helped Adam to have more energy and he seems less stressed. It’s amazing all the benefits to be had, from taking care of our bodies.

We got the kids Summer passes to the indoor trampoline park. I’m going to bring them over there, tomorrow afternoon. While they jump awhile, I’m going to go to Jackie’s place. My sister is meeting us there, too. We’re going to help my sister make a couple little craft projects she’s been wanting to get done. Then, we’ll walk over to their swimming pool, and the kids will meet us there. It’s perfect, because Justin and Jackie’s complex is right behind the trampoline park. Their pool is just steps from the park’s entrance, so they can walk down to us, and swim awhile. Later, tomorrow evening, the boys will go to their work outs. Fridays are “ab day”, for them. Then, we’re all planning to hang out back, and play some games of cornhole. It’s been a couple weeks, since Jackie and I whooped their butts at that. 😉

Last night, as we were about to get in the shower, Adam asked me if I was ready for my spanking. I said, “Whaaat?! Why??” He replied, “Because you’ve been so good.” Obviously, he was teasing me. I really have done a pretty fantastic job, lately. I’ve kept up on all my responsibilities. I’ve been respectful. I haven’t “side stepped” any truths, to him. We’ve just had a lot of fun. Our son started to get an attitude, last night, after I called him back into the kitchen. He’d put his dishes and silverware into the sink, without rinsing them off, after supper. At first, he tried to tell me that wasn’t his, but I knew better. I intentionally gave him a blue plate, and Mj an orange one. His fork was also larger than hers. So, without a doubt, those were his dishes, and he couldn’t argue otherwise. That irritated him. He did scrub them off, but angrily threw them into the sink, and stomped off. I heard his door slam closed. Without a word between us, Adam got up from his chair, and went upstairs to talk with Wyatt. I don’t know what exactly was said, but awhile later, Wyatt came downstairs. He walked over to me, and told me he was sorry. I told him I really appreciated that, and gave him a hug. He got all teary eyed then, and hugged me back. When his daddy tells him he’s wrong for something, he listens. It helps me out so much, when Adam has my back like that.

I’ve been on a cleaning spree, today. I suppose I’ll get back to it. I already cleaned all the bathroom showers and tubs, sinks, mirrors, and floors. I put toilet cleaner in the bowls, so I need to go knock out that “super fun and exciting” chore.

When he told you you’re not good enough
When he told you you’re not right
When he told you you’re not strong enough
To put up a good fight
When he told you you’re not worthy
When he told you you’re not loved
When he told you you’re not beautiful
That you’ll never be enough

When he told you were troubled
You’ll forever be alone
When he told you you should run away
You’ll never find a home
When he told you you were dirty
And you should be ashamed
When he told you you could be the one
That grace could never change

Fear, he is a liar
He will take your breath
Stop you in your steps
Fear he is a liar
He will rob your rest
Steal your happiness
Cast your fear in the fire
‘Cause fear he is a liar

~Zach Williams

I’ve been listening to too many “red pill” podcasts, lately. The Andrew Tate hitchhikers, of content creators. There is one in particular, who grinds my gears (aka frustrates the hell out of me). While I truly can listen with an open mind, and even agree with some of the things they say, much of what I hear is just inexperienced people, who don’t know how to argue their own shallow opinions. I do believe men need a voice. I understand these are challenging times, for them. Masculinity has been shamed and insulted, to the point that I can see why so many are listening to voices of the “manosphere”, and feeling heard. However, I also feel sad for the people who are following the “advice” that people like this are giving out. Today’s feminist extremists insist that men and boys are the source of all our problems. Today’s “red pill movement”, suggest it’s women and girls who are the problem. What if we all just took a step back? What if everyone logged off their internet connections, and wandered out into the real world? What you find, are individuals who have their own unique experiences. Individuals who actually aren’t walking around with hate and malice for people who don’t look, think, dress, or act the same as they do. I still believe most people are good. Yes, there are some folks among us, who truly do simply seek to sow as much outrage, discord, and destruction possible. Those people generally yell loudest, and protest so confidently, it can appear as if they know what they’re talking about. Sometimes, taking a little time to reacquaint ourselves with the rational, free thinking minds that make up the vast majority of our population, is the most productive way to remind ourselves that the world really isn’t shit. All is not lost. Stepping outside of our own front door, can literally restore your faith in humanity. As an American, we are constantly being sold this idea that everything around us is falling apart. And, the only way to “fix” it, is to vote for the right political candidate. Hate and shame anyone who doesn’t agree with us. To be angry. To live in fear. To accept whatever “truth” the person talking on our TV, computer screen, or radio is telling us. The solutions are not ever going to be found there. As Jordan Peterson has said, we need to first “clean up our own room”, before we attempt to change the world. Focus inside our own home. If that’s in decent order, look to neighbors and community. Work to make positive impacts for those around us. We can do so much more, together, when we just get to know and listen to those around us. Our lives aren’t so terrible, after all. We’re literally all quietly struggling through something tough. Everyone around us is going through something. There is a story worth telling, and many stories worth listening to. We don’t all have to agree on solutions. If we can simply take a moment to have real conversations with one another, we might just come to realize, most people are good. Most of us want the best for our families, our communities, and humanity at large. Most people truly want to make a difference. We don’t have to share the same ideas about exactly how we should go about things. We do need to stop letting hateful rhetoric dominate our conversations, though. Hating each other does absolutely nothing to solve our problems. Anyway, that’s my thoughts today. ❤️

And it’s a great day to be alive. I know the sun’s still shinin’ when I close my eyes. There’s some hard times in the neighborhood, but why can’t everyday be just this good…

Travis Tritt

I’m a big baby, about swimming in water that isn’t to my temperature preferences. I was pleasantly surprised, to discover the pool was actually not too cold! The water felt warmer than the night air did.

Today, I’m cleaning the house up. I hadn’t done much, over the last couple of days. The kids had made a big mess downstairs, so I’ve made the guest bed, swept and vacuumed the floors, and vacuumed the couch cushions off, because they’d left a popcorn mess on it.

We never didn’t end up with much rain, yesterday. We got a couple of light showers, but not enough to water the grass as much as I’d have liked. We went to bed early, and I met my 7 hour sleep goal, for the first time in nearly a week. I just don’t require as much sleep, in the Summertime.

It’s only mid 70’s outside, today, but the humidity is still making it feel hot. I’m making beef and noodles tonight, for supper. I’ve got dough rising, for the dinner rolls, that I’m making to go with.

This coming Sunday, is Father’s Day. We’re going to go to my dad’s house. He’s grilling something for us, and we’ll swim and hang out all afternoon. Fireworks tents are popping up everywhere, as we grow closer to July 4th. We’re going to my dad’s house, that day, also. Then, July 8th, we’ve got a guitar night scheduled there. We’re having so much fun, this Summer is going to fly by!

I really don’t have much else to write about. I’m trying to do a better job, of writing everyday. I just don’t have a whole lot to say, today.