The Measure of Humanity

In a beloved episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, a cyberneticist arrives on the starship Enterprise with the intention of dismantling Data, the android, for scientific discovery and for the goal of creating more androids like him. Data would not survive this, and when he tries to give up his commission as an officer so they cannot order him to submit, Data is told he is not human and cannot make that decision for himself. He is a machine.Read more

Be Who You Are

Cheers to being who you are! The title of this post comes from a Sunday sermon, but I’m not here to impose Jesus upon you – although, what I’m about to say not only comes from who I am, but also from my spiritual heart. Many of you know who I am to some degree – Biker chick (both Harley and bicycle); cat lover; animal lover; beer and chocolate taste-tester; lover of outdoors and all things Star Trek and NCIS;Read more

Cancel Culture vs. Consequence: An Opinion

There is a TV ad running by a certain individual who uses this platform to refer to cancel culture. His product is no longer in at least four major store chains due to his political support of a former President’s claim that the 2020 U.S. election was stolen. I’m guessing most readers in North America know of this ad. I literally want to scream when it comes on, so I’ve taken to switching the channel or hitting the mute button.Read more

#WATWB: Reparation in Evanston

Addressing and eliminating systemic racism in America has been a constant struggle for over a century and it feels that in the last year, we’ve taken a step backward while realizing the pervasiveness of racial bigotry that still exists in this country. However, there is always hope in the future. It is the Evanston, Illinois, City Council which gives this suburb of Chicago faith in action. Reparation is a positive step for the city and as it states in theRead more

#SoCS: Reaching Past the Sky

Some days, some weeks, I simply want to stand in the middle of a forest and scream a primal scream. The kind that lets out all of my frustration and disappointment about what’s going on in America. These past few days have been no exception. Linda G. Hill asked bloggers to write about “sky’s the limit,” and I make note that democracy and freedom allow us to follow our dreams and aspire to higher ground. However, there are those whoRead more

Walking in Their Shoes

I haven’t written much about my mother since she died from the effects of age and dementia almost two years ago. I think of her often, but once in awhile I come across something that reminds me of her terrible disease and what we went through together as her mind and health failed. Actor Zach Ward, whom I follow on Twitter, recently posted the following: “Today with Dad broke my heart. I am so sad & angry I want toRead more

Football and Grace

I woke up the morning of September 11th and scrolled through the news feed on my phone. Acknowledging the 19th anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil, I zoned in on a story that did not receive widespread attention. It centered around the start of football season in America and a game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans and an action that left a disheartening shadow. At this game, during the national anthem, the Kansas CityRead more

SoCS: What’s New Pussycat?

For this week’s Stream of Consciousness Saturday, blogger Linda Hill gave us our marching orders: “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “song.” First, find a picture–the closest one to you. Your prompt is the title and/or the lyrics of the first song that comes to mind when you look at the picture. Have fun!” I’m still working at home, in my bedroom, with a fairly small work space. However, I manage to find space for my coffeeRead more

Indivisible, One Nation

The Pledge of Allegiance was written in August 1892 by the socialist minister Francis Bellamy (1855-1931). It was originally published in The Youth’s Companion on September 8, 1892. Bellamy had hoped that the pledge would be used by citizens in any country. In its original form it read: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” On Friday, July 3rd, there were fireworks at Mount Rushmore inRead more

#WATWB: Coming Together

I’m certain everyone has seen the images on TV and social media and knows of the protests since the shooting of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020. Needless to say, there is a call for transformation within police departments across the country and the equal treatment of the black community in America – not just by police, but by all citizens. In clicking on THIS LINK, you’ll read four stories of communities and peopleRead more

Love Others: An Opinion from the Heart

Who doesn’t want to know that we notice them and value them? And who might respond to us better when they feel that they matter? It probably cannot be overstated – it matters…that people matter. ~Steve Goodier~ This past Saturday was a day that mattered for other people. People that I didn’t know. It was a day when a small church community came together to show how love is given freely to others, no matter their life’s circumstances, their outward appearance,Read more