Hey there – thanks for stopping by. Does anyone want to sit with me on the patio and have a drink? I know it’s not Friday yet, but it’s been a long week already.

Unfortunately, I don’t have much to say tonight. I need to flip my writing schedule and work on this challenge while the creative irons are hot. That typically happens first thing in the morning – certainly not after a long day of work.

So, I’m sorry to keep this short and sweet tonight. I’m going to go and recharge my battery, finish my drink, and read for a while.

Meet me back here tomorrow, ok?

Have a good night!

XO,

Elisa

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Today was a huge writing day for me at work. I put together a press release about the tragic shooting at a July 4th parade in Highland Park, IL. One of the people who died was a member of the organization where I work. It was a sad day for those who knew her or felt like we did when we learned more about her life. I don’t think I’ve ever worked so hard to compose four paragraphs.

Anyway, I’ve been sitting at my kitchen counter for the past hour writing a blog post that is not ready for prime time. Now, it is after 9 pm ET, and I have nothing to show for it. Desperate times call for desperate measures. So, here is a top ten list of random things on my mind. (Okay – it was going to be a top ten list, but I’m tired, so I cut it down to five. Sue me 😉 )

1. I need some artwork or something to hang in my home office. At the moment, I’m looking at a blank wall. I used to have a Monet print that I moved from my bedroom wall to the living room to my home office. There is no good place for it. And frankly, I don’t like it. I took it down for good, and now I need something else to put there. I’m considering a vision board of inspirational quotes and photos of places I want to travel to when I retire. But that sounds like a lot of work, so I’m open to other suggestions.
2. I have an old boss that haunts me in my dreams. He was awful to me when I worked for him, and while I haven’t thought about him in decades, he seems to have taken a starring role in my subconscious. And the dreams are so realistic that they are unsettling. I often wake up in a cold sweat and need a stiff drink.
   Ah, memories… How do I get him out of my head?
3. Our dog might need knee surgery. She has this cute little bunny hop she does when she sprints across the lawn. But, we’ve come to realize that she is trying to keep weight off the one hind leg that gives her trouble. The vet gave us a referral for an orthopedist – for dogs. I didn’t know that was a thing. I’d do anything for my pup, but I’m really hoping the insurance covers it.
4. I’m listening to Randy Rainbow’s memoir, “Playing With Myself,” on Audible, and it is such a fun summer read. If you don’t know who he is, check out his YouTube channel. He narrates the book, which is a real hoot! Highly recommend!
5.   I’m so grateful to everyone who read my post yesterday. Writing something on July 4th about not feeling patriotic felt risky to me. I almost didn’t hit publish. I wasn’t sure if people would unfriend me or be upset by what I had to say. Maybe some people were upset but didn’t comment  – which is fine with me. For those of you who read it and supported me, I appreciate it. It is nice to be in a safe space with all of you. Thank you.

Time to call it a day, friends. See you tomorrow with a much better blog post than this one. 🙂

XO,

Elisa

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Somewhere, I know there is a photo of me taken at a Bicentennial parade looking patriotic in an over-the-top sort of way. I’m wearing red, white, and blue clothing and waving an American flag. My tricycle is decked out in paper streamers, and a sign is taped to the back of my seat that reads  “Happy Birthday, America!” The only thing missing is a bald eagle flying above me in the sky.

I was about five years old, and the times were much simpler.

This year, I wasn’t in the mood for fireworks or singing about the land of the free. I did grill some burgers and dogs for dinner tonight, but that’s because we have to eat. And, I always appreciate a three-day weekend. But, in light of the U.S. Supreme Court rulings this past month, I’m not feeling particularly festive. I’m not going to get into politics here. But, in general, my rights as a Jewish American woman have been infringed upon. This country is supposed to be built on freedom of religion, but the line between church and state – that I count on – has been blurred beyond recognition. And it’s not a good feeling, to say the least.

But, while I’m not feeling patriotic, I am grateful. Grateful to live in a country where there is still freedom of speech so that I can say these things on my blog or in person and not fear punishment. Backlash on social media, maybe…but not punishment.

Maybe there will be something to celebrate next year, but I just can’t get there today. Maybe next year, there will be liberty and justice for all.

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