Povey Prattle

  In the aftermath of the violent assault on the Capitol by Trump supporters both Biden and Schumer mouthed platitudes such as "this is not America".  They are 180 degrees from the truth. Violence is at the core of our history. 1. Before there was a United States of America there was consistent violence by the Colonialists against the noble indigenous people whose home this land had been for thousands of years. 2. Before there was a United States of America there was consistent violence against west African men. women, and children who brought here against their wills to be sold and enslaved. 3.  The founding document "The Declaration of Independence" declared that the indigenous peoples were "savages". 4.  After Independence was achieved (via violence!) hundreds of thousands of  west African peoples continued to be enslaved. There was only cruelty for them -  no independence. The list goes on and on CRUELTY UPON CRUELTY.      ...

  I am appalled, but not surprised.

Via my good friend Ann Albritton. (I tried my hardest to copy and paste this, without luck.  So here is the URL). It is magnificent! https://www.ashclinicalnews.org/viewpoints/editors-corner/editors-corner-running-empty/ chocolate I received. Now, frustration and gloom are the dominant emotions, punctuated by bursts of anger over having to wear a mask or being unable, still, to bring visitors to appointments. Coworkers are under strain, too. Our residents and hematology fellows, physician assistants and nurse practitioners, nurses and young faculty who have children struggle to cope with strange school schedules, irregular child care a rrangements, grandparents afraid to visit, and kids stuck at home far more than they should be. Clinics are especially draining, as our patients need more from us than ever and care logistics keep changing. Treasured rituals of group meals with colleagues, mood - lifting conversations, and shared...

  My dear friends.  L - R  Libby Jones Gillen, GiGi (Grace Gillen) , Theo Gillen, Sam Gillen. Photo' taken at Cape Cod, Massachusetts in 2019; but published for Libby's birthday on 2nd January 2021.   I've known Libby since 1984.  I've had the privilege of officiating at her wedding to Sam; and of baptising Gigi and Theo. I called Libby on her birthday. Come Sunday 3rd January  I took my early morning walk with Zion, head down a bit in these trying days.  Then I remembered my previous day's 'phone call with Libby. I was filled with joy.  I grinned from ear to ear.  I was filled with gratitude for our long friendship. There was more joy to come. On Sunday afternoon as I walked at Arlington Park I encountered two elegant black women; Sixty or Seventy ish; tall, slender, clad in gorgeous walking gear, and with short salt and pepper hair,  Such beauty! (Sample picture, not one of the women I met. The women stopped to admi...

  Via my friend Kathy B-J.