Thursday, May 8, 2025

Relieved Optimism

 A L O H A  From

H  O  N  O  L  U  L  U


 We've fought off every authoritarian movement this country has ever faced back to our founding, and we will fight this one too, and we will beat this one too. ... Good scientific polling says the majority of Americans think Donald Trump is a dictator who must be stopped. The American public’s clarity of vision on that is the most valuable thing that we’ve got, and we need to hold to it. ... I am more heartened than I ever thought that I would be 100 days ago.
   Rachel Maddow

She emphasized that broad, sustained engagement and clarity among the public is what gives her hope, and that it’s a sign that Americans are not willing to let democracy slip away without a fight.



Some people could be given 
an entire field of roses 
and only see the thorns in it. 
Others could be given a 
single weed and only see 
the wildflower in it. 
Perception is a key 
component to gratitude. 
And gratitude a key 
component to joy.
Amy Weatherly






 The sting of winter's wind
Is a passing fact,
The warmth of summer's sun
A most welcome act!
Pixie




We climb and climb
eyes on the way,  
Chasing tomorrow
While missing today.  
But if we pause
And gently turn,  
It's all we've achieved 
We'll begin to discern

Appreciate 
Things you’ve done,  
A license earned
The races you’ve run.

Each challenging step
Each quiet feat,  
Now glows beneath
Your resting feet.
    Cloudia Charters 

ფ დ

Love You,
Cloudia & Pixie

؄‎

 Links

 When you cross paths with another, 

dare to make them smile.

When you feel great, 
dare to help someone else
feel great too.
When the day has ended, 
dare to feel as 
you've done your best.
Dare to be the best you can –
At all times, 
Dare to be! 
Steve Maraboli

30 comments:

Katerinas Blog said...

Good morning Clοudia!!
Wonderful place! I really liked the last poem and the girl's smile!
Have a beautiful day!!

Teresa said...

I like Pixie's poem and yours. Pixie definitely has her sights fixed on moving upwards. The little girl in the last shot is really cute.

roentare said...

Rachel Maddow’s message underscores that the survival of American democracy relies on public vigilance and engagement, and her hope lies in the growing awareness and resolve of citizens who refuse to let authoritarianism take hold.

Elephant's Child said...

How I hope that Ms Maddow is right.

Cloudia said...

Together friends together! I appreciate each of you so very much!

Andrew said...

I like Amy Weatherly's thought. I try, I try.

s.c said...

I agree with Andrew . Fantastic quote from Weatherly.

My GBGV Life said...

Gratitude makes for a happy life. Sometimes we need a bit of time after a defeat to find the gratitude again but when we do, we go on, learn from the past and look forward to the future. Great post and quotes as always.

Anvilcloud said...

Good thoughts. Let us see flowers and not thorns or just weeds.

eileeninmd said...

Great quotes and wise words. I am thankful for people like Rachel Maddow, she is delivering the real news. Take care, have a great day!

Tom said...

...what a cutie.

RedPat said...

Fine words today. Love thesmile on that young girl, Cloudia. ;-)

Martha Jane Orlando said...

Thank you, Pixie and Cloudia, for you wonderful poems today. Blessings!

John A Hill said...

I love roses -- thorns and all.

Mary Kirkland said...

Seems like everyday Trump does or says something else outrageous. It's neverending.

Mike said...

The sky is on fire!

Jenn Jilks said...

Our US/Canada relationship will never be the same.
I am glad you will continue with your postitivity.

Brian's Home Blog said...

I do really miss. our kind, gentle and caring country. Hello sweet Pixie! Thanks for joining Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!

Michelle said...

Wonderful words and that little girl has a great smile!

Jim said...

Hot shot of the sky.

Photo Cache said...

So many people refuse to see what's right in front of their eyes!

Worth a Thousand Words

Gillena Cox said...

'Beautiful roses'i would say
Thanks for dropping by my blog Cloudia

Much♡love

Christine said...

Lovely

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

Rachel Maddow is a treasure!

DVArtist said...

I'm so hope Rachel Maddow is right. I love that first photo and the one of Pixie and the little girl. Thank you for joining FFO and have a nice weekend.

Spare Parts and Pics said...

Wonderful how the sky sometimes turns to gold!

peppylady (Dora) said...

He does need to be stopped.

Lisca said...

I don't know who Rachel Maddow is but I am behind her and hope that she is right.
Love the photo of Pixie is a gorgeous pose .
Sorry for being so late. I had Internet problems,
have a lovely weekend,
Lisca

Michelle said...

Thank you for linking up.

William Kendall said...

I think she's right, but I also think permanent damage has been done. The world can't trust America again.