Books, Reviews, Short Stories, Authors, Publicity, a little poetry, music to complement...and other stuff including politics, about life... "Books, Cats: Life is Sweet..."
What happens to white people when they suddenly realize they are becoming a minority? They become like Donald Trump and start a removal process, ignoring legal standards and laws, grabbing people off the streets as if his is Kristallnacht and Nazi rule. The fear of losing control when let loose in society produces the ignorance we see today. They ignore the fact that they, too, are immigrants, of mixed race, etc. We are watching the dissolution of Western Civilization as we know it, and the fitting end of a people who raped, robbed, and pillaged whole nations to gain dominance, only to lose it under Donald Trump. When Columbus landed, there were more than 10 million Native Americans present, speaking over 328 languages, with diverse religions and cultures. By 1889, there were fewer than 300,000 Native Americans left, confined to refugee camps we call reservations, on sections of land that would not sprout a pea, and we call ourselves good. And we say that the privilege to live in a white culture and become a Christian makes it all right. Christians justified slavery with the exact words. How can you call the genocide of that many people good? By the same token, we are allowing the same thing and participating in the genocide of the Palestinians today. Christians call it good because we are on the side of "God's chosen people," a phrase, by the way, promoted by the Christian Fundamentalists since 1830 and with no Biblical foundation, and we call that good. The more you read American history, the more you realize that in Donald Trump we got what we deserve, not what we earned.
~~~
Early in January, I was lamenting the loss of an election which had been "rigged" in my opinion and seeking God's help...
He said, "I've Got This, My Child..."
Do Not Fear...
But I have to admit that even though I do believe what God shared then, I've faltered in faith and trust. When the world as we know it is suddenly thrown over in a relentless outpouring of hate, violence, lies, and theft, I have often become fearful:
What if I can't get Covid shot(s) and other medical support?
What if Social Security is lost?
What if corporations such as banks are taken over?
What if every single non-white person in America is lost in one way or another? Relocated, murdered, or forced to live on the streets...
What if I am unable to contact anybody due to takeover of all communications? And cannot buy gas? Even if I'll be able to drive...?
When a professor of history writes, I am always, again, reminded of just what the white man has done to the non-white people in America, as early as the 1400s! Will my writer and reader friends--Black, Indigenous, Red, Brown, Yellow and from around the world, still be able to find my discussions about books and other issues of importance... For, now, surely, at my age, I am well aware that what is happening in America is instigated by those evil individuals who have chosen power and greed, over the Words of God--to Love...
The horrendous activities of ICE and others appointed to conduct violence behind masks or through military uniforms who are not, by our constitution, where they should be in the world previously known... came first,
But the master plan of stealing all funds which come into the government through taxes From All People... began quickly and millions have already died, lost their jobs and/or do not have money to pay bills and feed their children based upon actions by a republican party out of control, with the support of a majority republican supreme court, which was supposed to be nonpartisan, but has been bought either financially or through a continued power control that is illegal.
I do disagree, in a more positive way, that some have deserved it... I honestly believe that most, if not all republicans never realized that the party had been taken over even if everybody was telling them it was happening. Two people in my family responded to another's warning... "They won't do that!"
Yet they did and are continuing... I have already projected, based upon my own experience in a land-grant, federally and state-attached university bureaucracy that it will take an estimate of 100 years to actually return America to the point where we were in December 2024! Consider that an Executive Order, takes no more than 1 hour to create and sign to implement devastation such as was done with USAID which was totally dismantled in less than a month... There will never be a way to restore the lives of those who died because of this theft--yes, I call it theft since it was originally legally created and funded by the House which was in Office years ago...NOBODY approved DOGE and anything else that has been happening--even if a majority of the supreme court announced "immunity..." for a man who has totally take over based upon one word granted by 6 republicans!
For God 100 years is not a long time, but I can't help but remembered that I lost one year of my life auditing a multi-million dollar capital construction budget which had not been properly managed... Imagine what it will be for trying to get reauthorization for all the destruction of the offices and people who were eliminated who were doing exactly what they had been initially funded for before republicans chose to allow Trump's desire to be a dictator!
But I do see hope by the Black and brown people who are refusing to affirmatively do what Trump wants this country to do... Imagine, just like the Trump Riviera in Gaza, plan on having a Trump Tower in every large town across the nation, while no other company will be permitted to compete for providing a similar service--as just one example...
While I accept and agree with Professor's Smith's extraordinarily well-presented essay, I'm hoping that, instead, the following song will soon occur...
Because, no matter what the republicans are trying to do, I believe that God's Words Have Already Been Stated Clearly... Hopefully more will Fight against the loss of our Historical knowledge (via changes to public education and federally funded museums and other spaces), and once again turn to God's Truth and Love!
One Final Comment to Michael's question: For me and millions of Americans, nothing will happen... All God's Children live through the entire World and hopefully, Peace will ultimately reign... We want America to stay as it was as of December, 2024!
Gabriella tried to smile but couldn’t pull it off. “Life is all around me, and yet I still feel dead inside.”
No matter how much we love someone, there’s a part of all of us that’s just a little selfish.” Gabriella wiped away a tear. “I feel like I’ve changed so much. Like I’m not the same person anymore.”
She would read a portion of her mother’s diary, and then she would start writing The Locket.
She opened her eyes and reached for the button to turn off the alarm. She couldn’t remember even setting it the night before. Lying back, she steadied her breathing as memories of the dream caused her body to flush and she groaned in humiliation. What is wrong with me? The man in the locket was her mother’s lover. He had to be at least seventy years old. Definitely not the young, muscular body she’d just lusted after and ravaged. She glanced down at her twisted, sweaty silk pajamas lying in a heap beside the bed. So why feel humiliated? She was young, and for the first time in over two years, she felt passionate about something. Even if that passion was directed at a man she couldn’t have.
Pulling up the covers, she giggled as an image of Maddy raising an eyebrow and waving the imaginary cigarette filled her mind. Now that, darling, was toe curling. Gabriella took one last glance in the mirror before picking up her purse and locking the door behind her. She’d spent the day reading more of her mother’s diary and outlining her new novel. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes sparkled in a way they hadn’t since leaving college. She couldn’t wait to tell Robert her news. Maybe he’d even take off and go with her. The thought didn’t bring the pleasure she’d expected. Madrid was beauty and romance. Robert would never be able to see that or feel it. Maddy’s voice once again flooded her mind. So, why exactly are you with him again? She knew the answer, even if she didn’t like it. He represented safety, and when she was with him, she didn’t have to make decisions. She didn’t have to wonder how she was going to pay for dinner, or which bill could wait a few more days. She’d grown so tired of making every decision. Tired of pinching pennies and learning fifty ways to cook chicken so they didn’t eat the same meals every night. What if he doesn’t want you to go? “Madelaine Jones, get out of my head.” She hadn’t really considered Robert not wanting her to go. But why wouldn’t he? She wanted to go. Robert was just practical. He wasn’t really a controlling jerk. Is he? Shaking off the thoughts, she used the rest of her time driving to Girando’s to plan her speech. Robert simply wouldn’t understand her need to meet the man who had made her mother a gushing teenager. The man she’d described in pages of the diary as her soul mate. She wanted to do this, but she also felt she had to.
Pulling into the lot, she ignored the valet parking attendant. Her ten-year-old Honda was another thorn in Robert’s side. He called it an embarrassment and refused even to walk her to the car when she was driving it. It worked, was cheap on gas, and had low maintenance expenses. Anything more at this time in her life was a luxury she couldn’t afford and didn’t need. She exited the car, smiled at the attendant, and glanced at the door where Robert waited for her. She could tell by the tightening of his jaw she was in for another “sell your mother’s house” speech. Maybe when she came back, she’d actually give that some thought. He turned his cheek as she approached for the customary peck before taking her arm and ushering her inside. “You look a little flushed, Gabriella. I hope you’re not coming down with something. I have a massive work load for the next several weeks, and I can’t afford to be ill.”
“Not ill, Robert, just excited. I can’t wait to tell you my news.” Robert nodded to the hostess and led her to a table in the back. “I’ve already ordered for us. I may have to call it an early night. I have some good news myself.” Gabriella swallowed, trying hard not to show her disappointment. “All right, but me first?” His lips lifted in the briefest of smiles. “What? Another book? Surely that can wait.” He didn’t bother even to glance at her as he took his napkin from the table, shook it out, and draped it over his lap. “I’ve been going over our finances, and if we get top dollar for your mother’s house, we can get married by the end of the year. The partners are ready to offer a contract, but they prefer a married man to a single one. For some reason, they feel they’re more stable.” The flush in her cheeks grew hotter as her hands clenched in her lap. She hadn’t expected a romantic proposal from Robert. Honestly, she’d never expected him to propose at all. “I didn’t know we had decided to get married.”
The server chose that moment to deliver their food, and Gabriella smothered a gag. Her plate held a half-raw steak. Robert knew she didn’t eat meat often, and when she did, she preferred it almost burnt. The waiter hovered by her side. “Will there be anything else?” Robert waved him off. “Don’t be silly, Gabriella. Of course, we’re going to marry. Why else would we have spent the last six months together?” Tremors of anger erupted deep inside her stomach, forcing their way to the surface like molten lava. There was a huge difference in making decisions and controlling. Robert wasn’t just making minor decisions for her anymore. He had already planned her entire life. “And I assume we’ll have two point five children, and I’ll entertain your friends on the weekends and do charity work during the week?” Robert swallowed a bite of raw meat and patted his lips with the napkin. Her sarcasm had been totally lost on him.
“A boy and a girl would work well. I won’t expect you to entertain until I run for office, of course. Until then, you’ll need to find a job to help me with expenses.” Gabriella gripped the napkin between her hands, twisting it into a perfect garrote as she studied his face. He was serious. How had I missed this part of his personality? Have I been totally blind or just stupid? “I have a job, Robert. I’m an author.”
Robert picked up his water glass and sipped it. “I’ve humored you with your hobby, honey, but if we’re going to have the kind of home a future Supreme Court justice needs, then it’s going to take both of us working.” Gabriella stared at him. Her mind drifted back on other comments and decisions he’d made for her. Nothing was ever about her. It was all about him. Her hands clenched as her jaw tightened. Robert Gray was, as Maddy had said many times, a total jerk.
“You humored me? With my hobby?” Gabriella dropped the napkin on the table and pushed back her chair. “Gabriella, sit down and lower your voice. You’re embarrassing me.”
“I’m sorry, Robert.” She raised her voice and smiled as restaurant patrons glanced their way. “I wouldn’t want the rest of these nice people to know just what a pompous ass you really are.” “Gabriella!” She grabbed her purse and headed for the door. The doorman smiled as she walked past him, and he whispered, “About time somebody put that jerk in his place.” He winked and raised his voice. “You have a nice night, ma’am.”
Maddy, her mother, the neighbors, and even the doorman had seen what Robert was really like. Everyone except her. She’d seen it but told herself it was okay. He was just levelheaded. Something she needed in her life. Her heels clicked louder on the pavement as she headed for her old but reliable car. She climbed in, fastened her seatbelt, and reached for her cell. Calmness spread through her, as if a heavy weight had lifted. She’d made excuses to everyone, including herself, about Robert for far too long. It felt good to tell him off and walk away. Really good. What she needed now was to share her excitement with someone who would appreciate it. Grinning, she dialed Maddy’s number and waited for her to answer. “Hello?”
“Can you come over?” Gabriella asked. “I thought you were going out with Robert tonight.” Gabriella laughed. “I was, I did, but I’m not anymore. I have something exciting to tell you.” “I can’t think of anything you could tell me more exciting than not anymore Robert. Put on a pot of coffee, and I’ll be right there.”
Gabriella almost dropped the two cups of coffee she was carrying as Maddy let out a whoop. “Madrid? Oh, my God, Ree, you’re going to have so much fun.” She flopped down on the couch and reached for a cup of coffee. “Tell me everything.”
Gabriella filled her in on the arrival of the package, her mother’s diary, and the locket with the request it be returned to the owner. “I got the letter the same day, so I guess it’s fate.” Maddy sipped her coffee. “Or destiny. Spanish lovers are hot.” She blushed and ducked her head. “Or at least that’s what I’ve been told.” “That doesn’t matter. I’m not looking for a lover, just some fresh material for my new novel.”
~~~
And, No, I don't have to wait until the end of 2025 to decide... I know this is my top favorite book for the year--right now! First, I want to say that Linda Prather, to me, is the writer who writes like I read...
Prather has, in my opinion, a level of sensitivity with which she treats every single character in her books, that is rare... From the very first word through to the end, there is a continuity--a fluidity--that permeates so that the story, if you allow it to, will engulf you! I had read this book months ago, but with health issues, had failed to proceed to my review. So I read it again, yesterday... And I fell in love again...with her story, just as it is... You see, Linda allows each character to be herself, to be the human, as created, by a master puppeteer... More to illustrate that later... And, therefore, it is a special bonus for me, the reader, to be allowed into the intimate part, especially, of the main character.
What a privilege she gives to us as long as our own prejudices do not corrupt... Don't know what I mean when I say that? Well, just let me say that a writer either sees the whole human she has created as if they were our friends, our neighbors, or, in other words, real people--no matter who that person is. When an author works to ensure there is a clear distinction of sex versus love, she let's us know she has created a character that truly reflects that she is just like the rest of us. For me, when an author allows each of her characters to be exactly who they are, then I am the reader that is able to realize that this person is just like me, with all the thoughts, faults, or fears that I, too, have felt. My kind of writer...and Linda has done it since her very first book, The Gifts.
I fell in love with Linda's first book as well... many years ago... I had reviewed it in 2006 while working on my earlier review site and have confirmed that it is still available... Unfortunately I tried to update and add a picture for the ebook, but this didn't work on an archival post, at least so far... So do check out the book costing less than a Buck! In fact, of any book of hers I've had a chance to read, it's proven to be a wonderful selection! If you haven't read her yet, she is a multi-genre writer that gives each reader a choice in getting to know her writing better!
With a touch of time-travel through the receipt of her mother, Helena's, Diary, Gabriela has been given a chance that most of us never have. To go back into a parent's life and discover, to your, perhaps, pleasure, that she was...just...like...YOU! Not every individual will discover that--I wouldn't. But, the possibility--the grace given to allow that to happen is a powerful dream in which we all could fall...
Gabriela's mother had recently died and she is still grieving not only her mother, but now being totally alone, except for her best friend who will be relocating soon. But her mother, along with another individual, had already planned a future that could not have ever been imagined! And, at least, partially, that gave her the ability to break free from a very bad situation with a man she'd been dating, that everybody had been warning her about for months!
First, after reading the book, I decided it was...Fate! How else could one woman who had been, for the most part, an independent professional writer, be suddenly willing to hop on a plane and travel to Spain!? LOL So, how did this happen? First, Gabriela received, on the same day, a package that her mother had pre-arranged to have sent to her upon her death. It was Helena's Diary! The other was a formal letter from a lawyer who was providing complete financial coverage to visit an old friend of her mother's who was also near death... And here's the Hook provided by her mother. She had been given a locket early in her life by, who we learn was Helena's First Love...
Helena had asked that Gabriela visit Spain and return that locket to the original owner... Only one hint as to what happens thereafter... Helena's First Love has a son...
But what makes this Romance a Suspense thriller is that there is a villain in Spain! And SHE is not happy to have Gabriela visiting... While that tension develops into a deadly situation, Gabriela is getting to know her mother's First Love and her Son... who is very busy with a upcoming birth by a horse, which, when given the chance, she gave the name Helena... And one might think, after you read the book, that even that was heavenly controlled...
I loved it! If it sounds like something you'd like, I guarantee you won't be disappointed... I rarely reread a book, but, it was even more precious to me second time around... And I knew it would always be a favorite--just like The Gifts had become...over 20 years ago! Do Check out this award-winning author! She's worth your time--every time...
.jfif)
