Books, Reviews, Short Stories, Authors, Publicity, a little poetry, music to complement...and other stuff including politics, about life... "Books, Cats: Life is Sweet..."
Beginning a New Year can be a traumatic experience, don't you think? At least it has been for me... Have you noticed that companies in America try to sell you anything and everything, but, when there is a problem, they aren't willing to make even a small effort to help their customers? I've had several issues that have exploded--or maybe it's been me who has exploded--at present I'm experiencing much introspection... Is it me? Am I the problem because I expect that "the customer" should be better treated than we are being treated? Without going into detail on any of these, I will just give an update on a former post. It has been since October 9th, last year(!) that I have not had an operational washing machine!
But aside from these personal frustrations, I've been shocked into a sense of reality that, I find, is even worse than we, the average American, may know... It came as I first started reading... The title attracted my attention but when I started to read, it was extremely disconcerting, so much so, that I had to stop reading... This book is not by a journalist, a religious leader, or an advocate for or against anything and everything that seems to be tossed around these days...
This book is by individuals--Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware--who work within the Council on Foreign Relations which is what I would consider as a Think Tank. A group who investigates and presents a report on issues that are affecting the world, without regard to partisan relationships. You might want to check out a short presentation on the book, which is just out... "The book is terrifying and elucidating..." is how the introduction to the authors discussion was identified. And that's exactly why I stopped reading... I knew that this was a detailed, well researched book that I could accept to be absolutely documented Truth! And it scared me! I will get back to that book at some point....
What immediately hit me was that I could possibly be seen as one who claimed to have direct guidance from God... This book talks about an entire set of actions that are supposedly directed by God... Was I misleading my readers by sharing about my own connection? Was I using God's name to support my own agenda? The next morning after I had stopped reading, I bowed my head and asked for guidance and quickly the words came, "This is your story..." accompanied by the flush of warmth over my face as I listened to His Spirit... It seemed like He was saying that I was to not be afraid of sharing the gifts that He has given me... But, because I'm the doubting thomasina who seeks confirmation of even my own connection, I needed further assurance... I was led to a Christmas program that I had earlier taped... and found four songs I'd never heard, that spoke of all that I was feeling... Music is, for want of a better word, generic. It is written by somebody who does not know you. Yet, when you hear it, it speaks, often of God... This, to me, is a confirmation of my own world.
So, I began to look for the next book to read and liked the title of a book by Gourish Bakhshi, For the Good to Do Nothing. Again, I read a little... It is an alternative fiction story where the author describes what is happening between Russia and Ukraine, only with the countries being India and China... No, I'd come back to this one. There is already too much reality on needless wars...
And then I downloaded Lin Wilder's latest book in a series and I loved the title... I needed Truth and I knew that this author would treat the issue of transgender children in a sensitive, thoughtful way. In fact, the author shares early that she had been asked to write this book and that she had struggled as she, too, knew it was an important topic that is being used by politicians, rather than to look at the situation to support those who are affected most of all--our children... Will we never realize just how our children are affected by adult actions? So, I am now reading this book. I can deal with a single important issue and work to sink into the story, knowing that Jesus places children first in His concern and magnificent love...
There's a feeling deep inside of me that life will get good again, because I trust in Him. But as days go on, I find I'm just as scared as many of you are. The division of America is wider and deeper than many actually know... The first book I mentioned included statistics about numbers of people involved and numbers of guns they own... It was staggering that there is so much hate and willingness to use violence to get the power, the control that is sought.
Time is meaningless to somebody who lives alone, so, when I awoke in the middle of the night, fully awake and remembering, I got up and wrote the above, which I've now have proofread (I always proofread before I post...anything...)
But I realized as I got up this morning, I have more to say today... And that's ok... It is my time to do with as I need to. Sooo, I'll first change my sheets that have been on my bed for weeks--until even I can't stand it--LOL That's the only thing that will detract me from writing... For it seems these day, perhaps as my next birthday grows near... I need to share... Thank you for those who read my words! I believe that God will be the controller to see my words reaches who needs to read them... Even if it is many years from now...
God Bless,
Gabby
By the way, some of you may notice that I have changed the spelling of my nickname. Avi's Mom gave me a Christmas Card addressed to Gabby from Avi. I decided then that Avi was more important than how I spell my name so I would change it to how he may, when he can read and write, spell that name...more easily...
Avi and I at the piano after coming back from lunch...Notice the cats having fun playing tennis on my back...LOL I'm a cat fanatic for evaluating and seeing human behavior... More LOL
Some things touch my soul and pepper sweet my words.”*
“Relationships are like spider webs. Weave them, weave them. Cut them, snap them. Then, in the first strong wind, they blow away.”*
...“Well, I can nurse your mother in my digs, but the landlady’s an old orthodox Jew and doesn’t care for goyim, if you know what I mean? “ Willa did. Jessica McVie, who disliked anyone less than three-quarters Scottish and one-hundred percent Christian, regarded herself as tolerant. But most people who claim tolerance for diverse folk generally are intolerant. “That wouldn’t work out,” Willa said. “What would work is to move her back to Larkin Street. I can take the spare room and be in attendance around the clock. I said it before and I’ll say it again; you’d save a heap of money, as would I, if you set me up there to take care of my own.” Granny raised her beer, and then took a swig. “That would be best for all.” Willa recognized the worst scenario. Her mother would be home, but everyone’s nerves would fray; and Willa’s chore load would increase. Now she knew why they had made a bee-line to the Cow Hollow Noodle Shop. Granny wanted to discuss bringing the whole situation home — literally. “We could discuss it more,” Willa said. “And I’ll broach it with Dad and the boys.”
Change the subject, Willa thought. Change the subject before the next swig of beer. “But I’m curious.” “Curiosity killed the cat, dearie.” “Well, I’m not dying to know, but it would be helpful. About the ring.” “The Heritage Ring?” Granny asked. “It would be terrible if they stole it. I’d bring them to court if it went missing.” “That would be a shame.” “It’s not a shame to right a wrong?” “No, I meant, it would be a shame if it went missing.” “Oh. Yes.” “I know the ring has the family crest on it . . .” “Proud family crest, that of the McVie,” Granny said. “Represents the union of two ancient highland families — The Macbeths and the Beatons. That’s how the name came about.” “I don’t understand.” “It used to be MacBea, long before any of us were alive. But it made its way through the centuries as McVie, thanks to our English relatives.” She smirked, and then swigged again. “Now you don’t want me to tell you the whole family history, do you?” Willa had heard bits from her mother and a smidgeon from Granny, but if it would keep the subject off the convalescence arrangements, she would listen to the entire history of Scotland.
Besides, the Gyoza arrived — a dash in the conversation. “Actually, Granny, if it explains why it’s called the Heritage Ring, I’d welcome the chit-chat.” “More than chit-chat, dearie,” Granny said. “When we say Macbeth, we mean the Macbeth.”Willa shuddered. The only Macbeth she recalled was Shakespeare’s fictitious character, head deep in murder and mayhem — more myth and legend than ancestral history. “I thought it a stage invention,” Willa remarked; and then she remembered her High School English class. “Mrs. Bertinelli told us Shakespeare used a book by Hollingsworth for the Macbeth chronicle; and that Hollingsworth’s Histories is a supposition.” “Are you going to believe some Guinea school teacher’s words about Scottish history over your granny’s?” “Well, of course not.” “Good. Now, I’m not saying Mr. Shakespeare’s Macbeth was a true model for our ancestor. Willy the Bard was English, after all. But you’re descended from kings. Unfortunately, those kings had a downward spiral, their fortunes depleted after many wars and . . . you know how that goes. And the family married into a mixed-breed Shropshire bunch called the Beatons. Now, these Beatons were respectable chemists. They called them alchemists in those days. I’m sure most drugs used today the Beatons invented one way or another. So, when they crossed the pond as the McVie, they were handy with concoctions.” Granny took another swig. Quite handy, indeed, Willa thought “And the ring?”
“Oh, that’s a West Coast invention, dearie. It’s not that old, and its significance lies in membership. Not so much now.” “I don’t understand.” “Your Grandfather Wilton was a member of the Heritage Society, also known as the Heritage Society of Clans and True Bloods. Although I must say, none of us are really True bloods. Not me, although I’m close; and certainly not your Grandfather.” Granny set her beer aside, forked up a Gyoza, shunning the chopsticks, and sucked it down. Then, she crossed herself, much to Willa’s surprise. “I’m a God fearing woman,” Granny said. “So I never understood the ins and outs of that strange society.” She sniffed the stale air. “Your grandfather was young when I met him and young when I lost him. We knew each other for ten years, but married two years before his passing.” Willa knew this much; and that he was just nineteen and had a daughter on the way when that fatal meeting with the cable car happened; but she knew little else about the man. “He had that ring crafted by a chinky Chinaman down on Grant. Wilton brought a drawing of the McVie crest to the chink, and...well, those people can copy most anything. Why he scratched it on whalebone is beyond me, but your grandfather was hell bent on it. And he needed that ring as a sign he belonged to the Heritage gang.” “Gang?” “Well, you might call it a gang. They weren’t thugs, but they met in secret and exchanged whoppers, I suppose. Women aren’t allowed.” “Aren’t? They’re still around?” “I suppose so. They haven’t crossed my path since the incident.” She crossed herself again. “You do know your grandfather may not have had an accident.”
Willa had heard this before. “You think this Heritage Society had something to do with it?” “Murder, you’re thinking. No. They were mild-mannered men and, as I said, True bloods. But my Wilton was a brooder. He liked the Society because they dressed up in robes and chanted old hymns and explored old books.
Now, the McVie, being from chemist stock, contributed on that score. But beyond this hobby, the Heritage Society encouraged my man to brood even more. He pondered life like a smithy pounds his anvil. But Wilton was never strong steel.” “What are you saying, Granny?” “Not much of anything, but since you work on the crisis lines, you know the signs of a man considering . . .” “Suicide?” Granny crossed herself again, and Willa knew why her grandfather was almost a true blood. “I can’t be sure. I’ll never be sure. But the possibility is distinct.”
“I don’t think so,” Willa said. “How can you know?” “Well, I know one of his friends; and he’s told me my grandfather was lively, and not a brooder.” “Who told you that?” “Oh. Don’t put too much stock in Conlon.” “Was he a member of that Society? ” Granny laughed. “Joe’s a dreamer. In fact, your grandfather was a dreamer. But Joe was always quick with a passionate phrase and an over-the-top response. They were friends. In fact Joe knew him longer than I had. But Conlon was . . . well, went on to better things, but was anything but respectable. Anything but . . .”
~~~
Edward C. Patterson, also author of The Jade Owl, went into an entirely different path when he wrote Willa Goodheart. In fact, when I first started reading, I thought it was going to be chick lit, as we first meet Willa at her place of business where she has just been promoted to be an assistant to the assistant to the Marketing Director of Fidelity Fiscus, a collection firm.
Thing was that Willa didn't have a job description for her new job, but soon found... She would be doing what her boss was supposed to... You know, back when bosses were mean and you wanted to murder them...or they tried to get closer to you? Well, Willa got the latter attention the second day she was in her new position, and quickly moved to leave his office!
But soon, bits and pieces start to happen that pulled Willa into a murder investigation! And the twists and turns moved faster and faster... as Willa wondered whether she had a stalker, when she kept seeing a guy on a bike like a messenger would ride... While she was handling travel arrangements for her boss's boss, while she would leave the office and then come back wrinkled and her hair messed... Meanwhile on the floor where she used to work as a collector, one of her friends had been moved into a small room, but was threatening suing them for age discrimination...or, better yet, starting to tell all the secrets that he knew after working so many years...
Willa seems to be a key player in all that is happening, but she can't figure out why... An envelope is found with the name of the dead man... Then she starts getting calls at her volunteer location... And, to top it off, one of the officers on the case has taken an interest in her and arranged an evening time when he promised to share information with her about the case, and he proceeds to drink too much and told her much more than she should have known!
The author has thus far provided the reader with the background, characters involved; and, then chooses to create Part II when Willa and her new lover, take on the amateur detective role. But that wasn't enough for this author, he throws in a mysterious bicycle messenger who she begins to call her stalker, but actually is something far more "scifi--the spooky kind..." and, of course, romance of both the good and bad kind!
So we now start looking at those who have been murdered--yes more than 3...but then we get the explanation that this seems not to be a serial killer, at least according to the detectives on the case, who, for better or worse, soon learn that Willa Goodheart is smack in the middle of all of this, and so do not totally shut her out of the investigation. I fell in love with the book as Part II begins... Because he added a playlist beginning with pointing out it was the age of Aquarius, of free love, flower children and those who were gay began to come out, even if it was within tightly controlled meeting places...
So, during the evening when Willa met with Detective Schultz, he took her to the restaurant which was owned by his brother. The evening ended with Larry and Willa, recognizing an immediate attraction. And Willa taking the initiative, realizing it had been a decade since she even dated! You'll have fun as these two people ultimately come together and decide to solve the mystery... Larry had even stolen his brother's badge one night when he was so drunk that Larry had to drive him home... Now, he was quite willing to flash that badge as they started through their own deep investigation! Let's go along with them, shall we?
“My tiny hands barely reach the octave. I can manage Chopin, but Rachmaninoff would be an Olympic hurdle.” The author didn't specific a specific composition for this author...so I chose one of my favorites!
In the getting to know each other phase, Larry found that Willa was a pianist, but learned early that her small hands presented a problem in octaves...but since she really wasn't that passionate about playing, she slowly moved toward getting a job--which really got her into this entire mess...
Willa was pulled in because she picked up an envelope that had the name of the latest victim. Willa and her friend Jose spent their lunchtime talking about either the cruel boss or Jose's lover. He was openly gay, so Willa really wasn't surprised when he was there at The Painted Lips... Willa was astonished with Larry's being a restaurateur that he was able to get in many places and, indeed, knew exactly the person they would need to talk to. Along the way, I was picking up the many clues that the author provided and was fairly certain I knew how the plot would proceed...but that doesn't mean all readers will notice...So, before we go on, I highly recommend this book for plot, characters, genre/jumping and a fantastic playlist! Now, if you readers who don't dwell on the music that accompanies scenes, you can always just skip listening, OK? 'Cause I'm just having fun...!
Willa comes from a musical family, but only her brother is a professional who plays the oboe... Visit their home and it will be the sound in the background on most visits... I've liked Dvorak for many years, but also enjoyed compositions in the minor key, which this particular piece is... So what happened? Well a brilliant member of the local symphony was one of those killed... By the way, the search for the weapon used, which turned out to be the key "tell" for its being done by the same person, was the only way, at first, that the police detectives knew it was a singular villain...
Finding a symphony program which had been for a children's summer concert wasn't exactly significant, except for where that program had been found! After a full day of intense investigations by Willa and Larry, Willa went straight home...to bed...to dream... The total dream scene was fantastic!
The rain sound increased as she drifted into a dark place — a noisy crowded place held captive by a disco ball. Faces. Dozens of faces passed before her through the polka dot lights. She recognized some — Jose, Henry, Larry, Chatty, Simone; but others danced, passing by her — Granny McVie, Freddie, Lavinia and The Lash.
When the weight of law enforcement presses innocence, an uncorrupted path is difficult to discern. When a signature binds you to silence and yet your lips speak; and trust compels you to reveal new evidence and yet your fists ball in secrecy, the mind drifts to alternatives — retreating to a faraway land or seeking a name change or changing hair color. Such ideas crossed Willa’s mind as she wrestled with the chain of new facts, suppositions and evidence.*
To deliver bits of twine to bumblers would defeat the purpose. Willa slowly realized she wanted control — a strange desire considering she had been the controlled by everyone and everything in her life. In lieu of hopping a train to Mexico and growing a mustache, Willa settled down at Larkin Street for an evening with her family.*
Taking in her family entire, Willa realized the world had a shared stress. Every noggin on the planet set out on a personal road of pitfalls and celebrations; and not always coinciding to everyone’s likes. Knowing this settled Willa’s nerves. She was in the company of endless worlds, each to their own orbit — each with specific terrains — desolate or crowded according to their ability to draw or repel. Each hiding or shouting on their personal cycle, looping, lost in a boundless sea simultaneously calm or tempestuous.*
When Mindy appeared dancing a threesome with Sonny and Alice, Willa shuddered. The music had transformed from a disco beat to the sound of a banjo
with a lazy oboe descant soaring over the strum, a jaunty theme accentuated by the herky-jerky moves of dancers. Suddenly, the aroma of Chamomile overpowered the place, shrouding the dance floor in fog.
“I deliver these unto you,” he said. Willa tried to speak, but couldn’t. She meant to take the stack, but wouldn’t. She knew what these were — invitations from death.. “Take these,” the messenger repeated. “Take them, and the weight shall be lifted. Your fog will evaporate.” Willa refused to accept.
“Sis, you know the Mahler is tricky. Mendelssohn is far easier.” Then, Freddie’s face changed to Kentwood Schulhoffer’s, who grinned sardonically. As he shook his head, the jeweler’s mug transformed into . . . into the Old Grandmother’s, who lifted Old Friend Cane toward Willa, and then pointed. “You cannot stand still in the same place forever, girl,” the old woman snapped. “Not when the rain calls your name and rallies you to action...”
“The rain comes to us all,” Simone said. “Each drop contains a memory, which sings to us, recalling the tender moments, the sad moments, and times we only remember when the song sighs over our souls. My people know this — both Jewish and gay. I hear the lowing of Shabbat shalom and the lullabies under the boardwalk. The drops recall pogroms and bashings, chicken soup and broken hearts.” She turned toward Willa. “You cannot stand still in the same place forever, girl; not when the rain calls your name and rallies you to action.”*
And during that dream, Willa started putting all of the pieces that had been gathered from the Police Detectives, through Larry and her investigations, which, admittedly, they had chosen not to share since they had the desire to actually solve the case... Waking, Willa found herself moving toward the one instrument that she could play, and started playing one of the most beautiful of Chopin's pieces, in my opinion... And, as she played, one by one of her family picked up the instrument that they played and joined Willa, as if they were all in the past, playing together on a nightly basis, laughing...loving...happily... sharing, perhaps, the most enjoyable times that had routinely occurred during past years!
As she fell into the music’s groove, it captured her conscience, setting the stress to rest — not a flight, but a hibernation, sure to return again. The piece called to an evening sea under an ebbing tide, the whistling of night birds at a mental distance. Willa rocked as she played, a rhythm worth capturing — a sound which went beyond the room, the card game, and even the garden’s mulch. She didn’t care if the sonorous ripples disturbed her family, hoping the piece evoked reconciliation. Suddenly, a hand stilled her playing. Willa looked down, spotting the Heritage Ring. Quickly, she glanced into her mother’s brightening eyes. with invigorated passion. Willa gazed from her mother’s fingers to her mother’s focused eyes. How a mind malfunctioning at one level could perform such keyboard wonders escaped explanation, unless music was housed in a separate compartment walled securely from the night soul. Willa couldn’t tell, but she heard the others stir, amazed and delighted.*
Once finished, Willa realized that her mother had come to sit beside her, and when Wilma sat down playing one of the most difficult pieces that she had ever played in the past... The family, stunned, because Wilma had short-term amnesia and often forgot what was happening at any given time, but this was the past, and she willingly opened her heart and mind to what her family offered to her...
Suddenly, Freddie led the next selection as he played the main melody while his mother complemented each note as if they were both playing at the symphony for hundreds of people... Only to be bested when Wilma once again took center stage with a honky tonk song by Robert Foster! What fun! With Granny taking the vocal... Come on! Sing along with her, because the words are right there in the book!
We are now, as readers, completely involved in the book! So much so, that Willa and all involved were totally caught off guard when The End quickly drew closer!
Wow! I have just spent hours putting this together, finding the music playing it as I continued to talk about the story... And yet, the sting of what happened lingers... From the heights of glory as those who truly enjoy the classics, as well as any other music genre, we are faced with the reality of that time... Was it truly just from history? Or, did the author use the historical framework to point out that, for whatever reason, the murder and mayhem continues in America--perhaps, even more so... in 2019 when it was published.
This author is a wonderful storyteller. In fact, some books, like this one, allows the reader to simply let the book write its own review... You will see that I was already invested from the first page, reckoning back to when women faced discrimination in offices and other work areas... But, after acknowledging and spotlighting, the main character showed that we women do not have to accept the sexual overtures of others, even if they are bosses!
Characters include those who are thirsty for power, those who have been forced by the outside world to keep their lives secret, and those who reached the point, that they couldn't take the hate within or spewed into their lives... And chose violence as what they perceived to be their only option--Perhaps, since it continues, it has been citizens in America who have caused those harmful feelings? Surely the author expected us to ponder how we treat our "neighbors..."
I have added this to my personal list of favorites... Do check it out!
GABixlerReviews
I fell on the grass, lying on my back, looking at the sky through the filigree of trees. Then I rolled over watching a ladybird climbing a single blade of grass. Now, I wasn’t a genius or by any means extraordinary, but for a moment the entire world was caught in that blade of grass. All other leaves faded. It was the only thing I saw. I’ll never forget it. Couldn’t put a name on it or broadcast it to the world. But I’ve never forgotten how I viewed things on that day. It was . . . a day of discovery. Yes, that’s what it was, and I believe I’ve seen my life through that lens ever since — a single blade of grass on a day of deep discovery.” As Larry continued to chomp on his mystical lettuce leaf, Willa had an urge to leap across the table and grab this man and plant a kiss smack on the dressing drips. She imagined the ladybird on the blade of grass and somehow it liberated her from the spaghetti pot, the swirl of Nob Hill and, yes . . . even the eleventh floor of Fidelity Fiscus. She felt her hands stretching for the octave.*
And, if you haven't heard enough, stay while I listen to one of my favorite composers and post! Have a good night and God Bless Us All...
*These are quotes or scenes that I found simply beautiful in the telling... Shared to be read purely at your discretion.
I believe Joe Biden is our best choice for President at this time, for a reason. We need his experience, his background and his accumulated knowledge. We need his acceptance that to do the right job for America he must welcome all people who sought a new life who have a variety of backgrounds. He does not care. He does not shirk from reckoning that even though He is a Christian, he knows that in leading in the separation of the church and state, that he must support the Constitution as written. I believe he is a good man and I have watched as he encountered emotional distress for those who have been or are in pain. He emulates Jesus in his constant concern and respect, no matter who or what they are or believe. This, then, it what I believe should be the role of the President of the United States. That, in itself, as an officer for the Constitution, his loyalty is to the nation first and not to his religion as defined here on earth...
I woke up at 1:30 AM, this morning remembering only that I had dreamed that I should go back to the book I had started: Evangelicals at the Crossroads: Will We Pass The Trump Test?
This book was published in 2020. I hadn't realized that as I began to read. It is presented in the form of a debate, perhaps for the individuals to whom the book is addressed, or, for himself, as well. What is then presented is a back and forth discussion on issues and, of course, primarily the past president. I had read over 40 pages, but, since I had realized that it was written much earlier, I decided to turn to the back chapters... where you would normally find some type of conclusion in non-fiction books.
I read a little, my mind wandering away from the book, finding myself also going back and forth in my thinking... It seems important that, for the majority of my life, I had little or no involvement with politics. It seemed to me I was living my priorities at that time. I worked, I participated in church in various ways, and in family matters. Indeed, it was only because of Donald Trump's infamous first video broadcasted that I started to listen...
My great-niece, who is now helping me as a caretaker, shared that she described me to her husband as a women's libber... I laughed, immediately thinking that I had never burned my bra or read Gloria Steinem... but that, indeed, from early life, I recognized the difference in being a woman in today's world. And, even, as girls played about getting married, I played at becoming a secretary. Of course, my sister was in business school at the time, so it was a natural selection. My point is that I envisioned myself helping somebody in a role that was supportive to others...
And that early ruminating led me to how the author of this latest book I was reading shared/wrote... For instance, homosexuality was referred to as sinful--no "buts" about it... Indeed, the entire group of these people who were different was lumped together as sinners, more or less... However, I had interacted with women who professed being gay. One of them was a cousin who is now deceased. When she told me she was gay and getting married, I asked her just one thing--was she still in church? That is, was she still a Christian? She responded affirmatively and shared that she would be married in church...
Homosexuality has been in existence since before Christ. I have known homosexuals with whom I've been friends. I have known people who may or may not be homosexuals...(I never asked) and I've been friends or at a minimum willing to treat them as I would anybody else... I cannot think of any Biblical reference between Jesus and a homosexual individual. I do remember that in both the story of the woman who would be stoned by men, as well as the Samaritan woman who had a sexual background, Jesus merely acknowledged that he knew of that background and yet offered her His Love, His Light, His Truth...
I have no doubt that He would never have placed these individuals into a stereotypical lump and condemned them... and, as many have gone even further in violence and murder... But that is the history of 2000 years+ and we are a different culture, good or bad... But, with the example of Jesus, we learn that we must love all of God's children, no matter who they might be...
Thus, I would think that it is exactly how Pope Francis must have pondered, prayed, and recognized that Jesus would never have turned away anyone...
Key to this, of course, is based upon the separation of church and state. Let's take it a step further, the Catholic Church does not allow President Biden to take communion has been stated over and over...However, here's what has been stated recently...
Biden is welcome to receive Communion at churches in the archdiocese. Mr. Biden met with Pope Francis last month at the Vatican where Mr. Biden said the pope told him he was a "good Catholic" and should keep taking Communion.Nov 17, 2021
Notice that this statement is in the present tense--that is, he should keep taking communion...
I found Dr. Brown's writings as if it were an internal argument as to justifying what is/has happened. But that is just my feeling, perhaps, somewhat of my own bias against what has occurred. However, it seems to me that in all that has been done by republicans to provide "religious freedom" for Evangelical Christians, is that it is an attempt to dominate or control the lives of all people, whether they are christians or not. Going back and forth in justification is, again, in my opinion, an attempt to accept that Trump has indeed moved well beyond what the deal was...
Or, is it? What I believe the Pope is saying, and which I happen to agree with, is that God has created all people in his image. They are all God's children and it is only God's judgment which will decide their fate. And, in the meantime, rather than those who are religious in America being allowed to follow their own choices, just as they have, with their own beliefs, then all those who have different opinions or beliefs must be legally able to live in those positions/choices without prejudice.
Right now we are in the midst of a major problem. I agree with Biden it is a dangerous one. The question of our laws, our constitution, our country's freedom is, indeed, on the ballot. And that has ultimately been brought about from the hierarchy of the christian church... Think about how those who came to America to seek religious freedom, then went about forcing the Indigenous Natives to become christians... Think further back to the Crusades, the Inquisition, and, from a more openly hateful action, performed the Holocaust.
Is not what the evangelical christians and the republican party, together, doing the same thing? Is it not that those now in office are purposely using the courts to allow discrimination? Consider, just one issue, as an example. A baker chose to not want to create a cake for a gay couple... My opinion is from my professional background. If you choose to go into a service organization, then you should serve all customers. By doing so, does not in any way, force you to accept what you don't believe. Indeed, it is merely doing your job. I find it ironic that it is christians, historically, who have been attempting to FORCE their religion on people... Historically, it has and continues to fail. Don't you think that those christians would begin to examine themselves and their decisions?
Indeed, by the end of this book. Dr. Brown continued to agree to disagree, but that he was going to vote for Trump... He proceeds to go on and on and on about his decision... Clearly the book was intended only for evangelical christians since there was no basis for consideration of choosing or not choosing Trump for president... Other than we all have our choice...and should exercise it.
While Brown refers to earlier beginnings such as Falwell and "family guy", the overview come across as wishy-washy to me. And, perhaps that is the key. Do we, as Christians, speak of love as the primary connection with others? Or do we see some "sin" that is to be squashed before they are worthy to even be called to "consider" to join a church? I don't have the answer... What I do know is that if, even at the beginning of the discussion of who to vote for, we are being told that our christian ideology must be part of the factor and therefore it's alright to vote for a known criminal, that...is...just...wrong...
Yet, it was indeed The Moral Majority, Jerry Falwell, who decided to enter into politics and start pushing... If you did not bother to watch the second video, in particular, about Pope Francis' statement, please do so now. Key is that the fact that, in my opinion, the Pope is clearly separating the church and the state, pointing out that he agreed that we are all God's children... and that as Americans we all deserve equal treatment... Remember, for instance, as soon as Trump became president, he attempted to ban Muslims from America. Two points come to mind for consideration. One, Trump is being praised in Brown's book for responding to the desires of evangelical christians. Thus, we must assume that refusing religious freedom to Muslims was a mandate of the evangelical christians... Is that not a logical assumption? Two, anybody and everybody is fully aware that Trump stuffed the courts with right-wing conservatives. Indeed, the first act, after each of the new justices said during their "employment" interview that they would not change precedent... they went ahead and did just that... (Roe/Wade)
Now, let's look at just the one action. The republican party, starting under Trump, went full speed ahead to, not merely initiate action in support of this change. No, they went all the way to create an atmosphere of fear, divisiveness, and medical emergencies! Decisions that are clearly NOT responsive to the needs of all Americans! Indeed, threats and overturning of judicial rulings are ongoing. Doctors do not know how to treat their patients, even if they see and have found a dangerous situation if a pregnancy is allowed to go through. This, to me, only means that a woman's life means nothing to either of these groups. Again, the logic is clear. Choosing to not provide for the common good of one American, while choosing to force to birth a dead baby or one who will die slowly afterwards, is, in my mind, one of the cruelest things that could be forced on a woman... For what? For some "Key Word" that has been used over and over and over to incite fear, hatred and division. I cannot make myself more clear. Neither religion nor the government should be involved in a women's medical issues. And, further, that the ONLY reason that it became an issue was because of one or more individuals wanting to have power over another!
My sister told me that if I was a Christian I must vote republican. To keep from arguing, I initially registered as Independent... then I saw what the republicans were really all about, and I changed my designation to democratic... I do not want to hear about the past, because I knew nothing about it as it occurred. Today, right now, is what I see... I see and hear one politician after another speaking out to help all Americans, regardless of their individual differences. That is the Democratic Party.
You know, folks, what I see when I look at Joe Biden is a man who cares about people... What I see when I look at Trump is a man who is a performer, who will change to elicit initial trust, and then demand allegiance as a would a dictator or monarch. And, in my opinion, the evangelical christian hierarchy, in choosing to support him, have created the ultimate individuals who could destroy America. Those who choose to demand their rights regardless of whether or not it hurts somebody else...
Consider Covid 19. While Trump started the creation of an antidote, but then decided it was too difficult to handle, he moved to the opposite extreme, as a dictator does. He demanded that masks were not necessary. He made fun of people, He didn't care about the hundreds of thousands of deaths that occurred... And, even today, when I, in a simple attempt to point out that somebody could get a covid shot at the same time a flu shot was obtained, a man turned on me and screamed "NO!" into my face...
By the way, the woman he was with, probably his wife, immediately turned to me and explained that she had had a reaction and we talked together... Have you all noticed that it is women who are quietly and effectively and efficiently dealing with today's issues? No wonder I'm seen as a women's libber... I've fought through the male-dominated bureaucracy. I've seen how some few men treat women--thankfully not all. And I've seen men who play the game of kissing the ring. And, right now, in America, there are far too many kissing Donald Trump's ring as their god... their idol... their hero... but, never, their president of all Americans...
I have no background on Hillary Clinton, for instance. I do know that she won the popular vote over Trump. I do know that women across the nation went to Washington to march against Trump and that group was larger than those who attended Trump's inauguration. What that tells me is that we women see Trump as exactly what he is. And men who choose to use the Bible to demean women, rape--physically, mentally or emotionally--or believe that women in higher level positions through affirmative action is wrong, these then are those to question...
Dr. Brown also glowed in his praise of Mike Pence, completely unaware of the fact that we are in the years of 2000... It was quickly headline news that Pence would not work with women--no wonder they despise Hillary Clinton! Could it be because she forgave her husband and stayed with him? I don't know but it certainly forces you to wonder...
Because, this single Christian woman, through many years of working on a university campus, in more higher level positions, quite often had lunch with men. My boss, my peers, faculty members, staff members... Many of them married. Yet, Pence chose to not be burdened with temptation? And therefore women in such positions were either not to be allowed in those positions, or that they would be ignored as an equal professional woman with whom he was to act responsibly? Check out an article in The New Yorker about this issue that is certainly why women have become agitated by being forced to deal with the selection that christians made for their president!
Finally, it seems to me that, after 2000+ years, that God would have expected his children to grow up. That is, to grow in His Spirit... I am reminded of the parable of the talents, where one chose to bury the talent that had been placed in his hands for safe-keeping, fearing his master. Yet, when the master came back, he took away that talent and gave it to the others who had invested the talents and worked to benefit their master. I think about this parable often... America, especially, has grown in many ways, especially as a result of science. Should we not have as a country, a world, grown in our religious maturity. But, just like the man who chose to bury the talent, many have chosen to bury the results of increasing improvements in all areas, including religious study... That is why I've come to accept the words of Jesus as my primary guidance. He, more than anybody, who was condemned to death by those religious rulemakers of the past:
Matthew 23
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them." Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in thesynagogues; they love to be greeted in the market- places and to have men call them`Rabbi.'
"But you are not to be called `Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth `father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called `teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are. "Woe to you, blind guides! You say,`If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? You also say, `If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.' You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? Therefore, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it. And he who swears by heaven swears by God's throne and by the one who sits on it. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices--mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law--justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Therefore you will be punished more severely." Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. And you say,`If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.'So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets.Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your forefathers! "You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? Therefore I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town.And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. I tell you the truth, all this will come upon this generation. "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, `Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.' "
This scripture might seem to be addressed to the Jewish people, who lived at that time, and who were involved in the death of the Son of God. But, and I do not say this lightly... If the Bible is The Word of God as defined by evangelical christians and other sects, then, by claiming that, then this scripture must be, in my opinion, relevant to all individuals who live at any time. Otherwise, what relevance does this one passage have to anybody today?
So we see that pharisees and lawyers are to be obeyed but specifically told to not do what they do. Well, let's look back on the Trump presidency before Jeff Sessions was fired. It was at that time, that he quoted scripture about following leaders--essentially trying to say that we were to follow what the government and the president wanted, because after all, he had been appointed by Trump. It was during a time of migration of many immigrants who were seeking asylum. He announced a new policy whereby babies were to be separated from the parents... We all know how that went. Badly! Several issues became clear: The administration had no competency in creating, announcing, and then implementing a new policy!
Not only was the policy outrageous, they had failed to create an implementation plan for tracking--surely a simply matter if they had thought about it!!! After all, I had implemented a plan to locate over 20,000 students each semester and I can't recall ever failing in that endeavor... So in a year, I would have about 60-80,000 students and faculty arrive at a specific designation... I would imagine that even as of now, there are still children lost somewhere and yet to be found and returned to their parents. This became a major uproar for the administration, who cried out Wall, Wall, Wall, all could be solved with a wall... Geesh! Get Real!
The same thing happened with Covid19. Trump did initiate arrangements with pharmaceutical companies... That's it! Once again, the job was half done by this administration and Biden's new administration had to work overtime trying to catch up with what should have been done by Trump's staff. We all remember the possible use of various methods, including using bleach(!) that had no connection with helping to cure a virus being thrown out by the president. We also remember that he admitted to a man who was writing a book, that he purposely kept information from Americans claiming he didn't want his base to know...
Do either of these instances have a relationship to the above scripture? Of course they do. In both cases, it was the children and the elderly who were affected the most, but many others died purely from exposure because the president made it a joke to wear a mask and his followers did not wear them...killing even more than necessary. I remember a town into which a group of motor cycle riders came for an annual event, all of which did not wear masks...
I think I've shared this at another time, but it needs to be repeated again. The short version? Check out the italicized reference in red above. Not all versions of the Bible include this reference (which is another reason that questioning the Bible as "The Words of God" should be considered. Aside from that, in another version and in a book that was once given me by a pastor about the family, he said if I agreed with everything in the book, I would be an acceptable leader for a group at church. In that book, I was told that the church was to take care of me as a single woman... I therefore went to my pastor and asked when they would begin to take care of me... The thing is that the idea was so victorian--so ancient a concept that I and he both started to laugh... However, to me, it was another step to my moving to accepting the Bible as being inspired by God and NOT the Word of God. I and many others have found so many contradictory things in the Bible, as well as those which are extremely disturbing, including murder and rape as instigated/condoned by a King, who was said to be favored among men. Key to me is that, I cannot accept that if God was writing a book, as did Jesus, in a sense, they would make sure that what was said would be at least understood and that the full historical text would be included... The above is an excellent example of the clarity of Jesus, don't you think?
In other words, my ranking of the Bible as the Word of God would be very low... I believe it is historical, includes poetry and important guidance as of the time of Jesus. There are many, many writers who have written on the Bible, trying to explain, interpret a book that has been translated, edited, rewritten...just as any book would be... Indeed, the Book of Thomas, which was Thomas' recordings of Jesus' actual words is not included... More importantly, with Jesus as our Messiah coming, He was to lead us from then on there. Indeed, He said that from time to time and with various forms of doing so.
I find Matthew 23 as very provocatively written. While it says to obey them (I believe this refers especially to individual church rules as laws, and, perhaps, civil laws...But that we were not to do what they do... and then proceeds to specifically identify the issues to beware of.
And, if you do as Jesus says about Love and Loving, none of the above should be even still in existence for us to quarrel over, in my opinion...
But that, however, is exactly what Dr. Brown, in writing this book has done. He has pontificated about all of the sins of the past president, yet allows that while he is going to continue to vote for Trump, that he is willing for you/us to make your own decision, since it is a right to which we should be obligated to perform. That is, voting for the government of our nation. Yet, at the same time, absolving the past president of any of his actions while in office or during that period, which have gravely affected the nation we once knew: Respect of everybody's lives, liberties and our pursuit of happiness...
In closing, I find that I am not the proper audience for this book. It surely was meant for all those who call themselves evangelical christians, as opposed to...just...Christian. As an aside, there are thousands of different sects falling under the bailiwick of Christianity. I have not taken the time, nor do I have the interest at this point, as to what constitutes the identity of an evangelical christian.
If, however, you are an evangelical christian and you have become concerned, perhaps this book could be useful. Given that the writer continued to support the past president throughout the book, for me, I cannot recommend it or other books who asked me to do what the Bible says. Because, simply, if the Bible followers have caused what has happened in America, then talk themselves into believing it is what God wants, believe me, I'm not willing to play that game of disinformation...
This is not intended as a review of the book. I will not be posting it as a review. As you know, I have found, that so many issues that happen daily have affected my original intent to write a historical life memoir. Instead, I am writing my book in journal form, as events come into my life... bringing in past information or memories as relevant to the specific topic. The 50 or so pages I read were sufficient for me to reject the premise as one I would ever consider.
McGaven drove to St. Joseph’s Church located in downtown Pine Valley. He was scheduled to meet with semi-retired Detective Richard Jamison—who handled most of the church’s local donations and headed up the support groups for police officers. He had been the detective assigned to the missing person’s case for Abigail Andrews. It was customary in the opening of cold cases, if at all possible, to speak with the investigating officer at the time of the report. McGaven’s mind wasn’t completely on the case as his thoughts fell back to how Katie was doing in the search and if there was progress being made. He had sent her a text earlier but hadn’t heard back. She was in a rural area and the signal was most likely sketchy. There was only a sprinkling of cars in the church’s parking lot. McGaven stepped out of the sedan, glancing around him. The area was quiet and deserted. Walking to the back door entrance, there was a large white pickup truck with boxes neatly stacked in the back. The door was slightly ajar, so McGaven pushed it open. “Hello? Detective Jamison?” “Yeah, come on in,” came a voice. McGaven walked through the back area where boxes, bins, and large storage containers were organized by group and size. He still didn’t see the detective. “I’m over here,” said the voice. McGaven passed boxes identified as household, kitchen, clothes, and medical, until he came across a man in a corner organizing more boxes. He looked to be in his late fifties, heavyset around the middle, and wearing jeans and a T-shirt. His silver hair made him seem older, but his young-looking face said otherwise. “Detective Jamison?” said McGaven. “I’m Detective Sean McGaven.” “Yes,” he replied and came to McGaven to shake his hand. “Nice to meet you.” “You too. Need a hand?” “No, thank you. I’m just getting some boxes ready for pick up.” McGaven looked around and was impressed by the dedication that the former detective had put into this work. “I just made some coffee. Would you like a cup?” Jamieson asked. “No, thank you, I’m fine,” said McGaven. “I’ve had four cups already this morning.” “Where’s your partner?” “She’s on a special assignment today.” “Too bad. I wanted to meet her. You know… you two are quite the topic among us old-timers.” He smiled and moved a box to sit down on and gestured for McGaven to do the same. “Really?” “Of course. A one hundred percent cold-case solve rate is impressive… and not to mention Detective Scott is quite the dedicated officer.” McGaven laughed. There had been so many situations they had been involved in—and some he hadn’t been sure they would survive. “Yes, she sure is…”
“So, what’s on your mind about the Abigail Andrews case?” the older detective asked. McGaven coordinated his thoughts. “Well, we just reopened the case and have spoken to Mrs. Andrews and looked through some of Abigail’s things. We’ve read through the reports.” “And you want to know my gut on the case. My impressions.” “That would about sum it up. If you can remember.” “Oh, I remember everything about my cases, especially when they were like the Andrews case.” “What do you mean?” asked McGaven, his curiosity piqued. “Everything about the case seemed off. The initial report, the car location, and the area around it.” “We visited the area where the car was found, and it did seem strange. If there was foul play, why didn’t the perp hide the car? It would have been easy and probably no one would have ever noticed it—especially at that location.” “You mean down the ravine?” “Yes.” McGaven reached for his phone and pulled up a photo of the butterfly necklace. He showed it to the retired detective. Jamison put on his glasses and looked at the photo. “You found it where?” “Down that slight hillside.” “I see.” He nodded. “I remember those butterfly pieces of jewelry in her room at her mom’s house.” He examined the photo longer. “You think this was the girl’s?” “Don’t know for sure. But one of the forensic techs is searching the area—just in case there is anything else that might have belonged to her. It could answer some questions, like if there was indeed foul play or not.” “What else could it be?” said Jamison as he looked at McGaven over the top of his glasses. “We’re just reviewing evidence and eliminating things—trying to generate new leads.” The older detective sighed.
“Not to rain on your parade of a perfect cold-case solve rate, but this may be the case you can’t crack.” McGaven chuckled. “I’ve thought that same thing about some of our other cases, but we manage to solve them. But we can only try.” He wasn’t going let anyone derail their cold case at the beginning. Jamison scrutinized McGaven for a moment. “I like your attitude and your resourcefulness.” “What other things stuck out to you?” “Well, the victim’s friends for one. We couldn’t really get solid alibis, but we searched both of their homes and work. Nothing we found seemed suspicious. But each one had the opportunity to make her disappear.” “You mean Anthony Drake and Teri Butler?” “Yeah. Teri seemed genuinely upset that Abigail had gone missing and her car was found. But the boyfriend—Drake—acted a bit cagey about some of the questions we asked. I think it was more due to the fact he had been arrested on some minor substance use charges.” “What about the mom?” “Nothing panned out from there. She seemed truthful and there was nothing that waved a red flag. And don’t forget Mr. Andrews was still alive then. He was angry and frustrated. I get it. I’ve had my own problems with my kids in the past. Thankfully they’ve straightened up and are living great lives now.” He smoothed some tape on a box and seemed to be rehashing things from the investigation over in his mind.
“Do you think that whatever happened to Abigail was because of her lifestyle? Or was it something else? Like wrong place, wrong time?” “At the time I leaned toward her lifestyle. We couldn’t get a beat on why she was at that location to begin with. We worked the case from the perspective that it had been someone close to her, like family and friends. I actually thought we’d find her body too.” “That’s what makes this case difficult,” said McGaven. “The body is everything. It’s what puts the pieces together of what happened and then leaves the who and why for us to figure out.” McGaven thought that was a good way of describing it. “If you were working the case today… what would you revisit first?” He waited patiently for the detective to answer. He already knew what he and Katie were going to do, but still, he respected the detective’s opinion and experience. “I think it starts at the car and finding a connection to it, whether it be some other location, someone who was linked to it, or one of the farms near where it was found. We did a canvass twice, but never turned up anything.” He took his phone and made a note in his day reminder. “I have some of my personal notes from my cases that might have something that would help your case. I’ll email them to you.” “Thank you.”
McGaven felt that Detective Jamison had been consistent with the reports, which meant he did remember his cases well. “Was there anything about the car you noticed at the time? Like if there’d been car trouble?” “No, the keys were in it, which seemed odd.” “Did it start?” said McGaven. “It did, but there was an intermittent starter problem. You know, like when the alternator is failing. It was possibly what happened to her that day.” McGaven nodded and thought it was an interesting point. “Anything I can do, let me know,” said Jamison. “And if I remember anything else that might help, I’ll be sure to contact you directly.” “Thank you, that would be great. It seems like this case doesn’t have much to go on, but I’m optimistic we’ll find something.” McGaven smiled. “After hearing and reading about your partner, I don’t doubt it.” He stood up. “I’m sorry that I wasn’t more helpful. Oh, and please, let me know if you solve it.” “Of course.”
“It would put an unsolved case to bed for me. One less thing to obsess about. You’ll understand when you get older or when you retire. There are always those cases that haunt you.” “I appreciate your time. And it helps to get more perspective on the case. Thanks again.” As McGaven walked back to the car, Detective Jamison’s words rolled through his mind. The body is everything. It’s what puts the pieces together of what happened and then leaves the who and why for us to figure out.
And, as Katie finds it harder to keep her mind on point, I, too, found a reminder as the evil is discovered that has gone on for years resulting in violence--death--against others... Hamas terrorists merged with what was happening in the book...
I love characters as a primary reason for reading fiction. In this series, Detective Katie Scott, together with her partner,
Detective McGaven are a duo that can't be beat. Scott has an intuitive methodology to her actions, while McGaven provides the logical, the rules-based point of view. I chose the lead characters from the earlier television show Ghost Whisperer, where the roles seem to match the book description of the two... The team are permanently assigned to cold cases. One of the reasons is that Katie is related to the head of the office and other officers have had feelings of nepotism... In this book, though, as things get extremely complex, one officer, in particular, began to see exactly who and why Katie is in her position, and it has nothing to do with anything other than her unique qualities...
But in this book, perhaps as a carry over from the previous, the villain is exceptionally conniving, so much so that Katie has been unable to grab hold of any pieces of the puzzle to begin to put the case together... Until she realizes that they couldn't look just at what was happening. They needed to go back to The First Girl--the beginning and then move forward.
Readers are left up in the air, though, because almost immediately Chad left to recuperate at his mother's home... But how could Katie recuperate. After all, she had been just as affected about Chad's abduction. And, once he was discovered, there were times when somebody was following Katie and even ran her off the road... Who was doing this--and for which case!??
And then there is the star of the show for everyone... Meet Cisco, a K9 dog with whom Katie served with in the military and who is now constantly by her side... In fact, it was through his efforts that the first site find was made...
...[from] his ex-workers, he confirmed that Dayton would probably stay close and not completely leave the area.” “Why? It seems stupid.” “People who get away with things so long, like Dayton has, have this arrogance and high-mindedness that they like to sit back and watch the police—even clean up clues or people who might get in the way.” “Well, he’s sitting back now.” “Take me to him,” she said. “I don’t know. Shouldn’t you call it in?” “I’m not calling it in until I have proof. Then we would be bringing all the cops here attracting too much attention.” Katie was ready to go, and she wanted to get her hands on Dayton. She could never get the images of those bodies out of her head. She wanted to get this guy no matter what it took. Nick studied her for a moment. “We need to check things out, but you have to promise me that you will call in your troops.” “Of course.” “I mean it, Scotty.” “I will,” she insisted. “I don’t want anything to go wrong to make this guy walk.” “Okay.” “What about Cisco?” “I wanted you to bring him so that you wouldn’t be alone.” “You mean so I would have backup.” She smiled.
And, of course, the statement about getting away with things reminded me of the anniversary, tomorrow, of the January 6th Insurrection... Remember, there are ongoing arrests, but there are still many who have not yet made it into the courts for the accountability that we all want, but is still being denied by MAGA minority followers.
For me, reading fiction novels where the police work to bring the guilty in for accountability is ensured is not only important but gives us a sense of satisfaction which we greatly need these days... And, Jennifer Chase gives me those respites from reality that is needed to keep going, knowing that we must work to ensure accountability continues in America as many are using disinformation across the nation to create a violent atmosphere, which, has proven to be a continuous period in today's world that must be stopped! Watch our President on television today remembering what happened on January 6th!
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