We say one thing and do another. We all are guilty. It is human nature. Suffer from disconnect we do. We are so removed from the people who make decisions that affect our lives…we are on another Earth.

It is a lovely fall day. I saw my friend from Giant City Lodge at the post office. He is an eternally friendly person. MJ reminded Brooks that we must set aside time to enjoy our lives and be happy. The view from the Writing Porch is as good as it ever has been. Peace comes from within. Christianity is a comfortable garment that is worn easily. We must never adopt the rancor evil thought marginalization and fever dream of others whatever the station or megaphone.

You must dance with the one who brought you—I have heard it said. Neva J taught me to love all people, and Jesus taught me the same. I do not change. When I sang the old hymn, ‘I have decided to follow Jesus…no turning back…no turning back…I meant it. Each time I feel a little blue or down in the dumps the kindness of those different than me lifts me.

I watched a fascinating movie entitled Another Earth. The thesis was seeing another earth in the sky and wondering if our doppelgangers were inhabitants. The star discovers that her other Earth self was there and had been just like her until a change in her life’s walk caused her to go down another path. She was the one who had the misfortune to be in a car accident where she was drunk and accidentally killed a woman and her child. She subsequently did prison time for it and had to leave her education behind and begin cleaning houses instead of a promising science career. Her Other Earth self did not have the car wreck or the manslaughter conviction.

We are expecting a real-time fork in the road. There are consequences…

The rain is falling on Election Day. The leaves are letting go of their tree home. Thanksgiving is ahead. Hope is secure. We love drama. Drama captivates us often. We live in a Democracy. We must avail ourselves of the blessing of freedom and choice for ourselves and our neighbors.

Often, we believe that what works for us will work for everyone. I enjoy walking in the woods daily, while others prefer the inside of their homes. Some of us are extroverts, while I am an introvert. Many wore their faith on their sleeve. Others have a quiet faith that does not require trumpeting.

This morning, I walked through the rain and wind to vote. I was accompanied by diverse, friendly people. One lady had her baby covered from the elements. She smiled as I held the door open for her and her child. My neighbor greeted me warmly. Voting was a fun, peaceful experience devoid of hidden agendas. Each person at the Poll wants many of the same things: a happy world, peace, and a taste of prosperity. Shelter against the coming cold. Food when they are hungry. A comfortable bed to lay their head on.

Each of us is deserving of Grace. We have been recipients of it on many occasions. We have received a second chance. We sighed in relief when we were afforded the benefit of the doubt.

People bring me great pleasure. A smile brightens my day. My brilliance has not brought me success. The Grace of others has lightened my load. Understanding is a gift of the angels. To see through another’s eyes is a gift. Feeling the pain of loss hunger…marginalization…is a lifelong lesson.

We are one Human Family. Dividing us is an insult to our kin and to God.

The autumn rain is falling. I am sitting in the Writing Porch which my friend Ira Kaye describes as a beautiful room. I agree. As I spend time on the Writing Porch I think kind thoughts. Anxiety leaves. My vision of the future becomes less murky. The look of the raindrops striking the pond is pleasant. A Great Blue Heron walks leisurely by. It is a happy Monday for him and me.

I watched a cartoon this morning describing the pine trees of Maine. I want to go back and see the pine trees. The Writing Porch causes me to reflect on the big porch at the first bed and breakfast we stayed in at Mr. Desert Isle in Maine. With a glass of red wine in hand and the beauty of Maine surrounding us, it felt good.

Our Nation is a Beautiful Room. Living in such a wide open land with all types of topography climates and people is a rare blessing. As I sat on the elaborate deck during our Maine Stay last month I felt there was no more lovely natural setting on Earth. Indeed there is so much beauty in our Beautiful Room that it is overwhelming…

My Writing Porch is open with a vista of view. Freedom is my view. There are no political shackles. There is no dictatorial requirement or death. Freedom of thought and speech is guaranteed.

Hope is the currency of the realm in our Beautiful Room. The sky is the limit. Everyone has a place at the table…

We have fallen back. It is 4:14 P.M. soon it will be dark. Pastor Kerry preached a lovely sermon regarding our upcoming Election, not from a political stand but from a Christian view. We are a bit anxious an understatement. Media aids in our discontent. Our political/religious rhetoric has become superheated. We race to determine who can get the best zinger in first. Cutting remarks barbed statements mean words have been substituted for courage.

Church and state have become the feet of the statue in Daniel in the Old Testament a mixture of iron and clay. It is impossible to determine where the divisive politics ends and the Christianity of many churches begins. Iron and clay do not mix…

All media sources have bias. The secret is all of us have biases. With our best efforts, it will never be completely removed. Politics was not designed to be the religious answer to a diverse nation. Democracy is hard…it takes a lot of work. The Vision of the United States is a Refuge, …The wretched refuse of your teeming shore’ is not easily achieved.

The first lesson I learned as a manager and then manager/administrator of a large department at Southern Illinois University was I had to look at things from the Big Picture. The question was not what was best for me but what was best for everyone. Not keeping a few friends and neighbors happy…keeping those who have no voice nor advocate happy. Not catering to perceived friends but loving perceived enemies.

Democracy is a work in progress…it is never completed. Hate is not the answer. Acceptance of each other is the beginning of grace. The loudest among us are insecure. Gasoline on a fire does not extinguish it…

Soon we will light the Christmas Candles. The little flickering light will pierce the darkness that surrounds us. Faces from across the Earth will smile into the flame and think of the Prince Of Peace…

‘It is a lovely Saturday…let go rock climbing,’ Billy B said. ‘The Saturday before Election Tuesday will be ideal to take our minds off politics,’ Billy B continued. ‘Whoever wins it will pale compared to the Rush that we will get from climbing the face of a cliff with Salmon Salad Sandwiches,’ Billy B laughed.

‘Tony, I know you do not like egg salad sandwiches so I will make you Salmon Salad,’ George said with a male crush grin. ‘I am down for some rock climbing,’ George continued. ‘Maybe when we go rock climbing you will tell me how you get free pie from waitresses,’ George gushed…

‘Don’t look now but I think we are in a Seinfeld Episode,’ Chet said. ‘I watched this episode on TV,’ Chet continued. ‘Are we dreaming or is this the alternate universe again,’ Chet asked?

‘I do not understand how the fat content in my blood test is so high as I am careful of my diet…however I have been eating a lot of low-fat yogurt,’ Giuliani said.

‘Wake up Billy B and fasten the carabiner…before Chet falls,’ Jane called out! ‘It is dusk and soon will be dark…tonight we set the clocks back,’ Jane said. ‘We do not want to be late for our final journey to the Election,’ Jane admonished.

‘This is a pristine view,’ Chet observed. ‘I can see the entire nation from The Precipice,’ Chet said with tears in his eyes. ‘So…we decide where we have been and where we are going Tuesday,’ Chet whispered. ‘What would President Washington do…what would President Lincoln do…what would my hero…President Kennedy do,’ Chet asked as he spoke to himself…

Today begins the Holiday Season. It’s time to think of turkey, dressing, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade—the joy of Christmas.

A time of year that fosters reflection. Where have I been and where am I going. We are renewed daily. Our lives are a series of happenings. They connect with a loose thread. The thread becomes a strong rope as we age. Yet each day is new. Each day is a snapshot of the whole. ‘Hold your friends close and your enemies closer,’ said the Godfather.

The past is good for learning. What did not work before probably will not work again. The Holiday Season is our reset button. If every time we had an evil thought we replaced it with a good thought…how happy we would be.

Halfway through the ‘Ber’ months…how did this happen so quickly? We are ‘Marching To Pretoria’ Neva J often sang as I got ready for school. Indeed we are marching toward our goal. My goal is peace and happiness for all. No more war John Lennon told us in his famous Christmas Carol. We brag on ourselves and pat ourselves on the back for our upward mobility…yet we kill each other and let the children go cold and hungry…

‘So this is Christmas,’ is once again our challenge. No more war hunger or a roof over you’re head. The theme of the Holiday Season is caring for our neighbors wherever they are from…