Has My Home State Become a Sh*tshow?

There. I said it. Despite being born and raised in Texas, I've lived in California for several decades, off and on. I love everything about this Golden State, except for its politics.

I'm going to go there, even though I've mentioned in other public forums that I would rather not delve into politics with my writing and focus more on the cultural and beautifully challenging things in life. Politics is neither beautiful nor cultural to me. It's becoming an all-consuming topic for everybody under the sun. And it ain't pretty.

Sure, we all have our differences and value systems that shape voting decisions and party-line affiliations. However, California is proving to be somewhat embarrassing when it comes to election time. I watch in both amazement and disgust.

As an independent voter, I've moved from left to right in my attempt to see ALL THINGS clearly and without bias. I used to be one of those raging liberal democrats who were full of opposition to everything, yet preached about love, peace, and harmony. Now, as an independent, I can continue to sidle up to these three important characteristics of society, but I don't go overboard, and my leanings are more traditional.

Maybe it's because I'm older. A Boomer, if you will. I've avoided political commentary (until now) on any of my writing publications due to such polarized responses and positions that have created the largest divide I've ever lived through. But now? I'm blown away by the amount of attention California has gotten as a result of the L.A. mayoral and gubernatorial races.

So, what's going on?

My very first small succulent is blooming! Granted, this beauty only blooms one or two per day, and then they are done.

Well, my garden is thriving. Health and wellness in our household are top-notch. Wizard turns THREE YEARS YOUNG on June 20th, and all else is simply fluff talk around politics and culture. I get most of what I know from reputable sources; however, I enjoy perusing everything I can get my hands on to see who's telling the truth and who's bullshitting.

Given this, any political mention (for me, anyway) has to be above board and with someone I trust. And that someone is my lovely partner, Greg. We go round and round on political conversations because we don't always agree. Isn't that wonderful? Continuing to have respect and admiration despite our political differences. Yes, he brought me over from the crazy lunatic Democrat party into being more independent and seeing everything on a larger scale.

I was incredibly narrow-minded when I met Greg. We had loud conversations when I was voting for a blue California. As time went on and our relationship grew more loving, honest, and connected, I began to do the diligence on being an American Independent voter. I prefer the color purple as a rule, so it was easy to see both sides of the political coin. I'd rather be in the middle and not divisive than be one of those shouting progressives at nationwide protests.

I'm appalled whenever anyone with an anti-this or anti-that sign stands on a street corner and yells at cars, or worse yet, has an expectation that every vehicle needs to honk in support of their message. I don't buy into it. What a waste of precious life force energy! So what if we disagree.

Now that I've navigated the California primaries with much disdain, I see the fraud and delusion so clearly, it's beyond gross. Thank goodness we don't live in Los Angeles. Then again, who knows how this will all shake out? Politics is such a weird animal in our culture, especially of late.

I don't profess to know much about the political spectrum, but I do know my personal values and what floats my boat. Being more of a purple proponent on national and worldly matters leaves my mind and heart more open to seeing each side as they unfold. I'm not an activist or an advocate of much things political, but I do pay close attention every time something changes within the political world. How it will all unfold during each election cycle is something I don't exactly hold my breath for. There's too much ugliness around elections, and I prefer to watch and wait.

So, that's all I got on this topic. I'm very thrilled about Wizard turning another year around the sun, especially because his health is great right now, and his pawed friends are ready to play ALL OF THE TIME!

I wish all of you a beautiful Summer, an exciting July 4th (I'll post a blog next month on the 22nd, since that's my fave number and date of every month), and ease with all conversations around politics with others. If family and friends choose to go there, maybe don't. Maybe excuse yourself and choose not to partake. Unless, of course, you enjoy the challenge of healthy debates and interesting answers or positions.

I choose other topics at this point in my life. I choose interesting and mind-blowing interactions. I choose a willingness to understand and hold my values close to my heart. I also choose to see all sides of the issues; however, I do love diplomacy and opinions that give me pause.

Thank you for your support. Thank you for having an attitude of gratitude. Thank you for showing up and being good in life. Thank you for realizing how much creativity and inspiration can change the world. With that, I bow out of politics (for now!), and I choose a simple life with Greg and Wizard.

Lots of love and have a blessed Summer Solstice,

Gerry Ellen xoxo