Demons Run Faster Than Rainbows

I heard the title I decided on for this month's blog in a series spoken by Sam Elliot and it struck me. I repeated it to myself a few times. It sure seems appropriate to what we are living through. For all those who have the privilege of sight, who doesn't cherish the beauty of a rainbow? It's nature's gift of light. There seems to be an awful lot of demons running around these days blocking light, which makes it more of a challenge to come across. The majority of Americans and citizens around the world are looking for that dream, pot of gold, hope, or faith (maybe all four) at the end of a rainbow. I know I am. But I brace myself every morning wondering what tragedy might befall us today. Relentless.

Our fur animals (loved and spoiled) sleep soundly without a care or knowledge of the troubled world around them. My Lucia is one of them and I envy her deep purr and peace on restless nights. At a recent event, a writer mentioned that she can't sleep on the count of how dark everything is. I told her that I can relate. I need help to sleep but mentioned that the way I feel better is to take action. I call representative, people in congress or the senate to make a strong appeal. The other woman in the conversation said that she was happy that I was doing that especially on behalf of those that don't have time. I replied by saying it only takes a few minutes. Look the representative up for phone contact, call and leave a comment/concern message. The conversation ended there. We can all do this for the time spent on Facebook, scrolling, etc., and instead take a small step action. Believe me, the more congress and the senate feel flooded by the emails and calls from the people, the better.

"The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants". They turn a blind eye to the fact that billions of dollars are spent on killing and devastation. Yet the resources needed for healing, education, and restoration are nowhere to be found". "Believing problems and differences can be resolved with war is absurd". He chastises those who use God's name in their dark and deadly pursuits. (AKA Hegseth) "God cannot be enlisted by darkness, rather, he always comes to bring light, hope and peace to humanity, and it is peace that must be sought by those who call upon him".- Pope Leo XIV.

You have to know that things are dangerously dark when the Pope gets involved. He sees the tyrants (demons) causing destruction to cities, innocent people and children, immigrants, values, morality, and freedoms.

We the People (AKA--the first three words of the U.S. Constitution, signifying that American

government derives its power directly from its citizens rather than a monarch or state governments), have to run faster than the demons and represent a symbol of light to unite people all standing up for what's right. The last No Kings march drew more than 8 million people. Even those waffling with their loyalty recognize the devoted resistance. The marches give me a glimmer of light and hope. It also amazes and amuses me to see all the clever signs. 12,000 of All ages marched down Anacapa Street in Santa Barbara. It's an amazing number in a smaller city like ours.

I've been chasing rainbows on my patio with a new spring look. My fuchsias are bursting in bloom,

the fragile Japanese Maple budded and sprouted vibrant leaves,

and all the rest of the plants have flowered. I sold my vintage (needing repair, love and new paint) wrought iron chairs, tea cart, solid stone base and umbrella on Nextdoor app to a woman who has the means and men to refurbish and revive it all. The money I made gave me enough to

replace and now have a Bistro table high enough to gaze at the ocean-island view, swivel chairs, new base and umbrella. When you don't have a lot on a fixed income, this kind of fresh look is so meaningful. My patio, hummingbirds, and plants is an extra room that provides sanctuary, especially early morning. I had to have labor help (grateful for skilled hands) to put it all together and I've been out there fiddling around with final touches. It's provided a focus and pride over accomplishment. Spring renewal on the patio.

What are you doing to provide a spring in your step for spring renewal? As an expert in interior decor and wardrobe image makeovers, I can tell you that clearing clutter in pursuit of what no longer works or has a worn-out look, selling or donating stuff (including clothes), and fulfilling that desire by replacing it for a fresh look by bringing in new light and spring satisfaction, OR simply to clear for simplicity, feels good. Create rainbows in outdoor space with scented flowering plants, relaxing seating, and even the simplest water flow fountain is soothing. Mine is a small bamboo fountain over a pot with stones in it. Brief meditation, favorite rituals, walking in nature, and good sleep are all beneficial to one's sanity.

Happy Spring. Be well, take action on what's important to chase the demons into oblivion, and practice good self-care.

Keep on swimming through life,

Valerie Anne