politics – The Hermits' Rest

I know my negativity

What’s the best way to deal with negative thoughts?

As an expert on negative thoughts (my own) I have much to say about dealing with negative thoughts. I’ve written plenty about it over the years. And, as I’ve mentioned, I’ve gotten a lot better at dealing with my negative self talk.

Being human, and living in 2026, I do still have negative thoughts, both about myself and the state of the world. I don’t know what’s the “best” way to deal them, but I can share what I do.

When I’m thinking negative thoughts about myself, I remind myself that I’m just fine and that other people’s opinions of me are their issue, not mine. And over the years I’ve simply gotten more comfortable with my imperfections and oddities. That helps. Just reminding myself that no one’s perfect and that’s FINE helps me push aside negative self talk.

As for the state of the world, dealing with negative thoughts about the state of the world or the future, well, that’s harder. I latch onto any positive news like a life rope. Last weekend’s convention was helpful. But most important for me, I need to live in the moment and see the good and beauty around me. Nature, dogs, horses, family, and work are the things I can focus on. Anyone can do something like that!

Just think of a basket of puppies (I wish it were so easy)

When I was learning to not be so hard on myself, I taught myself to redirect negative thoughts by acknowledging them, then focusing on a positive statement. Things are difficult now. Your feelings are real and do matter—it’s just important not to dwell on them all the time, since it doesn’t make anything better.

Nowadays, when doomsday thoughts, hopelessness, or fear creep in I remind myself that there are way more people who just want a safe home for their families, meaningful work, and freedom to be themselves than there are oligarchs and their ilk. They have money, but we have numbers.

Did that help? Maybe?

PS: Happy Canada Day!

My friend Patty saw a parade like this today! Photo from Pexels

Feeling encouraged, warm, and fuzzy

We got to sleep in today, since convention stuff didn’t start until 10 am. Pamela talked and met a few people, while I went to the beach outside the hotel to look at birds. Both of us had fun.

We eventually made it to the Selena Arena and watched more speakers and talked to various minor celebrities. I enjoyed greatly hearing some of the candidates for office talk about their goals. It was a parade of regular folks who want to help Texas. Some were very good public speakers and some were not. But they were real people. Citizens like you and me. And it was so diverse. Encouraging.

Finally, after a bunch of voting and stiff, we were treated to hearing a familiar voice with a familiar story. The great Bernie Sanders came down from Vermont to make us sad, then cheer us up.

It was encouraging to hear him agree that in Texas we can possibly make things better, even running against all those billionaires! Even to briefly have hope that us little guys can effect change is liberating for me.

Bernie! And proof I was there near a significant historical figure!

After the rest of the voting we fled. We had no trouble parking or leaving, which was great for Pamela, whose feet had been unhappy. Usually I dread all the crowds exiting parking lots. But, yay, we got back to the hotel safely.

We decided to be decadent, so I found a very nice restaurant and made reservations there. We read our books for a while, then had a wonderful meal at Fork and Vines restaurant. My beverage was an amazing apricot version of an old fashioned.

Each of us holding my drink. The blue water bottle came home with Pamela.

It was such a pleasant evening lingering over amazing food, telling stories, and laughing with our server. A great way to end the trip!

I have to say I found the political convention more fun than I expected. Talking to so many new and interesting folks was encouraging and enlightening. People all across the state share my thoughts and my fears. I’m not alone. I’m a little more hopeful.

Tomorrow, back to nature reporting.

Convening in Corpus

The first day of my first political convention is complete. Today started extra bright and early. But I managed to make it to the center in time for the Texas Rural Caucus. Too bad the check-in security line delayed me. It’s okay. I’m just there for the experience. I ran into my old political friend Jimmy Flannigan, which was fun. He and Jeannette, our county chair, got elected to some party position.

I went to another rural session then sat outdoors in the blasting wind and looked at the water.

We watched a crane lift a flag on the USS Lexington. It went up, flapped weirdly, then went down and back up, more successfully.

More exciting were the exhibits, where there were so many causes, petitions, and swag that your mind boggled. I met interesting folks, though. The convention is brimming with interesting people!

I enjoyed the decor of the exhibit about stopping the border wall in Big Bend.

Eventually the general session started. It felt weird to be one of those people you see on TV holding signs and saying Yay a lot. I enjoyed learning about the candidates, who all impressed me with their commitment to serve the people of Texas. There were so many stories and impressive folks to see. Even Corey Booker! And a 96-year old activist who was really sharp.

Clayton Tucker, Ag Commissioner candidate and goat farmer, with me and Pamela.

We left before the biggest speech, but I will watch it on YouTube. Pamela is struggling to walk and I didn’t want her trying to navigate stairs in a huge crowd. A nice volunteer gave us a golf cart ride to the car, which helped lots.

Corpus waterfront is really pretty. We even enjoyed the gulls and grackles. I’m easily amused.

One more day. Hope it’s fun.

Birds of radically different feathers

My day today started off with spending a good while just watching a pair of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds flitting around and hanging out.

Usually if there are two males, they chase each other to defend their territory, but this male and female were just hanging out and maybe flirting. It was very calming to observe.

Bunnies were hard to distinguish from Lee’s mowing clumps.

The day (very long) ended with Kathleen presenting me with one of her diamond painting crafts. I knew she made them, but had never seen one before. I guessed (correctly) that she wasn’t surprising me with beautiful flowers, because she was suppressing a laugh as she came up to me, holding something behind her back. What was it? Well, she knows how much I like birds, so she tested my love of my avian friends by making me a bird I couldn’t like.

He’s watching me from the fireplace now.

I laughed so hard. It’s so nice and sparkly! It’s just the perfect gag gift! I love how we can poke fun at each other and enjoy stuff like this. We can all use a good laugh to keep us going.

Meanwhile, I did my nails all patriotic in preparation for a weekend trip. This polish looks like those rocket popsicles.

I’ll try to write tomorrow. I’m stepping out of my comfort zone.

Happiness is fleeting

What’s a common misconception people have about happiness?

I always feel sad when I hear people say their goal is to be happy. Or all they want is for their kids to be happy. All the time? We can’t always be happy.

These incessant hurlers do seem always happy.

I’d be exhausted if I was happy for days at a time. Happiness is a fleeting state of mind, for me. I want to have happiness, joy, and contentment in my life. Yet, all those feelings are sweeter and and more to be treasured when life has ups and downs to compare them to.

So I do not wish my children or anyone happiness all the time, just enough to savor and enjoy. My ideal would be to feel vaguely content most of the time, with sadness during appropriate times and happiness sprinkled throughout the day in little bursts.

The last bit of wildflower color. And many grapes. May have to cut those back.

I make sure to notice when I’m happy, since it comes more often these days. For example, I was happy just now when hugging Carlton.

I do wish that life could have less anxiety and stress. Everyone seems to have an imbalance of that, if they’re paying attention! This became abundantly clear yesterday, as so many friends expressed how good it felt to see the Obama Center opening. Independently, I kept hearing how people had forgotten what it felt like to be proud of a leader, and to hear former political rivals being civil with each other. The constant dread of these times lifted briefly.

Ephemeral. Most happiness is just that. Like catching two dragonflies on the wing.

I’m a wet participant in democracy

The rain gauge read 4.3 inches this morning though the pond flowed better. The creek is looking like a river, but we’ve seen worse.

It just keeps growing thanks to rain north of us.

However, in a break the nephew and I got my car to the tire place and got four new tires. I sure wish I’d brought a checkbook, because there’s a surcharge to use credit. Ugh. That ate a chunk out of my bank account. However, since one tire was dead, the time had come.

Later in the morning, I joined a good-sized group at a meet-and-greet with two candidates in the upcoming election. Both of their opponents have disappointed me in their policies that cater to billionaires and ignore their constituents’ issues about health care, water, etc.

The event featured amazing food and mimosas!

The candidates were both very impressive. They were intelligent, thoughtful, well educated, and friendly. They listened to us and did a great job answering questions. I’d forgotten that people running for office could be genuine and honest. Well, who wants to vote for people like that? Not a majority of Texans.

I liked the little American flags around the building.

Nonetheless, today’s experience was quite positive. People were genuinely excited that we could hold an event in this county.

After I came back, we fetched my car—it will be so nice to have my comfy car back.

After last week’s work, I decided to rest most of the afternoon, though Lee and I did enjoy a sunny period by swimming for a while. The water is quite pleasant. I look forward to swimming season! However, soon as I had fed the poultry, rain came back. It’s going to be a wet week!

I’m glad for some downtime.

I’m Not Dead and I Do Vote

Do you vote in political elections?

Sorry I’ve been absent. Sick doesn’t really cover it. I was close to (shudder) taking myself to a hospital yesterday when I couldn’t talk at all, kept cutting off my airway with my inflamed throat, and kept salivating like a mini fountain. It was rather unpleasant. This whole illness is a lowlight of my life. Current theory: salivary gland infection. On account of the drooling.

But the question is, do I vote in presidential elections? What do you think?

Well, I know I’m real subtle about my beliefs…oh wait. I got fired by my horse trainer for saying some ICE tactics in Minneapolis were not legal. So, I’m one of those woke people.

We woke people vote. So, I do. Once the person I voted for won and I was so relieved, thinking our national nightmare was over. Nah, just postponed for a while.

That’s what you get when someone on steroids and TWO antibiotics responds to a blog prompt.

It’s not all bad. The nephew gave me get-well flowers and an apple fritter.

Out of My Comfort Zone

I have been thinking a lot about how I complain about the government here in Texas, but don’t do anything about it other than contribute small amounts of money to candidates I appreciate. So today I went way outside my comfort zone and volunteered to help out at the local level. I met some new and unusual people and also enjoyed time with friends. Whew, that took a lot of psychic energy. I’m proud of myself.

Lee says I’m getting more active while he stays more ensconced in his hermitage. Could be a worse hideout.

I’m glad that I had a chance to go hang out in nature afterwards, as Terri and I went back over to Carolyn’s ranch to get ready for the Master Naturalist field trip. All the signs Terri made look great!

I mostly scouted around for plants that weren’t damaged by last week’s freeze or were blooming. I’m afraid wildflower season is delayed. But I found a few things to point out. I hope some of the dogwood blossoms are still around. They were quite lovely.

Nature and friends helped my introvert self equalize a bit, but I still needed a nap and some horse hugs when I got home. Now, please enjoy a few more woodland plants

Happy Homecoming

We were able to stay at our campsite until I was finished working for the day, which was very pleasant. I got a bit of walking in, but mostly worked, even on the drive home. You have to help users with questions!

My favorite bird photo of the day. The chickadees were everywhere and had a lot to say!

We had a couple of adventures on the way home. It appears that the motor home was low on all fluids, so the oil we’d added earlier was not sufficient. We also needed coolant and wiper fluid. We got those at a gas station where Lee also enjoyed a chat with a nice female trucker, who he was able to convince could tow a car like we do. She had such a sweet smile. Sometimes chance meetings can really make your day.

There was another fluid low, the DEF you have to add to diesel vehicles now. As Lee was valiantly trying to pull into the Milano Cefco gas station that dispenses it from pumps, I had to inform him it was closed for remodeling. Now I’ll get to pour some in manually. It’s interesting that they are remodeling the gas station, because it’s only a couple of years old. I guess the newer fancy gas station just down the road is big competition!

Fictional image of Lee handing me the stuff to pour.

As nice as the trip was, it was also good to get home. I was pleased to hear Kathleen’s stories about how she’s been working with the horses and what she accomplished in just a few days. She needs exercise, so she’s whipping them into shape.

She sent me this to show how shiny she got Drew.

She told me that Mabel hadn’t liked being in the round pen today and she jumped it to get to the other horses. I guess that’s proof she isn’t crippled. So Mabel got to spend some time hanging out in the pen by herself. She does look beautiful, though.

I got to work with her a little going back to the pasture, she has work ahead of her but Kathleen says she’s already making progress.

I guess the pen isn’t very high if you’re tall as her.

I also enjoyed my reunion with the turkeys. Darryl Junior was all puffed up and impressed with himself, showing all his glorious tail feathers to impress Connie. I’m glad he doesn’t realize how skimpy his tail feathers are. He will look better when new ones grow in.

Well, I’ve put off election results as long as I can, so I’d better check out the primary results. And I need to see how the war is coming along. As always, I hope the civilians just trying to live their lives can stay safe. I know people on both sides whose homes are shuddering when missiles land. I am so tired of bloodshed.

A Beautiful Day if You Ignore Current Events

I’m gonna say it: I don’t like wars. I don’t like killing innocent people. So, when yet another one is started, apparently quite well planned, and no one tries very hard to stop it, it’s hard to enjoy a lovely day in nature.

This beautiful checkered skipper on a gorgeous smooth phacelia (*Phacelia glabra)* flower tried to distract me.

I wanted to enjoy the outdoors, though, especially after missing out on hiking and birding yesterday! Nature has her way of sneaking into my psyche and making me forget everything except what’s happening where I am in the current moment. I’m so grateful for that!

Carolina Wren serves to amuse and entertain

We enjoyed a quiet morning watching wrens investigate the underpinnings of our vehicles. I sure hope they aren’t nesting in there! Having a second morning with few neighbors was a real treat.

At last I was able to walk down the familiar trails of Lake Somerville State Park. It’s fun to explore new trails, for sure, but it’s equally interesting to see how places you’re familiar with change from year to year or in different seasons.

Today there were many shore birds on the lake, which is still quite low. Hundreds of White Pelicans, various sandpipers, dowitchers, and ducks entertained me. I was proud to ID Northern Shovelers, Green- and Blue-winged Teals, and Mallards by sight. Glad for the binoculars!

The pelicans were too far away for good photos until they decided to change location, when I could get some flight photos. These are all from the phone camera.

I was delighted to find more early wildflowers in bloom than I expected. There was even at least one I’d never seen before! It was like walking through a fairy garden with all the small, bright flowers along the path, including my beloved spring beauties. Ahh. Pink perfection.

I didn’t see any wild mammals but people with fancy trail horses showed up across from us, so I got to enjoy them getting tacked up. The park did fill up today. I sorta got PTSD from my last trip where I chastised Scouts when I saw a big gathering at the next camping area. Thankfully they only had one screamer.

With all the bright, blue sky and pleasant warmth, we ended up staying outside most of the day, just enjoying the peace. It was just what I needed! And to add icing to the cake, Sandhill Cranes decided today was migration day (they are legal migrants) and regaled us with calls for a long time. Safe travels!