Yes, fasten your seatbelts. This morning is full of good news and HORRIBLE news. I feel good and horrible. Just when I think that things cannot get worse in the USA, things get worse. This is the quote that greeted me this morning:
“The old world is dying, and the new world struggles to be born: now is the time of monsters.” ― Antonio Gramsci
Who was Antonio Gramsci, you ask? Antonio Francesco Gramsci was an Italian Intellectual, born in Ales, Italy in 1891. He wrote on political theory, sociology and linguistics and died in Rome on April 27, 1937 (almost one month after I was born).
Yes, it does seem like the old world is dying and the new world is a mess. And, the leaders are a mess and often behave like monsters. A historian who I follow online said this about the rioting:
“If we cannot yet fully know the dynamics of the protests, there are a few things we do know.
First, the protests have wiped from public discussion all the major stories that were distressing Trump: the deadly toll of the coronavirus and his administration’s abysmal response to the pandemic, the skyrocketing unemployment as the economy falters, and Friday’s revelations about his 2016 campaign team’s collaboration with Russian spies.
Second, the president has gone missing in the midst of this crisis. While presidents traditionally speak to the nation to try to reassure Americans in such times, neither he nor Republican leaders are trying to calm the nation.”
But, the good news (for me, anyway) is that the Jardin de Luxembourg is open for the first time since lockdown. Two months or so. This morning, I walked in the Park!!!! And, the cafes and restaurants are opening on Tuesday – just outside patios. No problem. Gorgeous days in Paris. Unbelievable weather. Sunshine. So, I took a lot of pictures in the Jardin. And, the neighborhood florist has gorgeous roses outside. Listen. We have to take it where we can get it!!!!!! People were smiling at each other. The guard at the Senate was smiling. People were walking and jogging and visibly happy to be ‘liberated’ and in the park. So, I am going to post happy pictures just because I want to.
First, some roses to get us started. FYI, I stopped and smelled the roses.
The gates were open for the first time!!!
I am definitely happy that I can just sit down in the Jardin and do nothing. Just “BE” , surrounded by trees and green grass, on a bench. I miss being surrounded by nature. So, I will try to share some thoughts that have been on my mind of late. I know that many of us expats want to “do” something to help. I read the postings of my friends on social media. And, these are a few of my thoughts.
It is going to get worse before it gets better – whatever that is. I shudder when I think of the possibilities. So pay close and discreet attention to what is occurring in your environment. Do the right thing. Take stock. Use discretion and tact in these tense times. Be that international diplomat. Pay sharp attention. Don’t lose your concentration. Look for ways to bring opposites into harmony. And, most of all, honor your intuition.
I am not asking you to agree with me. Just be open and flexible as to what lies ahead. We don’t have to “like” it. Stay strong. And, tighten your seat belts. This may turn out to be an opportunity in disguise.
Best, Jay
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Reblogged this on JAYSPEAK and commented:
This morning, it is even worse. I follow a historian online and this greeted me this morning:
“If we cannot yet fully know the dynamics of the protests, there are a few things we do know.
First, the protests have wiped from public discussion all the major stories that were distressing Trump: the deadly toll of the coronavirus and his administration’s abysmal response to the pandemic, the skyrocketing unemployment as the economy falters, and Friday’s revelations about his 2016 campaign team’s collaboration with Russian spies.
Second, the president has gone missing in the midst of this crisis. While presidents traditionally speak to the nation to try to reassure Americans in such times, neither he nor Republican leaders are trying to calm the nation.”
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Well if “ppl were smiling at each other”, they weren’t wearing their masks. 😷
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Right. No problem. No crowds. Outside. Most people have them on and pulled Down in case. These were early morning joggers. Stores are different. Sidewalks are different. Yes, lots of smiles. Happy the Park is up and running.
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