125:365

-----------------------------------> photo by Kristin M. Russell


I am leaving in the am for PA. I am leaving at 8am; and I won't get there until just before 11pm.... and then it will be a 2hr drive to my parent's house. The doctors have told mom that "it's getting close" to the time when my father may pass.
I am traveling light. I always travel light... but this time I am only taking what I can fit in a carry-on and my tote/purse. I have about $20 on a credit card. No cash. This one is gonna be tight.... and we'll have to worry about things later.

Things can get chaotic in life. Sometimes you just have to set your priorities and go full steam ahead... no matter what the consequences. I did the same thing when my sister passed... and I wouldn't do it any differently now.

I apologize if yesterday's post was in any way offensive. There are piranhas in this world who will cut you down, especially when you are potentially vulnerable... and it's just wrong. My tolerance for this is gone. I am tapped. I will no longer be the victim/weakling they perceive me as. Here too... sometimes when you are "balls to the wall"... you find your strength... and I am stronger than I thought.
From now on... and I would encourage everyone to do this: Life is too short to surround yourself with people who do not love you, and who do not have your best interests at heart. Cut them loose. It doesn't matter who they are, or who they have been to you in the past... or what they could potentially be to you in the future. It's just not worth it. You don't have to "be nice..." and keep these people around for propriety's sake or whatever ...
Enjoy your life. Be happy. Be loved, and love in return... fully and unconditionally.

124:365

---------------> photo by Elaine A. Russell

this is to anyone.... perhaps a very specific someone....perhaps on behalf of everyone

.... who has ever had the misfortune of being treated badly by another human being

You belittle me with your words and your actions. You make me feel small. You fluff yourself up; and manage to impress some... but I know the truth. You are opinionated. You rant ideologically to anyone that will listen. You act as if you know all, have seen all... and have done it all.

You have traveled so far, and yet, really learned so little about humanity... about what it is to truly be human. To care for one another. To boost each other up; not to tear each other down. To be supportive. To honestly want to help someone... not for your own gain or self esteem... or because of what others may think of your good deeds.
You try to impress me with your talent and your intelligence, but it all falls flat when compared to what you have actually done. What does all that education and talent mean if you can't make the world a better place... if you have no desire to share your talents for the betterment of mankind.... but only to glorify yourself?

I do not know the answers... and I do not understand people sometimes

... but what I do know is this:

the bullshit stops here.

I am not vindictive. I have no agenda.

I just want you to know that I will no longer be bullied by you or your behaviour.

I refuse to let you get to me... because by doing so... I lose my personal power, and you win.

There are givers and takers in this world... and you are a taker.

You have no power over me. You cannot hurt me anymore.

Get off my feckin lawn.