R's rue

Today I did something that I have never done before. I watched the entire speech of a Tory prime minister from the annual Conservative Party Conference. Rishi Sunak's  words were carefully crafted and delivered in a steady manner. No doubt a team of speech writers had been involved in the making of his script which was read from an autocue that accidentally appeared on camera from time to time. Sunak is the latest Tory PM, following on from Cameron, May, Johnson and Truss. They all seemed like hapless cartoon characters to me - a bunch of Magoos.  In contrast, Sunak comes across as dignified, intelligent and well-rehearsed. Perhaps a wolf in sheep's clothing, he was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth  and he is a very plausible figure.  However,  please don't worry because there is no way that I would ever vote Conservative no matter who the leader was. There's more chance of me winning an Olympic  medal in rhythmic gymnastics. As expected, Sunak ...

 Gratitude This past week has been one for the books for my tolerance of physical pain and mental anguish. Meeting the living world again is a gift. It’s a gift I often forget. Yesterday walking the streets of uptown was something I didn’t realize I needed. I was fully present. Most days I walk around oblivious. Oblivious to my surroundings. I’m often lost in my thoughts. Often in what I don’t have. And yesterday as I opened the door of my coffee shop, I ordered ice water. As I sat to enjoy my water, some thoughts came to mind. As much as I enjoy the coffee, I crave the atmosphere. From the barista, who knows my name, and always asks if I need help. I watch the regulars. I watch the newbies. I watch it all. And it gives me peace and a joy made for me. I observe the fashion statements. The striped tee and cardigan, to the young lady dressed for a night at a disco. The mother who put on some rouge to look presentable, and bask in needed caffeine and commiseration. I’ve found when on...