As I trudge down the path of a new year, I will try to be respectful to everyone — OK, excluding nincompoops. — Photo by Pat Bean
“If we lose love and respect for each other, that is how we finally die.” – Maya Angelou
Morning Rant
It was a Norman Rockwell painting depicting family that sent my blood pressure soaring yesterday. It wasn’t the painting itself, but the words posted beneath it by some nincompoop. “This is what the other side wants to destroy.”
I also hope to take the time to smell the flowers in the new year. — photo by Pat Bean
How rude, how ignorant, how disrespectful, how self-serving, I thought, I have friends and family on both sides. And no one whom I know wants to destroy families. To use an iconic dead artist whose work depicted the best of Americans in such a way disgusted me. And the idea that some people will buy into the nincompoop’s post frightens me.
Lately, I’ve been rereading Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar series. I’m listening to the books on audible at night in bed. I love her world of spirit Companion horses and their chosen Heralds, and the philosophy of Valdemar in that there is no one right way.
I think my brain needs this kind of world to escape to so I can sleep at night because while I love my country, I am horrified at how it is being torn apart by too many people thinking only they are right.
` Meanwhile, I have been pondering a word to focus on in the New Year. Last year it was Kindness. Lackey’s books, and the nincompoop’s post, finally decided me. My word for the new year is Respect. And I will hold on to Kindness, too.
While these two words won’t solve problems, perhaps they will help people come together, so together they can find solutions. You know me. I’m still looking for that silver lining.
Bean Pat: I can’t resist a best books list. https://bluchickenninja.com/2020/01/11/favourite-books-2010s/ 
Pat Bean is a retired journalist who lives in Tucson with her canine companion, Scamp. She is a wondering-wanderer, avid reader, enthusiastic birder, Lonely Planet Community Pathfinder, Story Circle Network board member, author of Travels with Maggie available on Amazon, and is always searching for life’s silver lining
Pat Bean's blog 
Good morning, Pat,
so you like Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar series, too! I loved to read them, and will very likely read them again.
And I agree with you, let’s treat everyone with respect – if they are “on our side” or not. And let’s also treat nature with respect.
Have a wonderfu weekend,
Pit
I’m really enjoying rereading Lackey’s books, which I’ve been trying to do in order, which can be difficult because she didn’t write them in order. I’m on the wind mages series now. Thanks for commenting.
Hi Pat,
Kindness and respect are two of the most powerful words I know. They’re so important to me and I try to practice them every day… for years now. My career was in varied human services – director of a residence for mentally ill and impaired cognitive abilities, eg. At the free clinic, for 15 years I met all kinds of people who were struggling with poverty, getting medical and dental care, death of a loved one, mental illness… and each one had their story, a story that I grew to understand led them toward their present attitudes. Whenever someone acted like a nincompoop, I tried to interact with that person in a way that modeled a kind and respectful way of speaking. Lots of challenges there, yet many heartwarming memories. And as your reader above states and I agree, kindness and respect of nature in all situations may not always work, but I believe they are the right thing to do.
Thanks for a thoughtful post that made me think.
Thanks for the kind words Jo. I’m so glad you read my blog and that it made you think. Writing that makes me think are my favorite reads these days. Hugs