SIGN OF THE TIMES

An acrylic painting done by me for a little friend

In these times of sorrow – so much sorrow we’re drowning in it – valiantly, we must try to keep our spirits high, no matter how difficult a feat that can be; no matter how overwhelmed we may feel. 

I know I’m not alone when I say I’m tired of the never-ending violence, hate, envy, stupidity and everything else connected with those emotions and behaviours.  Often I feel drained. Often I feel as if I’ve been kicked in the guts.  There are times I feel as my heart has been ripped out and there is only emptiness left inside. 

So often I’m at a loss for words....(but not today by the looks of it, I hear you thinking!)

And, now today, on top of all the bullshit, we have so-called “comedians” like Kathy Griffin who believed her sick joke...her sick image was funny!   

Give me strength!!   

Wrong, Griffin...so very, very wrong!   

Her false, insincere, whining apologies don't make it right!  It pleases me Griffin has been fired from CNN.  I hope no one else picks her up!  She’s a disgrace to herself and to her country.

I’m fed-up with cynicism.  I despise cynicism; I always have.

 I can't stand hypocrisy, either.

I’m sick and tired of sarcasm, too. With some it seems to be second nature.  

None are signs of cleverness.

I’m weary of the willingness of some humans have to tear each other down.  Some glean much pleasure out of doing so. They’re too foolish to recognise the folly of their ways; or to realise they’re making more of a fool out of themselves. 

Is it fun to make fun of another?  I don’t believe it is.  Is it enjoyable to hurt the feelings of another?   I don’t believe it is - yet too many believe otherwise.  

Sarcasm, tinged with pathos and good humour shared face to face between good friends can be harmless, light-hearted fun, lacking venom. (I’ve only just now completed a phone chat with a good mate of mine.  She and I always tease each other – have a friendly “go” at each other.  Nastiness is never our intention. I even mentioned during our laughter-filled conversation what I was in the middle of writing this post).

Sarcasm, when done without malice, but with carefree, upbeat wit – when it’s treated and responded to accordingly -  is non-toxic, innocuous humour shared and enjoyed in the cheerful spirit intended - but that’s not the sarcasm to which I refer.

What purpose does toxicity in its many guises serve in the grander scheme of life?

  

Too much energy is expended – too much thought wasted. Energy and thought that could be put to far better uses...towards goodwill, love, caring and sharing...consideration. 

Time is a-wasting; and time is wasted on pointless pursuits such as making fun of others. Not being aware of the feelings of others; not acknowledging their sensitivities...not giving a damn about them...are signs of weakness...signs of a lack of confidence within the offender.

Our modern technology is wonderful - of course it is.  For instance, I love my computer and having constant internet access.  I feel lost when I’m without either. Much of my time is spent on my computer – writing, researching, reading, learning, listening to music, etc., etc.

For many years when I was working long shifts, and more than often, seven days and nights a week I rarely, sometimes never, had time to watch television, but now those years have passed. At this time in my life, I enjoy watching television; watching shows of my own choosing.  

However, I’m feeling bloated - from being inundated 24/7 by news feeds from all forms of the media - its never-ending repetitiveness.  The constant deluge makes one feel like the geese or ducks that are force fed corn for the purpose of fattening their livers to satisfy the appetites of “discerning” humans to feast upon the French delicacy, foie gras,  

I guess I must have been “discerning” a few times during my life because I did indulge in foie gras years ago when I was working in a French restaurant...in Brisbane, Queensland...not in“Gay Paree”, France.  I also ate other delicacies offered on the menu such as frogs’ legs and escargot – and I enjoyed both.  It’s better to know and understand the taste of the food one is offering to the dining public.

After an entree or three or more of the above, and also having the opportunity to prepare same, I didn’t continue along that path.  None became regulars only my own personal menu.  None made me sick.

But, I am sick of what we’re being fed all the time on the news front.  I’m constantly tired of and annoyed by the many self-righteous, self-indulgent, mocking media persons, too.

I believe I’ve keen insight and good judgment, the majority of times, anyway, but enough is enough, already. I’m sick of being repetitively force-fed news, most of which is bad news. 

And, I’m fed-up with the evil losers, as President Trump correctly named them.  

I want to be force-fed good news – happy news - instead!

Better still, instead of listening to the news bulletins I’ll listen to the music I enjoy, which now includes Harry Styles’ “Sign of the Times” (my taste in music is what is often referred to as a “catholic taste in music”).   

Along with listening to more music, I’ll also watch more re-runs of re-runs of  re-runs of “Sex and the City”, “Cheers”, “Becker”, “Frasier”, "Everybody Loves Raymond" and "Seinfeld".  

Perhaps, too, I’ll take a stroll back to times of innocence...to the time when the following reigned supreme.....Tom & Jerry, Mr. Magoo, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Mighty Mouse, Donald Duck and his mischievous nephews, Woody Woodpecker, Felix and Sylvester, Tweetie Pie, Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote, cheeky Bugs Bunny, Heckle & Jeckle, and the rest of their mates.  

The words of Thumper's father still ring true today ...

                               "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all!"

 

Another acrylic painting done by me for another little friend