Open Facebook on any given day and you will find someone, particularly unqualified, posting or most likely reposting, an opinion or article or tirade that they are momentarily passionate or incensed or preaching about. The decade of social media platforms open to just about everyone has given way to just about everyone pulling out their soapbox and proselytizing their viewpoint. I am not immune from this behavior, as is well documented through my blog, I too have voiced over-zealous opinions from time to time. But I am not speaking of personal posts where no one should mistake my vantage from science or fact; I am referring to those who dig up some unreferenced study and pronounce it as truth, or those who announce they have uncovered some injustice that only they, and the undocumented thread they followed, know about. This behavior makes all of Facebook a dangerous and misguided place instead of a platform to share photos and celebrations with friends and family. What is it that makes people want to preach? Throw in the smoke and mirrors that shift and trick every angle shot and you really have to struggle to stay in your own lane and ride your own joy in life. But that is what I do intend to do, just focus on the day to day living and use my voice to sing a tune that is original.

I will admit, that just living is not always easy, but having a two year old nearby who is seconds away from a full belly laugh, does just that. His immediate joy is contagious. Being around young children is a wonderful tonic to all the intellectual mind games spreading like wildfire across our screens pulling us to and fro emotionally. Turn your phone over. Stop reading your relatives inane posts on how logical RFK Jr’s notions about health really are or your odd friends reposting on how Trump was misunderstood, again. It will make you crazy. And not the kind of crazy that is linked to fun or funny.

I plan to keep my focus on the blue, as in the big sky and even bigger ocean, my expressionist painting, the strength of democracy, and the loving ties of family.