12-8 (8/7/25) -- Now or Then?

A recent change in English language usage concerns me. Being one who cherishes history and studies it to inform future plans and to understand present practices, I have been disappointed to meet those who do not value our past. The language usage change has reflected the devaluation of our history. It has infiltrated everywhere, far past colloquial speech and into broadcast and social media, general conversation and news commentators, and greater speeches. As a grammarian and one who taught communication techniques, this change makes me shudder. Past tense usage is diminishing. Past experiences are recounted in present tense. Past tense seems, well, passe. For example one is more likely to hear "I go to the door and open it and there he is" rather than "I went to the door, opened it and there he was." This change in speech patterns appears to mirror the disinterest in history through use of present tense to the exclusion of past tense. 

When thinking of a song that could fit these thoughts, I chose two that come with interesting choreography. These show that not all new things are disappointing <smile> and that older things can feel new in the right context. The first song was released in 1966, so not new, but in the several commercials for a meal delivery service the choreography is new. What is old is new again? <smile>  Watch these commercials for the funky group dance moves. The second is a newer artist and song as performed at the 2025 Juno awards. The choreography fits the indie R&B song well. 

The Hamburger Song -- Bobby Moore and the Rhythm Aces

      Stick of Gum -- Nemahsis 

12-7 (7/7/25) -- Finding a Village

In stressful times, gathering a group of supporters can help us to move through the morass.  I like to refer to this group as a village -- a more pleasant metaphor to me than army, posse, or even team, which are much too combative for my liking. People we are close to in heart and not necessarily geographically, often join us early in the process of dealing with something disturbing. Others that may seem more distant can surprise us by showing up to be major assistants. This village provides all types of support -- transportation, picking up groceries, cooking a meal, visiting over tea, checking in, listening or just sitting with someone,  or even taking garbage to the curb. It all helps lift the day-to-day burdens when focus is on a larger existential situation. 

Lyrics from a song fit the group of guides and helpers that form along the way. Even the band name fits today's topic. <smile>. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Find Your People -- Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors  

12 - 6 (7/7/25) -- Traumatic Trip

Recent reading and conversations have reminded me of how traumatic events in our lives change our emotional, physical and psychological outlooks. In short -- we are changed -- for better or worse, but likely a combination of the two. Learning to recognize the new 'me' is challenging. Accepting the changes in our new stories of self comes with many questions regarding the change. An oft repeated question for me is "Who am I?" Responses to this are not easy. We understand who we were but not the new expectations for forward motion and reactions to bumps along the way. The new part of our journey takes us through the mud and the weeds -- those wilderness liminal areas we must traverse to get to the new routine. 

Added to the considerable difficulty of the wandering nature of the forced transition is a major sense of uncertainty or discombobulation -- just where am I going? Short answer -- navigating the great unknown to get somewhere new. How's that for ambiguity? <smile> There will be a grand re-combobulation . It will take time -- another aspect of frustration to put onto the wilderness journey. How long will this take? -- another great unknown. <sigh> 

During a conversation about such journeys, a wonderful friend shared a song. The lyrics provide some guideposts for the trip through the unknown. The video is quite relaxing, too. So, on days when I am lying in the mud -- not wallowing, but just briefly resting there -- these words might help me to move on once I've had that important pause to gather my wits about me. Enjoy! 

Bubbles Up -- Jimmy Buffett