Hidden Figures

My husband and I went to see this movie yesterday. I had heard good things about it from my friends, and this movie did not disappoint. 

It also set me to thinking (dangerous, I know!). These women almost did not get to do the wonderful things they did just because of their gender and the color of their skin. That thought just stuns me. It also made me wonder. What if that refugee that we "can't have over here" holds the key to a cure for cancer or our shot at putting a man on Mars, with the right education and support. 

 In today's world, I just don't think we can afford to waste intelligence and talents. I don't care if they are Arab, Mexican, Cuban, African, or whatever. The world needs ALL of us, using whatever gifts we have to keep it going. 
 
" Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." 
Hebrews 13:2 

You never know. 

The Impossible Detox

I see variations of the meme on social media all the time. Detox your life in 4 easy steps! Yes! 

No. 

What if the people who do this are family members? Co-workers? Church mates? Difficult people cannot always be as easily avoided as this meme makes it sound. 

Granted, I have been able to distance myself from people in the past who have done all these things. But, what does one do when one has no choice but to be with people who do these things on a regular basis?

Some days, I can shield myself to an extent. This is never easy for me. Being around these behaviors on a regular basis can make me physically ill. But, if I quit every organization or activity where folks do these things, I would not have much of a life outside my home! 

2017 will see me working to develop my defenses. I may have to get out of situations which become completely intolerable. And I want to learn how to better deal with difficult persons who cannot be avoided. 

Wish me luck. 

 

Organizing Art Supplies

Today, I used my "Christmas money" to hire Lacey McLaughlin of Neat Freaks Organizing to help me clean up and organize my art area. 

Said art area is actually a corner of my living room and is not very large. Making the most of my small space was a challenge that Lacey took on willingly. Bless her. 

My supplies had become so scattered and piled up that I found my creativity was stifled as well. I look forward to being able to regain my creative freedom as I use my newly reorganized space. Now I just have to find the time to do my own art in between getting ready for classes and other obligations. That is the hard part. 

Wish me luck!