Hello All! 

My original thoughts on writing this post were to begin with an apology. You see, every year, I post a “Happy New Year!” message of some sort but this year, I didn’t. And then I realized that I don’t need to apologize, because if I’m telling you what I really feel, and that feeling is a result of what’s happening in the world (and wanting to stand in solidarity with those who are being oppressed), then really, for what do I need to apologize?

I was so disheartened by the world’s lack of attention to the situation in Gaza and Palestine, that I really didn’t feel like celebrating anything or even acknowledging that others were ringing in the New Year with bangs and whoops and booze and all other “happy time” things. With the death toll at (at the time of this writing) nearly 23,000, half of whom are children, and close to 60,000 injured with a further few thousand under the rubble, this for me, is no time to celebrate. There are those of you out there who may disagree with me, and that’s fine. However no one can deny that the response in this situation has been grossly egregious and done with bigoted impunity.

However, I did want to thank you, my loyal reader because you keep coming back and if you were expecting a message for the new year, then I will tell you this: I wish happiness, prosperity and good health for all, peace on earth, a renewed effort to stem climate change and true goodness in all things.

Yes, I’m an idealist. What’s wrong with that? The world needs more of us because we keep the balance between the stupid-nonsensical-idiotic-stuff and what’s good. So here’s what’s good: for every tree you plant, and every item you recycle, you do make a difference. For every dollar you donate to feed people you make a difference. Every time you help an elderly person, it makes a difference. And when you eat “farm to table,” it makes a difference. Keep doing good things. 

You know what else is good? Informing yourselves.
You have the right to your own opinions, thoughts and feelings. Please complement what you feel with information. Not the Wikipedia kind of instant information that doesn’t take into account hundreds of thousands of years of history, but the actual “I read books on it or I did a deep dive into this issue…” kind of being informed. Don’t believe everything you’re told on news networks because I promise you, they all have their own agendas.

• And participating is good too. So here’s what you can do:
• If you’re feeling helpless about a certain situation, then start by being informed. 
• Then write letters (emails) to the appropriate officials. 
• Participate in boycotts where you can. 
• Donate. 
• Share information that sheds a light on what’s happening. 
• Demonstrate peacefully. Support where you can, when you can. 
• Share the posts coming from that region, on any of your social media networks.
• And stay informed.
• There are many charities and aid groups trying to get food, water, medicine, hygiene kits and vital supplies into Gaza and other regions around the world where there are wars. Feel free to support (or not) which ever organization or group that grabs your attention. 

Finally, I just really want you to know how grateful I am that you keep reading this blog! Stay tuned – you might just find me on other media soon!

May the blessings of this beautiful universe shine so bright in your lives, that you help others without even thinking about it! May 2024 be good to you. 

#Free Palestine