Linda

Just off the phone with Maree.  Someone today asked her if her family was all in California.  She stumbled and fumbled, glossed over her eyes and said yes.  Not before telling the young man that asked, that she hadn't been asked that before because her usual answer is yes with one in Virginia.  He apologized.  It's always awkward.

I'm driving to work today and hear Carrie Underwood's song See You Again and start crying.  I'm thinking it's about a lover, God and certainly it applies to a sister.  Last night I went shopping for the statement pieces of jewelry I want to wear with the dress I'm wearing to Robbie's wedding in July.  I get it's not about me but I also understand we "represent" the Mitchell's.  We are the cool, hip California Aunts folks have heard about but have no idea what we are really all about.

Maree and I are a force to be reckoned with.  Not a little, a lot.  Maree decided her Power color is Royal Blue and she wanted to wear it to Robbie's wedding.  I'd already bought a royal blue amazing dress but conceded to her as I know her in a dress is a big deal.  Well, a short dress would have been a big deal but it's long one so not so much.  She sent me the pictures and it will be fabulous.

I had bought a long somethin' somethin' on my girls trip to Oxnard not too long ago and I tried it on for Alexis and Maree.  They are either fantastic liars or I really do look amazing in it.  So, I'm wearing that dress now instead of the short royal blue knock out I had in mind.

I don't know how long it's going to take us to quote move on.  I don't feel like moving on.  I feel as if I need to validate Linda on all levels.

Maree said she's going to see a psychic and wanted to know if I want to ask anything.  For the record, I'm a skeptic.  Big Time.  I did request - ask Linda if I'm doing what I'm supposed to do.  What happens if I don't like the answer.  Well, let's hope all has been resolved at that point.

Psychics.  Odd lot don't you think?  DD is agnostic.  I struggle but don't judge.  It really is what you've been raised with.  I tell him all the time I talk to GOD about him. I really do.  I pray in a lot of ways for hope, love and to release bitterness.  I do not pray for him to forgive.  He has earned the right to hate in this case and although it grieves me to constantly hear the names associated with the infraction and disrespect to the contract of marriage I get it.  He usually says he's ruined me.  I used to go to church all the time. Every week.  Then things changed.  I give my money to real people. Real charities.  Things that make a difference.  I'm really not interested in converting the world.  I just want to help.

I donated money in memory of Linda to a breast cancer walk recently.  To the Ahmanson Theatre as she loved the arts.  I buy folks meals.  I give away great clothing.  I'm not buying "stuff" anymore.  Over it.

Homework. . . . look in your closet.  Your cupboard.  Your bank account.  Do we really need 20 versions of the same white blouse?  How about 30 pair of jeans?  I'm not saying give it away - just be smart about where you spend your happiness money.  If you are alone as Linda was, don't waste it on the hobby that isn't going to make you happy.  Spend it on the charity that makes the item you like.  Donate your time somewhere important to you.  Ok, so that being said I only give money in most cases because what matters to me is abused children and all I want to do is kill the rat  bastards that do the harm.  I stay away from the physical proof that these kids had inflicted on them because it's too much.  I write a check.  Make it better. Believe in humanity and that there are people that are going to make a difference.

Ok, off to make bacon sandwiches and omelettes for DD who is a self described "trash collector" and keeping the city clean of the dirt bags that try to make us lose faith.  It's the parents.  It's always the parents fault.  Stop the cycle.  Make a difference.

Love, serious Peace and make your mark.

CAL