Elena 
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Outside My Window
I Am Thinking . . .
How sad it is that every time there is a mass shooting, you can sense the two sides lining up – the pro 2nd amendment rights people vs. the take-away-all-guns, anti-NRA people. And sadly these divisions can get very heated even among friends and in families. It seems to me then that the discussion skips the whole first step of sadness and grief over the lives lost and the shock and horror of such an unthinkable act.
I am Thankful …
That we live in a nation where we can at least have the discussion. But we can only have the discussion if we don’t villainize each other and if we can actively listen to BOTH SIDES. Shootings are a symptom of a great problem. Take away the guns and the problem still remains. It’s like cutting out one small tumor but not addressing the cancer invading the rest of the body.
My son suggested that getting back to Judeo Christian values would be a good first start. I think it’s worth discussing.
And while I’m at it, this is the video that made me go out and by a gun for my home:
In the kitchen…
Anything grilled. As long as Mr. Pete grills it. This is what happens when I grill.
I am Pondering …
In my 16 years of blogging, I have had a number of great affiliate relationships. This is what I have learned:
- If you’re making some money with that affiliation, you’re making them some money as well. That’s a beautiful thing.
- If you affiliate with someone that has a product that you love, you can promote it better.
- But it’s best not to count on any of that income because affiliate agreements can end in a heartbeat. Count all of it as icing on the cake, but not the actual cake. Whether it’s a big company or a small one, they can cut you out in an instant. I’ve had two just disappear. One disappeared without paying the commissions I had earned. That was a shock. I just recently got a breakup letter from a company I really love to promote and had just planned many weeks of posting about. I’m stunned, sad, and a little angry.
- Life goes on and other opportunities come up.
I am going…
To try to figure out the rest of my curriculum and get ready to take a little trip to the lake with Mr. Pete to celebrate our anniversary this month.
I’m also going to pick up Rosie, who is at a very, very rural camp somewhere in the woods of Pennsylvania with the cross country runners. I think the philosophy of camp this year is, “Whatever doesn’t kill you will make you stronger,” or ” The ratio of We’s to I’s is the best indicator of the development of a team.” Because THEY are all suffering a little bit with two runs a day, two shower stalls for 20 girls, and cabins that are really just wooden tents with a light socket.
I am Reading…
I am re-reading Jot It Down as I prepare to teach Miss C. this fall. It’s a good reminder for me on how to start the Bravewriter Lifestyle including Poetry Tea Time and Movie Day. I like the little writing projects too and I think she’ll enjoy them.
One of my Favorite Things…
Quote to Share…
“The rifle itself has no moral stature, since it has no will of its own. Naturally, it may be used by evil men for evil purposes, but there are more good men than evil, and while the latter cannot be persuaded to the path of righteousness by propaganda, they can certainly be corrected by good men with rifles.”
― Jeff Cooper, Art of the Rifle
Blessings to you as you prepare to begin another year of Homeschooling. It’s been over a decade since my youngest graduated, but we still have such fond memories of the way that God led us through our homeschooling days. Be encouraged that it is all so worth it! (I’m glad I am your neighbor over at The Simple Woman’s Daybook link-up.)