Personal beliefs aside, I think most of us can agree that it is getting ugly out there, in the world… and more specifically, in cyberspace. The past year of U.S. election rhetoric wedged a gaping divide in America. Passionate Americans have taken to the Internet to wage war on their opposition. Cat memes and selfies are replaced by political memes, fake news… and the even more surreal real news. Arguing over the building of physical walls has created emotional walls that divides co-workers, friends and families. Some choose to take to the streets in protest, but more take to the information highway to share their passionate political, religious and ideological beliefs. We have become digital evangelists… who are alienating more people than we convert. Boy, I do yearn for the days when my social media feeds consisted of pets, children and food.

So, if we abandon our social media vices, the world would be a better place? Maybe. Maybe not. Or maybe there is some digital peace amongst the chaos…

Last year I created a blog for my Creative Nonfiction class. The blog For the Love of Florida focused on my experiences trying to find a love of my Tampa, Florida residence, while clinging to my Philadelphia roots.  I shared the blog with my family and friends. One family member was particularly encouraging, saying that she thought more of this type of writing was needed in the world today. She did not elaborate on what she exactly meant and I did not ask.  But, I believe that my writing had a positive affect on her in some way, and it may have been a nice vacation from Internet conflict.

So, this blog is my attempt to sprinkle a few droplets of positivity into murky waters of the World Wide Web. I decided to abandon my previous blog, as the theme was too specific: a good characteristic for a blog, but a bad characteristic for my “attention deficit” writing tendencies.  I created this site to share my random writings, art, photography and music adventures.  And probably pug photos, food photos… and maybe even an occasional cat meme for good measure.  Maybe it will have an impact on someone (myself included) or just brighten someone’s day.  Or maybe it will just be a way to keep myself writing.

The ideological turmoil reflected in the news and social media has had a unforeseen benefit in my life.  It has forced me to reflect on the person that I want to be and how I want to conduct myself as an individual.  I have always believed in peace in the world. I believe when people take the time to know and love themselves, the trickle down effect is a more peaceful humanity.  And now, more than ever, it is important that my thoughts, words and actions reflect my beliefs.  I believe in love, compassion and equality…. and I am working on ensuring that my actions always reflect that, even in difficult situations. So, if my blog needs a theme, that would be it.  Welcome to my world…  and to my journey.