[Sticky] Post Hall of Fame - Posts we want to remember

"I know that the whole idea of student loans is a dog-damned lie, there is no such thing."  - Unk-p

I don't get this one. I had several student loans, and believe me, they weren't lies.

@tgraf66 I would like to hear more on that too!!! My daughter and I are in 125k in debt from 5 years of college!! I say both of us because I was advised to take out parent plus loans for her. So they are in my name but she pays them. We'll never be able to own anything because of this debt and our income ratio!  When I think real hard about it I want to blow something up.  Lol!!!!

@impassionate I would describe it as a scam.  I am so sorry you are locked into that kind of debt.  I fully believe in education, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of your future. The way the interest accumulates, it is very hard to stay ahead as a student or parent.  Our system needs to change.

@jkl1907 that debt will die with me I'm sure!

@impassionate 

You are probably on top of this issue but just in case news of loan forgiveness:

https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/national/2024/02/22/are-you-eligible-for-student-loan-forgiveness-what-to-know/

@raincloud unfortunately parent plus loans are a different animal entirely.   They don't get deferred or reduced.  They are there til I'm dead.  Would LOVE that to change but not hopeful.

@impassionate which is wrong on so many levels.  Just a huge scam ruining so many people’s lives.  It can’t be discharged through bankruptcy either.  I am not sure how much of this is explained when signing your life away either.

@impassionate 

It is like a loan shark in many ways.  This is not ethical.

This post is special on two counts.  First, @streaminglight decided to step out of long-time lurker status for one reason -- to help one of our veteran bloggers, @traf66.  Second, it's streaminglight's very first post and it is a doozy. Thank you, @streaminglight, for coming forward today and gracing us with your kindness and wisdom.  THis post is from the topic: Help! I need a new job! https://jeannemayell.com/community/postid/66203/

"Tgraf66, Very long-time lurker here. But Jeanne’s invitation to share ideas on job loss caused me to respond. The jobs and the market have changed substantially since I was working, but the anxieties, and the mental, emotional and physical stress they produce, remain the same. I’m going to share my story with the hope that you know you are not alone in your struggle and that you will grow from it. In 1980 when the economy was in recession and unemployment was almost 8%, I was out of a job. Standing in very long lines with dozens of other overqualified people, I was willing to take anything just to pay the bills. After months of trying to find work, I hit that wall of depression you described. That was the day I could not get dressed only to be rejected one more time. I hit rock bottom. Then, a few weeks later, I saw a newspaper (yes!) ad looking for people to work in foodservice on the show floor of a major international convention center in my city. The temporary, minimum wage job was far beneath the $ of my previous position, but I felt that because it was such a simple job, I could pull myself together sufficiently to present for an interview. The most difficult thing I did that morning was to get dressed, open the fear-laden front door, move myself over the threshold, and step out into the world.  

Then, I was on autopilot. Emotions suspended by having to navigate thru traffic until I reached the convention center, I arrived early and found myself at the front of a line that eventually extended out the door and around the corner. Although my degree was in education, that day, I became one of six people hired to sell food. Over the coming weeks, I found my fear of failure dissipating as I interacted with the many international customers who just came to me for food. As the days went by, I devised systems for customers to attain food service on the convention floor more easily. Within a few months, I was asked to join the sales staff as both a secretary and manager of the systems I’d created. A year later, I was tapped to be the assistant to the General Manager and then the Regional Manager. These advancements happened because I was present when the openings occurred, but also because I was in a state of mind I called, “open to the universe” — open to wherever it was leading me. Years later, when the foodservice company lost its contract at the convention center, I again lost my job. But I was so well known in the building that when a new Convention Marketing Director was looking for a secretary, I was recommended. 

This position was actually very challenging since I had to learn everything about marketing from scratch. But, two years after I started the job, an interoffice memo dropped out of the universe and onto my desk. The convention center was about to start several community-based programs that would assist people in moving off welfare and into jobs. The memo said they were looking to fill the position of Manager of Training & Development. A huge bell rang through me! I remember the memo shaking in my hands as I realized this position would enable me to merge my education background with all I had learned about the hospitality industry over the past several years, and combine it with all I had experienced with job loss, and how I learned to open the door and cross the threshold into a new life. 

For the next two decades, the Academy staff and I provided training, direction and job placement support for the community surrounding the convention center. Our students’ success inspired family members, friends and neighbors to apply. The Academy closed in 2010 when both the Director and I retired. But I’m very aware that none of it would have happened if I hadn’t opened the door that day and crossed the threshold. Those years taught me that when we break through our fears, when we walk right through them, we find a gift waiting on the other side. 

Everything said by all the wonderful people on this site is exactly the right information. Get used to walking out the door by doing just that — exercise your body daily, release emotional stress by absorbing the sounds and sights in nature. Most of all, calm your mind by remembering that every human being has the seed of divinity within, and It’s looking for every possible opportunity to manifest through your creativity and in the loving kindness you express to others.

For a long-time lurker, I’ll close by suggesting you consider what Jeanne and others have suggested: Freely offering your services at a nearby food bank or thrift shop that assists those in need is a wonderful way to gently re-engage with the world. As was also suggested, before paying for professional job placement assistance, consider checking out the resources in your local library. And, although you have to use your discernment, YouTube might also offer some insight about the present job market. I’ve used YT to learn how to fix my toilet, grease the garage door, get grease out of the jeans I was wearing when I greased the garage door, how to self-publish a novel and much, much more — all for free! As a former job placement specialist, and someone who has been reading your posts on this site for years, I’m telling you, tgraf66, you’ve got this! All positive energy is surrounding you as you cross the threshold into your new life!"

--@streaminglight

Here is another gem from Uncle P (@Unk-P).  I actually can't get this one out of my head since he posted it a couple of days ago. Thank you, Unk-P.

"@jeanne-mayell to me, the question that needs to be asked of the court is not whether homeless folks should be allowed to exist outdoors (where else are they going to be, if they are unhoused?).  A more urgent question would be "should billionaires be allowed to exist, at all?"

I get into so many fights on the Nextdoor app.  People post things like "There is a homeless person walking down my street! Where are the police?, and what ever shall I do??"   I reply  "make them a sandwich. Give them some water.  Hell, buy them a six-pack of beer, if it helps them cope."

 Poverty is not a crime. But extreme wealth should be.  When one person has enough money to buy out democracy, it's a real threat. This needs to stop, before we all end up unhoused."

Here is a wonderful, inspiring post from Lovendures from the 2024 Election Issues and Campaigns thread, from 6/28/24, in response to the first presidential debate between Trump and Biden:

Amongst the myriad of thoughts I had last night, this one kept (and keeps) coming back to me.  It blessess me this morning and if it is a blessing for me, perhaps it will be so for some of you well. 

I keep thinking of Olympic speed skater Dan Jansen. 

It is important for you to understand why this thought of Jansen is an important message of hope, so let me shine a little light on the story of Dan Jansen.

For those who don't know or remember Dan Jansen, he was the World Champion and favorite to win the 1988 Olympics in the 500 and 1000 meter speed skating events.

Tragedy struck on the day of his 500 meter event however when he learned his sister Jane who was battling leukemia, was in the final hours of her life.  He spoke to her lovingly one last time on the phone (she was not able to respond to him) and a few short hours later, he learned of her passing. He had hoped to win a medal and give it to her before she died. He was devastated but he decided to skate that night in her honor and the world held their collective breath.  

As the race began and he rounded the first turn, the unthinkable happened, he fell.  It was devastating.  

It was heartbreaking again when during the 1000 meter race 4 days later, while on a record breaking pace, he fell again.  It was truly gut-wrenching to watch.  There wasn't a dry eye in the stadium or in homes around the world. I will never forget his anguish or mine for him.  (His efforts that Olympics were so valiant and impactful, he was awarded the U.S. Olympic Spirit award that year.)

He tried again at the 1992 Olympics.  There was great hope and anticipation for him to finally have his moment. Unfortunately,  more devastation and disbelief unfolded as he again lost each race.

In 1994, he entered the Olympics once again as the World Champion and was favored to win.  It would be his last Olympics too he announced.  And just like that, he was out of medal contention finishing in 4th place for the 500 meter race.  Seriously, I remember staring at my t.v. in disbelieve again.  4th?  It seemed so cruel. Everyone kept saying he was jinxed, even the commentators.  

But there was still the hope of the 1000 meter race left to skate.  His last Olympic race ever.

And thus created one of the most incredible Olympic moments of all time.  

You could hear a pin drop when  the skaters were waiting for the race to begin.  Can you imagine the weight Dan Jansen carried on his shoulders?  

The race began and Jansen was on record breaking pace.  It was hard to hope and I was afraid to watch but this time he actually finished the race and won.  

Dan won the gold and set the new world record!!

This time the stadium erupted in joy, the commentators were jubilant and Jansen was elated.  I was at home jumping up and down and crying.  Everyone was crying. Jansen suddenly reached into the crowd he scooped up his baby daughter Jane, named after his sister, and carried her around the rink as he skated a victory lap. It was so powerful and moving.  I even feeling like crying once again as I am typing about it.  

As I sat in front of my t.v. that night, I understood that something greater than the Olympics and greater than Dan Jansen had occurred and it had unfolded in the way and time frame it was meant to do so. It was Creator, God, Spirit driven and guided, we just didn't know it until it unfolded fully.  The impact would have been beautiful in 1988 but it meant so much more in 1994. 

So dear community, as I share with you that upon waking this morning I thought of Dan Jansen, and as I am sharing his story with you now, my morning is filling up with hope and light as I type, I am not merely convening a story of an Olympic athlete and his journey.  I am sharing a light filled and hopeful message.  We don't often know the purpose for devastating life moments, but we CAN trust and have active hope that in the end, things will fall into place and create something "more" than we could have imagined. 

Last night was really hard. Shocking really.   Sometimes however, it is the greatest of challenges which steers us forward toward the light and through the darkness.  

DO NOT LOSE HOPE.  Find that spark of hope and re-light that flame inside of you.   Think of it as your own spirit driven Olympic flame and be the torch-runner sharing it with others who are ready to receive the light with outstretched hands. 

Go light-up the darkness. You are light-workers.  Take a moment or two and connect with that flame.  Light begets light.  

My flame is glowing again.  Find your flame and share it.  Be a torch-runner.  Be a light house.  Be a candle or a star.  Don't let your light be snuffed out. 

Today I stand with outstretched hands  in light and in love and share that joyful and hopeful loving light with  all who are in need. 

Thank you God, beautiful Spirit, for sending the story of Dan Jansen back to me once again today to fill my spirit with light and hope.

This is from @lovendures on 11/14/2024 in response to the new, post-2024 presidential election thread that Jeanne created. It is a wonderful reminder of who we are and what we do here.

You are never alone. You are loved. When there is darkness, look for the light within it. — Jeanne Mayell.

This light-filled message from Jeanne Mayell greeted me tonight after a long and eventful day.  

Jeanne is a light worker. She has lovingly built a lighthouse with her own sweat and tears for light workers across the globe to come together and safely shine their lights of hope, love, kindness, compassion, humility, optimism and wisdom. 

Jeanne's site began as a single  prediction page.  I remember visiting that page before there was a forum, before there was a 45.  I was fascinated by her climate predictions and kept coming back to review them.   

During the time of 45, she built a community forum because she recognized a need for all of us to interact, learn and grow. It helped us  weather the growing storms together.  

As a gardener tends their own garden, Jeanne tended her forum and its members.  As she shared her wisdom and light, we  shared our own wisdom and light. Her garden community bloomed.   As she focused on embracing truth,  knowledge, active hope, light and love, these very light-filled gifts soon flowed from member to member and to even the world beyond.   It brightened the darkest days.   The more light we shared, there brighter the light we felt.  Our community  gave  strength, compassion and the audacity to hope.  Jeanne  even nurtured  a vibrant  Circle of Light to spread  light to all in need and to help grow light within ourselves. Jeanne's own light grew as well. 

From the kindest and most compassionate part of my own spirit, I ask each of you to reflect upon her message to us  (in blue) above and then reflect upon how you are tending your own garden of light.

We have indeed entered a new dark time.   How we react to this darkness is one of the few things we can control.  What each of you brings to our beautiful garden, our community garden of hope and light, is an essential part of what we ultimately grow here together during this new precarious time. Your light is important in the community we are trying to fortify and strengthen.

What kind of light and garden do you wish to grow during this storm? 

Do you wish to grow a refuge of safety, hope and compassion? Perhaps something even brighter?

Well then, how are you tending your personal garden?   Is fear filling up inside your watering can? Are you allowing weeds of anger to overtake your fertile soil? Are you leaving your fruit to rot in mold and muck. Are you creating a rocky soil where seeds of hope are blocked from reaching the light?

Think long and hard about how you chose to face the storm. Our light is stronger together, but only if we are truly bringing our purest along light with us. 

Be the light you wish to see. Plant the light you wish to grow. Embrace the light you wish to hold. Shine the light you wish to discover.  

This community deserves our best right now.   Jeanne does as well.  Spirit led us here for a reason just like it led Jeanne to create this space where we gather together in love and hope.  It is sacred space.  Treat it as such and be mindful of the light you  share here. 

This post gave me chills and delight.  Ghandigirl: With raw honesty, which is one of your hallmarks and why you are such a treasure here, you laid out your own process, from anger, to sadness, to cynicism to finding your mentors, and the beginning of healing. Your honesty and wisdom helps me heal and accept my own frailties as I work through this difficulty. 

I have been sitting with cynicism for a day. It doesn't fit. It doesn't suit me. It's not in my nature. What is in my nature is to hope.  Even when life feels hopeless I mustn't lose sight of the light. There is always hope.

I've been looking for Andrew's light and Kamala's stars. I felt lost in the wilderness. Then dannyboy started the path forward thread and I described it as Manna in the wilderness.

Yet I raged and deleted every political video station and chastised my boyfriend for not letting me have silence and a vacation from the news.

 I couldn't look. I needed to heal. And the best way for me to heal is to reach out to all of you, who allow me to use my voice for good, with Jeannes dignity, with dannyboys path, with Andrew's light. 

In regards to this election I am drawn to thoughts of my heroes and most especially John Lewis. He put himself in harms way to uphold the rights of others and he ended up having a powerful voice. 

People may try to steal our joy and our peace. We needn't give it away. Spinning in circles and fearing to the point of physical illness in my case, helps nothing and no one. I say this not in judgement but in caring for all of you.. Trust me on this one. Major spinner.

I'd like to gently request that posters try to balance their posts on this thread. Ive been feeling the forum focus changing. Understandably so. We are all hurting. We are tired. Things seem dire. Let's remember that we lift ourselves up best by uplifting others. Venting is a natural need but wallowing is not. 

The energy we exude matters. The energy I am exuding is draining me and my tendency to catastrophize has been out of control. I am literally ruining my health over this. I cannot help anyone from this dark place. 

I realize this post probably fits the path forward thread more. I purposely posted here because I am hopeful to encourage others to choose your words carefully and wisely. In my last post sharing my despair I didn't. I succumbed to grief and anger. And I'm sorry for that. If I caused anyone to feel worse I apologize. -- Ghandigirl

Hi Community, I'm so glad I popped into the forum tonight because I immediately felt home again here, among the most beautiful people I know. 

The first thing I found when I logged in are these two post election posts which I'd read before but I was in a disconnected state then, and now I am really breathing them in. Both @unk-p and @lovendures helped me feel what I could not feel for days after the election. 

When 45 got elected the first time, I felt like I'd been hit by a Mack truck. But the feeling was more dread and irritation than grief. 

This time it was like I'd lost all the feeling in my arms.  (a feeling that happens to me when I'm losing agency).  I'm working my way through it now, and spending time with loved ones and you all, which helps to return to myself and start to develop a plan for moving forward.  It was a big deal for me that @dannyboy dropped into my city and we spent a day together. I know that the Universe arranged that. 

From @jackofhearts

https://jeannemayell.com/community/elections/post-u-s-election-thread-please-post-with-dignity/paged/10/#post-72731

Please forgive me; this is an area of interest for me on multiple levels, and sometimes I like to rant. 

That article [an article a community member posted] offers a compelling exploration of the challenges of shifting gender roles, but I believe it only scratches the surface. The trends described, from the anxiety surrounding women's success to the rise of the manosphere, are symptoms of a deeper issue: the fraying of our social contract.

In its simplest terms, the social contract is the implicit agreement that defines our roles, responsibilities, and rewards as members of society. Historically, this contract was deeply gendered: men were the breadwinners, and women were the caregivers. As flawed as this framework was, it provided a clear, albeit limiting, structure. The problem is that while women have fought to renegotiate their side of the contract, entering classrooms, boardrooms, and buying homes independently, the contract for men has not evolved in tandem.  

Men have been left clinging to an outdated "breadwinner" role even as economic and social conditions make that role increasingly untenable. The anxiety and disaffection many men feel, which fuel movements like the manosphere, stem not from women's success but from the absence of a straightforward, updated narrative of what it means to be a man today.

What’s more, the zero-sum thinking that pits men’s advancement against women’s is itself a relic of the old social contract. It assumes only one path to status or security and that one gender’s gain is the other’s loss. This binary view is as outdated as the fairy tales the article critiques. A modern social contract would embrace multiple, fluid definitions of success and partnership for both genders, freeing us from the narrow breadwinner-princess dynamic.

Suppose we want to address the loneliness, resentment, and stagnation the article highlights; we must move beyond diagnosing symptoms and start rebuilding the social contract. This requires reshaping societal norms, rethinking how we value different forms of contribution, and crafting a narrative that allows everyone, regardless of gender, to thrive without being trapped by outdated expectations.

The solution isn’t about "fixing" one gender or blaming the other. It’s about evolving the framework we all live within. Until we do, the Cinderella-and-Prince paradigm will continue to haunt us, no matter how much we’ve tried to reimagine it.

Know this: the true transfer of peaceful power in the states of America does not occur merely at the change of literal governance. It occurs when the current Leader transfers it heart-to-heart, even unknowingly, to the future President. -- Tesseract

https://jeannemayell.com/community/postid/71332/

@Tesseract posted this transmission the day before the 2024 election. I was reading it again today and the words have even more meaning, given what happened with that election. 

"Yesterday (November 4, 2024) was a day of visuals / visions for me. It began in the morning as I woke up, and realized that Jeanne’s extra morning Circle of Light meditation was soon to start. Because I am so “creaky” these days, and do not move quickly at all, I chose to reach out to the Vortex that five years of consistent, same time, same day Zoom meditations had built in the etheric. As I did so, I found myself at my special meditation place, a giant log on the Puget Sound beach in Edmonds, Washington. As had occurred in earlier meditations, George Washington was sitting beside me, to my left. As I looked at him I saw President Biden superimposed over our First President and realized that there is a karmic connection between the two Presidents. As I realized that, Washington squeezed my hand gently and disappeared. I then found myself reaching into the Circle of Light vortex. As I did so, it changed from a “normal” vortex swirl of gold and became a Lighthouse. The top, where the Light is kept burning, was brilliant, and it moved in a circular motion, sending a ray of clear white light out across the continent. As I watched the strong, steady, circular motion of the vortex-as-Lighthouse, it changed into Archangel Michael, of the blue ray of Will, which embodies strength, faith, courage, steadfast integrity, character, and trust. He took his sword, which had a hilt of gold and silver entwined, and with his blade of brilliant blue, he touched the tip of the sword upon the North American continent and out of the darkness shadowing the land, grew lighthouse after lighthouse after lighthouse, each beam of Light opening clarity of sight: daylight to the dark night of the soul. It mattered not that they were often where no body of water existed for, I was given to understand, each Lighthouse I saw was a Circle of Light, and although they may have named themselves differently, each was a group of souls choosing to send energy of love, compassion, trust, and freedom across the globe. This was not just America, although I was focused on America. The turmoil we have endured, I was told, was in part due to the savage conquering of the First People of this continent and the equally savage use and perpetuation of enslaved peoples in a nation calling itself freedom. For every action there is a reaction, regardless of the passing of time. Only when acknowledgement and acceptance of grievous errors are understood, WILL forward growth occur.

Later that day, in the actual afternoon Zoom meditation, the visuals continued. Once again I found myself at my beach. Sitting next to me was Betsy Ross. She took my hands and said gently, “we have taken back the flag.” And then she was gone. I could still see the Lighthouses, and I felt Archangel Michael, his feet planted strongly in New England’s soil, while his blade of blue covered the entire width and breadth of the continent. As I watched, more and more lighthouses burst into blue light until I could no longer see the land, but only the Light, so blue it was, it merged with sky and earth and spirit and all were One. I felt I was wrapped in a coverlet of deep blue, sown with white thread that crisscrossed the blue in glorious configurations. I felt at peace.

This morning, as I awoke, I could still see and feel the lighted continent, and Spirit expanded it to the entire globe. This is not simply an American moment. This is a moment for humanity. Spirit said they wished to speak to the Forum, and eventually I arrived here, at the computer. I heard: “Beyond earth, time is neither limited nor static. All is possible. When the man we call Integrity CHOSE to STEP ASIDE—never down, always, ALWAYS, simply opening the space next to him—the spark of divine (that is within all) became incandescent with Love within his heart. As that spark met the Light of the woman we call JOY, her potential exploded, and the Light of Guardianship and Government passed to her. The relinquishment of power from Integrity to Joy was not a sacrifice, it was a GIFT. He was not required to do so, he CHOSE to do so, for he saw clearly, however much it caused ego pain, he KNEW that passing the power to Joy was vital to this current battle between dark and light. Without Integrity this battle would not have been won, for without the transfer of power, peacefully, the dark would triumph. Know this: the true transfer of peaceful power in the states of America does not occur merely at the change of literal governance. It occurs when the current Leader transfers it heart-to-heart, even unknowingly, to the future President. Not all elections of this country are battles between dark and light. This one IS. Integrity, the soul, knew this was part of his destiny. Because the river of time is always dynamic and open to change, events may or may not come to pass. Joy was a candidate, but not the only one for this role. She grew into the role, and with Integrity’s heartlit Gift of power, she stepped up with both joy and determination, into destiny. This is the changeover from patriarchy to Wholeness of All. Neither gender is to have power over the other, although this may take time to refine, and for this Now, the time has come for movement forward, into adulthood. Those who have lusted for power will feel and receive judgement. Be clear of sight going forward though, for hate is never acceptable; it literally destroys the cells in your body. Modulate your angers with compassion. LEARN rather than hate. Use wisdom rather than dangerous volcanoes of emotion as you grow forward. Only when you are able to remember without hate WILL the future steady in Light. Acknowledge the negative emotion, always, then transmute the dark that lingers in anger and move forward with strength rather than vengeance. LEARN children of Earth. LEARN and gather in your LIGHT. Namaste. The Chorus. -- @Tesseract in the Circle of Light

@jeanne-mayell ❤️

By Lovendures. Posted February 5, 2025 here: https://jeannemayell.com/community/postid/73971/

Putting @lovendures' latest post into this Hall of Fame.  Thank you, Lovendures, for, once again, raising our spirits on "Be Brave" day. 

"I have come to believe that everyday right now is "Be Brave" Day.

Being Brave comes in many forms and different sizes.I  find myself often recognizing and appreciating other people's bravery and I even recognizing some of my own. 

Sometimes we are brave KNOWING what is to come and facing that reality head on.  At other times we have no idea what we're about to face and yet we step forward into that uncertainty with resolve and determination regardless of the unknown which is about to unfold. 

I've had many Be Brave Days lately.  Most are of a personal (micro)nature related to having 2 broken ankles, surgery and navigating through an unforeseen life reality-check this summer. 

When adding the reality of our never-ending, earth shattering, daily macro political authoritarian news events, well...just wow!  IT is beyond description really.

And yet, that which I have no words for, seems to be presenting me with a rare opportunity. It is why I believe I am here on earth at this particular moment in time.  I don't think I'm alone either. Perhaps you feel the same way as I do.

That this moment of time is our Selma March, our tearing down of the Berlin Wall. Our French Revolution and French Resistance. Our hiding of Jews in attics and slaves in Underground Railroad safe houses. Our Tiananmen Square protest and Salt March. Our Anti- Apartheid movement and Standing Rock protest.

We are living in a moment of history which puts the "human" in humanity. 

My goal right now is to be brave enough to get myself through my own personal trauma so I can heal. Then I will be more capable of gathering my humanity and put my civic bravery to good use.  

We're running a marathon.  Maybe even an Ironman Triathlon.  Or perhaps we are all simply attempting to get ourselves back home from the upside down world in Stranger Things. 

We are living in times where "Be Brave Day" is everyday. Sometimes that only means being brave enough to allow hope to enter our hearts and guide us one step forward. Sometimes it is being brave enough to help guide someone else forward through the darkness. 

Do what you can, when you can, where you can.

Every Day is Be Brave Day right now.

Today I found a way to climb into a swimming pool without help and exercise my legs so I could build up some muscle in my calves as safely as possible to help me walk again. 

I also took a chance and wrote some thoughts about being brave to you guys tonight.  One step forward with hope.  

May we all discover we are braver than we think." -- Lovendures 

@cc21 @bluebelle @deetoo @tesseract @baba @sealion @dannyboy @Caroline @joy @journeywithme2 @unkp @ana @tonyaw @teriz @lynnventura, @raincloud @vesta @earthangel @Andy @andrew @seaholly @Tybin @tgraf66 @bbmom @freya @pafc @baba @elaineG @KDM @Natalie @lenor @dannyboy @Andrew