Ringing In 2017 With A Whisper

I had sketched out something uplifting and optimistic for this week's episode, hoping that by reminding us every pendulum does swing back and forth, there might be split second when life was not so dire and that even in the depths of our fear we could find some pinpoint of light. 

At this moment, I cannot think of a thing that would make me feel optimistic, other than the simple fact 2016 is finally over. 

I do not think we have seen  the end of the horror; I believe we are at the very beginning. Whether it's UN Resolution 2334 or the President-elect's threats to build up the nuclear stock pile, I am not seeing much that makes me thing Donald Trump is going to grow up and be presidential. Out of the goodness of his heart, he's decided to disband the Trump Foundation, lest it get in the way of his job as president. Too bad the NYS-AG won't let him do that until they complete their investigation into the misuse, mishandling, and tax avoidance. 

You realize, of course, that by writing that last sentence, I have opened myself up to be sued by the Trump Machine. Melania is going after a 70-year old blogger (not that age has anything to do with his) because he wrote about a story that happens to be fake news.  This is just an opening salvo, people, so get ready to duck'n'cover. 

Face it, we are all worried about a guy who cannot deal with tweets from Alec Baldwin AND has his finger on the big red button. 

Recently there was an article about how to deal with Trumpenistas in one's own family. There was a wonderful suggestion: at a break in the harangue, change the subject. Ask the hollerer what their dreams are for the children and/or grandchildren. Get them to talk about their hopes and aspirations...and how they think the kids are going to get there. You can learn a lot about who you're dealing with from that question. If nothing else, it might buy you some time to breathe.

For the next week, I will be busy with the galleys for DREAM DANCER. Sometime in the next week or so, the book will be available in paperback on Amazon. I will tell you that holding that book in my hands was about an emotion and surreal experience imaginable. I'll let you all know when the book is up for sale, and I hope you'll buy a copy. It's a good read, a good adventure, and I promise you'll love the characters. We're all gonna need escapist literature for the foreseeable future. 

Wishing every one a safe and happy New Year,

The WP