Stella says, AMERICA NEEDS US!

Gloom and doom. Yuck, there's enough miserable moaning and negative talk to go around a number of times over. What has happened to the optimists?



Not a darn thing, folks. We're still here and this is our moment to shine through. Have you ever seen a bad situation get better because someone moaned about it? Nope? Neither have I.



The stock market has been rising and falling throughout its existence. True, some falls are worse than others, but some sort of law mandates it will rise again and meanwhile, make sure you've got a little cash!



Gas prices are horrible--crippling for those who must get to work despite fixed incomes. I won't be so bold as to suggest gas prices will go down anytime soon, but we will all come through this phase. Meanwhile, public transportation is a boon. Bus it, bike it, train it, hoof it. If you live too far away from a bus stop or station, try to drive just that far and park the car for the day. Most transit centers have free parking.



Do "The Loop!" That's the thought-out circle of errands that allows us to use a minimum of gas to do the things we just about can't do by bus, like carry a week's groceries.



I'm watching breathlessly while those who "know" wrangle over alternative energy. Bring it on, guys and gals because we need it. Put up those wind thingies and anything else that will allow us to heat, cool and move.



Food! When did the farmers' markets get so much more expensive than the grocery stores? This summer, naturally. That's sad because we all love fresh produce but (there's always a bright side) since we're a teensy bit rocky about fresh veg and fruit safety, we might be better off with the frozen varieties. I love my frozen blueberries. We always have choices and I'm making them daily. Perhaps this is a good way to cause more careful shopping. Good foods in smaller quantities won't do this family any harm.



Housing isn't something Jerry and I are changing or thinking of changing soon, but anyone who is caught in that crunch has my positive thoughts coming their way. Again, this can't go on for ever.



Health care? We've got it, folks. There is no one in this country who can't be cared for when and if needed. No hospital can turn a patient away for lack of funds--not unless they want to be in the middle of a giant investigation. The MDs take an oath and even if they weren't generally a very dedicated group, they deeply fear law suits.



I might be induced to grouch about health insurance premiums. Mine just took another major hike--an amazing one--but I don't have a choice but to pay.



I'm sure there are concerns I haven't hit on. But AMERICA NEEDS US and now. America needs us to be positive ambassadors for this country that gives us so much. A ghastly day here is legions better than the best of days in very many places.



That brings up something else--there is so much of this country I haven't seen. How about you? Have you talked about going to Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon or the Everglades but never quite made it. Those trips to Cancun or Grand Cayman can seem so much more exotic, but often they're just hot and you can't drink the water:) I intend to see more of my own country. That way I spend needed money here and less of it in the end.



My town is famous for consignment shops. They are amazing and people come from far and wide to "do" them. I bet you have 'em where you live and that pair of of Prada loafers could be sitting in one of them, never before worn, for a tiny fraction of the normal retail price. Add a St. John suit, a snazzy silk scarf, a Gucci purse, and you're all togged up for a song. And best of all, afterward you get to tell those who drool over your fabulous outfit than it "really isn't anything!" which with luck will be fairly true.



I was going to hit recycling but I'll take pity on you and simply say, it gets to be challenging fun:) If our son buys coffee in a paper cup and doesn't finish in time to recycle at the shop, he dries it out with his napkin, squishes, and carries it home in his backpack (out west we backpack--even in suits) until he reaches his own recycle bins.



By now some of you will be groaning about "Miss Sunshine," but buck up and join me instead. I'll hope with you, pray with you, dream with you, be sad, angry or defiant with you, and just thinking about the power we have between us will give strength to our Body Optimistic. And hang the nay-sayers!



Please take off the virtual gloves and share thoughts and ideas--opinions are always welcome, even if they're wrong!



Cheers, Stella