On the way to work this morning, I pulled over to find solace behind the lens.
The news out of America, each and every day this week, has been devastating. Frankly, it’s been this way for much longer than a week.
We are a terribly divided nation.
I’ve seen people asking for prayers for Police Officers, without mention of the victims of racial, gender, and sexual violence.
I’ve seen people asking for prayers for the vicims of racial, gender, and sexual violence, without mention of the Police Officers.
We cannot let violence divide us any more than it already has.
I wish the rain could wash away the hate and the violence, but since it can’t we must unite to Stop the Violence!
As I sit here, listening to the pouring rain, I am horrified by the violence. I grieve for the families.
I am saddened and frightened by the divisiveness and hate, and I am angry that we can’t seem to find any solutions to the violence.
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 
Well said. It’s time to stop the hate and the violence and just enjoy the beautiful wonders the earth gives us. Beautiful photos!
Thanks Karen. This past week was just the latest in a long line of bad stuff …. sigh
Laurie, you put into words beautifully all the emotions I’ve been feeling as I try to grasp what has become of our nation and of humankind in general. I won’t try to add my words, as yours are perfect, as are your images.
Thank you, Stacy. As I wrote these words, I realized that bad things are happening all over the world, but it seems so prevalent in the US.
Your images and words are right on, Laurie. Enough is enough. It’s time that we have unity, peace and acceptance in this country. Unfortunately, I have a feeling it’s going to get worse before it gets better.
Sadly, I worry that you are right, Mary
love your photos, and love your words. The greatest commandment is this… Love the Lord your God, and love your neighbour as yourself…
Yes, love others, and treat others as we sigh to be treated. Thank you, Maureen
I’ve been on a news hiatus but there’s no escaping what’s happening in the mainland. Your post/words/photos are spot-on. Hoping we can heal from all the violence occurring. I’ve been re-reading the following quote and choosing LOVE:
“Returning violence for violence multiplies violence,
adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness:
only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Thank you, Patti, for adding MLK’s words to this post. He was so right, and sadly, would be disappointed that almost 50 yrs later, hate is still so prevalent.
Well said, Laurie
Thank you, Derrick. Sigh …
I’m glad I know people, like you, who are courageous enough, and have the verbal and artistic skills, to put together a message like this one.
Kerry, that means alot to me because as I was writing, I was wishing that I was better able to articulate my thoughts.
Sadly, your country is not the only one suffering this madness. There are many others .
Beautiful photos and words as always Laurie
Stay well.
I did think, as I was writing that many countries are dealing with the madness, as you say. What a world we live in. Sadness! I guess there have always been horrible things going on, but it just seems to prevalent, and awful, right now.
I couldn’t have said it better Laurie 🙂 People have forgotten how to respectfully agree to disagree with each other. My heart goes out to all the victims of police shootings and also to the police officers who lost their lives in Dallas. It is a very sad day for our nation. When will humanity learn that hatred and violence is not the answer. BTW gorgeous images.
Yes, our hearts need to be with ALL victims of violence, and people need to stop taking sides! I blame much of the worsening rhetoric on DT.
Ugh!!
What happened is wrong on so many levels. It is a sad time for civilisation in this world
Sadly, you said it perfectly
Scary times, and maybe scarier ones ahead mate.
The world needs more uplifting words and images like yours, LB. Thank you. As an Irishman father of a police officer and Godfather of a loving young black man it’s saddening to watch all of the blind anger and hate directed at people they will never take one moment to know or understand. We are all one family.
Many of us have a heritage or family dynamic similar to yours. How then can we be so cruel to one another?
Good morning LB. Your words and photos gave me goosebumps this morning. Especially the last moment. My gosh, the rhetoric and excuses for racism in America makes my heart hurt. Daddy’s, brothers and sons that will never come home and be loved by moms, wives and children again. So very sad. There are friends and family here that are scared to travel to the USA, citing all the gun violence and vile slur that flows from DT’s mouth (I don’t even want to acknowledge him by name) I always tell them of our friendships and make sure they understand that the majority of us in the world, have nothing but love and respect for each other. Thank you for being such a bright light! Your photo’s are wonderful xo Love you tons K
K, you are so right. The majority of us do spread love and respect. The vile man who we do not want to name is bringing all the latent hate and racism to the surface, and now those people think it is acceptable to share their awful views.
Love you, too, my good hearted friend
I agree with Kerry. it’s is so good to be confirmed in my own stubborness that goodness and comfort is needed is this world where hate and violence can be so devastating! People like us will continue with seeking peace and love and yes…sometimes you need solace to find beauty again. Your photos are gorgeous xoxoxo
Thank you Johanna. I will try, right along with you, to seek peace and love.
Events that harden the divide. What a week.
Sadly, the events of the week have hardened the divide. I feel sick that people have taken sides, as if you cannot mourn the police while mourning the victims of violence.
Oh, Laurie, it’s awful, isn’t it? There is solace in the photo of that downspout though. I don’t know why. Perhaps it’s the idea of being washed clean.
Lisa, that downspout is my favorite in this series, and I’m so glad you liked it, too.
I enjoyed the moments of solace that I got while looking at these lovely pictures.
It is sad for the world when the bastion of democracy and tolerance falls on its knees like this. I hope a solution to the problems can be found. Soon.
they are so beautiful 🙂
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Thank you for writing this, Laurie. I too feel sadness, frustration, anguish and fear. We can’t seem to find a way forward.
I would love to frame that photo of the downspout. It speaks to me in so many ways. xo
PS: Linked back to my recent post.
A purposeful, profoundly beautiful post . . . love this. Feeling it, too.