Epic Fury

As with many times in recent years, I find myself glued to the news. Stomach in knots, tears welling, tense shoulders. 

Furious. 

I remember learning about World War I and II in school. Shocked by the excessive cruelty, but optimistic that I got to grow up long after they were over. I was a senior in high school during 9-11. I watched as many of my classmates eagerly enlisted. Everyone spoke of fighting for freedom. Some came home broken, some never came back at all. I had a horrible realization then that the wars were still waging on. 

Now, years later, we are at war again. This time, they have entirely dropped the premise that this is about freedom. Amidst the unshakable stain of the Epstein files, Trump has chosen to lash out once again. The predictability of his evil still can't take the shock away. 

Tehran was a beautiful city full of people who just wanted to live their lives. The historic Golestan Palace was destroyed. 168 school girls were killed. Innocent children. 

They called it Operation Epic Fury. 

I am furious because I could see how willfully incompetent he was when he was a reality T.V. personality. I knew it was going to be bad when he went into office the first time. I knew a second time was going to be destructive in new and horrific ways. I am furious at everyone who gleefully voted for him and furious that this brazen corruption has gone on for far too long. I am furious that new damaging information comes out everyday and he still isn't in prison.  

I remember learning about World War I and II in school. Never thinking that I'd get to watch horrors unfold live everyday. That's why they are working so hard to censor all the social media sites. It makes it easier to control the narrative. 

I wanted a peaceful life. One where I could make art, raise a family, and live in happiness. I'm in a country without healthcare, stuck between inflation and stagnant wages. Watching my rights and the rights of marginalized communities get stripped away. Watching innocent people on the other side of the world lose everything. Too many people have paid the price for this horrible man and his administration. 

I am furious. 

I can't wait until the pedophile class crumbles to dust. 

Let The Light Shine Through

Landscape in a Leaf

The rugged terrain of a Sycamore leaf.

Flame Vine

Engaged

Max planned a lovely date for us that turned into a truly special day. He took me to the Morse Museum where we had our first date. He proposed and it was so perfectly heartfelt and sincere. I adore Max and I am so excited we can grow together and share our lives.

Photo by Max McDougall.

Ocean Cay

Our last port was Ocean Cay, a small private island owned by the cruise line.

A cute little beach with a lighthouse.

You could see the entire island from the ship.

Myself and Max.

Some of the beautiful rocky coastline.

Max dancing on the beach.

Although the day was mostly cloudy, we did get a few minutes of sunshine.

A colorful salad from the Mexican restaurant back on the ship.

Max and Julie enjoying their drinks from the Venchi chocolate shop.

The lights from another cruise ship as we made our way back to Florida.

Nassau

Our next stop was Nassau in the Bahamas.

Coming into port with the famous Atlantis Resort in the distance.

Julie and Max enjoying the view.

Myself and Max.

Back for more treats at the Venchi chocolate shop.

Catching a shot of one of the workers in action in the reflection of the wall.

Myself and Max walking around the port.

We stopped to enjoy a little drink and some chips and salsa.

Heading back to the ship.

The view from the port after sunset.

For dinner that night we went to the sushi restaurant and it was a lot of fun. They had small plates of sushi for appetizers floating by on a magnetic runway and you just grabbed the ones that looked tasty.

Chilled noodle salad.

The beef main course.

The fried bananas with vanilla ice cream for dessert.