Tricks and treachery are the practice of fools who don’t have enough brains to be honest. I am not smart enough to lie. I would be caught immediately. I would forget my lie and would be caught. Its much easier just to tell the truth. Except when it could hurt someones feelings, like when they ask “How do you like my new haircut?” And you think it looks horrible.

I am floating on the Pacific Ocean, and I can truthfully say there is nothing like water for serenity. Almost as much as the trees and critters of Northern Michigan, it fills my soul. The waves rock the ship and also my heart.

I am in New Zealand and learning about the Māori culture. Once again, my travels show me that all people are worth loving.

Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart (so said the great philosopher, Winnie the Pooh). If we don’t love all the people we meet, we will have a shrinking heart. Human beings are made to love and share with one another.

Love is a word for caring about someone. It doesn’t have to be a lover. I have love for my husband, but I also had a passion for him. I miss him every day. I love my children, neighbor, and many others who have entered my life. I now love the Māori people and the way they keep and respect their history and culture. And of course, I love anyone who offers me chocolate. Many strangers have been kind to me; how can I not love them?

Our wonderful country needs the peace that loving one another would bring. My family has grown into the United Nations. All races and cultures are welcomed, accepted, and loved. I love my country, and it makes my heart shrink when I hear about so much lack of love going on.

So I say practice love, and our country will go back to the real democracy it was intended to be. I recently found out that bluejays, whom I used to think were bully birds, are kind to the old and injured. They will bring sick, young, or old birds food. So let us be kind to the bullying people. Maybe they are just hiding their goodness.

Peace and a hug to all of you.