MONDAY MUSINGS NO. 144
Kindness
Good morning friends, how was your weekend?
I would be lying if I said I was not upset about the nasty comments left for Juliet on her Weekend Meanderings post. I wrote a bit about it in my newsletter on Sunday.
For those who missed it, the short story, Juliet posted her views on some things that are important to her. Several people that did not agree with her political stance left unkind comments and attacked her.
Let me say this, we are all allowed an opinion, we are all allowed to speak our truth and to stand up for what we believe. End of story.
We can agree to disagree. We do not all have to agree about politics, religion, Israel, Palestine, gun policies, plastic surgery, letting our hair go gray, weight gain or loss, being married or single, having children or remaining childless, what to wear, how to make biscuits or anything else in the world.
It is my right, your right and the right of every other human being in this country to have free speech, to have an opinion. Something that seems to have been lost the last 8-10 years.
That said, please be kind. If you do not agree with me or something here on my blog, which is my personal space or any other blog, social media posting, etc, be kind. State your opinion, share your stance in a respectful way, open yourself up for dialog or a conversation.
If you are outright opposed to something then walk away or unfollow and find your tribe or peeps elsewhere. There is no more room in the world for hate, it is full of that.
Interestingly enough, I remembered that is I wrote this post in 2016, Just CuriousDo You Write Honest Comments on Social Media? Guess what, I wrote a much more verbose post all those years ago that said exactly what I said today.
End of rant, let’s get to 5 Things!
A woman’s secret. A deadly Plague. Unleash the hidden magic…
1348. As the Black Plague ravages Italy, Ginevra di Gasparo is summoned to Florence after nearly a decade of lonely exile. Ginevra has a gift—harnessing the hidden powers of gemstones, she can heal the sick. But when word spread of her unusual abilities, she was condemned as a witch and banished. Now the same men who expelled Ginevra are begging for her return.
Ginevra obliges, assuming the city’s leaders are finally ready to accept her unorthodox cures amid a pandemic. But upon arrival, she is tasked with a much different mission: she must use her collection of jewels to track down a ruthless thief who is ransacking Florence’s churches for priceless relics—the city’s only hope for protection. If she succeeds, she’ll be a recognized physician and never accused of witchcraft again.
But as her investigation progresses, Ginevra discovers she’s merely a pawn in a much larger scheme than the one she’s been hired to solve. And the dangerous men behind this conspiracy won’t think twice about killing a stone witch to get what they want…
MORE BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
If you have already read these books or missed something I have featured before on the blog check out My Bookshop on Amazon.
2. WATCHED~Alex Papachristidis in Lisa McCarthy’s Traditional Hamptons Home
The latest Homeworthy house tour in East Hampton. If you love blue and white you will love this house!
3. LINKS: READ+WATCH+LISTEN
Do you tell yourself you’re happier than you are? Stop the gaslighting
Science Says Being Generous, Thoughtful, and Kind Is a Sign of High Intelligence.
A Simple Roast Party is Always a Great Idea
How to Navigate a Job Offer rom a Competitor
They Made a “Sports Bar for Politics.” It Went About How You’d Expect.
9 Books We Can’t Stop Talking About This Month
The 7 types of rest you need to feel your best.
4. SHOPPING BREAK
Next to black, plaid is my favorite color. I am mad for plaid and love all of the traditional patterns. In Fall and Winter Boden has beautiful dresses, skirts, pants, shoes, shirts, bags and more in black watch plaid and red plaid.
This skirt is a combination of both black watch and red plaid. You can wear it with red, black, blue, green, or white, the combinations are endless. Pair it with books, slingback, loafers or sneakers for a casual vibe.
Don’t forget to add a brooch, it is the season for sparkle If you need a few ideas for adding brooches to your outfits read this post about 15 ways to wear brooches and pins.
Outfit Details
5. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Saturday I joined Juliet and Kim for Weekend Meanderings. I shared Ash Mazzina, Leeann Ford, Advent Calendars, Marie Antoinette and more on Weekend Meanderings.
THAT’S ALL FOR NOW
What was the best part of your weekend?
Have a great day friends, thank you for spending part of your day with me.
You can also keep up with me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. And last but not least, if you like Pinecones & Acorns share it with a friend!
This post contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
On My Radar
Good for you for speaking up for Juliette. Some of the comments were downright nasty. I can see why she was upset. I echo your words of “be kind”. All of us need kindness in this current world.
Sue, thank you! Juliet is such a kind, funny, witty and talented writer. We do not all have to agree but we can be civil and kind about the way that we disagree.
Have a great day!
I follow blogs for fashion, design, food and book suggestions NOT for political rantings. That being said, I unfollowed Juliet a few years ago because of her political views. That’s how I chose to voice MY opinion.
Thank you Mary for sharing your opinion. I could not agree more, if the blog is not for you unfollow. In the last year Thiegan from Half Baked Harvest has gotten a lot of flack and comments because she introduced fashion to her food blog. People are drawn to blogs, people. social media for certain things and that is what they are there for.
Have a great day and thank you for sharing.
Mary, I feel the same as you do. I did unfollow her too. I am here for the same reason as you! Thanks for your thoughts.
Ester, I appreciate you candor. That is what makes our world special the fact that we can do, like and say whatever we wish.
HAve a great week!
Kindness needs to be spread all around! It seems that wherever I go, people are in a rage and angry about something! I too was upset with the comments spewed at Juliet, but she HAS every right to express how she feels and what she believes in! If you don’t like what she posts, unfollow, but don’t throw nasty barbs around! Be KIND people please!!!!
Deb,
I was thinking about this this morning, I don’t know if there has always been this rage simmering below the surface and we didn’t know about it because we did not have 24 hour news and social or if it is something new.
I wrote a post in 2016 right around the time of the election between Trump and Clinton, it was bi-partisan but expressed the same thoughts about the anger and rage. All these years later is seems worse.
Have a wonderful week and thank you for sharing and spreading kindness.
Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you for voicing your option and in support of Juliet. It’s good that we don’t always see things the same way but when we take a difference of opinion differently and to decide to attack someone in a get-back kind of way tells me so much about that person. It’s too bad, compatibility is everything. I know it does not feel so swell when someone decides to throw you under the bus because you see things differently than they do. Women can be tricky. Kindness is everything, and more people love than hate, and that fills me with hope.
Sending a UP and joyful week.
Katherine,
I love “women can be tricky” that is a much nicer statement than what I told my husband this morning. Juliet is so kind and generous as is Kim, they really do not deserve to be treated that way. Honestly, no one does.
There are so many people behind these blogs and social squares living a life that does not align with what is portrayed and they don’t need to have one more thing added to their plate.
Thank you for your ALWAYS kind comments and notes!
Have a wonderful week Katherine!
Let’s agree to disagree was my father’s favorite saying, and one that I have always tried to follow. I am new to your blog and Juliet’s and have enjoyed finding them in my inbox. Juliet’s political views are not my political view, so what? I was disappointed to read of the vitriol she suffered for expressing opinions that some disagreed with, it is still a free speech country I believe. I will continue to enjoy both your blogs .
Beth McGuire
Beth,
Welcome to the blog! I hope that you find something that you enjoy here and on Juliet and Kims blogs as well.
I could not agree more. I come from a huge family, my mother has 9 brothers and sisters and I have lots of cousins and 2nd cousins. We do not agree on anything but we still love to get together and talk and banter and yes even try to persuade one another to our way of thinking. I am not just talking about politics, it could be a recipe, how to garden, memories, etc. We always end the family gathering with a hug and that’s the end. We agree to disagree.
I am happy that you will continue to follow us both, we always have lots to share. Between the 2 of us many followers have jumped ship this weekend. I hope that they find people that they like and aline with.
Have a wonderful week and thank you again for your comment and follow.
Why can’t people keep their nasty opinions to themselves? No one is forcing anyone to read any blog, so if someone really can’t stomach a blogger’s opinion, the reader should unfollow. And, to borrow my favorite phrase, “Unlike an airplane, you don’t have to announce your departure.”
Kim,
I think blogging is a great place to be, and has been for the last 14 years. It allows people from all over the world to come together. Sometimes we agree and sometimes we don’t, that is what makes it interesting.
Thank you for your comment and for following Pinecones and Acorns.
Thank you for your defense of Juliet. I didn’t know about the negative comments until this morning so I went on her blog to write a supportive comment. You, Kim and Juliet have some of my favorite blogs and I love following you. You three are remarkable women and I appreciate your hard work. You make it look easy.
Perfectly said, Cindylou. I admire Kim and Juliet for using their platforms to promote civic engagement as much as for the eye candy and temptations that they share.
Debra,
Kim and Juliet are both intelligent, brave and amazing women. I applaud them for speaking their mind and their truth and listening, engaging their readers who do and do not share their views.
Have a wonderful week.
Cindylou,
Juliet is my friend and I could not stand by and no say anything in her defense. I appreciate that you read not only my blog, but Kim and Juliets’ as well. I think and I may be biased that we all offer something interesting and unique to bogland.
Thank you for following along on the blog! Have a wonderful week.
I somehow missed that post of hers so until you made mention of it today, I had no idea. I went back to read it and didn’t see why all the outrage. She didn’t cram her views down anyone’s throats nor did she shame other’s for having a different view. People are so quick to take offense. I love her and your blog and know that you are kind women from the way you write. Just ordinary folks trying to make the best of the world we live in and leaving some beauty behind. Thanks!!
Nanci, thank you! I love this quote, “ordinary folks trying to make the best of the world we live in and leaving some beauty behind.” That is the best compliment ever!
Juliet is a kind, compassionate woman and you are right, she did not cram her views or proselytize her views she simply spoke her truth. Something that in blogging is difficult to do for fear of retribution. I learned way back in the Stone Age of blogging that there are topics that are off limits. That said, if you write a recipe blog people don’t want to read about art, or a travel blog that writes about homesteading.
I don’t fit any niche, I write about my life and the things I like…not a popular or profitable niche but that is not why I am here.
I hope that you have a wonderful day and thank you again!
Elizabeth, you seem like such a kind person. It’s refreshing.
I skipped the political part of Juliet’s post because I’m looking for a break from politics.
I skipped this time but if it continues I’ll unsubscribe just like I unsubscribed Kim.
Yes, we all have a choice.
Janey, thank you, that is kind of you to say.
Juliet is my friend and I do not want her to be hurt. I understand that politics are a divisive topic, my own family is divided politically, on religion and several other things as well.Thankfully we all agree to disagree.
That said there are some heated discussions that sometimes need a moderator. My mother has 9 brothers and sisters, then you add their spouses, and I have too many cousins and 2nd cousins to count and that is a lot of opinions.
I hope that you have a nice week and appreciate you being a part of this little community.
Hi Elizabeth, thank you for mentioning the abuse that Juliet received. I find that behind a screen people feel they can say whatever they like and feel there are no consequences. Well there are! It is real people who write these blogs and they have feelings like the rest of us, none of us know what someone is going through so maybe hold off on your rude comments as you have no idea how it may affect someone. And to put in my 2 cents worth, I think people have become so much ruder since Covid. My brother moved to a 120 acre property as he had had enough of what he was seeing when he went out and about, and I am beginning to feel the same.
Rita, thank you for sharing your thoughts. You are so right, behind all of these screens are real live people doing the best they can do and living life just like anyone else in the world. We have aging and dying parents and friends, special needs children, illnesses, cleaning up damage from the hurricanes and so much more.
It is a good thing your brother has 120 acres, now there is room for you to escape if you need to.
HAve a wonderful day!