The Forsytes, Larysa Bernhardt, AD Open Door, Michele Dockery and more on Weekend Meanderings.
Weekend Meanderings
Good Saturday morning friends. It’s time for Weekend Meanderings with Kim and Juliet. Join us as we share all of the things that piqued our interests and caught our eye this week.
Warning~ Rant Ahead
Skip ahead to the next section if you are here for lighthearted meanderings.
I am taking a page out of Kims’ playbook and speaking my mind. I am sick and tired, hurt, frustrated and in shock.
Another week of tragedies. Celebrating violence is wrong. Celebrating the death of a son, father, husband, friend, is WRONG! Celebrating the death of anyone is wrong, and watching someone die and doing nothing is wrong. Even worse, watching someone die and filming it and then taking a selfie with them. There are no words for that transgression and yes both of these things happened.
What is the heck is going on in this world? Have we become desensitized to violence, heartbreak, war, rape, abuse, poverty, death?
Someone please explain to me why videos of a young man and a young woman getting killed are all over the internet without warning?
I saw things this week I cannot unsee and that will never leave my minds eye, all while scrolling Instagram. Then a story or reel later a few dachshunds and a cookie recipe. Does this make sense? Does the algorithm think I like death, dogs and desserts?
No matter your political party, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, we can all agree to disagree. In the past we could even talk and have a conversation. Now we have no patience, no time, no empathy, we are shells of what we were just a few years ago.
Twenty-four hours a day we are bombarded with stuff, some true, some not. Some entertainment, some “news” and much of it mindless. If we want to, we can waste an hour or an entire day scrolling and “feeding”our mind or should I say letting it turn to mush. I am guilty of this, not an entire day but at least an hour in the morning.
If we comment on a current event, we are criticized, if we don’t comment we are criticized. But no matter what we do or say it will never, ever please everyone, if you say you are praying for people in Texas because of a storm people say what about North Carolina or the wildfires in California or the war in Ukraine or the genocide in the Congo?
If you say you are saddened by the death of one person you are bombarded with comments like, why didn’t you mention so and so”, and “hey what about this person.” Or hey, you didn’t mention this guy or girl or disaster or region. YOU WILL NEVER PLEASE EVERYONE! YOU DON’T HAVE TO!
We are human beings we have free will, and freedom of speech.
I asked Chat GPT what makes human beings different from animals. it said:
Humans are distinguished from other animals by our exceptional cognitive abilities, including abstract reasoning, complex symbolic language, and a deep capacity for culture, self-awareness, and morality.
At this point in time, I would have to disagree with this definition and you are welcome to disagree with me or it as well.
We have lost the ability to think and to reason, many people seem to have turned into lemmings following along with what they hear, with what others are telling them to do, where to go, what to buy, and what to believe.
Social media is not helping. The “Beigeification” of the world is a real thing. We are loosing our individuality, we are becoming complacent, less adventurous, and all becoming beige.
Many have lost their morals and their moral compass, we have no manners, we are not self-aware, we are selfish!
This is my opinion, again, you can agree, disagree, and have your own opinion. In this space you are welcome to your opinion and I am happy to listen and have a civil conversation.
Speaking of which, I shared something a friend wrote on Instagram stories, Kim messaged me that she did not agree with all of it. She told me why, we had a civilized discussion about our thoughts, feelings, differences and places that we agreed. Then we said good night and today we are here on Weekend Meanderings…still speaking and still friends.
This blog is a happy place for many, myself included but I just could not hold back another day. If I offended you, please let me know in a respectful way. If you have something to say, please say it in a respectful way so that we can have a conversation. If you feel like I am not one of “your people” and you want to unfollow, that’s ok. I truly wish you the best in life.
Thank you for listening, I pray that we all do better and that we find our voices and speak up loud and clear for whatever we believe in. There can be no change without action.
Ok, rant over. Let’s move on to lighter things.
One to Follow~Larysa Bernhardt
Larysa Bernhardt is a textile artist from the Ukraine. She creates embroidered moths and butterflies from textiles, vintage tapestries, velvet and needlepoint.
You can see more of her work on Instagram, Facebook and her website.
The Forsytes
Move over Grantham family make way for The Forsytes on Masterpiece Theater.
According to PBS~The Forsytes chronicles the lives, loves, trials and triumphs of a wealthy Victorian era stockbroking family, whose generations find themselves torn between tradition and self-sacrifice versus personal happiness and the pursuit of love. Inspired by John Galsworthy’s celebrated Forsyte Saga novels, The Forsytes portrays events that take place before those covered in Galsworthy’s books.
Lady Mary~Michele Dockery Home Tour
Speaking of, Michelle Dockery aka Lady Mary shares her home with AD. I love Michelles’ playful collected and whimsical style, especially when they feature her pup.
Beacon Hill Books
A few years ago I discovered Beacon Hill books, now we can all enjoy it virtually as well as, a tour of the founders house. This book store is magical, it is what every book store should be, welcoming, cosy and have a little squirl house.
Kismet~A Journey With Adrien Brody
Adrien Brody is one of my favorite actors, I first discovered him in The Pianist, which by the way is inspired by a true story and this book written by Wladyslaw Szpilman. This short film is actually a commercial but no less beautiful.
LINKS TO READ+WATCH+LISTEN
Why everyone should join a book club.
10 Choices in Life We Will All Regret in 10 Years (if We Aren’t Mindful)
The Girl Scouts Unveil New Cookie Inspired by a Popular Ice Cream Flavor
Everyone Needs an ‘Errand Friend.’ Here’s Why.
Cracker Barrel cancels plans to remodel its restaurants after conservative backlash
Ed Sheeran says he’s moving to the U.S.
The Best Workout to Do After a Bad Night’s Sleep, According to a Sleep Neurologist
In Case You Missed It
On Monday Musings I shared this Fall outfit and lots more. You can find the outfits details in the post.
This week I used a few zucchini and made this scrumptious Spiced Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. If you don’t like zucchini add carrots, or applesauce or just leave them out. It is a delicious spice cake with all of the flavors of Fall.
Last but not least, Friday Favorites! Recipes(including spicy spaghetti), books, fashion(this Fall outfit) and lots more.
UNTIL NEXT TIME
I hope that you enjoyed weekend meanderings. If you did please share the post on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter or Pinterest.
Before you go, tell me the best thing that you made this week, a craft, a meal, a sweet treat, a flower arrangement.
Have a wonderful day friends, enjoy your weekend. If you missed any of the previous Weekend Meandering posts you can find them all here.
Don’t forget to pop over and visit Kim and Juliet!
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~Fall
I share your “rant” feelings, and I am so saddened by all that is going on in our world. Your included quotes were a balm. Thank you from a fellow North Carolinian.
Brava Elizabeth!!! As an almost 85 year old woman caring for an almost 88 year old husband, I share your outrage. What kind of world is being left for the future??!! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.
I, too, highly understand your “rant” and am so discouraged. Thank you for sharing.
I share your need to rant. Enough already! It’s as though the world has lost its collective mind. At my age, 75, I’m old enough to remember civility, manners, and conscience being part of daily life. Ugliness has invaded everyday living, and it’s tiring and stressful.
As always, I appreciate your thoughtful comments regarding the state of our nation.
Thank you for your very respectful thoughts. Our culture has put God aside, and it is evident when many celebrate evil. Come Lord Jesus.
On a lighter note, we made a Hello Fresh meal which was delicious. It was called Old Bay Tilapia, and it came with the best recipe for cole slaw I have ever made. ttps://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/louisiana-style-tilapia-620c1ee55db7411a8f13491e
Thx for sharing and I totally agree that we as humans can’t talk anymore with each other! It is so sad but a reality. It seems that we are either on 1 side or the other.
I love your posts and please keep sharing!
Anyone who can celebrate the death of another human being has lost their soul. Satan is alive and well.
Elizabeth, you are a voice of reason in a chaotic time!
I feel that the “far right everything” has gotten completely out of hand. What kind of president stokes the fires instead of trying to soothe? I didn’t agree with one thing about that man, but I am terribly sad that he was killed. Of course I am! No one should have to die by a stranger’s bullet! It’s insane. If they’d try to tighten the gun laws instead of bowing to the NRA, maybe they wouldn’t be saying “thoughts and prayers” every time school children are gunned down at school. All of it makes me very sad. This was once a great country. But now it’s full of hate and retribution. I can’t say I am proud to be an American as I once was.
Brenda
Brenda,
I am often speechless when I see and read about the amount of hate in this country. There is no middle ground, so many people have their opinion and that is the hill they will die on. I don’t live like that and I come from a family of both parties, we love one another and we agree to disagree.
I hope that you have a lovely Fall Brenda.
I’m so glad you shared your thoughts and feelings about this week’s events. Thank you. I totally agree.
Julane,
Thank you! It is always hard to share as there are mixed opinions about what is appropriate.
I hope that you have a lovely week.
I so agree with your rant! Glad to see others do as well. I look forward to your posts and find them a welcome relief to so much negative news. Please continue! Also love when you mention mass and family time. Two very important things in our crazy world today!
Janis,
Mass and family are so important. We attend a wonderful chapel with a loving community and it is a balm for the should especially on weeks like this week.
Have a wonderful evening.
One thing I did this week was to decorate my house for Fall. I am using orange and pink this year. Something new and very different. It turned out great!
Kay that sounds lovely! I decorated my front porch a few years ago with orange and fuschia and it was one of my favorite looks.
Have a wonderful week!
I’m glad you shared how you feel here Elizabeth. These are scary times and I have no hope we will get better if we cannot come together and share our thoughts on both sides about fixing this nation. I respect your opinion very much and thank you for the discussion. I am just as horrified by Charlie Kirk’s death as anyone. No one deserves this kind of death and I was shaken by it.
The kids at the college will now also be traumatized for life no doubt, I know as a person who has a son in Utah, that the easy got and loose gun laws and culture- and open carry of loaded guns in schools, contributed to this death, even though Kirk advocated for such a culture.
The gun issue is all a uniquely American problem and we have been gaslit to think that we must live this way and that we alone have mental health issues and polarization. All first world nations have these issues and problems. Yet Europe, and most of the free world, does not have school shooter drills or worries about getting shot when someone has a bad day to a mental health breakdown. They have made the hard and smart choices to put human lives above gun freedoms and it works. Just look to the statistics.
When I am in Utah, guns are next to athletic wear and people are next to me in line buying sneakers and getting an automatic weapon for a 12 year old to use. (Facts.) So until we start calling the NRA and the GOP out on this ‘we must have guns to be safe’ gaslighting, we will get nowhere.
Their sanctity of life argument holds no water when kids at school are ‘the cost’ of the laws they say we must live with, and still they will only offer ‘thoughts and prayers’ no action ever.
Thanks for listening and I hope that wasn’t too much to say here.
Thank you for caring like you do. I feel lucky we are friends and I respect you hugely.
Much love,
Kim
I am adding another comment here because I did enjoy all the other things on this post – and I guess we both love Michelle! I hope you are seeing the Downton movie soon! I am going this weekend. Love the outfit too and the sweater. I shared your recipe and will try and make it this week.
I hope this week is more calm.
For all of us. Sending hugs to you.
Kim,
Tell me how you like Downton! Should I see it at the theatre or wait? It looked like you had an amazing birthday celebration! Your daughter in law is a gem.
I always enjoy the variety in your posts, but have never commented before. All I can say is well done. Very well done. And may it be so – that we all do better.
Jeannie,
THANK YOU! That is so kind of you to say! I really appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Have a wonderful week.
I value your opinion and agree wholeheartedly! You expressed what you felt without being political, just stating what every human being should know. I admit I unfollowed Kim, because a few years ago she commented on the tragic event of the minute but failed to see anyone else’s point of view. She was quite rude and name calling was involved. Not for me thanks. So I appreciate your post so much.
I do have to say however, I just can’t get on board with the embroidered moths. Haha.
Mary I’d love to know what name calling was involved because that is never how I’ve run my blog.
In fact I’ve never deleted anyone’s post and let everyone have their say. I will however also give my opinion as it is my work and my own platform.
I do fall on the side of those seeking a better more kinder world.
Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you so much for speaking your truths and what’s on your mind and in your heart. I did read what Brenda Pruitt had to say and Kim and I agree with what they both had to say, and you too. For me I’m not a far right thinker, feel it’s extreme and very foreign and out there thinking. However no one deserves to be shot and then die for their thinking. This horrid gun violence is so out of control in the US I never ever thought our country would become where we are today and we all ponder and wonder how in the heck did we ever get to such a dark violent shocking place in our country. I feel it all starts at the TOP the violent movies, the young kids are exposed to and the endless amount of guns that are sold to mentally troubled people. If the laws never get changed who is allowed to purchase a gun and the mentally challenged people that are off and need constant care go un attended then we will continue to see a report of the disturbing things that happened this week and the school shootings. You are never supposed to lose hope however I’m beginning to feel this type of behavior is becoming societies norms and YES we are for sure becoming desensitized to yet another deeply disturbing violent event that just took place in our country.
Guns and the lack of control and our NRA and some of our government members are part of the problem.
On a very up, I’m looking forward to making your spiced zucchini cake with cream cheese. Thank you for being the light.
Also I like that you speak out, this way I get to know the whole person.
Take TLC of yourself and stay safe out there.
Hugs
Katherine,
I agree with everything that you said. Mental health is not addressed in this country and there are so many people suffering from mental illness. My aunt suffered from mental illness her entire life. Sadly at the age of 67 she took her life by stepping in front of a train. My uncle retired early because my aunt was in a vicious spiral. I cannot imagine the pain that people who are suffering like this go through. Suicide amount young men is at a record high! I think video games and social media together are affecting not just the young.
Sadly I think we are fighting a loosing battle on many issues because it is us against the “big” big Pharma, big food, big tobacco and all of the lobbyiest that they send to DC to do whatever they can to keep Congress on their side.
All we can do it speak out, and vote.
I hope that you enjoy the cake! It is one of my favorites.
Hello,
Just a quick comment on your “rant”. I choose not to expose myself to the ugliness you describe, by not being on Instagram, or Facebook.
I watch and read the news regularly, looking for unbiased coverage. As with many of us, the people around me mostly think about current events in a similar way that I do, but there are always some who have different opinions. In our relationships we choose to respect our differences. It is a choice, and it takes some work. Sometimes talking about the weather comes in handy!
Is anyone in your real life, celebrating and encouraging political violence? Probably not. Choose to protect yourself by stepping away from social media when you can.
I do enjoy reading a selection of about 12 different blogs, yours included. I’d love to hear more about activities, restaurants, and events near you!
Take care of yourself!
Lisa,
I protect my views and sanity as you say. I am on instagram to share the blog and Facebook as well. Sadly I happened to be on there at the wrong time this week. My family and friends are from both sides of the aisle and we love and respect one another, at times we have lively discussions but at the end of the day we agree to disagree.
No one that I surround myself would ever celebrate the death of anyone, thank God.
I will be happy to share more of the events of my “neck of the woods.” My sleepy little village has a lot going on.
Have a wonderful week and thank you for your kind, and thoughtful comment.
Elizabeth … what a week. What a year. What a decade. If we could go back 10 years and be told what our country would devolve into, none of us would believe and yet here we are. Thanks you for sharing your feelings so eloquently, I wish I had the ability to articulate mine in such a way. On a happier note, we’re off to see Downton Abbey and I look forward to the brief respite. The Forsythe’s is something to look forward to! And I can’t wait to tour Lady Mary’s home. Beacon Hill Books is a dream isn’t it? Would love to visit one day. Well, I’m off to visit with the Crawley’s and wish you a peaceful weekend. xo
Juliet, please share your thoughts on Downton! Do you think it is “the end” or did you feel like there was room for another? I read recently that people are clamoring for the Downton prequel, I think that would be amazing. I believe that Cora was considered to be one of the Dollar Princesses that came from America with bags of money to get a title at the behest of their parents.
Lady Mary’s home is fabulous! One of my favorites because of the collected style.
Have a wonderful week friend.
xo
Sadly this crease began noticeably in 2016 when one of the cruelest and most divisive man who has no moral compass was elected. And it has given permission to those who want to hate to do so. I am in my early 70’s and never did I think I’d be living my retirement years in a country I no longer recognize. It makes me sad, angry and fearful for the future.
It is up to us to be examples of kindness, empathy and justice to others. I want to pepper my days with joy and gratefulness.
Thanks for sharing.
Nanci,
My mother in law was 97 when she pasted just short of 1 year ago and she and I often talked about the state of the world. She expressed the same sentiment about the country. I worry for my grandchildren and their children. The political climate all over the world is very scary.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for reading the blog.
I wanted to sit with your post while I decided if I wanted to comment but as they say, opinions are like belly buttons – everyone has one. Juliet and Nanci both tactfuly referenced the last decade without mentioning what’s different these last ten years. Since entering politics in 2015, President Trump has encouraged violence and calls Democrats vile and vicious. Charlie Kirk said Democrats support everything God hates. Is anyone surprised at the level of plitical violence we find ourselves in? This is most definitely not your father’s Republican party and I can only hope Republicans choose their next party leader a little more thoughtfully. This is neither a game nor a popularity contest. As another commenter said, it’s hard to feel pride in America in 2025.
Barb,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. That is the best part about America or at least this little place, we can all share our opinions and have a civilized discussion.
I thought long and hard about wether or not to write about the current climate and at the end of the day as you say everyone has an opinion and the are mine.
Have a wonderful week.
I’m with you 100%. You did a fabulous job expressing how I feel.
Thank you Margaret.
HAve a wonderful week.
Thank you Margaret.
I agree with you.
Thank you Pamela, have a lovely week.
Thank you Pamela.
Good Morning from Manitoba, Canada
I could not help but share this morning’s meditiation from the Franciscan, Richard Rohr:
Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditation: A Choice for Love
Love is not only what we do; it’s how we do it. Center for Action and Contemplation
A Choice for Love
My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. I’m giving you a new commandment so you’ll know where I am, and who I am: You must love one another.
—John 13:33–35, paraphrased by Richard Rohr
Father Richard Rohr speaks on Jesus’ command to love one another in John’s Gospel:
Sister and brothers, the energy with which we do things matters. To be in love is to be standing in a different space. Love is not only what we do; it’s how we do it. When we stand in the state of love that Jesus offers, we live inside of a different energy. For those moments, we’re not entirely self-preoccupied. We try to care for the world. We’re able to say, “I have one life and when I leave here, I want to make sure this world is a little better because I was here.” What might happen if we woke up each day with this intention: “How can my existence on this earth increase the quality of life on this planet?”
Jesus says, “I’ll be with you only a little while longer, so I’m going to leave a sign that I’m still here. I’m going to reveal myself in the presence of loving people” (John 13:33–35, Richard’s paraphrase). That’s the only way anyone can know God. If we’ve never let anyone love us, and if we’ve never let love flow through us—gratuitously, generously, undeservedly—toward others, then we can’t possibly know who God is. God is just a theory or abstraction. If “God is love” (1 John 4:8) then those who live in love, live in God, and know God experientially. There’s no other way we can know who God is—or who we truly are—but to love and be loved. Take that as an absolute!
Love is not something we decide to do now and then. Love is who we are! Our basic, foundational existence—created in the image of the Trinity—is love. Remember, Trinity is saying that God is not an isolated divine being. God is a quality of relationship itself, an event of communion, an infinite flow of outpouring. God is an action more than a substance, to put it succinctly.
Love, like forgiveness, is a decision. It’s a decision in our minds and in our hearts. And we’d better make it early in the day, because once we’re a few hours into low-level resentment, anger, or disappointment, it’s too late. When we’re not choosing love, we’ll use any excuse to be unhappy or irritated. We’re already unhappy, and then something gives us an excuse to externalize it. The exact object for our unhappiness is actually arbitrary. Unhappiness just needs an object—as do happiness and love. We have to recognize ahead of time when we’re not living in love. This is surely why a morning prayer or practice is so important—to allow us to choose to love each and every day.
Thank you Roberta,
This is beautiful and I thank you for sharing it. I have copied it to share with my family and friends.
Have a wonderful week.
Eilizabeth,
I admire you for speaking out. We cannot stay silent. This is so scary right now, what’s happening. And it’s dividing people/families. There is no place for violence. We need more empathy! If we had that, I think the world would be a kinder place.
Annie
I read your blog for inspiration. If I want a political forum I will look for one.
Hello Georgia,
I write this blog for inspiration and have for almost 15 years. These are unprecedented times and this post was not used as a political forum but merely a place to speak my feelings. There is nothing in the post political at all, not me mentioning what party I am registered to or who I align with.
As for politics, I have studied them my entire life in fact I have a bachelors and a masters in political science and international relations. I have worked for senators, think tanks and the Library of Congress. If I was using this as a political forum I guarantee that you would know it.
This post is merely me speaking my feelings. I am sorry that you feel this way, perhaps this is not the place for you?
Best wishes,
Elizabeth
Thank you Annie. I normally do not share my feelings on the blog but things have shifted in the world. I think we all feel it. There is no place for violence in politics, sadly I think the genie is out of the bottle and there is no going back.
Thank you for support!
Thank you, Elizabeth, for this post. My heart hurts for the state of our country currently.
Thank you for saying Joan. It is a very difficult time no matter which side of the aisle you sit on. Have a wonderful day.
Elizabeth
Thank you for sharing your frustration. I couldn’t agree with you more.It is the loss of humanity that is so disconcerting. We are so polarized as a people.
Cindy, I do nt recognize this county or this world. It’s not the place I grew up and it so very sad.
I hope that you are enjoying a wonderful weekend.