A Satisfying Post, Rather than a Disturbing One.

What to write about is often a dilemma. The subjects available expand like fireworks on the 4th of July. Exploding in my consciousness, the subjects entwine and then separate as I try to distill the words into a readable (short) blog post.

Lately, I have struggled with two especially thorny subjects: one involves the medical-industrial complex and how dangerous it is to our health. The other searches for answers in the disconnect between those who support the President and those who despise him.

But I just want to enjoy my lazy July days. I don’t feel like fighting, convincing, or explaining anything to anybody. No one will have their minds changed by one blog post. This is not giving up; I am keeping my drafts and refining my thoughts for another time. In the meantime, I am too happy to get stuck in the mire.

It is so beautiful here in Charlottesville. Despite the hot weather and drought, the landscape is still bright green. Green in all its variations from darkest nearly black/green, to palest almost translucent pale green, and dotted with flowers in many colors. Orange and occasional yellow Day Lilies, in large clumps, unexpectedly grace the green backdrop. Crepe Myrtle is blooming everywhere now, in white and various shades of pink and fuchsia, waving above our heads as we walk or drive near the many, many flowering trees. Even the wild Mimosa trees, which some people consider invasive, are lovely to me. They remind me of such a happy time in my life when we watched a Mimosa in our front yard grow from what looked like a single, stick-like growth into a great climbing tree for kids and finally a magnificent mature tree. Then, sadly, over 35 years, which passed quickly, it succumbed to age and died.

The lessons learned over my long life include keeping fresh flowers in my house at all times. Years ago, my husband pointed out to me how much he appreciated seeing fresh flowers decorating our house. In those days, with 5 young children, flowering bushes pleased me most because it was easy to cut several great big branches and bring them inside to sit in large vases that could balance and hold their height without tipping over. These needed almost no arranging to be spectacular. It was easier than making a studied flower arrangement to sit on the dining room table, and gave a luxurious impression to visitors and family alike. There was a special large round, cobalt-blue bowl that I often filled with flowers for the table. When the sun shone on, or through the glass bowl, it was magical. Once the bushes were bare of flowers, the leaves took their place inside the house. In particular, magnolia leaves, which are shiny, thick, and beautiful in their own right, adorned the living and dining rooms. These days, I always have orchids blooming. They last forever, and I buy them at The Orchid Station near Barboursville. Thank goodness for Trader Joe’s because they always have reasonably priced cut flowers, so I buy bunches of roses or cut lilies every week.

I have a sense of style that pleases me. It is distinctive and attractive to me. Strangers come over to tell me they think my “style” is noticeable and fun. This makes me smile every time it happens, which is a LOT. Instead of the large number of clothes I once owned, my wardrobe is pared down to a uniform anchored by a black turtleneck and black pants. Over that column of black I wear a covering such as a poncho, or two scarves sewn together to make a flowy overlay. They are all either some form of turquoise, or else a neutral color that shows off my turquoise jewelry to advantage. I never have to worry if something matches. Everything matches, by design. This has simplified my life beyond any other method. It works well, and people notice the consistency. But it is NEVER dull.

Family rituals have been established over the decades, starting with my husband’s grandparents, continuing with his parents, and now these are traditions that all my family expects to be carried out, no matter what. Even though we are no longer married, my husband and his present wife participate in most of these events. The family has remained cohesive and friendly despite differing opinions and lifestyles; we simply like one another! As a result, we get together regularly to see each other, not only for the major holidays but for many other occasions. Recently, about 8 of us went to see the movie: The Young Washington together. The movie was great, stressing great values and patriotic ideas. If only there were more like it available to watch.

Entertaining family and friends has always been one of my greatest pleasures. Sadly, my friends are gradually dying off, while I continue to make new friends, hopefully younger ones. Somehow, it has happened that my old-fashioned views and tenacious belief in manners have become a cherished part of my personal behavior. And my family is growing as my grandchildren marry and begin having children of their own with their spouses. This adds spice and excitement to gatherings, as new members marry into the family and add children. How lucky I am.

Through all this growth and progress, it is important for all of us to continue learning and exploring new and modern ideas and practices, while at the same time reading and writing about ancient ideas, artifacts, and art. It is vital not to lose sight of the values and considerations that formed this country in the first place. Life can be exciting and magical the longer one lives. Staying healthy and fit is a top priority.  This is something I have learned well this year. It may seem hopeless at times, but fitness and strength can be accomplished at any age. I know it is hard. BELIEVE ME, I know it firsthand. But we must all start somewhere, and then, within an amazingly short time, progress becomes visible. That is so exciting! Keep pushing, and before long, there are breakthroughs and visible improvement.

Keep your life exciting with small or large adventures, travel, enrolling in classes, taking a new job, or starting a hobby. Life is rich with opportunities of infinite variety. The whole world is open to us via the Internet. We can discover areas we did not have a chance to explore in the past. Don’t hesitate, begin.

Sleep is vital, so I will end this now, as I must go to bed in my lovely canopy bed, cuddled in with 2 dachshunds who cannot wait for me to say, “It’s bedtime!” every night. They beat me to it night after night . They have a nice, warm spot ready for me to enjoy once I climb into that high but very comfortable bed.  

Good night, everyone!

Copyright©. 2026 Bonnie B. Matheson