Having completed 2/3 of my Christmas decorating, I admit to the fact that my most favorite décor is red and green (with touches of gold) – this is the standard with which I have grown up (with one diversion many, many moons ago when aluminum trees were the rage.)  When I was purchasing decorations for my own home the first time, I managed to find some lovely traditional style seasonal cheer.  I admit, these were purchased decades ago and they still have an allure for me.  They were quality decorations; I have packed, repacked and moved them over a few decades.  Yes, I adore the contemporary decorations….the ideas, the charm, the creativeness….all gorgeous.  But, I would need a separate storage space for all those lovely decorations if I kept up with all that is offered.  (Oh, not to mention winning the lottery would help.)  In spite of this, I have come to the conclusion, that my decorations are vintage, yep, vintage.  This fits, indeed, they fit into my vintage home décor.  I live in a vintage house, built in the early 70’s.  Yes, I do have several new pieces of furniture and/or accessories and have contemporary amenities, but most of my things are, yes, vintage.  These, too, have followed me over eight moves.  I like them, they are comfortable, and they are my connection to whatever heritage I have.  And, of course, they are appropriate; because, after all I am vintage.

​Yep, once again I feel the need to stop my thoughts from sashaying around my mind.  Good grief, it is distracting.  This is not a new topic for me, but I believe it bears repeating.   I don’t know if this will do any good, but I am trying.  Stop the hateful rhetoric; stop this toxic divide among our citizens that circulates the internet via various social media and other venues.  This toxicity fosters violence.  Political discourse is necessary; difference of opinion is certainly acceptable and needed.  But please, please, I beg all who participate in that discourse; do so in a respectful manner.   It does NOT matter which side one is on, opinions can be expressed with consideration.   Stop throwing barbs, innuendos, fowl language and untruths; stop demeaning by making up labels that are cruel; stop threatening.  Just because one person does it, does NOT make it acceptable.  So, if one wishes to comment on a topic, do your best to find out the facts first, truth is a stronger tool.  You can do this, we can do this….we can create an environment where we can amicably disagree, and do it with consideration.   Be cautious of any negative add, Bot, meme, comment (yes, there are still “trolls” out there.)  Think about it before posting any response.  The more you know, the better you will be.  Maybe adults need to start watching Sesame Street again – this program is now 48 years old, and of course, geared to teaching children.  But it emphasizes many ways of handling diversity; it projects tolerance and acceptance of differences, and teaches conflict resolution.  We need conflict resolution.   I challenge you to be more respectful of others, I wish for our nation to heal – but, it will take all of us to accomplish this.  Decency is not dead.