Love is the answer…

and you know that, for sure.

Happy Birthday John.

Don Williams…

…is so beautiful! I currently have the Des Plaines library copy of his 40 song treasury in my car. So soothing.

Please give thought….

fellow Americans -

I continue to urge all of you to give serious and attentive thought to the candidate you will vote for next month for President. Please, be able to articulate reasons, and vote where you are honestly most aligned. No, a third party candidate will not win, but if enough of us communicate through our vote that we want more than two corporately owned choices, eventually, change in the system will occur.

Scott and Christina go to the movie theater!!!

So….for the first time since “WALL-E”, Scott and I went out to the theaters today to see the new movie Religulous, the Bill Maher documentary mocking the concept of religion and the problems it brings about. He encourages people to question and perhaps even admit “they don’t know”. It was fun and entertaining. Since NPR had been hyping it for a few weeks and it was only playing in a few theaters, I was CONVINCED that it would be sold out if we didn’t get there 40 minutes early. Scott was agreeable, although we where the only ones sitting there until about 10 minutes before showtime when about 4 other couples arrived. Sometimes I feel like I have no concept of what is popular. Anyway, if you are considering it, I would suggest you go check it out!

Matt responds…

Yes, I watched the VP debate last night, and again, I would like to post the response of the candidate I am supporting. Before I do, I need to express some frustration. There are a LOT of Obama supporters around, and I continue to struggle as to why “progressives” and “liberals” aren’t demanding more. I was talking to a colleague yesterday, who enthusiastically is endorsing Obama. I sincerely asked her why, and she said because he “is so good”, and again, I asked what good deeds she liked best. She was stumped and said “I’ll have to get back to you.” I felt myself getting heated, and snarkily accused her of “pulling a Palin” which she did not understand. Later in this conversation, she thought of a reason - “Obama has not taken any corporate money for his campaign.” WHAT? YOU ARE JOKING, RIGHT?!

Anyway, as I replay this conversation in my head, I again get worked up. And this woman is not stupid. She is about my age, has more education, and a higher paying job.

What bothers me isn’t that people would support a candidate that I don’t like, but instead, that people are actively supporting a candidate they do not understand, and then putting down other candidates that they are equally ignorant about.

I just encourage people to research before voting, and at least be able to give one substantial reason as to WHY they are voting for who they support.

Thanks for listening.

Matt Gonzalez

sooooooo much better a politician than Palin or Biden. Come on people!!!

Our little graduate!

Yesterday Shaun graduated from puppy class! Way to go Shaun!!!

A welcome note to Autumn: 2008

Hello, my favorite season! It’s great to see you again. I’ve missed you so much, and look forward to our next three months together. You really are my favorite of the four. Why, you might ask? Let me count the ways:
1. Your most notable trademark: the changing color of the leaves.
2. The sun is not as harsh.
3. Apple picking weekend with apple cider.
4. Memories of corn mazes.
5. Clothes are at their bests: sweaters, tweeds, scarves, tights…
6. The fun and relaxing excitement of the Thanksgiving holiday.
7. No more air conditioning.
8. Seasonal decorations: pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn…
9. Pale skin people look less freakish.
10. My birthday brings memories and time for serious reflection.
11. The cooler air always smells cleaner.
12. World series baseball: televised for all on a major network.
13. Elections: what a joy to be part of such a democracy.

Ok, there are many more, but you get the idea.

Love always,

Christina

He’s not crazy, it’s just a sense of humor!!!

Happy Birthday….

to the great Leonard Cohen. 74 years old on 09/21. I am so thankful for the music he has written.