President Trump

Fight Back With Fierce Joy (FBWFJ #2)

January 21, 2026

Last week, I wrote about how I had spent the week before trying to follow Heather Cox Richardson’s encouragement to do all we can to “Fight Back With Fierce Joy” against the Trump administration’s many illegal, unconstitutional, and authoritarian policies and practices. If you missed it, you can find out more about that at: https://blissfullu.com/2026/01/12/fight-back-with-fierce-joy/. … More Fight Back With Fierce Joy (FBWFJ #2)

Fight Back with Fierce Joy

January 12, 2026

Let me start with a few confessions… Number 1 was that I meant to publish this yesterday. But Sunday was a busy day for me, so I took my laptop upstairs to finish my post in bed. Bad idea. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you I fell asleep slumped next to my computer … More Fight Back with Fierce Joy

Remembering the Truth of January 6 Through Software, Storytelling, and Soup

January 7, 2026

When I taught middle and high school literature classes, one of the books I commonly taught was George Orwell’s Animal Farm. In a 1946 essay (“Why I Write”), Orwell explained “Every line of serious work that I have written since 1936 has been written, directly or indirectly, against totalitarianism and for democratic socialism.” This is the … More Remembering the Truth of January 6 Through Software, Storytelling, and Soup

The No Kings Protests Were Great. Now What?

October 31, 2025

Since President Trump’s second term, I have participated in all the national protests organized by 50501 and partners, as well as at least two pop-up protests sponsored by Cary Indivisible, our local organization. But the No Kings rally on October 18 was the biggest and the best of them all. This protest was derided by … More The No Kings Protests Were Great. Now What?

Motivational Music Monday: Retreat Edition

September 8, 2025

This weekend I went to a wonderful and much needed spiritual retreat. My life is good, really good. But between my teaching and support of my spiritual center and my support of my family and my political activism in support of my country and my democracy, I was worn out. I needed a recharge. So … More Motivational Music Monday: Retreat Edition

What Are You Doing for Labor Day?

August 29, 2025

In some ways, it seems like this summer has flown by. In others, it seems like it has lasted forever. Or maybe that’s just me. How has it been for you? I substitute teach at a year-round school. For the first time ever, I taught the last day of the 2024-25 school year and the … More What Are You Doing for Labor Day?

I Don’t Hate President Trump. When I’m Not Angry or Outraged by Trump, I Pity Him.

August 17, 2025

When I went to the website of The Washington Post yesterday morning, this was the photo dominating the top of the screen. My reaction was to literally laugh out loud. In this handshake, President Trump is clearly trying to “look tough.” His brows are furrowed and he is looking down at the shorter President Putin. … More I Don’t Hate President Trump. When I’m Not Angry or Outraged by Trump, I Pity Him.

Inspirations About Bliss this Independence Day

July 4, 2025

I’m someone who loves US history, who loves the US, and who loves holidays. So usually the 4th of July is a great occasion for me. This year…well, I’m struggling to really celebrate the day. Not that I don’t love recognizing the start of what I still believe to be a great country and a … More Inspirations About Bliss this Independence Day

Thank You, Senator Thom Tillis

June 29, 2025

I’m sorry this post is so late, but I’ve spent most of my day working on two different service projects. Because my vision of America is a land where we help each other out. But I want to end the day acknowledging the service of one of my elected officials here in North Carolina: Senator … More Thank You, Senator Thom Tillis

Don’t Be Fooled: What Is Happening in LA Is Part of Trump’s Shock and Awe Campaign

June 12, 2025

I imagine most Americans have been upset seeing the scenes from Los Angeles. But we may be upset for different reasons. For those who only watch Fox News, I believe it is confirmation that the liberal cities are full of criminals defying the laws and who need to a strong President to put an end … More Don’t Be Fooled: What Is Happening in LA Is Part of Trump’s Shock and Awe Campaign