Past Present Future

"Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift.  That is why it's called the present."  Bil Keane

You can call me old fashioned,  I will not twinge, I will probably take it as a compliment.  I also consider myself pretty modern, up to date and open minded to the idea that life will always be changing and evolving.  How can you combine the past and the present to create a happier, healthier, safer future?

• I like it so very much when a gentleman opens and holds the door open for me, it is polite but it is also showing me he is not disconnected and is aware of the people around him.  But before my fellow feminists start cringing I would be just as grateful if it was another women.  And I will be the first to hold the door open for my fellow people if I arrive at the door before you.  It's simple, be aware, and show courtesy, everyone wins.  
• Maybe in 1954 Swanson wasn't really concerned about the nutritional value of the t.v dinner. And probably the introduction of the television could be considered the first piece of technology that began our modern disconnect with each other, but back then, just after the war, it brought families together and offered the "mom" of the house plenty of extra time to remove her curlers and iron a couple loose shirts.  Our *family gets together every Sunday, and even though our mouths might be full of delicious Italian grub, and the conversations might be on the lighter side, it gives us a chance to catch up and connect with each other. 
• Poodle skirts were super cute, but a bit on the impractical side.  It should be the fashion industries goal to create a hemline that is both flattering yet functional.  I personally am tired of seeing butt cheeks.  
• In 1913 Igor Stravinsky shocked Paris with his groundbreaking ballet The Rite of Spring, causing the audience to riot, Elvis Presley caused a stir with his wild (yet fully clothed) gyrating hips, prompting parents to go into full centurion mode, and remember when the Catholic church got involved when Madonna used controversial images in her videos and live performances.  The artists of today try to shock, but in my opinion it just comes across as desperate attempt to remain relevant.  I want to hear your music, see your art, surprise me.  
• Communicating with each other, like real humans one on one.  Gosh I can see the irony of me writing this to you in a blog, but I am worried we have or are in the quick  process of losing the ability to converse with one another.  Most people (including myself) don't pick up the phone anymore to make a call.  We text, or message, or email.  Facebook for all of it's good, has also created a society that places value on the amount of "likes" you are able to accumulate.  Remember in your day to day activities to personally interact with the people around you.   

Of course I could keep going, and probably will down the road, but even I get bored of my own dialogue sometimes.  There are also some things we could talk about where evolution is more important than ever, such as equality for everyone (#YesAllWomen, #Ferguson), and the idea that everyone should have the right to the basic necessities in life (like how in 2014 do some people not have access to sanitary water and in my city of Toronto a %29 child poverty rate should be unthinkable). I would love to hear your ideas about this!  Luv K8e
*Also my friends are my family, and we make a point to have frequent potlucks (who needs any other excuse to eat delicious food?).
September CHALLENGE : Mail that Snail.   Isn't it nice to receive a note in the mail?  The time and thought it takes to write and mail a letter is so precious.  I challenge everyone here to Snail Mail someone close to you, or someone you have not been in touch with, comment below when you do.

Originally published August 14, 2014