I cannot begin to tell you how much I’ve missed blogging. How much I’ve missed my checking in with you guys and how much I’ve just missed my regular ho-hum kind of life before all the shite hit.
It hit and it did in a big way. Those of you who have followed me, emailed me and know what’s been going on in my world know what I mean. Those of you who I follow yet I’ve not commented on your blogs in a while, my apologies. I swear it’ll be different in the coming weeks. Something’s gotta give.
Here’s a big box of goodness for you. There’s enough for everyone.
Peace.
So, I’ll not lament over what’s been going on. The reason why I’ve not posted regularly is because I don’t want to post when I’m feeling so down that I’ll bring someone else down. That’s not how I roll. I believe in the good, the positive. Until I’m that, I don’t see a reason to put my energy out there, if that makes sense.
I’m beginning to feel a good kind of energy again. I’ve read a few blogs, commented on a few here and there when I’ve had the chance to do so. I was in the middle of a crisis when I heard about that horrible thing that happened last week.
I’ve read about the anger of those who write about some ignorant group who choose to do something during the aftermath of that. I don’t know if they did or didn’t, but here’s what I think about that.
There is love and there is hate. Both of those emotions carry so much weight. So much influence. So much passion. Love is really the only thing that matters and gets us through any kind of tragedy.
Love begats love. Hate begats hate. I believe if you give energy to either, it grows, magnifies. The absolute worst you can do to any thing that you want to die, stop, go away is apathy, indifference. Maybe it’s the pacifist in me but I simply do not understand why we need to focus on a small section of humanity that chooses to show hatred. Their misguided souls feed on attention, anger and all those negative emotions that take so much of our energy.
I’m an activist on giving voice, love and light to those who deserve it. I am indifferent to those who do not. I get angry, as do we all — it’s the letting go of it that frees us.
If you ignore something, don’t give it life, attention or energy, it dies, dissipates. This may seem simplistic to some, but it’s how I believe as one human/soul taking up some energy on the big beautiful world we’re in.
A man (woman) is but the product of his/her thoughts. What he thinks, he/she becomes. — Mahatma Gandhi.
I will give all my love, light and energy to the people who need it the most. Not the ones who have upset the love in the world. Not the ones who choose to spew hatred and negativity. That in itself — my indifference to that ignorance — is a kind of protest. I seriously believe those who are filled with animosity are already in their own kind of hell.
With that and with all I’ve been through, I’m asking all of you who still happen by my post to put all your energy into the goodness that is in our world. In what’s around you. Give your energy to those who need some good loving thoughts — those who have suffered an unimaginable tragedy who wont’ find any solace anytime soon.
Hate and love take a whole lotta of energy. I’m giving my energy to the goodness — to those who need it. Trust me on this: In the end, love is all that matters. That’s it.
Those who seek their own misguided agenda are already messed up with hate. They don’t need any from anyone else, Don’t feed it. Be indifferent and let it die. It will.
There is good in the world. In the end, good always wins, always triumphs.
With that, I’m going to end this post and I hope to check in with you on Christmas Eve.
Love you much and listen below…this is one of my Father’s favorite songs and mine too, so good it’ll probably show up again on my Night Before Christmas post if I’m able to do that.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy, joyous, love-filled whatever you believe (or don’t) — because as long as it stems from a good place, it is powerful, good and wondrous.
Brigitte's Banter 
“If you ignore something, don’t give it life, attention or energy, it dies, dissipates.” Yes, Yes, Yes. Exactly! You’ve been missed more than you know Brigitte. Your voice is such a comfort. Welcome back. I hope! Excellent post!
Posted by Honie Briggs | December 20, 2012, 1:20 pmHonie, thank you. It may be a naive way of thinking but I believe in miracles as well, so there you go. You are a comfort, my dear one. xo
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 2:25 pmMiracles happen every moment we breath in and out. They are real, magical, constant and have special powers like invisibility and super natural strength. Miracles are woven into the universe and keep us all connected. Miracles light the darkness and reveal themselves in our dreams. xoxo My Friend.
Posted by Honie Briggs | December 20, 2012, 2:32 pmI BELIEVE. Thank you and thank you for your card that I’ve yet to see but hubby tells me it’s way cool. 😉
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 2:54 pmYay, Brig! It’s so good to see you back. I hope the storm is calming in your life. I agree with everything you said here. We need love right now. That’s going to be the thing that carries us out of this. Xxoo
Posted by Emily @ The Waiting | December 20, 2012, 1:25 pmHey Em, it’s nice to see you here. I think it is…I am in clinical setting now, waiting but all is well at this moment and that’s wonderful thing. I agree with you about the love thing, friend.;). xo
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 2:27 pmWonderful words, lovely thoughts–so glad to have you back around. Here is hope that things are going to continue to be better.
Posted by Addie | December 20, 2012, 1:30 pmHi Addie, nice to be back today! Glad you enjoyed my post — hope things are wonderful in your world. xo
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 2:27 pmI made biscotti with butter and chocolate. Life is grand!
Posted by Addie | December 20, 2012, 2:46 pmI’ll take some please. Chocolate biscotti and cappacino. ( I spelled that incorrectly).
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 2:49 pmIt’s the thought that counts, and the taste. Pour two!
Posted by Addie | December 20, 2012, 9:23 pmBrigitte,
First, welcome back, I’ve seen a few posts published from you, and it’s great to see you. And so very sorry about everything that you’ve lived, and your loved ones around you… Much love, my dear friend.
As for certain groups like the Westboro Baptist Church, as I am one of those who has spoken out about their intentions to picket in Connecticut following last week’s sad and horrible events, I would like to specify one thing: some groups don’t disappear, as much as we wish them to do so just by themselves, my beautiful Brigitte. The KKK and the SS have been existing for over a century (what’s a century you’ll tell me in the grand scheme of things)… During that time, they have peaked, they have almost disappeared, but today, these two groups still exist. There is a way to fight hate, and it doesn’t have to be through hate, but with education, by speaking out, by loving our kids, by being activists. As much as I deplore these groups, they will exist, may I choose to be silent, or to speak out. I prefer standing up, with friends and fellow activists, and hope that our collective voice will make a difference. Some will speak with more fervor, and with disdain, and I can understand that. Some others will choose the education path, or satire, like I personally do, with a heavy dose of in your face humour. And by standing united will we make a difference, even when it comes to groups as ridiculous as the WBC… Because even ridiculous groups cause grief, pain, and can be dangerous. Hate has a good chance of harboring hate, but I think as human being, as a father, a husband, or even just as a citizen, I need to do what I can to make a positive stance to work towards dissolving the hate they promote. If they become powerless, they will lose their reason of being. Should I choose to remain silent as it is the holidays? No, hate doesn’t have an agenda, it strikes whenever it wants. To the family of the victims of last week’s horror, I will offer them my love and sympathies. To groups like the WBC, I will stand up, and fight them, because I think we need to speak out, and make a difference together, because we have a right to NOT being harassed by hate.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | December 20, 2012, 1:34 pmHello my friend — Le Clown/Eric!
So nice to hear from you and thank you for your personal email as well. I so hope you don’t think I was singling you out in any shape, form or fashion. I read over your post. On that day, at that time, I just didn’t have it in me to respond! My brain has been frazzled. I’m sitting in a hospital waiting on good news and I’ve been doing that a lot. I just wanted to share some goodness. Thank you for your well wishes — they are so appreciated.
I am aware of those abominable groups that you’ve mentioned. I do not agree with them or their misguided beliefs. I do believe in educating, especially the generations that are and are going to be taking care of out planet. I’ve always been of the ilk of living a life by example — I suppose that is my way of educating, of being an “activist,” in the sense of living that life with purpose, grace and dignity in the hopes that others may do the same. Without ire or hate, but that is my way. I respect your way and your views, Eric. I always have and I appreciate your sharing them here, at my place, where you are always, always welcome. I think that you are a passionate, kind and good=hearted soul. And a great Dad and husband, as you’ve shown in some of your beautiful writings.
Thank you, Eric. Much love to you, Sarah and your sweet precious ones. xo
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 2:35 pmBrigitte,
Thanks for your comment. And no, I don’t believe that you singled me out, but even if you had, it would have been fair, as I am one to stand up and fight with my own blend of activism. All is well, Brigitte, and happy holidays.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | December 20, 2012, 2:38 pmTo you as well, Eric.
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 2:55 pmWelcome back, B!! So happy to see you and read you again. I hope your dad is doing well. Beautiful post, with beautiful sentiments, as always. I should warn you that you may not enjoy my post tomorrow, as it’s going to be full of much Weeblesque vitriol. I agree with your sentiments and beliefs in theory, but I don’t agree that hate goes away if we ignore it. Edmund Burke was right when he said that all that needs to happen for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. It doesn’t go away by not acknowledging it. Historically, hate hasn’t disappeared or faded away because we ignore it—the Nazis, the KKK, terrorists, or any other group of people who have hate and exclusion as their agenda. People have to say NO, this will not be tolerated. Hate doesn’t necessarily have to be met with more hate, but it needs to be confronted to be stopped. In an ideal world, maybe hate would dissipate if nobody acknowledged it. But in an ideal world there would be no hate anyway. So I must respectfully disagree with you on this. Love may be the answer, but ignoring war and hate won’t bring about peace and love.
Posted by Madame Weebles | December 20, 2012, 1:45 pmWeebles,
Have we read the same books?
Brigitte: I promise you that Weebs and I did not consult each other before commenting on your post.
Weebs: Love you, friend. It’s a very serious topic, but while I read you, I lawled because of the similarities of our positions.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | December 20, 2012, 1:52 pmYou two…sometimes I think you’re the same person. :).
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 2:44 pmJ, Weebs, so nice to hear from you. Time will tell — this moment is good. Thank you for your sweet comments; it means so much to me. I enjoy YOU. I enjoy your passion. I think we are both passionate about our beliefs; we just express them differently. But we both have good, kind hearts, right? I agree — evil does triumph when we do nothing. Perhaps “ignore” was the wrong term to use. To me, focusing on the good and “giving” nothing but my indifference to the hatred of those who are consumed by it is doing something.
Good can’t exist without evil and vice versa. And you are right — ignorance and hate hasn’t disappeared. My point was more of there is so much more good than there is bad, these types of groups and people. I firmly believe that. You can agree or disagree with me — I respect and value your opinion. I love ya, friend — always have. I hope you and yours are wonderful, Weebs and I love when you get fired up ;). Much love. xo.
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 2:44 pmI swear I think that too. Are they the same person? hmmmm Both awesome, powerful, valued voices. Quite possibly co-superheroes. All valid points here. I still believe the opposite of love isn’t hate, but indifference. Just thought I’d budge in on you comment there…. 🙂
Posted by Honie Briggs | December 20, 2012, 2:54 pmThey are but I wouldn’t want to get on their bad side. ;). Just kidding and I agree with you. Look at all of us grown ups speaking our mind and valuing our different opinions. I think we got something here….
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 2:56 pmYeah, it’s like a Christmas Miracle!!!
Posted by Honie Briggs | December 20, 2012, 2:58 pm:D. What ya know about that?
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 2:59 pmI’ve missed you – nice to see you posting –
So complex; so hard to know what is right and if there’s an answer and what the questions are … it’s hard to cope and understand and know which way to move. Sometimes you have to just disconnect; find your space and then reconnect. I understand that.
I think some people speak out; some people send their energy elsewhere; some people just stay within themselves – we all have to move in the way that we can deal with – it’s important to understand yourself as you do. There are multiple ways to work through this crisis – you have found your way and it’s differnt than Weebs and Le Clown – and all of these are OK.
Love and peace, my friend ~
Posted by Rutabaga the Mercenary Researcher | December 20, 2012, 2:03 pmHey Ruta, you’ve put it so beautifully that I’ve nothing to add to your eloquent sentiments but thank you. Love and peace to you, my friend. xo
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 2:45 pmBrigitte, I hope your father is doing better. You are lucky to have each other in your lives. Love is the best medicine… Thanks for spreading the love. I look forward to more… Take care Brigitte!
Posted by Sandee | December 20, 2012, 2:11 pmSandee!!! So good to “see” you. Thank you and yes, love is the best medicine. You’re welcome — thank you and you take good care too, my friend.
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 2:46 pmOh, Brigitte, I read this lovely post of yours almost an hour after I responded to your comment on mine, and it only confirms what I said about you in that response. When I read this above–“The reason why I’ve not posted regularly is because I don’t want to post when I’m feeling so down that I’ll bring someone else down. That’s not how I roll. I believe in the good, the positive.”–I knew I had pegged you perfectly. Such a wonderful post. Continue to stay strong. 🙂
Posted by Carrie Rubin | December 20, 2012, 2:13 pmCarrie, thank you. I so miss all of you and reading your wonderful posts such as yours today. Perfect. Beautiful and thank you so much.
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 2:47 pmMiss you, Brigitte. Excellent post, and I hope everything is okay with your pops.
Posted by mabukach | December 20, 2012, 2:19 pmMiss you back, Mike. Thank you, give your beautiful other half my warm regards. xo
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 2:48 pmDearest Brigitte,
So nice to read your post, my friend. And I agree with you that both Love and hate take a great deal of energy to perpetrate and perpetuate. I would suggest, dear one, that those blaring the clarion of hate are more in need of the soothing balm of Love than those who espouse the concept of Love to begin with. The importance of knowing where hate dwells is to bring our attention to where Love is most needed. As human expressions of the Divine, we are inclined to pick and choose and judge as to what’s needed where. As the Divine, we know that Love is always the answer.
I’m glad to hear your dad is doing better. You’re already in a place where you Love and are Loved, my dear friend, now it’s just a matter of getting on with it! xoxoM
Posted by Margarita | December 20, 2012, 2:27 pmMargarita — lovely lady, you are so wise and your words have such power and goodness. Were you a poet or some great leader in another life? ;). I am trying to get on with it, trying very hard. Thank you, dear friend. xo
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 2:52 pmHello Brigitte! It is so good to see you again. I have wondered where you were and what was going on, but decided it wasn’t my business to ask. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year! Sending light and love your way! 🙂
Posted by JackieP | December 20, 2012, 2:39 pmHi Jackie, it’s good to see you again too! You have a wonderful Christmas and a Glorious New Year. Thanks for that love and light and it’s coming right back at you.
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 2:53 pmBrigette, From your post I take it you are in a better place now. I hope you continue to get better for the upcoming new year. I agree with you. To me hate takes sooooo much energy to keep up. I don’t know how people can keep living in anger mood. Hate constricts but love expands. It grows. Here’s to more love and kind vibrations for the new year. Best wishes!
Posted by Nareen Luz Rivas | December 20, 2012, 3:08 pmNareen, so nice to see you here and thank you so much for your sweet comments. I agree with you about the hate thing. Here’s to a wondrous and beautiful New Year to you as well. Thank you so much. xo
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 3:09 pmfeed the love, starve the hate–good advice
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | December 20, 2012, 3:17 pmMakes sense to me, but I’m just one tiny soul in a big batch of souls. Take care, Lou Ann and thank you.
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 3:20 pmi was wondering where you were. and i truly hope you are okay. anyway, take care of yourself and those closest to you, as that’s the only true thing that matters. we’ll all be here when you’re back and feeling up to it. merry christmas and much love, sm
Posted by sweetmother | December 20, 2012, 3:40 pmHey Becks, so nice to see you and hear from you! I am okay and thank you for wondering/asking. This blogging community is astounding — the love that pours out here — I’m humbled by it and so grateful for it. You’re right about that only thing that matters and it matters so much. I hope you and yours have a Merry Christmas and a beautiful New Year. much love back, B.
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 11:13 pmOh my did I love this. Missed you Brigitte. You are so right about the indifference towards hateful people. Two wrongs don’t make a right and all that junk. I wish you nothing but peace and happiness this holiday season. Glad to see you around here again.
Posted by becca3416 | December 20, 2012, 4:05 pmHi Becca, I’ve missed you too! From the brief glances I’ve seen, you have been FP’d as of late, yes? So glad you enjoyed the post my friend. I wish you the same — love, peace, joy, contentment and then some — now and always.
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 11:16 pmThanks, yes I finally made it to FP status. Hope your holiday is nothing but peaceful!
Posted by becca3416 | December 21, 2012, 8:49 amI am so glad to hear from you again, Brigitte. I agree with elements of both what you say and also Le Clown and Madame Weebles. Sometimes we have to stand against hate. But I also believe that the constant 24/7 news coverage of hate and violence encourages people of a certain mindset to copy the hateful, violent acts to gain their own infamy. Many countries refuse to reveal the names of terrorist organizations when they strike, And I believe there’s a wisdom to that approach. Remove the potential for widespread attention, and some people might never act, or will act only on themselves, not innocent bystanders around them.
The many good acts of everyday people go unheralded, and that shouldn’t be. We should positively reinforce acts of goodness and justice when we see them.
I hope your holidays will bring good news for you and your family and that 2013 will bring us all some peace and goodness in our lives.
Posted by jmmcdowell | December 20, 2012, 4:14 pmJMMcDowell,
I like the way you put it. Happy holidays!
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | December 20, 2012, 4:25 pmMerci, Monsieur Le Clown. Joyeux Noël!
Posted by jmmcdowell | December 20, 2012, 4:29 pmShe is a very astute and intelligent woman, that one, eh? ;).
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 11:20 pmHi JM, so glad to be able to catch a breath and come up with a post — thank you. You are so right about that barrage of media that we have access to and are exposed to — and I think you are right in your assumption. This is exactly my point, “remove the potential for widespread attention.” And yes, so much good is going around but that doesn’t make for good ratings does it?
Thank you for your warm wishes — they are so appreciated, as are you as my friend. I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas/holiday season and a joy-filled New Year. xo
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 11:19 pmI am so happy to read your wonderful words Brigitte. you always put me in a good place. I have been pulled under lately with the horrific events — so close, you know? But I am shaking it off and following your lead.
Thanks for stopping in at my place.. you are lovely to do so in the midst of things. I am going to say it again– you and Lisa always put me in a good place ;)–
Audra
Posted by unfetteredbs | December 20, 2012, 4:59 pmAudra, I’m so happy you read them and that they put you in a good place. Your poem make me miss my hubby even more but we’ll be together for Christmas so all will be well. Things are improving — thank you and thank you for your words of encouragement, support and love. You and Lisa do the same for me. Love ya so. xo
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 11:22 pmOf course I agree with you, Brigitte. Hate begets hate and love begets love. I think by showing indifference you diminish the other person or group’s stand or argument. By engaging, you give it strength, creedamce and importance – as if it is worthy of your energy. That’s exactly what feeds the hate.
As long as I can choose how to use my energy, it will go into trying to understand, to love and to bring peace rather than hate. Love is positive and light. Hate is dark, negative and destructive.It’s easy to be angry and lose control, it’s not so easy to rise above and see things in their true perspective.
I love you and I love your good message. It’s just what we need to help us come out of this very dark time.
Merry Christmas, Brigitte!!
Blessings to you and your family!!!
Lisa
Posted by A Gripping Life | December 20, 2012, 5:20 pmLisa, you and I have the same mindset about that love thing. I agree with everything you’ve said above and I think you understand where I’m coming from. I love you too and your always wonderfully intelligent, well-written and thoughtful posts. I can’t wait until a few months from now when your posts will be glowing with all the good stuff that is coming your way. Wait and see, my friend. Merry Christmas, Lisa and blessings to you and your family as well — always.
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 11:24 pmYou know how sometimes you don’t realize you missed something until it comes back? Yeah, that’s how I feel now. Great post. Keep your chin up, stay positive. Wonderful song. “War is over…if you want it.” Love it.
Posted by Brother Jon | December 20, 2012, 5:48 pmBroJo, what a wonderful thing to say to me — thank you so much for that. I will do so, my friend and thank you for your kindness. Yeah, isn’t that tune one of the best ever?
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 11:25 pmNice to see you Brigitte and may the holidays be a time of peace and relaxtion for you..
Much enjoyed your post and we shall see you soon:-)
Merry Christmas,
Lynne
Posted by free penny press | December 20, 2012, 6:19 pmLynne I wish the same for you. I can’t wait to catch up on your wonderful posts — I’ve missed so much! Glad you enjoyed my post and Merry Christmas to you, my friend. xo
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 11:25 pmLove and light to you, dear. Beautifully-said post. Looking forward to your steady return. A new year is coming!
Posted by Swimming In The Mud | December 20, 2012, 9:01 pmHey Sue, you wonderful lady you. Thank you. Here’s to that New Year my friend xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 11:11 pmSo happy to read another one of your fabulous posts, Brigitte! You’re so right in saying that love and hate take a lot of energy and it only makes sense (to me at least) to drop the negativity and focus on the positive. Life is short and we’re always running after the elusive holy grail of time so why waste it on things that only bring people down? That being said, I also believe in standing up for what we believe in, although I completely understand your point in just letting the hate pass on by. I think we just need to know when to pick our battles and save our energy for the ones that can really make a difference. Happy holidays and wishing you lots of merry spirit this season!
Posted by lillianccc | December 20, 2012, 9:23 pmHi Lillian, why thank you and likewise regarding your wonderful posts. I see your point about standing up for what believe in of course — I think most of us do that. What’s wonderful is that we all have different ways of doing so and as long as we come from a positive place, it always works out, don’t you think? Thanks so much for your kind sentiments. I wish you the very best and joyous holiday season and a BEAUTIFUL New Year. xo
Posted by Brigitte | December 20, 2012, 11:11 pmBrigitte,
Thank you for this lovely post. Much has been said here already about meeting hate head-on. And I agree with your sentiments as well as those of Eric and Weebs. I tend towards your approach of ignoring in the hopes that the hate will go away. But as I thought about it, it came to me that there are warriors and there are healers and both can make up an energy that opposes hate. I tend towards the healer side although my warrior can surface when necessary. The recent events in Newtown have brought out much debate I suspect we will need both in order to manifest change probably a good thing. As always your posts spark wonderful commentary and you have been sorely missed! Much love, Cathy
Posted by Cathy Ulrich | December 21, 2012, 7:53 amCathy, thank you, as always for your wise and wonderful comments. That’s always been my philosophy as well. Not so much “ignoring” just not feeding the fire. Nelson Mandela is an example of that, Martin Luther King, Gandhi, Jesus Christ, the Dalai Lama, Sister Theresa — all great leaders that teach love, not hate or war. And I agree with you that there needs to be a warrior, but a warrior can lead without hate or violence. Much love back to you, friend.
Posted by Brigitte | December 22, 2012, 9:44 amGlad you’re back Brig!
Posted by Fish Out of Water | December 21, 2012, 9:12 amHi Fish! You and I have not visited each other in awhile and it sounds as if we both have very good reasons. I hope you are well and healing and will visit you again soon, my friend. Stay strong, 2013 will be a good year. Thank you. xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | December 22, 2012, 9:45 amNice blog…
Keep sharing…and have a Happy New Year..
http://akanksharastogi.wordpress.com/2012/12/23/welcome-2013/
Posted by erakanksha | December 26, 2012, 8:17 amThank you and welcome! You have a Happy New Year!!
Posted by Brigitte | December 27, 2012, 7:33 pm