The Domestic Chapter

I’m sitting here with a glass of wine and realized something I probably need to say. Some of the topics that end up on this blog, whether they come from me or from my other half, you might not like. And that’s fine. Truly. This is my space, and I get to write what’s on my mind. In vino veritas, right? From wine comes truth.

Depending on the day, these posts might be written with coffee, wine, or water. And the topics will be just as varied. One day it might be something heavier about the world, and the next it might be a place I’ve traveled, a product I actually use, or something I’ve experienced and think is worth sharing. If it’s here, it’s because I genuinely stand behind it.

There are also nights when I wake up at two in the morning because a thought won’t leave me alone until I write it down. If that ever happens to you, keep a notepad or journal by the bed. I’m convinced I’ve lost some great ideas to falling back asleep.

Anyway, here’s the point. You’re not always going to agree with what I say. Honestly, that’s a good thing. We shouldn’t all agree on everything, but we should at least be willing to listen. For example, I don’t understand cancel culture. It feels like people get canceled for breathing wrong. And for those of us who’ve been around a while, we can look back at things we said or did and think, “Well… that didn’t age well.”

Now, if someone is genuinely awful, that’s different. Some people absolutely deserve consequences. But canceling them doesn’t fix anything. Accountability does. Justice does. And if you’re reading this years from now, I am sure you can guess the exact era I’m talking about.

This might be an unpopular opinion, or maybe it isn’t and people just don’t say it out loud. Either way, here’s where I stand. If I write something you don’t agree with, that’s okay. You don’t have to agree with it to read it. You’re welcome to comment and share your thoughts, but do it with dignity and grace. If not, your comment won’t make it through. I’m here for conversation, not combat. There is a difference.

It’s funny how a computer screen or a drink gives people courage they don’t have face-to-face. And while we’re on the subject, not everything needs to be filmed and posted for the world. That does not always help. If something serious happens, give it to the people who can actually do something about it. And if they don’t, then take it to the next proper authorities. A news station, or even several. The goal is to get it into the hands of people who can actually act on it, not just rack up views.

This whole cancel-everything mindset has to stop. Bring back peaceful protest for things that actually matter. Boycotting a massive company because you disagree with them rarely changes anything. Some are simply too big to feel it. Others can be impacted, but only if you’re strategic and consistent over years, not days.

Trends shift. Outrage shifts. But laws, state or federal, are what actually change things. And if you want something to change, that is where your voice matters. Make your voice heard in the places that shape laws, because that is where real, lasting change comes from. Meanwhile, small businesses close faster than any big chain. We talk about shopping local, but the reality doesn’t always match the slogan. I am guilty of this myself shopping big, but when I can I do aim to make purchases from a small/local business.

So what am I trying to say? Simply this. You won’t always agree with what I post, and that’s okay. I hope you enjoy the posts and find something in them that makes you think, but my commentary is always going to follow where my heart is. Life is messy. Some topics will make you say, “No thank you,” and others will make you say, “Finally, someone said it.”

If this blog does anything, I hope it opens your mind to interesting conversations or reminds you that you’re not alone in your thoughts. Because I’m convinced we have far more in common than we don’t.