Somewhere in there, President Trump was sworn into office.  And so, his tirade began.   I say this as the man doesn’t come quietly.  Elegance and sophistication do not describe him.

After arriving home and catching up on everyday items, including preparing my memoir for literary agents (no small feat by the way) we flew to Rome.  My husband had a conference to attend and because we adore Rome, we spent some extra time.  Spring had come early to Rome and it was glorious to see the magnolia trees in bloom.

Sadly, the Pope was hospitalized for our entire trip.  However, the churches and cathedrals were busier than usual for those who prayed for his health and to celebrate the Jubilee or Holy Year.  We witnessed processions of Pilgrims from around the world huddle and walk behind crosses as they made their way into St. Peter’s Basilica for mass.

Pope Francis actively spoke out on Trump’s immigration policies.   The way the current President sees the world as one deal after another to be had, we are indeed in need of a spiritual leader who can bring a healthy and kind perspective for our world.  I find myself wishing that Ghandi were still alive.  I am reminded that he was murdered by the radical right.

As I write this blog, Zelensky is meeting with leaders in London to discuss the way forward for his country and for our democracy after being chastised and bullied by Trump and his sidekick Vance.  Never have I seen such a scourge of strongarming from the leadership of the free world.  And I think that term is going to be short-lived.  To think that this browbeater who sits in the oval office will be the leader of the free world for another four years is doubtful.  He is certainly conjuring up a great divide on our planet.

Both the news and social media has been flooded with ‘thoughts’ on yesterday’s press conference at the White House.  Trump may think he has won but oh boy, I don’t think so.   From my perspective he has spiraled several notches downward on the esteem ladder.

I hope that the democratic world leaders can and do move quickly towards a solution to help Ukraine from the hands of Russia’s vile dictator who appears to have no regard for human life, not even Russian.  He defines the term powermonger.

I have always been grateful for growing up in Canada and not having lived through a war like my parents did.  My father served in the Royal Canadian Air Force and was stationed in England in WWII.  He was assigned to Air Sea Rescue in the English Channel and I can only imagine how futile his/their efforts seemed at times when they brought home more dead than alive.  I know how it affected him.

And isn’t it ironic that I now live in that same English Channel where the landing beaches once marred with war machines and dead soldiers, where rivers of blood flowed back out to sea, are now a place of beauty and recognition for those who served.

And I find myself wondering where we shall live if there is a WWIII.  Where would be safe?  Certainly not here as it’s a strategic location and not back in Canada if Trump continues to have his sights on my homeland becoming the next State.  I know Canadians would never let that happen; they would sooner die first and isn’t that exactly what the Ukrainians are doing now.  How can they possibly give in to Russia?  For peace?  There can be no peace until Putin is stopped.

Our democratic world is not a place to be sold to the highest bidder with the biggest arsenal of weaponry.  Our countries are not a deal to be had.  I do believe that our world will have a new order where honour will be restored but whether it’s in my lifetime, I do not know.  As with everything, the pendulum swings to find balance.  The Yin and Yang of the cycles of our world.  And maybe, AI has shown up just in time?  Welcome to 2025!