Tell Trump and Putin NO!

Trump IS Putin. Putin IS Trump. And Elon? He’s the ketamine-challenged billionaire-baby who bought himself a nation.

Trump has made the United States the bully of the world. And the only way to deal with a bully is to apply opposing EQUAL force. If we are to stay with the current world order (where NATO stands), Putin must be stopped and forced to leave Ukraine.

The alternative is a new world order where Russia, China, Israel, the Saudis and North Korea—with the help of the United States–dominate. The atrocities these countries subject their people to are horrendous. There are no individual rights: black and brown people–anyone who is not white–suffer, women suffer, the poor suffer (sorry, your whiteness won’t save you here). A reality where LGBTQ people are heckled and scorned, where everyone is required to believe whatever religious bull-crap the supreme leader spews: he is “the chosen one.”*

*Author’s note: Ridiculous. Just nonsense. He’s delusional, playing a character on a tv show. We’re being told the sheeple love it, but not so much. Trump voters are feeling the sting already.

Come on, think! Why is Trump aligning us with Russia and all the authoritarians?

Trump’s God is POWER. MONEY + CONTROL = POWER. Those driving forces are driving Trump, and Putin, and Elon, and Bibi, and his lover Kim jong un…

WE must tell Trump, Putin, Musk et al. NO.

NO, he cannot give Ukraine to Russia and divvy up their resources.

NO, he cannot buy Greenland. IT’S NOT FOR SALE.

NO, he cannot take the Panama Canal! ffs!

NO, he cannot join Netanyahu in destroying and then re-colonizing Gaza.

NO, he cannot bully Canada—our closest trading partner, ally–friends up north!–into becoming a state.

Who will stop this madman?

Europe is stepping up. They know Ukraine is essential to a free world. And the American people must also step up! NO, Trump does not have a mandate and he DOES NOT SPEAK FOR THE MAJORITY OF AMERICANS!

It’s going to take all of us who still believe in Democracy and individual freedoms to take action: call our congressmen and women, boycott big-money corporations, challenge the “news” sources, continue to speak up—and march in the streets!

Stay informed, people. Find ways to resist. Join the marches and protests. Refuse to look away. Fight for your rights, our rights. Fight for America. Fight for the people of the world! Fight for the planet.

Tell Trump NO.

Hell NO.

F NO.

Not on my watch.

202 224-3121 Call the capitol switchboard NOW!

Trump and Musk are destroying US government institutions.

Steve Bannon calls it “the deconstruction of the administrative state.” Elon Musk and Donald Trump call it an opportunity to fleece the sheeple. But, make no mistake, Trump and Musk are overseeing the destruction of the institutions and laws that make the United States who we are.

We’ll see if the judiciary holds. If not, Musk and Putin have successfully bought themselves a president, and a country. Who will stop them?

There’s still hope. Remember: Three equal parts of government.

  1. Legislative: makes the law
  2. Executive: enforces the law
  3. Judicial: interprets the law

We the people can impact it. Resist. Resist Trump and Musk’s takeover.

Trump is stealing your pennies. Don’t let him steal your luck.

See a penny, pick it up. All day long, you’ll have good luck.

Nope, F the penny. It’s gone. Outta here, by decree of the most asinine-cruel-deranged mofo on the planet, Orange Cheesus, Donald Trump.

No luck for you!

Spare me the twisted logic of how much it costs to make a penny or the mind-numbing ridiculous assertion that the penny costs users too much time to stay in circulation. Trump is erasing a symbol of hope, of optimism, of joy.

A penny on your path shows you’re on the right path.  

Who didn’t pick-up a penny when they were growing up?! Pennies from heaven are a divine spark of luck. Pennies are a testimony to the promise of riches—even if you have none. They sit collected in containers of all shapes, sizes, and sorts: piggy banks, old glass bottles, coffee cans, antiques, hand-me-downs, family heirlooms, and tchotchkes of all types. They’ve been collecting for years, decades in some cases.

They symbolize dreams not yet realized. They are the penny stashes that will send our kids to college, or at least be the book fund. They represent dream vacations and retirement funds. (Or they used to when homes cost $50,000 and cars cost $5000.) Today, we raid the change jar when we need lunch. But mostly, pennies sit waiting for a day their collective spending power becomes a sum to be used. Until then, pennies are the symbols of luck and joy to come.

A penny saved is a penny earned! And a penny found is pure mana from heaven!

And now Trump is coming for your pennies.

Trump has demanded his new Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, a hedge fund dude, get rid of the penny. It’s pure robbery of the poor. Please, do the simple math.

Follow the Money

If an item costs 3 cents, $0.03, and there is no longer a penny, that item just became 5 cents, $0.05. That 2 cent difference WILL GO STRAIGHT TO CORPORATIONS, WALL STREET, AND OLIGARCHS. Not to worry politicians—you’ll get yours in contributions from the rich as you support this fleecing of the flock.

For those doing the math, add all of this to your equation.

Penny for your thoughts?

(Pause for reflection—BECAUSE YOU DAMN WELL KNOW WHAT YOU THINK IS WORTH MORE THAN A PENNY!)

You know the value of the penny, they know the value of the penny. Trump knows the value of a penny. That’s why they want to take it from you. Luck included.

Trump, Musk, the oligarchs, and capitalism are squeezing every penny from each of us. They want us hopeless and defenseless as they sweat every last penny out of us. And of course, count the pennies and the dollars will take of themselves—all the way into Trump’s pocket!

This may appear like a small fight when compared to mass deportations, crashing the economy, and declaring our intent to take over our allies, and it is. But, it is through these small acts of aggression that Trump, Musk, the tech bros, big business, and capitalism enslave us. We must push back where we can, we must save our collective pennies until they provide the dollars that will fight this financial fleecing of Americans. There is a reason charities ask for your pennies! They are a collective force—and can be used for good!

Join the fight, use your pennies if you find the cause worthy—and let your voice be heard! Speak with your pennies!

May pennies from heaven line your path with luck.

#LoquaciousLindee*

*Author’s note: In for a penny, in for a pound.

All my pennies and efforts are in this fight to keep Trump and Musk from destroying our Government institutions. I’m fully committed to the cause.

You? Penny for your thoughts.

This isn’t hard.

It’s not your business.

You don’t understand the circumstance. It’s not your decision to make.

Mind your own business.

Yes, it’s that easy.

The next time you want to meddle, put your nose where it doesn’t belong? Remind yourself: it’s not my business.

Try this–THAT’S NOT MY CAT.

Then walk away. Because it’s NOT YOUR CAT AND NOT YOUR BUSINESS.

#WomensRights #ReproductiveFreedom #NotYourBusiness

I harbor no thoughts that ANYONE reads this blog, but if by chance, the world goes totally sideways after the election, I want it known that I am a Democrat–a Kamala Harris supporter, and fan.

Trump is the worse thing that’s happened to this WORLD. If he’s elected, I risk being prosecuted. Everyone who opposes him risks his wrath. He’s ripening his supporters for violence–against each other. It’s a scary world where neighbors could turn on neighbors.

We must choose, and I choose LOVE. And HOPE, and BELIEF IN EACH OTHER. I like my neighbors. I respect my neighbors. I respect my neighbors’ right to privacy.

I can’t imagine a world, a Unites States of America, where we deport 11 million people. Pee-pel. Human beings. To where?! Our neighbors, our friends, our family. Trump declares he’ll do this on day 1. I pray he doesn’t.

But I don’t just pray. I vote. And I help people understand the issues so they can vote. And here’s the most important issue of this election:

WOMEN MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT THEIR OWN BODIES.

Abortion is a secondary issue. This is about a fundamental right to control your own body. No one–especially the Government (as Kamala says) has the right to tell women what to do with their bodies. It’s NOT a political issue. IT’S A HEALTHCARE ISSUE! Women need abortions!!

Producing life–having a baby–is a straight-up miracle–and hard work. MANY bad things can happen along the way, even when that baby is so wanted.

Having a baby is hard work. Women–along with their doctors–must have the ability to terminate when Mom’s life is in danger. How many more women will have to die before Roe v Wade is reinstated and reproductive rights are restored?

This is my TOP priority, but believe me, there are many more. Follow along on the socials for the reason why, but in a nutshell!!:

VOTE FOR HARRIS/WALZ.

Lives really do depend on it. Maybe yours, if you’re of childbearing years.

#LoquaciousLB

Star Trek gifts any fan would appreciate.

Men can be so hard to buy for, but if they’re a Star Trek fan, any of these items will be sure to please. As an Amazon affiliate, I make a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you follow the links. Thank you, kindly.

Let’s begin with items for the nightstand pictured above!

Light up his Universe! Let him know you’re ready for some lovin’ with the Horga’hn Mood Lamp. Caution: Powerful Risian fertility symbol known for initiating Jamaharon! Official Star Trek replica, 14” tall, corded electric. Also makes a good desk lamp. 😉 😉 Under $100.

The NCC-1701-D Whiskey Decanter set is the perfect complement to the Horga’hn Mood Lamp when it’s just you two. It’s also the perfect centerpiece when serving the Crew! Romulan Ale looks particularly lovely. The Decanter set includes a 26-oz eloquently etched glass liquor decanter, stopper, and 4 10-oz tumblers! Just a bit over $100.

Vulcan on the streets; Klingon in the sheets! This KlingonTiki Mug is the perfect water glass reminder for the nightstand. Makes a great beer mug as well. One in a series of six Star Trek tiki mugs including a Gorn Tiki Mug! 16 oz, ceramic. @$30

For @$50, you can help him stay organized and geeked out with wallet or watch! The faux leather Star Trek Men’s Wallet has 7 card slots, 2 small pockets and one cash pocket. It is screen printed with a Class One Sensor panel from the Next Generation. And what geek wouldn’t want this Star Trek Watch with the Starship Enterprise cruising around the dial?! 33mm face, battery operated, leather band. Tells Earth time. 😉

Continuing our efforts to help keep our men organized and going boldly, I give to you two messenger bag options! On the left we have The Original Series Messenger Bag. The dimensions are 18″ x 12″ x 5.5″. It features a fold-over flap, zipper storage and inside padded 15″ computer pocket. Officially licensed and made in the USA. @$100. 

On the right is the Star Trek Klingon Messenger Bag. It is 11″ x 13″ x 3″ and made of faux suede and nylon. Features custom metal Bat’leth trim on front flap, Klingon icon stamp, and a custom-printed Klingon nylon lining. Officially licensed and also @$100. 

Dochvetlh vlneH! That’s Klingon for “I want that thing!” 

And speaking of wanting that thing! Where would your man be without his tool box?! Scottie, O’Brien, LaForge, TRIP!, Seven of Nine, B’Elanna Torres, Stamets, Jet Reno! Without the Engineers of Star Trek–there’d be no mission, there’d be no ship! Men–especially DADS–NEED this Star Trek 100-Piece Engineering Field Kit Tool Set.  A tool for every occasion: wire cutter, pry knife, bit holder, prolong bar, utility knife, ruler, prybars, electrostatic ring, SIM card tools, anti-static cloth, tweezers, spudgers, cable ties, screwdriver bits and more! 12″ x 9″ x 15″. Under 3 lbs, @$90.

Keep your man hydrated with this soft-sided, collapsible Star Trek Water Bottle! Features the original Starship Enterprise on a bold blue background! Plastic material, holds 24 oz, with an extra wide opening for easy filling. Foldable, freezable and stands when filled. Don’t just get one. Get one for each of your crew! Under $15.

All Star Trek fans have their favorite series, and if YOUR  man is a Deep Space 9 fan, he’ll love this set of glasses from Quark’s Bar. The Quark’s Bar Pint Glass set includes four, 16 ounce pint glasses digitally printed in the USA with epoxy ink which means they’re safe for the dishwasher. Licensed with certificate of authenticity. Under $100. 

Pictured above is one of the coolest and weirdest Star Trek journals I’ve discovered: the Star Trek School Notebook Folder. It features characters Kirk, Spock, and Sulu from The Original Series in a variety of combat poses. It also shows a Gorn!!! The back features Picard, Riker, and Worf also in combat poses. Sturdy multi-colored cover, spiral bound, paper inside is ruled, and the Star Trek delta is in the upper right and left corners. Truly one of a kind. @$20.

Here’s the gift that’ll keep the hubs and kids busy for hours. The Star Trek Next Gen 3000 Piece Puzzle! This is the ultimate Trekkie gift. When finished, it’s 45″ x 32″!  Thick quality paper with vibrant colors. Perfect for framing once complete. 

Prefer The Original Series? Here is the link to the Star Trek TOS 3000 Piece Puzzle. 

Get ’em both! They’ll look great framed and hanging side by side in the game room. 

Can you really call your man a Star Trek fan unless his closet is full of Star Trek t-shirts?! Here are two of my favorites: Dad You Are Bold and Galaxy’s Greatest Dad. If your man isn’t a Dad yet, there are plenty of Star Trek Ts to choose from. Both shirts pictured are 100% cotton, machine washable (but be careful–they’re cotton!), and available in a variety of colors. Officially licensed Star Trek apparel. @$20.

There you have it: 13 + 1 Star Trek gifts for your man with links to make shopping easier. If you’d like suggestions for the LADY Trekkies in your life, read Star Trek Your Mom! Or if you’re a pet parent, read Star Trek Your Pet. 

And may you continue to go boldly where no man has gone before. 

Loquaciously,

Captain Brauer, Starship Providence

 

Captain Mom will LOVE this Star Trek swag.

If Mom is a Trekkie, she’ll love any of these practical Star Trek Mother’s Day gifts. As a Trekkie Mom myself, I have many of the items suggested here and as an Amazon affiliate, I receive a small commission should you kindly use the links.

Pictured: Galaxy’s Greatest Mom t-shirt. Any Mom would be proud to wear this practical, versatile, comfortable shirt. Comes in 10 colors (black pictured above). Solid colors are 100% cotton; others are cotton/poly blends. A variety of sizes, naturally. All are washable. Officially licensed. Under $20.

The What I Learned from Star Trek mug is one of my favorites! It combines all the sayings a Star Trek-savvy Mom would say: Go Boldly, Be Logical, Give ‘er All She’s Got…you get the idea! Teaching kids the principles of Starfleet just got easier over Mom’s morning cup of raktajino. @$20.

Tote and go! Mom can throw the day’s essentials into this fun and functional, sturdy Star Trek Canvas Tote (pictured above) and boldly go about her day. Duo black and white canvas with gold command insignia. It’s multipurpose, reusable and foldable. 19″x 14″x5″. @$30.

 

 

Or maybe this stylized, Star Trek Retro Tech Tote Bag is more your Mom’s flavor. Durable nylon in The Original Series colors. Zippered compartments outside and inside of bag for storage and organization. Great as a work-day tote, gym or diaper bag.  Measures 18.5″x12″x5″. @$70.

This soft-sided, collapsible Star Trek Water Bottle is a MUST for ALL Moms! Staying hydrated has never been as important while going warp 10 with crew aboard and sometimes in tow. Plastic material. Features the original Starship Enterprise on a bold blue background! Holds 24 oz, extra wide opening. Foldable, freezable and stands when filled. Don’t just get one. Get one for each of your crew! Under $15. 

ST water bottle

Pictured here and above, another must have! This Star Trek Insignia Scarf is for all seasons, all adventures, and all worlds! Fashionable and functional: a scarf can save the day and the Universe. Premium acrylic, 30 x 190 cms. It’s plenty long: I recently wore mine to the hot springs and wrapped it as a turban. Practical and pretty with the insignia colors of gold, blue, and red. And best of all?! It comes with a matching beanie with a ball on top!! Bad news. It’s not currently available, but keep checking this link for availability. It’ll be worth the wait. Mine is always in my starship.

ST insignia scarf
ST captain's log

Help Mom organize her thoughts and her day with this Unemployed Philosophers Guild Star Trek Captain’s Log Notebook. Perfect size for tote bags: 4.75″x 7″, 48 pages. Small and flat, easy to carry. Sturdy cardboard cover with gold foil stamp. I use mine to record favorite Star Trek quotes. I wish these came in packs of ten. Under $10.

ST sticky notes sigle

If your Mom still relies on sticky notes, she’ll love Star Trek Sticky Notes (and so will you when she leaves one for you). 😉 “While You Were Beaming Down” pink pad features Lt. Uhura and plenty of space to leave a note. Pad is full of hundreds of colorful self sticking sheets of Kirk, McCoy, Spock and Scottie. Particularly useful for bookmarking pages. Measures 3 1/4″ x 4 1/4″ and fits easily into a bag. Under $10. 

Help Mom keep track of time in this Universe! From the same people who brought us the Unemployed Philosophers Guide Star Trek Captain’s Log, I present to you the Unemployed Philosophers Guide Star Trek Unisex Watch. It tells Earth time as the Starship Enterprise cruises around the dial. Comes with battery and tin case. This is on my Mother’s Day wish list. @$45

And if Mom finds herself with extra time, the Star Trek Cookbook is a great way to please the crew. It’s full of recipes you can use–with a few Earthly substitutions for intergalactic ingredients when required. (But I’m not eating Tribble!! Yes, my sweetheart got me this book for Valentine’s Day and there is a recipe.) The coolest thing, this “cookbook embraces the best of Star Trek and its core message of hope, acceptance, and exploration in the spirit of gastrodiplomacy.” Or so says the description and it’s true. If Mom doesn’t have time to cook, it’s a great coffee-table look book as well. @$25.

Without Scottie, O’Brien, LaForge, TRIP!, Seven of Nine, B’Elanna Torres, Stamets, Jet Reno!–the Engineers of Star Trek–there’d be no mission, there’d be no ship! Moms NEED this Star Trek 100-Piece Engineering Field Kit Tool Set. That’s a mouthful but it hit all the right keywords. A tool for every occasion: wire cutter, pry knife, bit holder, prolong bar, utility knife, ruler, prybars, electrostatic ring, SIM card tools, anti-static cloth, tweezers, spudgers, cable ties, screwdriver bits and more! 12″ x 9″ x 15″. Under 3 lbs, @$90.

At the end of the day, most Captains just want comfy jammies and a warm bed. This Star Trek Next Gen Picard Nightgown Sleep Shirt Pajama Top is just what Mom wants. 100% polyester, all-season style. I love these jammies. Mom will explore strange new worlds in her sleep. @$35.

And remember the socks! Captains and Moms need to take care of their feet. The Star Trek Uniform Emblem Crew Socks are great for all away missions and cold winter nights! Set of 3: Command gold, Science blue, Engineering red. These are men’s sizes so run big. There are plenty other Star Trek socks to discover. @$20.

I hope you’ve discovered an item or two for your Star Trek Mom! Happy Mother’s Day. Live Long and Prosper! 

If you’d like suggestions on how to Star Trek Your Pet, check out these 9 ideas. 

Trek on!

Captain Brauer, Starship Providence 

 

Star Trek Your Pet with Kirk and Spock Costumes!

Is your pet part of the crew? Of course they are–and they deserve the uniform to prove it! If not for daily wear, great on a chilly day or for Halloween dress-up. Officially licensed by Star Trek. Available in all sizes, Beagles to Bernese. Get the Captain Kirk Costume. Get the Spock Costume. @$30

Whether you lean Kirk or Spock, cat or dog (no preference implied), there are many Star Trek pet products for you and your pet to enjoy. Here is a list of my favorites. Yes, they are affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases (at no additional cost to you). I’ve spent some time compiling it and I hope you find just the perfect item for your pet!

Safety first! This gold and black Star Trek Dog Collar assures your pet can boldly go exploring without the fear of being lost. Nylon, plastic, and rubber with buckle closure. Adjustable for all size dog.  @$20 Matching Star Trek Leashes available. 

Your pet needs a bandana–and NOT just to make them look chic. The Star Trek Bandanas are practical for pets and parents alike. Use for wet clean-ups or in case of an emergency. These cotton-poly blends are customized: choose from 13 different insignias in nine colors. And personalized up to 8 characters. Get a matching set for dog, cat and yourself! @$10

Check out this adorable Starship Warp Drive Chew Toy! What pup wouldn’t want to play with this? About 12″ with durable braided nylon rope–and squeakers! Collars, leashes, bowls and beds also available. @$30

Maybe this Star Trek Planetary Disaster Rope Toy is better suited to your pet. I’m not too excited about the name–no need for a planetary disaster to enjoy this toy! Includes interlocking ropes and squeaker, approximately 7″ in diameter. @$15

 

And now for some CAT LOVE!

Give your feline friend a little nippy with these Star Trek Organic Catnip Cat Toys. Wool-felt pouches are stuffed with catnip and buckwheat hulls and handsewn in Oregon. Choose command gold, science blue, or engineering red delta. @$5 

Imagine how styling your cat will be with their own Star Trek Kirk and Spock Cat Enamel Pins. They can wear them on their bandanas! Or you could wear the set on your collar. A cute, unusual way for you to share your love of cats and Star Trek! @$15

Your cat probably doesn’t need a calendar but you certainly do. Here are our favorite cats of Star Trek in calendar form. Choose from Star Trek Cats 2023 or Star Trek Cats 2024. Every day you’ll be reminded to “feed them and tell them they are good and are pretty.” (Paraphrased from Data, the Next Gen series.) @$20

Last but not least: a tribute to our newest feline friend, Grudge, from Star Trek Discovery.

“Sharper than a claw and more stunning than a phaser blast, The Book of Grudge’s Prime Directive features her take on everything from space travel to the proper care and training of an array of alien species.” Your cat just might enjoy the stories–if they are a reader. 😉  @$15

Live long and prosper, Queen Grudge!

There you have it; a few cute ideas on how to Star Trek your pet. Stay safe, have fun and continue to boldly go with a furry companion or two by your side. 

Courageously,

Captain Brauer, Starship Providence

The Moon, Ace of Starships, King of Starships

In anticipation of Picard Season 3 Episode 9, I share with you my Trek/tarot reading from this morning.

The Moon: intuition and illusion

Ro Laren

I know!! (Spoiler alert! If you’re not current with the final season of Picard, stop reading and watch!) Ro Laren’ s past perfectly represents the Moon. Her story arc on Picard continues that energy. From the Star Trek the Next Generation Tarot Deck*:

“The Moon offers both intuition and illusion as it hangs brightly in the night sky. Some are freed by its light, while others are trapped in its mystery. When Ensign Ro arrives on the Enterprise, she is also caught between two worlds. Powerless to protect her home world Bajor from the occupying Cardassians, she blames the Federation for not doing more to help. The resulting frustration has left her both directionless and resentful. Skeptical of authority, Ro is torn between her love for her people and her oath to Starfleet.”

Is it cosmic coincidence Ro Laren showed up today? One day before the next episode of Picard? The intelligence she shared with Picard in a previous episode has cast just enough light to see beyond the illusion. (Seriously, watch it now.) Frontier Day is going to be lit!

The Next Gen deck goes on to say:

“You also feel lost and anxious, as your intuition has led you down a path filled with hidden perils and unknown foes. Open your eyes to those who may be deceiving you and realize that sometimes we deceive ourselves.”

My reading is not just about the storyline in Picard, it’s also representative of the world today. Democracy is under assault; women are under assault; the LGBTQ community is under assault; immigrants are under assault. The Moon reveals what’s hidden. And it’s time to expose the hidden agendas by the people who are here to hurt us.

Ace of Starships

From the Next Gen deck:

“Your starship has left space dock and is ready to embark! Look forward to new relationships or creative endeavors. This beginning will grant you fulfillment, spiritual enlightenment, and the ability to better balance your emotions.”

What that means to me? It’s confirmation that I’m Captain Brauer of the Starship Providence and my destiny is wherever I plot a course. I’m comforted and confident that I have a crew of people who think like me, are on board, and are ready to boldly defend people and the planet!

King of Starships

Sarek

From the Next Gen deck:

“The King of Starships has mastered his emotions and is never dominated by despair, passion, or outrage. He is dependable and mature, though he may seek to hide his pain from others. Always good in a crisis, his steady nature can overcome any instability.”

What a great card to draw. Again, not just because we need every former crew member of the Enterprise to master their emotions and save Earth from the Changelings in Season 3 Episode 9/10, we need that now—across the nation!

I need that now! I admit, I’ve fallen into despair watching Trump and the Republicans dismantle decades of civil rights/human rights, been enraged watching the policies they’ve passed that harm people and the planet, and my passion has run so high and deep, I’ve not been able to channel that energy into positive action.

But Sarek, a Vulan and King of Starships, is a great reminder. I am strong, wise and confident. I know kindness, goodness, acceptance and appreciation ARE the prevailing mindsets for the majority of Americans. I know it to be true. I follow these people and talk with these people on the social platforms (mostly Twitter**). They are my mates and my motivators.

Time to assemble all ships and all personnel and get to Frontier Day. That’d be November 5, 2024!

What a great reading. I’m spired. Thank you Star Trek; thank you tarot.

Lindee

* This is the BEST tarot deck I’ve used. Shout out to the author Tori Schafer. Her bio in the back of the Star Trek Next Gen guidebook says she’s been practicing tarot since she was young, but it doesn’t say she is a Trekkie and no way she’s not! The characters and descriptions are so true to the Star Trek universe—and so accurate! I’ve been a lover and practitioner of tarot for the past twenty years. I’ve been a Trekkie since I was five; I grew up on The Original Series, but the Next Gen series is where I truly embraced and embodied the principles of Star Trek. This deck galvanizes those two worlds, tarot and Star Trek, and I am energized. Thank you, Tori Schafer. Girl, you are brilliant!

And not to be overlooked! Nicky Barkla, the deck’s illustrator, brought these cards to life! The art is vibrant and stunning and true to the original ambiance of the Series. The illustrations are beautiful and nostalgic. The entire deck feels good in my hands.   

I’m grateful to these ladies. I carry this deck with me always! (Along with my Angel Cards by Doreen Virtue–who’s since lost her friggin’ mind– and Rider Waite decks that I’ve used for twenty years.)

**Musk is an ignorant, entitled twot.

Blend meld mold shift transform move lift create build write sing dance speak work give share help meet appreciate join celebrate be do thrive harmonize transcend…add your own verbs here—as long as they are positive!

This is what we must do now, as a nation: move toward the positive. But how? The “how” is always part of the solution. To say “solution” implies we have a problem, and Houston, we do. (Yes, I’m looking at you, Texas. And many of the Republican-governed states who are influencing ALL the states.)

But I skipped right over the “why.” We’ve got two competing belief systems we as citizens are attempting to sort out–and the nation is divided! Contentions are high: Violence is spiking and many people feel threatened. There are so many issues within those belief systems that divide us–issues that effect our everyday lives.

But when it comes to sorting these issues, can we all agree: we’re in it together?

Can we start there?

We’re all on planet Earth together.

Do we all agree on that one point?

If so, let’s move forward. Together. Citizens in Red states. Citizens in Blue states.

If not, let’s back off and look broader: we’re all on planet Earth. “Together” is up for debate with some. But if we can agree on that one point, we’re all on planet Earth, we can agree on others.

Yes, we have many disagreements, but we do have common areas of concern and that’s where we start.

Can we all agree we are human beings? Sacks of skin and bags of bones made alive by the miracle of breath, water and spirit? If so, we can move forward. If not, let’s back up. Can we all agree humans require oxygen and water?

Yes, there is a divide in this nation. Like each other or not, we’re on the planet, the team, and the company roster. We’re part of humanity, in the choir, the club, the band. We’re all at the G– D— party! Can we all agree to that: we’re in this together whether we like it or not? We have more things in common than not and that’s where we must focus our attention.

I need Steven King to write us a better ending! I need Survivor to turn into Thriver and build a fucking village and create a community!

What if the world focused on what unites us versus what divides us?

Imagine the positive outcomes. Visual a better future. We can do it; we can move forward, together.

Lindee