I have been finishing up my final novel in the Caitlin Ferguson mystery series these last few weeks. (I know – it’s about time!) All of the research that I have completed over these past few months, really years, led me to thoughts of why we are where we are at this point in the wheel of time. I just have a few questions today to put out to the world that are in need of answering:

• Why didn’t we accept women and immigrants sooner and why have we returned to that place of non-acceptance?
• What will happen when the money runs out?
• What will happen when the media can no longer spew nonsense into the atmosphere?
• Will we learn from this disastrous election, and figure out how we as a species work together?
• Will we learn from past literature how to accept each other to accomplish mutual goals?
• And what’s wrong with seeing both sides of our nature?
• Why can’t we love literature and science at the same time?
• Why can’t we have beautiful conversations without always trying to one-up each other?
• Where has all the wonderful learning gone?
• Why can’t we teach young people to love each other and learn to be uncomfortable with conversations to learn more about the world we live in? Why are we so uncomfortable with making our children uncomfortable?

I am going to keep reminding everyone to read and learn and read and learn and pass it onto the next generation, the ability to think many thoughts at one time. I am going to keep reminding people to learn the ability to marvel at science but also respect and marvel the beautiful works that have come from both good and bad fiction. It’s okay to love people for their beautiful lines of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. I am amazed every day at the works of writers who make the effort to create magical works of art.

And here are a few things that are good to know about this day:
Notable Birthdays for August 1
William Clark (1770-1838) – Explorer who led the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804.
Francis Scott Key (1779-1873) – American lawyer, poet and composer who wrote the Star Spangled Banner.
Herman Melville (1819-1891) – Novelist who wrote Moby Dick.
John Friend Mahoney (1889-1957) – Physician who pioneered the treatment of syphilis with penicillin.
Ann Calvello (1929-2006) – Professional roller derby racer.
Terry Kiser (1939-Still Living) – Actor who made several appearance over his 50 year acting career, but none more memorable as the character Bernie in the movie Weekend at Bernie’s.
Robert James Waller (1939-2017) – Author of The Bridges of Madison County.
Jerry Garcia (1942-1995) – Musician and founder of the rock band Grateful Dead.

Memorable Events for August 1
1855 – Castle Garden (NY City) opens as first receiving station for immigrants in the U.S.
1876 – Colorado is admitted as the 38th state to join the Union.
1881 – Angel Island (San Francisco Bay, CA) becomes U.S. Quarantine Station to prevent the spread of contagious diseases.
1911 – Harriet Quimby becomes the first woman in the U.S. to earn an Aero Club of America Aviator Certificate.
1933 – is founded with plans to stimulate the economy during the Depression. The National Recovery Administration.
1941 – The first Jeep is produced.
1946 – President Truman established the Atomic Energy Commission.
1981 – MTV begins broadcasting and airs its first video, Video Killed the Radio Star (The     Buggles).
https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/august/august-1-birthdays-and-events

So on this fantastic Friday, hug the ones who are near you and put out good vibes for anyone out there who is struggling with the day to day. Remember that the past cannot be changed but we can change our futures if we have the courage to do so. Love to all and hang in there!