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DONA NOBIS PACEM 2022

Hola kitteh brofurs and sisfurs! We are again participating in the annual BlogBlast 4 Peace. This is the 17th year for one of my favorite blogging events. I've been doing my part since 2011. Mimi Lenox, the founder, wanted to know what would happen if the entire blogosphere posted about world peace on the same day using the same title—Dona Nobis Pacem. It hasn't changed the world—yet—but it's provided some creative and wonderful images of peace. Our theme is "No Freedom. No Peace." 

DONA NOBIS PACEM 2022

The World is Collapsing

I must say this is the first time in all the years I've participated that I'm at a loss. I feel helpless and have lost the hope I've felt every year. These words by R.E.M. ring true. "The world is collapsing / Around our ears / I turned up the radio / But I can't hear it." Truth is I don't want to hear it.

DONA NOBIS PACEM 2022

The world is collapsing around us and I don't feel like Pollyanna. There's a mad man committing war crimes in Ukraine and no one in the civilized world has tried to stop him. In Italy, they've voted in a female Prime Minister, whose party Brothers of Italy admires Mussolini. Do you think that's going to end well? Two of the biggest super powers Russian and China have deepened their alliance. Tell me that doesn't scare you. Even the Scandinavian countries are voting for far-right conservatives and Neo-Nazis. It's every country/man for themselves. We've got ours; screw everyone else.

DONA NOBIS PACEM 2022
TW fed some words describing how she was feeling into an AI
 program and it produced this image. I don't like what I see.

In our own country, the good old U.S. of A., fascists who worship at the altar of the Orange Monster have taken over. They will no doubt take control of the Senate and House in next week's midterm elections to again spread their lies and look to overthrow our democracy and freedom. Our freedom is fast becoming a thing of the past. Women have already lost freedom of their bodies and their healthcare. Minorities are losing their voting rights in almost half the country. Soon seniors will lose their safety nets that most paid into their entire lives. Medicare and Social Security are not handouts. Freedom? The No Freedom part of the theme is correct.

Words of hope

DONA NOBIS PACEM 2022

Our wish is for more hope each day and less fear each night and for this nightmare to be over quickly. Our wish is that those in Ukraine, Syria, South Korea and other countries embroiled in war and/or strife will rebuild their lives and homes, cities and towns and that trust and peace is standing ready to make their lives whole again. As hard as it is, we must wrap ourselves in these thoughts and keep our faith and courage. We must hang in there for our own sanity.

Chimes of Freedom

I leave you with the following song. It means a lot to me. Peace out.

Would you like to comment?

  1. So well said and sadly so true. My favorite song has always been, "It's A Wonderful World" and sung best by Louis Armstrong. Each morning I repeat the words, but it becomes so much harder to believe in them, to live by them and with them. Yet I continue to smile at passersby, and even say 'hello', it is good when it is returned. More often than one might expect! Bits, though broken, of hope remain within. I hold onto them for survival and for the ones who follow me. Most of my years are behind me but I want better ones for those who have yet to live theirs ... it is not too much to ask for, it is not.

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  2. Well stated, CK! We've been hoping for peace and freedom for a very long time, since the sixties. Recent turns of events are very disheartening indeed. But we keep hoping and purring for peace and freedom.

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  3. Well said. It is hard to find the words this year, and yet you have expressed what so many feel. When you put all these worries together in one post, it's sobering. We will keep speaking and writing for peace. There is no other choice.

    Thank you for blogging for peace with us again this year. Your post is well appreciated. Sharing widely.

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  4. Your post echoes many of my own thoughts/feelings. I love your globe design. Says it all! <3 Best peace wishes to you. PS... haven't listened to Youssou Ndour in years! That was a lovely reminder. :)

    Michelle of https://crows-feet.blogspot.com/2022/11/dona-nobis-pacem-freedom-is-illusion.html

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  5. The world is a very scary place right now. Beautiful peace message. XO

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  6. As always, this was INCREDIBLE and I couldn't agree more. This year is the scariest of any. So sad. We have someone running for Governor who is BEYOND SCARY (she also used to be in Slasher movies which is totally appropriate), praying our current Governor gets voted back in or we're screwed. "Peace be with You"

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  7. What an amazing (and true) post!! Good job CK!

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  8. CK and TW, we LOVE your post. We too are saddened with how profits and power have taken over the world and caused so much strife. We have seen so many things that we have fought for lost to those who feel they must have power over those they deem lesser, believing they deserve to have more. We pray for hope and the light of understanding that all opinions are valid, all have the option to live their lives the way they want without hurting or denying others. As Desmond Tutu said “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” Keep being awesome. Sending love, Marv

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  9. I share your feelings. It is hard to muster words of hope midst so much that is mind-boggling. Yet it is one thing we can do, to put some light out there into the darkness. Sigh. I LOVE the song. Thank you for including it.

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  10. You always write powerful posts on things that matter. The world is in a terrible state and I fear it will only get worse. My wish is for peace too.

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  11. We love your peace globe and the wonderful messages here today CK! Here's to Peace for everyone everywhere.

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  12. You are so right, CK. Peace really does seem to be in short supply in our world, and it's getting tougher and tougher to have hope. But we will keep on searching to find light in the darkness.

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  13. We Just have to keep fanning those little sparks of hope until they become a blaze that can't be put out xoxo Little Miss Titch

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  14. That's a powerful globe, thank you for sharing wise words...! Peace to you.

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  15. It's definitely scary, CK (and sad). I voted today, and I hope others do as well!

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