Leah Warren Volker

My personality is well represented by my water bottle stickers and my book choice this morning - "Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put" by Annie B. Jones. I'm a "stayer" evidenced by the fact that today is my 42nd wedding anniversary. I'm also an introvert but willing to discuss books.

I haven't found too many over here. This is a completely different landscape than what we're familiar with on FB. That's both good and bad.

#handsoff rally at the Minnesota State Capitol
4/5/25

🙌🏼 I’m not sure who had the amazing idea to invite this constitutional lawyer to a senate hearing that intended to prove Biden colluded with Meta to censor conservatives, but she took the opportunity to speak truth to power ✊🏼 on the hypocrite 👑 KING OF FREE SPEECH, Donald Trump, himself. 👏🏼 Brava!!

Growing up, I was told that the demise of Christianity would be caused by our country rejecting God.

Now I believe it is actually caused by Christians blatantly rejecting the teachings of Jesus for the sake of political power.

My reading goals in 2025 are to read more non-fiction & more owned books. I didn't do well on those particular goals this month. Reading was my coping mechanism. Also a form of resistance. Read to keep your mind open to ideas & possibilities, to learn from different perspectives, to stay informed.

Yeah, poor Fitz! I'm only just dipping my toes in this series, but already I know he will never know true happiness.

Well said, Pete Buttigieg

I enjoyed the characters and the world building in this book, as well as certain insights into how those with power use that power. In the right hands, it can be a force for good, but for those who seek personal gain, it is a thing of great and malevolent evil.

It’s almost like they want to keep America stupid—less financially stable & thus more controllable.

3. We dream a world of justice and kindness
We build a bridge creating new paths
We march with joy as all walk together
Embracing each one, we boldly stand.

2. We cry for peace and rights for all people
We welcome friends from far and near
We fight for those whose voices are silenced
Resisting in faith until all are free.

1. We walk in love united in purpose
We join our hands and lift up one voice
We speak the truth with strength and compassion
resounding with hope, with courage and joy.

I sing as an act of resistance.

"We Walk in Love" (by Deanna Witkowski & Lemuel Colon):

1. We walk in love united in purpose
We join our hands and lift up one voice
We speak the truth with strength and compassion
resounding with hope, with courage and joy.

I read as an act of resistance.

Team "Piece Out" finished 2nd in today's puzzle contest. 500 piece puzzle completed in 52 minutes - 3 minutes behind the fastest team.

"This was hope; the children, love letters to a future that had yet to be decided. Yes, Arthur thought as Sal grinned shyly, hope was the thing with feathers, but it was also in the hearts and minds of those who believed all was not lost, no matter the odds."

"Somewhere Beyond the Sea" by TJ Klune. In returning to the story that began with "The House in the Cerulean Sea", author T.J. Klune once again immerses readers in a magical world where hope has power, where love reigns, and where respect and kindness are lived values. This is a much needed message in today's world where hate and intolerance are taking root. Klune's ability to tackle serious real world issues while capturing the humor and innocence of children and the joy of finding your true self, your true place in the world, is in itself magical. "This was hope; the children, love letters to a future that had yet to be decided. Yes, Arthur thought as Sal grinned shyly, hope was the thing with feathers, but it was also in the hearts and minds of those who believed all was not lost, no matter the odds."

TJ Klune again immerses readers in an enchanting world where hope is powerful, where love reigns, where respect & kindness are valued. Klune's ability to tackle serious issues while capturing the humor & innocence of children, the joy of finding your true self, is magical and uplifting.

"Orbital", a novel by Samantha Harvey. Narrated by Sarah Naudi. Winner of the 2024 Booker Prize

Such an interesting book. Astronauts observe earth from orbit, 16 passes make up a single 24 hr day. Reflections on the fragility and enormity of life, how we are both connected to and separated from each other. I listened, but also plan to read it, to better savor and ponder its important message.

I found 'em. They look like babies!

😄🤔

It may be that when we no longer know what to do, we have come to our real work. When we no longer know which way to go, we have begun our real journey. The mind that is not baffled is not employed. The impeded stream is the one that sings. -Wendell Berry-

We need leaders not in love with money but in love with justice. Not in love with publicity but in love with humanity.

Today we honor the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Let this be a day in remembrance of him and the selflessness he exhibited for all of humanity.

Let us also remember the great human that was President Jimmy Carter, as we continue to fly our flags at half mast to honor his memory.

I think that would be helpful. Good idea!

I'm spending the day with my two bright lights, grandsons Atticus and Thorin. My son (their Dad) has a birthday today. I can hang with the boys so he and his wife can sneak away for a few hours to do something fun just for them. I'll listen to my audiobook as I drive back & forth (The Tainted Cup).

100% 🤣😱

This one made me lol. 😆

It's pretty dense, but really made me think about a lot of issues; race, class, colonialism, greed, etc.

I'm reading it right now!