Quotable

"But times have changed; power is shifting. Being rude to everyone except your powerful white guy guests isn't as socially acceptable or as politically astute as it once was."

~ Chris Nolan, "Misogyny in the Morning" on the remarks Don Imus made about the Rutgers women's basketball team.

Don't worry, Elizabeth, most people "get it"

Once your life has been touched (not exactly the best word choice - it's more like having the rug pulled out from under your world) by cancer, you are changed. And I think changed for the better in the long run, whether you are the one who has been diagnosed with cancer or if it is someone you love.

My uncle was just diagnosed with melanoma recently, and after reading about some of the reaction to the Edwards' decision to move forward with the campaign despite a recurrence of breast cancer for Elizabeth Edwards, I'm glad that as he sorts out his next steps to take that he is not hearing from people who have no experience of living with cancer and who do not have his best interests in mind.

This excerpt from Elizabeth Edwards' appearance with Oprah last week highlights how some people "get it" while others, mostly those without personal experience, react from their fear and make hurtful judgments.

Mrs. Edwards, 57, said she has been surprised and ''a little disappointed'' by the criticism. She added that she's received the most support from families who have battled cancer.

''What bothers me about the judgment by people who haven't faced it is [not] that they're saying these things negative about us. We're used to that. If you're in politics, you better develop a thick skin.

''But they're also saying it to the families who decide they're going to stay in their jobs, they're going to continue teaching, or continue painting, or continue whatever their life work is, the thing that helps define who they are,'' she said.

Once again Elizabeth demonstrates her concern for others.

Spring in California's Gold Country

About a week ago, we spent an afternoon enjoying the wildflowers and river on the Buttermilk Bend Trail at the South Fork of the Yuba River, west of Grass Valley, CA. I feel so fortunate to live in the Sierra foothills.



Video: Buttermilk Bend in bloom

Quotable

"To me, the world was a vastly different place three years ago today. Today is another beautiful Northern California day. Sun shining, birds singing, neighbors living their lives not even aware that the paradigm shifted for the Sheehans on April 04, 2004. But today, the air is less sweet and the even though the birds still sing as though Casey were alive, their songs don’t sound the same to me."

~ Cindy Sheehan, Three Years Ago Today