election day

And so it is here. Another election day. Another day for low voter turnout across the country. In our fair town, I'm not sure if the candidate I've assisted will win today or not. I think it will be a close race given the fact that only 7,000 voted early. We are a town of over 40,000. Pretty darn sad. The truth is, most folks are not engaged, informed, or interested enough to learn about local politics let alone national or state politics beyond the sound bites they are fed on the TV.

For most, I guess they feel that their vote does not matter. Even in a local election where the town governing body has direct impact on the quality of life they and their families enjoy.

The four voters in my house have already participated through early voting. So, today is a day to drive past polling places, toot the horn, and wish the candidates well.

Not just another Tuesday.

you are released

Such sweet words to hear yesterday afternoon. I was placed in the 7th pool of jurors they called and assigned to a criminal court to be considered for jury duty on an aggravated robbery case. They took half our pool, 20 people, and placed them in the jury box. After the lawyers did their work, 6 were dismissed and the rest of us were also released. The judge thanked us and told us we were off the hook for the next 10 years.

It was a very long and tiring day. Uncomfortable rooms, uncomfortable chairs and lots of waiting around. I was glad to be out of there at 3:30 and on my way home.

I got home and the oldest and I went to early voting. This was her first time. In line behind us was the former high school principal - one of the scholarships she won was named in his honor. That was fun! A lot of other friends and neighbors in line as well. I've never had to wait that long before and I bet the turnout is incredible with the local school issues on the ballot.

Happy Tuesday, off to work I go, a much better destination than the criminal court building.

up next

My three hour adventure at the polls was a lesson in personality. A string of candidates lined the side of the drive. After voters parked their cars, the only way down to the sidewalk was past this gauntlet. My candidate was with me the whole time, which made my job easier as I just had to say good morning/afternoon, ask them to support my candidate and then thank folks for voting as they left. How the voters responded which was so interesting. Some smiled and made eye contact. Others acted like you were invisible. Some even gave the whatever 'hand'! Most were gracious, took the literature and moved along. Civility reigned among the various candidates on hand.

Today is book sort day at the library. The store will also need stocking. Then I am headed east over to the hubby's office. We are going to AAA to get our internat'l driver's permits and do lunch.

Tonight, if the rain holds off, middle kid has a soccer game. Youngest kid has his school open house. I think the oldest has the night off!

I've been able to do three of the writing exercises now...pretty neat how a prompt can stick a whole scene in my wee noggin.

new stuff

I'm in for a new experience today. The hubby and I are supporting one of the three mayoral candidates in our fair town and I've been asked to 'work' the polls for him. From 10-1 I will be stationed the legally required number of feet from the early polling place so I can offer my personal endorsement and hand out stuff all while sporting a very stylish campaign tee shirt.

My buddy Kim just rec'd some fabu news from her publisher, Red Rose Publishing. Not only did they scoop up Shannon and Dwayne's first adventure, "Avenging Angel," they are also going to include her in an anthology about love the second time around. How cool is that?? I'm so proud of you, girl!

I've taken the same lady's advice and started to use the ten minute writing prompt exercise to prime the old creative well. It is helping. I've allowed myself to get into a bad spot with my writing and I needed a way out.

Judson Robert's second Strongbow book is just as good as the first in this series. I'm also finished with it, a very quick read, and am glad I checked out the third book while I was at the library.