The 11 🌷 June, 2020 - Black Lives Matter

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Happy Earth Day!

I remember early in life learning the lesson that black people were no different from white people. I think this had to do with my Dad & Mom having grown up in Philadelphia and just having come to that position. I probably said something stupid and my Dad corrected me with a firm comment. I recall this teaching from a very early age. Then, I had black relatives growing up and I remember getting along with them easily. I think that tempered my own upbringing some. Since 2001 I've been involved in RC 's United to End Racism Project and even before then since starting co-counseling in 1989 was introduced to eliminating racism work. And, I still have work to do as do we all. One approach we take in co-counseling is to look at our own heritages and learn where we come from and what are patterns from our past we're carrying - and we work to discharge on those. So, I see eliminating racism work on a personal level as something that takes some time, focus and effort. And, it's totally worth doing so that we get a world that works for everyone. If you've never done this type of work before there are plenty of resources out there - pick one and get started. A lot of people have been bringing up the movie 13th . It's important to understand black history, too.

Personally, I've been continuing to work on various projects and trying not to catch or pass along Covid-19. That's meant, like you I imagine, hardly seeing any of my friends or family in person for the past couple months. There have been many zoom calls, but I am finding those are not fulfilling my need for contact. I think part of it is a desire for people to be better speakers and listeners! I took Toastmasters public speaking training for many years and then have done public speaking for the last 12 - there's an art to it. I keep finding myself on calls with people who can't string 2 sentences together. One skill I'd love to see the world pick up in the next period of time (and this can be a great time to learn new skills) would be public speaking :)

I recognize that I'm being kinda bitchy this morning. I've been imagining turning over a new leaf right now and so am challenging myself to get up earlier and earlier. Thus, I'm not feeling my usual chipper self. And, I've also been frustrated for a while with some of the above :)

One place I am finding some joy is in a reuniting of the youth group I was a part of growing up. The alumni of Habonim-Dror have gathered in a FB group and seeing people reconnect with one another and new bonds forming - that's been fun.

In other news, my brother, Dan Kaufman, has turned his business into one that offers masks of all kinds. You can check out his store and see a cute video he made of what he's up to. He's been helping organizations make branded masks and is also raising money for good causes.

Keep on keepin on - and reach out if you want to say hi!

Lots of love,

Albert

PS - Thanks to everyone who sent me birthday cards - that was fun! The postal system works - give it a try!

Robert Hubbell's " Today's Edition " continues to provide me with a sane re-cap of what's going on in society and hope that things will get better. With our efforts.

What am I listening to?

Check out Radio Paradise's Eclectic Mix - I'm loving it for walks and bike rides in the neighborhood