I'll Call It Like I See It

by sheila morris

For any who want more, complete list of all posts by month since 2011
  • Reflections on Disney, America’s Shutdown and No Kings Day

    Reflections on Disney, America’s Shutdown and No Kings Day


    Jumbled words. Fragmented phrases. Images of Disney World still swirling in my mind. It’s a small world after all, isn’t it. Is it?

    While we frolicked with thousands of people from around the “small world” of Disney in Florida two weeks ago, the United States began what has become the 4th. longest shutdown in American history. As of October 17th. approximately 900,000 federal employees have been furloughed, and many of those who remain have not been paid. Many will be laid off, permanently. The shutdown began on our granddaughter Ella’s sixth birthday, the 1st. day of October.

    As we rode the rides in Disney World for Ella’s special day, federal forces and members of the Tennessee National Guard were deployed in Memphis, Tennessee, as part of the Trump administration’s overall plan to send federal troops to American cities including Los Angeles, Washington, D. C., Portland, Oregon, Chicago, and the southwestern border.

    Jumbled words. Fragmented phrases. Images of Disney World still swirling in my mind. It’s a small world after all, isn’t it. Getting smaller, I fear, for my little granddaughters.

    In a telephone call with one of my favorite first cousins earlier this week, I mentioned I had the overwhelming feeling I was “winding down” in my life to which he responded, you’re not winding down anywhere, you’re cruising. The thought gave me pause because I do feel the inclination to let it all go, as three-year-old Molly loudly sings with her hero Queen Elsa in Frozen; sorry, Sweet, too soon to cruise past your future without protest.

    Tomorrow is another No Kings Day of Protest. Remember the words of Congressman John Lewis about the purpose and power of our protests. Protest is an act of love, not one of anger.

    Share the love. Equality is for everyone.

    ******************************

    Slava Ukraini. For the children.

  • The Mystery of the Irregular Butterfly Visitor

    The Mystery of the Irregular Butterfly Visitor


    Migration? Visitation? Celebration?

    photo taken Sunday, September 21, 2025

    An irregular visitor to our backyard, startling me with its beauty and attempts to communicate something that remains a mystery since my first sighting of this butterfly in August, 2018, followed three years later in September, 2021, and then again in November of 2023.

    Even with my rudimentary knowledge of butterflies, which is less than rudimentary, I understand this is not the same butterfly because the life cycles of adult butterflies are measured in days or weeks, rarely months, and never years.

    But sometimes my mind takes flight in a fantasy which allows me to feel this particular butterfly that flew around me yesterday was an old friend who pops in for a visit periodically to remind me that the spirits of my family buried in the Texas soil of Fairview Cemetery in Grimes County have never been totally gone from the person I became because of them. Somehow this butterfly comforts me, gives me hope.

    And that’s a good thing, as my Aunt Lucille was fond of saying.

    See you next time, my butterfly friend. Safe journeys.

  • honesty is the best policy, or is it?

    honesty is the best policy, or is it?


    Half a truth is often a great lie.

    Actions speak louder than words.

    Once in a blue moon, we catch someone red-handed when they are trying to pull the wool over our eyes.

    Caught with their hand in the cookie jar, weaving a web of lies, playing fast and loose with the truth.

    crying wolf together

    An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

    ********************

    I’ve always been partial to idioms – stay tuned.

  • the Three Wise Men they are not

    the Three Wise Men they are not


    Trump to Putin – a Love Song

    Fools rush in
    Where wise men never go
    But wise men never fall in love
    So how are they to know
    When we met
    I felt my life begin
    So open up your heart and let
    This fool rush in

    (nineteen days later at large military parade in Beijing)

    Honestly, Xi, I don’t know where Trump gets the idea I’m in love with him, protests Putin.

    That’s just how fickle his love is, Kim Jong Un blurted out. I have the love letters to prove it. What a two-timer. Cheater, cheater, pumpkin eater.

    Boys, boys, settle down in front of the military. We’ll discuss the United States back at the palace – we’ll sign secret tariff agreements and maybe have time for a round of golf. We’ll play at MY club where you fellows have a chance to win, Xi said. As for Trump, I’ll set up a zoom call of let’s make a deal with him that will send him down to Heartbreak Hotel. He ain’t nothing but a hound dog anyway. Crying all the time.

    Now smile. I’m ready for my close up.

  • The Beauty of September: Embracing Precious Days

    The Beauty of September: Embracing Precious Days


    Oh, it’s a long, long while from May to December, but the days grow short when you reach September. When the autumn weather turns the leaves to flame, one hasn′t got time for the waiting game.

    Oh, the days dwindle down to a precious few: September, November. And these few precious days, I’ll spend with you. These precious days I’ll spend with you.

    Writers Kurt Weill and Maxwell Anderson wrote these haunting words in 1938, eight years before I was born. The days do grow short in September, more precious with each passing year. I choose to spend them with you…