In politics it is said, that when not fueled by hope there is a vacuum for fear to fill. Since artists turn to the muses, Clio, Euterpe, Thalia, Melpomene, Terpsichore, Erato, Polymnia, Ourania and Calliope we are exploring what they can offer us for inspiration to have the hope fueling politics.
“You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” 
–Michelle Obama
“Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us.”
–Samuel Smiles
Let us first turn to Melpomene (tragedy perhaps as the back story):
As little as 45 minutes to change a life
http://www.operationsmile.org/blog/little-45-minutes-change-life
and
How restoring a school is reviving hope in Somalia
https://www.mercycorps.org/articles/somalia/how-restoring-school-reviving-hope-somalia?akid=4806.311416.RndsGZ&rd=1&source=WEW04801&t=12&utm_campaign=enewsletter&utm_content=story%2B1%2Bsomalia%2Brestoring%2Bschool%2Bhope%2Bmarch%2B18%2B2016&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cultivation
and maybe even
Waging peace in Colombia
http://www.ticotimes.net/2016/03/15/op-ed-waging-peace-in-colombia
I’m feeling so many kinds of hope, how about you?
Now to Calliope (justice and rhetoric):
Dr. Maya Angelou’s Secret to Living Your Best Life
(text and video)
http://yourdream.liveyourdream.org/2016/02/maya-angelous-secret-to-living-your-best-life/
Are you feeling uplifted like me?
And Terspichore would claim (dance):
No one had ever skated on this frozen mountain lake. Until now. (text and video)
http://www.upworthy.com/no-one-had-ever-skated-on-this-frozen-mountain-lake-until-now?c=upw1
Gives me more hope, how about you?
Erato would claim (love):
This former star running back gave away 150 homes and hardly anyone noticed.
http://www.upworthy.com/this-former-star-running-back-gave-away-150-homes-and-hardly-anyone-noticed?c=upw1
Did you grab a hanky like me?
On to Thalia (Colbert comedy-video)
Stephen Colbert Helps Alleviate Our Super Tuesday Hangover
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/stephen-colbert-helps-alleviate-our-super-tuesday-hangover_us_56eac6f3e4b065e2e3d89e63?ir=Comedy§ion=us_comedy&utm_hp_ref=comedy
My laugh to keep from crying—does this do?
Finally, Terpsichore would claim this one (dance):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mavy9X6Cno4
Thank you dear reader for joining me on this journey of discovery and quest for hope.
10 Responses to “Monday Morning Musings March 21, 2016”
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Cross posted to Care2 at:
http://www.care2.com/news/member/663679641/3966499
Terpsichore – Figure skating is indeed dancing, of a very high order. So beautiful.
Erato – Does anyone besides me think it's just a leetle unfair for someone to be that loving and giving, and drop dead gorgeous with it?
Thalia – The need to laugh so one doesn't cry is strong with this primary season. So is the need to watch one's back.
Terpsichore II – also delightful.
Melpomene: How wonderful to help children and students, to enrich their lives!
Calliope: Love Dr. Angelou, her voice soothes the Soul. I miss her.
Terspichore: Beautiful, just beautiful.
Erato: What a kind, compassionate man. Yes, we don't don't hear the positives anymore, just the negatives, so it's refreshing to read and watch this video of the joy that he gives to others.
Thalia: I couldn't do it, but ''Binge watching the death of the GOP" would be a fun thing to do.
Terpsichore: Talented dancers with all the right moves. I love the ''Ellen" show!
Enjoyed this, Thank You, Judi for your post !
Really enjoyed the ice skating one. BUT all those air bubbles in/under the ice made me nervous for her. Especially that long line from the aerial view!
Sounds like Warrick Dunn has been channeling Jimmy Carter in his post-season life. Good on him!
Wow! Thanks–my visual acuity made me unsure that's what I was seeing…
Hope drives out fear. Hmmmm… Brilliant!!
Sorry, Judi. With the bombings this morning in Brussels, I don't feel in the mood for uplifting or hopeful stories today. But thanks for posting anyway, maybe I'll look at a few more items later in the week.
That is understandable Lona–we must all grieve and be in solidarity with Brussels now.
So Ted Cruz wants to keep Muslims under his control. and surveillance!
Good point made by Bill Bratton (,who was commissionnaire of the N.Y. police) "Mr Cruz does not know what the hell he is talking about." There are many Muslims in the NY. police department, keeping the peace and looking to the safety of the people.
What bothers me is that so many Americans vote for this Canadian "whack Job" Get the facts into your heads America. Also Mrs Cruz is reported to be crazier than her husband. President and First lady!!!,God help America.
I think at least most of us here share your concerns Avril!