Remembering VJ Day

Victory over Japan Day

commemorates the day in 1945 when news broke around the world the Imperial Government of Japan would surrender, ending a long and grueling world war.  In Europe, the date was August 15 due to the time zone. Regardless, the celebrations that broke out were no less zealous.

As ever, thanks to our hostess, Terri, for crafting each Wednesday's posers.  (My thoughts appear in red.)

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I'm sure many kids today have no idea what V-J Day is all about. 

Did you have a loved one who fought in WWII?

Yes.

Both my father and his younger brother served in the U.S. Navy.

The iconic sculpture from the famous photograph of "The Unconditional Surrender" has been defaced recently because of the #metoo movement. I know we can get very political about this subject, but just keeping it in the spirit for which it was created, what are your thoughts?

(Blood pressure going up ... up ...up.)

This being a 'PG13' blog I'll refrain from sharing my feelings about the #metoo-ers.

I love the spontaneity and joy depicted. 'Just miss the days when men weren't so concerned about being real men ….. and some women were um, better behaved.

Terri's grandson, Tristan, loved playing a game called "Axis and Allies."  It was quite complicated, took up the entire dining room table, and was not something Terri wanted to play. (Me, neither.) (Grandpa understood it and played though.)  Can you name three Axis countries and five of the many Allies?

Nope, sorry.

Much to my son's chagrin, I'm not a fan of history.

Terri was surprised to learn that most historians agree that WWII began when Germany invaded Poland on September1, 1939. Other say it started when Japan invaded Manchuria on September 18, 1931. And some scholars suggest WWII is actually a continuation of WWI, with a break in between. Have you ever visited Pearl Harbor in Hawaii or any other WWII memorial around the world?

I wish I might revisit Pearl Harbor now, as I'm more likely to appreciate it. Normandy, too. Especially Normandy.

Calvin Graham was only 12 years old during WWII when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He won a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart before the Navy found out how old he was. (God bless him!) Terri doesn't know any 12 y/o's today who could qualify or get away with something like that. Times are so very different now, but here in the U.S. we do have ROTC in high schools. Do you know anyone who started in ROTC and went on the enlist in one of the services?

Yes.

My son attended Florida Air Academy before enlisting in the Army.

Please tell us something about your week so far.

I'm still a little surprised how much I'm enjoying ladies Bible study. Yesterday we were discussing the power of negativity in our words, our tones of voice … the stories we tell ourselves.

Hey, I know that one!

How many times I've called myself fat, ugly, a moron. This morning, coming home from the park and realizing my right blinker had been on all the way.  "Idiot!"

My former pastor once said, "If you keep saying the 's' word, sooner or later you're going to step in it."  The universe hears it all.

…..which reminds me of a favorite quote from a well-loved book (below):

"In racing, they say that your car goes where your eyes go. The driver who cannot tear his eyes away from the wall as he spins out of control will meet that wall."
Simply, another way of saying that which you manifest is before you.

There's little likelihood I'll be going to see this movie. Why? Because I loved the book (which, as I recall, has little to do with racing) -- and usually find movie adaptations disappointing. 

(Goodreads.com excerpt)

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs). He has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver.

Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately, uplifting story of family, love, loyalty and hope. The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life -- as only a dog could tell it.

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Negative self-talk aside, while at study I cracked myself up. Someone asked how to spell 'sanctification' … and everyone began yakking like contestants at a spelling bee.  I grabbed my phone to consult GoogleGirl -- but forgot the importance of enunciation.

I didn't know 'Santa's vacation' was a thing.  Where do you suppose he goes?

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On that note ...

Keep that smile on your face and stay safe!

Hugs, Myra