This week’s outcome. How does a person move forward with any kind of hope for decency in the world?

I live and work somewhat hermit-like, in a semi-rural location in a somewhat rural state.

Still, I am not immune to my country’s emotional climate. And I work in an ethnically diverse group. Ultimately, I feel great pain for the un-humanity propagated by the -elect. I am embarrassed and ashamed by what has happened and the fear that has been instilled into persons of color and religious diversity.

The high road.

I’d very much like to take it.

For one thing, there is not much traffic up there!

First step: cleansing thoughts. Easier said than done, but thoughts lead to words which lead to action and so first… internally, I fight negative, mean thoughts. That does NOT mean that I have good thoughts about this week’s events, only that I continually try to shut down internal meanness.

Second step: compassionate thoughts. Compassionate thoughts towards humanity. I am not happy with myself when I have an internal dialog of meanness.

On November 7, 2016, singer, songwriter, poet and novelist: Leonard Cohen passed on. I knew of Mr. Cohen from his song: “Hallelujah”.

The Washington Post’s Julie Zauzmer writes:

How many of us, when we think of King David, hum the words, “I heard there was a sacred chord”? How many recall Sampson in the words, “She broke your throne, and she cut your hair”?

“Hallelujah” has been on the lips of the Jewish people since the days of the original psalmist. Leonard Cohen set this Hebrew word and these Hebrew stories to music that everyone wanted to sing — from Bon Jovi to Willie Nelson to Justin Timberlake.

I first heard Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” at the end of an episode of the U.S. TV Series “House”. “House” often ended on a dramatic note accompanied by a relevant song. The “House” rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah was a “Jeff Buckley” recording of the song. I bought it immediately after watching the episode and hearing the song.

After reading of Leonard Cohen’s passing, I listened to many recordings of the song. Although the Jeff Buckley rendition remains a favorite there are some notable adaptations…

Good Grief! Father Ray Kelly an Irish Catholic Priest. The above link vaulted Father Kelly to a kind of stardom: a record deal and some tv appearances. But, for me, the wedding video of his surprise singing of Hallelujah (his lyrics) – to the bride and groom – it gave me hope!

Northern Ireland is not exactly the poster child for peaceful coexistence.

So, if, in the midst of all of that, there can be what is portrayed in the video, maybe there is hope for the U.S. also. (*** 2:47 in approximately…when Father Kelly smiles at the couple … and then the end … his “O…kay”. Seriously human!)

And then. Saturday Night Live.

I don’t think I have ever seen SNL – live. I haven’t had tv for many years and even when I did, I don’t stay up that late. But, I read the news and SNL often makes the news. And thanks to the internet, a morning person can see what many night persons do!

Kate McKinnon in a cold open of this week’s Saturday Night Live, in character – somewhat – as Hillary Clinton.

Hallelujah.