“Can’t Buy Me Love” under the Soft Moonlight

This particular moonlight was no more special nor less special than previous moonlights in the Sausalito sky from my balcony. Admittedly, I usually plan for the moonlight, making sure that I devote some time just sitting or standing outside amongst my plants with Taylor laying on the ground, as I stare and reflect, deep in thought.

However on this particular eve, the moon just sprang upon me, unplanned. I’d been that busy, with throwing myself into work, what I love doing during the day, and my writing and painting, what I love doing during the eve. One of these days, I’ll catch up on sleep, unless sleep catches up with me first.

There is so much going on in the world that could and should dominate my thoughts, and sometimes it does. Is it me, or does there seem to be a lot of divisiveness in the world today, where people seem to denigrate what makes us different (instead of celebrating it), so much so that common ground seems to be on the edge of a precipice, shaky footing at best. At the very least, that’s what the media portrays, whether on television, or online through social networks. And I wonder how did this all happen? I wonder where the hate came? I wonder why we cannot walk in another’s shoes and try to understand their perspective? I wonder why we are so quick to judge? I wonder why our go-to-move seems to be finger pointing? Has it always been this way? Or is it just that there’s a greater spotlight upon it?

“We were all friends then, remember? And now you want to end his life because he’s talking to Patty on your side of the cafeteria. Oh man, that’s stupid. I know cuz that’s where I wanted to be. On your side, with your crowd. But I messed up. See, I tried to buy my way in. But Kenneth, he’s not trying to buy anybody. He’s just trying to make friends *being* *himself*. Cools, Nerds, your side, my side, man it’s all bullshit. It’s just tough enough to be yourself.”

(Aside. Ok, I’m not even sure if that quote applies, but Amanda Peterson passed away fairly recently, and I love the movie “Can’t Buy Me Love” and I’ve been trying to figure out how to get it into a post for a while now.)

Yet, when I speak to so many people that I know, many of them family and friends, I find the bridge for discourse and understanding is just as strong as ever. I find that discussion on both sides of the spectrum, while still passionate, is still loving, peaceful, understanding and respectful. Viewpoints are actually heard; discussion actually follows.

However, online instead, one Facebook post stating or defending an opinion and from there an army of supporters and dissenters come to circle the wagons. Has social media created an outlet for Internet “bullying” where hiding behind a keyboard and a screen has become the de facto standard way to communicate? (Full disclosure – I am a big fan of social media for all the good it can and does do.)

I don’t know.
I wish it were not so.

All of this from an unplanned, impromptu night with the moonlight.

Say you don’t need no diamond ring and I’ll be satisfied
Tell me that you want the kind of thing that money just can’t buy
I don’t care too much for money, money can’t buy me love
Owww

Can’t buy me love, everybody tells me so
Can’t buy me love, no no no, no