“Get along while we can. Always give love the upper hand.” Kenny Chesney

​Fall weather is here, in all its glory!  It’s my most favorite season, where we spend loads of time with family, stuff our faces with deliciously unhealthy food, spend money we don’t have, and make memories that are cherished for a lifetime.  Before all of that, we have the election.  Oh, joy!  Politics. 
Now, don’t throw this paper in the trash just yet!  I promise not to get on my high donkey…or elephant.  Anyone else find it a battle to avoid the drama of it all?  It’s on social media.  It’s on the news.  It’s on the radio.  It’s on commercials and billboards.  It’s in text messages and phone calls.  And that’s just the ad campaigns themselves.  On top of that, you’ve got the personal family and friend interactions.  People who are overly vocal, others who are extremists in every sense of the word, others that just hate the world, and still others who plead the fifth on anything that may shed light on their party of preference. 
It’s very easy to focus on our differences in times like these.  People get so enraged, they stop being friends, or even stop talking to family.  They think whatever the political commitment – it’s a deal breaker.  Well, I say that’s hogwash!  A person’s worth is not defined by their political party.  We can agree to disagree about issues that are very important to us, while still respecting and loving one another.  Isn’t that what the Bible says to do?  Love your neighbor as you love yourself.
Prime example: my grandpa was hardcore about his political affiliation.  Talk negatively about his party, and he’d probably have some choice words for you.  Politics were pretty much a faux pas at the holidays.  My parents always said not to bring it up!  I vote completely differently than my grandpa did.  Did that make me love him any less?  Absolutely not.   Did it prevent him from coming to my rescue when I had a flat tire? Nope.  Why?  A true relationship is more valuable than a party. 
Go vote!  Make your statements where it counts – in the polls.  And then leave that behind and go love on people.  It’s the ultimate campaign contribution. 
Special note: Come see me! If you’ve read my article before, you know I’m an event producer in the Valley.  I’ve got some GREAT events you’ll want to add to your calendar:
Nov 3rd 10AM-4PM Pineapple Triangle takes place at Unexpected in Downtown Phoenix.  This event exclusively features goods made by local artisans.  Plus 20% of all items purchased and tickets sold benefit Lighthouse for Hope, a non-profit helping pediatric cancer families.  $10 admission.  Kids 12 and under are free.  PineappleTriangle.com
Nov 30th 5PM-10PM Johnny E Osuna Park in Downtown Peoria.  This event has been held for over 30 years and features live entertainment, a visit from Santa, snow, crafts, kid zone, shopping, food trucks, and more.  Admission is free with some activities requiring a nominal fee.  AZstreetmarket.com
Can’t make it to my events?  Shop my products online.  Front Porch Pickins has launched a fabulous farmhouse and vintage inspired art line available at Kirkland’s, Wayfair, Overstock, and iCanvas.com.  They make the perfect gift!