Q. How do you eat an elephant?

A. One bite at a time.

We'll get to that in a moment. First, a couple of things I learned when I was just yesterday years old.

LIP STAIN! Because my lips have always been very pale, I feel naked without lipstick. Within a few hours it's gone, and I look old and tired. I hate to think how many pounds of lipstick I've chewed off over the decades. My clients are often wiser than me, and last month client Amy Nelson told me about lip stain. I'm sure it's been around for years, but wow, what a miracle! I bought a tube of Covergirl Outlast All-Day Lip Color, #621 Natural Blush. I put it on in the morning with the little sponge applicator, wait a minute, then apply their chapstick-like topcoat, and after dinner, I still have visible lips!!! 

Kettlewell Colours - I've known about this British women's clothing company for several years, but until recently felt their colors were not subtle enough to recommend to my clients who weren't bright Springs, like their spokeswoman, Prue of the British Baking Show. It's a company founded by a woman who is a big believer in color analysis. She has based their offerings on colors that suit each of the four color seasons. It's worth checking out. 

OK. Now, about that elephant. [Non partisan]

My heart sinks at the size of the task ahead. That’s how I feel whenever I open my mailbox and find an 80-page Voters Guide waiting for me. (Your page-length may vary.) 

Too many eligible voters ignore the Primary, thinking it’s too much bother—“I’ll wait till after the shakeout and vote in the General.” Alas, hyper-partisans do vote, and they may stick us with fringe candidates in important positions, if we don't moderate the vote.

Because I know you want to be a responsible citizen and do your part to uphold our fragile democracy, I share with you my non-partisan techniques for dealing with this important task: 

1. Do not open the Voters Guide. Yet. It’s too overwhelming at first, because it often includes a lot of material that is irrelevant to you (foreign language versions, races that are out of your district, etc).

2. Open your ballot envelope first, and see what people and issues you actually must weigh in on. On my ballot, at least half the people (mostly judicial posts) are running uncontested (phew—no decisions there unless I want to write someone in). I only need to concern myself with one school district, one county council district, one state rep district, etc, even though others may be listed. 

Some races require little thought—I feel familiar enough with certain candidates to just check their box. On this ballot it leaves me with six races and three ballot measures requiring time and thought. 

3. Do your research! If you can spend hours online tracking down the best toaster oven, surely you can give your civic duty equal time. Although “down ballot” races may not be as sexy as national ones, they're where you find very impactful choices: Secretary of State, Attorney General, school board, city council and judiciary. Your job:

·      Rule out the sleazebags, the self-serving, the clueless and the nutcases. 

·      Find candidates that have the best chance of winning the general election against the other party’s candidate. 

·      Understand: NO CANDIDATE IS PERFECT, so seek out candidates that best represent your overall values, and who you believe will best serve the general good and the needs of the broader community. 

·      Now, open the Voters Guide and look up your candidates. (Rule out anyone who fails to file a statement.) What’s their experience? Their philosophy? Their commitments? Who endorses them? Cross out any definite NOs. 

·      If still undecided, look for websites that offer voting guides for your particular issues: progressive, environmental, Christian, conservative, pro/anti-abortion, climate, labor, etc. Also search Google and your local news outlets for articles about the candidates. Discuss with friends you trust. 

4. Thank you for voting. It’s a privilege not available to many people around the world and right here in America. 

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Put yourself in the way of beauty 

The winged seed pods on this Japanese maple are as lovely as flowers.

And this little house in North Portland just got a cheery coat of Spring color:

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If you haven't yet bought the Cherry Pie Paradox, may I humbly suggest the process and practices are the best way to fulfill your annual promise to lose weight, once and for all. You can eat what you love, without packing on the pounds. Really. I also have signed copies on hand if you want to buy direct. 

Then, request the FREE AUDIOBOOK! For owners of the Cherry Pie Paradox or the workbook. I’ve found a home for the audiobook version where I can set the price. If you already have a copy of the book or workbook and would like the audiobook FREE, just email me (joy.overstreet@gmail.com) and I'll send you the info. If you do not yet have the book and want to buy it, Venmo me $20 @Joy-Overstreet, and I'll mail you a signed copy and the audiobook link. (Use the email link above and add your name, address, and any message you'd like when I sign it.)