Opinion

If I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again … you are never too old to learn something new. I was excited when I ran across some information about pearls this week. Did you know an oyster that has not been wounded in any way does not produce pearls? A pearl is a healed wound. Actually, pearls are a product of pain, the result of a foreign or unwanted substance entering the oyster, such as a parasite or a grain of sand. The inside of an oyster shell is a shiny substance called “nacre.” When a grain of sand enters, the nacre cells go to work and cover the grain of sand with layers and more layers to protect the defenseless body from the oyster. As a result, a beautiful pearl is formed! The more pearls, the more valuable. Wow! I was blown away by this.

Texas lawmakers last week filed more than 1,500 bills ahead of the next legislative session, which begins Jan. 14. The Houston Chronicle reported the proposed measures cover a range of topics ranging from border security to abortion access, education and other issues.

Unless you’ve been living on another planet, you are undoubtedly aware there was a presidential election in the United States last week. Many are elated at the outcome. Many are despondent to the point of leaving the country. However you want to describe it, there is a deep divide in our country. How do we get past all the hateful rhetoric and animosity in order to heal? That is the big question. It seems many expected the election to “fix” our nation’s problems instantly like turning on/off a light switch.