"LOVED INTO SOMETHING MORE THAN...UGLINESS"

“The natural world has such a secret power for me, it is such a source of strength and affirmation… But then there are human beings, too, and they, too, are beautiful and treacherous and full of such mystery. God knows we need someone to tell us the human is beautiful these days, and we need to hear over and over again that even in our ugliness we must be loved into something more than ourselves and more than ugliness.”

— From The Selected Letters of William Goyen

A CIRCLE GARDEN--PLANNING IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER!

Yes, I'm continuing to gather ideas for next spring's gardening, including this wonderful article about circle garden designs from Tenth Acre Farm <https://www.tenthacrefarm.com/2016/05/circle-garden-design/>.

WHAT HAVE YOU BECOME?

When you use the tactics of those you condemn--such as bullying, name-calling and personal attacks--what have you become?

NO MORE POSSESSIONS

I found this article interesting. What if we didn't individually own "stuff"? <https://futurism.com/the-era-of-ownership-is-ending/>

Many people now access music, movies, books when they want them. Others do this with cars, apartments...what's next?

HEAVEN ON EARTH IN THE LAW

Pink Larkin, a law firm in Halifax, Canada, has done something no other law firm has done and it's helping to transform the law. They hired a former senior lawyer to take on cases which can be used as test cases to change laws or policy.

This info was sent to me by Martin Rutte of Project Heaven on Earth <http://projectheavenonearth.com/homepage>.

FOR WOMEN WHO WANT TO BUILD WEALTH AND BANISH FEAR

"Many times, young women are raised to be dependent upon men, rarely armed with the extensive knowledge they need to not only earn money, but also be self-sufficient and save it. We are told that we will always be supported and prince charming will always provide for all of our financial needs. I don’t believe in this fairy tale. Women are just as capable as men of taking care of themselves and their finances. The truth is that as women, we are independent and able to support ourselves. In fact, it is our duty to be responsible for ourselves both personally and professionally."

Carbonaro, Cary. The Money Queen's Guide: For Women Who Want to Build Wealth and Banish Fear (p. 2). Morgan James Publishing. Kindle Edition. 

BELIEFS MAKE YOU

"First you make your beliefs. Then your beliefs make you. And when you go out in the world, the world will support your beliefs"

--Hypnotherapist Marisa Peer

SUBURBIA--THE NEW FARM LAND

Love this vision of turning suburbia into classy communal living <https://permaculturenews.org/2017/10/09/the-new-suburbanism/?mc_cid=288db4da5a&mc_eid=8bb8d2506d>.

Though I don't have 1-2 acres as this article envisions, I have a large city lot and am taking steps to become self-sufficient in the city. I hope others see the possibilities in this vision!

PROSPERITY

This film filled me with a sense of hope about how business can help change the world in a positive way:

https://go.well.org/prosperity/movie/opt-in/nick-polizzi/

"If caring for the planet can be profitable, business then becomes a powerful force for good."

NO PLAY = MASS MURDERS?

Here's an interesting article about how lack of play can destroy the mental health of boys and men.

https://byrslf.co/thoughts-on-the-vegas-shooting-14af397cee2c

CANDY GIANT GOES ALL IN ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Candy giant Mars pledges $1 billion to fight climate change, radically altering the way they do business to use renewable energy, invest in sustainable food sourcing, setting up cross-industry action groups, and helping farmers move to more environmentally sound ways of growing crops.
<http://www.businessinsider.com/mars-climate-change-investment-global-warming-sustainability-plan-greenhouse-gas-2017-9>

THE UNITED STATES IS MORE THAN STATES

An interesting article reminding us that the United States has territories facing terrible destruction from Hurricane Irma.

<https://www.democracynow.org/2017/9/15/the_forgotten_americans_why_did_us>

AN OLD REVOLUTION: ECO-VILLAGES

An intriguing article of small communities combining new technology and old-style communities for sustainable, ecology-friendly homes.

<https://permaculturenews.org/2017/09/14/revolutionary-civilizational-paradigm-eco-villages/?mc_cid=d8e27665df&mc_eid=8bb8d2506d>

"WHEN A RED STATE GETS THE BLUES"

A tongue-in-cheek (I think!) article about conservatives saying hands off to the government, except when they want a hand out from taxpayers...

<https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/when-a-red-state-gets-the-blues/2017/09/05/57a5461a-9254-11e7-aace-04b862b2b3f3_story.html?utm_term=.939a1d19df88>

EARTHSHIPS--HOME OF THE NOW!

Earthships! I have been fascinated by this method of building homes since I first learned about them. Here's a great article that outlines what they are: <https://permaculturenews.org/2017/08/29/earthships-sustainable-alluring-housing-option/?mc_cid=8dd840ff37&mc_eid=8bb8d2506d>

HURRICANE HEELS

Interesting article that digs beneath the surface of Melania Trump's choice of clothing and shoes as she accompanied #45 to view the devastation in Houston following Hurricane Harvey. 

https://www.thecut.com/2017/08/melania-trump-hurricane-heels-and-the-artifice-of-fashion.html?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=s3&utm_campaign=sharebutton-b

AWED BY THE ECLIPSE

I expected the solar eclipse to be cool. I did not expect to be moved to tears at the moment the moon slipped fully in front of the sun and our earthly landscape turned twilight dusky and cool. 

Then the moon's continued orbit revealed the sun was still shining. But for a few moments, I was reminded our Universe is coordinated by an Essence infinitely more powerful than any human ego trying to bend this Earth to its desires. 

We are given chance after chance after chance to learn this lesson. Perhaps all we need to do is quit flailing about in our egos and remain still enough to listen to our souls. 

Then we can celebrate, as many did with shouts of joy and amazement--and fireworks--at that moment of totality during the eclipse. In that moment, were we also in total alignment with that infinitely powerful Essence? 

FIGHTING VIOLENCE WITH THOUGHTFUL ACTION

I am deeply saddened not only by what happened in Charlottesville over the weekend, but the response of some on social media condemning anyone who does not feel and respond with the same level of anger and hatred they do.

While I can appreciate passion about a cause, is it really beneficial to condemn anger, hatred and violence with anger, hatred, name-calling and libel? 

I much more appreciate thoughtful analysis and peaceful but prepared action, as described in these articles:

--Clergy who stared down white supremacists...

https://thinkprogress.org/clergy-in-charlottesville-e95752415c3e/

--A personal point of view from a clergyman who was there:

http://brianmclaren.net/what-i-saw-in-charlottesville/

--An article form Allen West about not "cherry-picking" which groups to condemn for violence

https://www.allenbwest.com/2017/08/13/ok-folks-heres-really-happened-charlottesville-everyone-missing/

A TEACHER CHANGING LIVES

Though published in January 2014, I just read this article about an amazing teacher who quietly discovers which students in her class need some TLC and extra guidance. Then delivers it. I'm awed and humbled.

GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR HEALTH CARE

I received an email from Senator Jeff Merkley regarding health care today about moving our health care system forward. This was triggered by #45's threats not to pay federal insurance subsidies to insurance companies. 

I'm not a fan of health insurance companies and see not paying them subsidies as a great opportunity. 

I sent this message to Sen. Merkley: 

Excellent opportunity that health insurance companies are pulling out of the health care system. They are an outrageously expensive middle man that drives up the cost of health care. Since they are pulling out, that means dollars that would otherwise go to them can go directly to medical providers. And what great leverage to lower the cost of medical care. I went to a chiropractor who offered a nice discount if patients did NOT use insurance companies. Why not pursue these kinds of cuts with hospitals, doctors and other health care professionals? After that piece is in place, then the health care system can look at further cost reductions by looking at alternative treatments and motivating people to make healthier lifestyle choices. Great opportunity here! 

TALKING ABOUT NAZIS

Another thought-provoking article, entitled "Talking With My Son About Nazis in Virginia."

https://theindependentthinker2016.wordpress.com/2017/08/13/thats-how-we-win-talking-with-my-son-about-nazis-in-virginia/

LOVE WHAT WE HATE

Thought-provoking article about loving the people who seem the least lovable and being open to the ideas we most abhor: 

https://www.villagevoice.com/2014/08/06/ask-andrew-w-k-my-dad-is-a-right-wing-asshole/

URBAN GARDENING: ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES

The Permaculture Institute offers an interesting article about gardening in urban spaces--more advantages than I had thought of!

STUNNED INTO A NEW LIFE

One of the things that has stunned me most about the current political climate is what I've discovered about people I thought I knew. 

People I've seen as kind, generous and courageous individuals seem to be supporting the ugly, hateful and destructive actions currently happening in our country. 

I say "seem to be" because I don't know what information they are receiving. Technology is sophisticated enough today to target the emotional buttons and preferences of each individual using a computer. If someone says they support [fill in the blank: health care insurance, Native Americans, jobs, etc.] they can be bombarded with information supporting that and stories ostracizing politicians/groups/individuals who oppose that particular value. 

Unless people purposely seek out opinions different than their own, they may never read different perspectives or hear different sides of an issue. 

I've also seen the tendency to whip people into a frenzy of two opposing camps--for and against a particular issue. And if you don't agree with one side or another, you are ostracized, ignored or worse. 

This tactic has been around probably since caveman times. If you didn't agree with the tribe, you would be thrown out. In those days, you needed other cave people to help gather food and defend against attacks by saber-toothed tigers and other beasts. Going against the tribe meant certain death.

This mindset has endured for eons. I grew up in a household with the attitude of sit down, shut up, do what you're told, or else... For the most part, I was a "good" kid who sat down, shut up and did what I was told, so I rarely met the consequences of "or else."

It may seem contradictory, but I do have good memories of swimming and playing baseball with my dad and being silly with the cousins who visited when times were good. I left my parents' home when I graduated from high school and haven't moved back. I did what I needed to do and bided my time until I could get away. People with different personalities probably have no clue how much my ultra-sensitive nature suffered when times weren't so good. 

And perhaps that sensitive personality is why I see the correlation between my childhood and what's happening in the political scene today. Sit down, shut up, do what you're told, or else...

If you do what you're told and agree with those in power, you'll be rewarded--or at least that will be the illusion for now. 

If you disagree, you will be ostracized for not supporting your family/political party, shamed, isolated--those same old tactics used clear back to caveman times to try to control you and your thoughts.

But what I've discovered in the decades since I left my parents' home is questioning can bring a better solution to issues we face. Listening to opposing perspectives and asking deeply respectful questions about why a person feels what they do can result in creative ways to solve problems that we hadn't previously thought of. 

Questioning ourselves can perhaps be the most deeply enlightening process of all. I recently read a post from a fellow writer who said she was horrified at something she had said in a social situation. She always comes across as a very nice person who tries to smooth situations between others, and I wondered what she could have done that was so terrible. However, a couple days later, I found myself in a similar situation--not once, but twice. I was horrified at something I did and something I said. 

My immediate reaction was to mentally start beating myself up for being such a "bad" person, and thinking of ways to punish myself. 

Fortunately, I've spent over a decade releasing habits and thoughts and mindsets that no longer serve me. During that time, I've also connected with my Spirit Guides who are both otherworldly wise and down-to-Earth. Before it really revved up, they stopped my cycle of "did bad-must punish" with this reasoning: What will that accomplish? Will you change? Or will you use this as another excuse for staying stuck in the same old behaviors and mindsets? Will you forgive yourself and others who have made similar mistakes? Do you have the courage to let go of old stories and traumas to face a different way of living? 

As I writer, I remember the advice that a blank page can be the most intimidating part of writing. You fear putting down the wrong words or incomplete sentences or stuff that just sounds stupid, so you don't do anything. You stay stuck in the same old, same old.

That can be a good analogy for where I am in life. I fear that blank slate after all the old stories and beliefs are erased. But having so many choices can be frightening and overwhelming. 

What if I make a mistake? What if I totally screw up and land flat on my face? What if I fail and my new life is worse than the old one? What if people laugh at me and say, "I told you so"?

Then another piece of writerly advice fits: "You can't edit a blank page."

So as I draw in several deep breaths and take my first shaky steps into a new life, I may take wrong turns and find out I didn't want to do what previously seemed like a good idea. 

But guess what? I'm in control of my own future. I can question old beliefs, then keep what makes sense and serves me now, then throw out the rest. I can stand up, speak out, color outside the lines--and there is no "or else."

I don't have to fear punishment or isolation or shaming, as long as I don't do those things to myself. I can find a new tribe who respects and supports my new journey. Or I can venture out by myself for awhile, knowing I will meet others who are also finding a new pathway.

I think that is the gift of the current chaos in this country and perhaps in the entire world. The discomfort pushes us to question old ways of thinking and behaving, then forge new paths to build lives that shine with hope and abundance for everyone--if you have the courage to erase those old stories and write new ones.

BARE ARMS OR BARE ??

Women are being banned from the U.S. House of Representatives for wearing sleeveless dresses or blouses...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/congresswomen-push-back-on-outdated-dress-code-with-sleeveless-friday_us_59690930e4b0174186273e96?utm_campaign=hp_fb_pages&utm_source=main_fb&utm_medium=facebook&ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063

Um, ever do an Internet search for Melania Trump's porn films?

IF YOU VOTED WITH ANGER AND HATRED, THOSE THINGS WILL COME BACK TO YOU

If you voted with anger and hatred

(i.e., hate for Hillary; anger at the way things were going.) 

Why are you surprised anger and hatred

are coming back at you?

(i.e., mobilized resistance, higher-than-ever and vocal involvement in politics by everyday people to protest the destruction of laws and policies previously in place to protect people and resources.)

Do you continue in your anger and hatred?

(i.e., "we put up with your agenda for eight years, not it's our turn"--

which is not really accurate. Though there has been a Democratic president

for eight years, the U.S. Congress was not controlled by Democrats during that time,

but a majority of Republicans who used many less-than-honorable methods to obstruct proposed legislation and even a budget for the country.)

Or are you pursuing thoughtful, inclusive discussion and involvement to help resolve the difficult issues facing our country?

(i.e., does your city have community/neighborhood meetings or do you go to local school board meetings? Do you know when your city council meets and offer suggestions about issues being considered? Do you know who your county commissioners are and what issues they are considering? Do you know when your state legislature is in session and track bills of interest to you? What are your interests and how are you contributing to the benefit of all?) 

THIEVES! Or not?

I'm angry. I'm hurt. I want to throw dirt in someone's face.

Why? Because someone stole a plant out of my yard today.

Perhaps it seems like such a piddling little thing to be upset about. But I'm trying to make things beautiful, and someone brought their ugliness--their thievery--into my life. Opened the gate and came within six feet of my house to pull off their dastardly deed. 

Where were my dogs when this happened? Did they sound the alarm while I was out walking one of them and the thief knew I wasn't there?

I have my suspicions but I don't want to accuse without proof. Perhaps tomorrow I'll walk the neighborhood and "warn" neighbors that someone is stealing things--just to see their reactions.

Or post a notice on my gate that warns of poisonous plants. :)

Or write a poem...

~~~~~

They came in the night. Bold in the darkness

And stole the treasured white flower from its pot.

They left behind anger and hurt

The mark of their ugliness

In an otherwise beautiful oasis

The pot where the flower had been

Now forlorn and saddened in its emptiness.

How could someone as ugly as a thief

steal beauty? 

Their treachery will surely 

wilt its delicate white petals

will shrivel its shamrock-shaped leaves

Until it turns brown and dead

Perhaps they will then discard it

without care

Just as they stole it without care

As the roots lie in the dirt

The rain will fall on its faded foliage

Reviving and renewing

Until its shamrock-shaped leaves push upward 

to peek out at the world

And eventually the delicate white flowers 

will open cautiously

And share their beauty 

once again.

A post script...The morning after this incident, I discovered the missing flower tipped on its side and hidden behind another plant. Had it been there all along? Or had some repentant thief brought it back? Or--my favorite theory--had this plant dropped into another dimension for a time while I worked through my emotions, and then reappeared on this plane when I was in a better state of mind?

DO YOU LIKE GARDENING? DO YOU LIKE FREE?

Instructor Andrew Millison and Oregon State University have turned their Intro to Permaculture course into a free downloadable ebook.

I've taken this course twice and would take it again without hesitation, because I learn more each time. 

Check it out here!

REPUBLICAN MAYOR SEES CLEAN ENERGY AS NO-BRAINER

I love this article from NBC News showing how environmental activists and a conservative Republican mayor are erasing political boundaries to focus on good choices for people and our planet. 

STAND UP FOR LOVE

"...The irony of kindness is that it sometimes takes a fight. Some of us need to stand up so the rest of us can stand for love."

From the Facebook page of the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect  

YOU WILL NEVER GET YOUR COUNTRY BACK

"You will never get your country back because it was never yours to have in the first place. America doesn’t belong to any one person. It belongs to Muslims in Detroit, Christians in Lubbock, Jews in New York City, and atheists in Los Angeles."

Read more of this post about what it means to be an American

at <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/you-will-never-get-your-country-back_us_59373e52e4b06bff911d7be5>.

FLOATING TIDAL TURBINE GENERATES ELECTRICITY

A floating tidal turbine being tested off the Orkney Islands in Scotland. <http://www.opusenergyblog.com/floating-tidal-turbine-off-orkney-islands-breaks-generation-records/>

Love seeing new technology that also helps the environment!

LEAD AND THEY (THE GOVERNMENT) WILL FOLLOW

"We are not walking blindly, we do know what to do and we need to realize we have to do many of these things for ourselves rather than waiting for slow-moving governments or other authorities to initiate the needed action. Lead, and they will follow. This is how it’s always been, and always will be..."

--Geoff Lawton, Permaculture Research Institute

NO QUESTION

How can anyone blindly accept what another person says without question? Without thinking for themselves? Without any reasoning at all? 

OK, maybe for the first few months of life when an infant is totally dependent on someone else for survival. However, even babies protest. They cry if they are hungry or wet or hurt. If things aren't right, they let someone know about it. 

Unless they are damaged in some way or taught their survival depends on NOT speaking up. On NOT raising a fuss. 

Is that what has happened to so many people in the United States? Is that why so many do not question? Do not demand answers to actions or statements that make no sense at all? Do not, in fact, even seem to realize these actions and statements make no sense.

This is like watching a person rape and beat a child, then nodding in agreement when that person says, "I didn't hurt anyone." The child may be lying on the ground, bleeding and broken, yet they don't question. In fact, they defend the person who did this horrible thing. I've seen and experienced that in my own life, and that is what I'm seeing in this country. The same blind, unreasoning acceptance and defense of lies. Of dangerous, self-serving, immoral actions.

Where is the outrage? Where is the protest? 

Have we been damaged or brainwashed or "socialized" to the point where we think our survival depends on not speaking up or raising a fuss? 

Or can we muster the courage and integrity to seek the truth, to face our own complicity, and insist on higher ideals for everyone, including ourselves?

WHAT IF...we could all be HEALTHY?

What would that look like?

For me, that would mean being slender yet strong and flexible.

What would that feel like?

Joy. Loving what I do. Eagerly looking forward to my next project.

What would I eat?

Food fresh from the garden or from a fruit tree or a berry bush.

What would I hear?

Birds singing. The sounds of nature. A creek running by. Or just soothing quiet.

What smells would I enjoy?

Fresh baked bread. Flowers. Strawberries. Oranges. Cinnamon or vanilla from cookies baking.

From my answers, it's quite clear food and nature are very important to me, as they have been since I was a child. Perhaps that is also why I want to grow my own food and have enough property that I am surrounded by nature.

ADDICTED TO HARD WORK AND STRUGGLE

It should not have been a surprise to me that I've been addicted to hard work and struggle. Yet that realization was like a plot twist at the ending of a book that made perfect sense. 

GROWING UP ON A FARM MEANS HARD WORK

My mother tells stories of pushing a chair up to the kitchen sink to "help" her wash dishes. I was probably two or three years old. At twelve years old, I was driving the hay truck while my older brothers and dad tossed hundred-pound bales onto the back. I also started babysitting for neighbors at that age. In school, I was an over-achiever. Didn't need anyone to wake me up in the mornings or remind me to do my homework. Got pretty much straight A's, was on any sports team offered in our small town, and started working at a local restaurant part-time when I was fifteen. 

HARD WORK WAS MY TICKET OUT OF A SMALL TOWN

Working hard to earn money was my ticket out of that small town and an often painful childhood. 

As a young adult, I worked hard and learned quickly to be promoted as fast as possible. 

HARD WORK = SURVIVAL

When I became a single mother, working hard and earning money meant survival for me and my two sons. Buying a house meant more responsibilities and hard work. 

I cut back on work and played for a while after I "retired," but a couple years of that dug me into a financial hole. I went back to working harder.

So the belief of hard work equals survival has been engrained and reinforced pretty much all my life. Along side that belief was a self-righteous attitude that I was better than those who were lazy or--egads!--scammed welfare benefits so they could sit stoned in front of the television while their kids shrieked in the streets and generally raised havoc. 

I DON'T WANNA!

I'm finally at the fortunate stage in my life that decades of hard work are paying off in retirement pensions. Yet I still am driven by the feeling I always need to be doing something--interrupted by the two-year-old in me throwing a tantrum and insisting, "I don't wanna." Perhaps a subconscious protest to helping my mother with dishes at that early age? 

But heaven forbid I fall into the gutter with those who expend more energy avoiding work than finding something worthwhile to do.

THE TRUTH OF MY ADDICTION

Finally, this morning the truth I have been addicted to hard work and struggle quietly occurred to me. No 2x4 up-side the head this time. Just a realization this was true. 

After nearly fourteen years of working at self-improvement, this wasn't an overnight, light-bulb moment. But what took me so long to see this?

NOW WHAT?

I've been working on changes to myself long enough to know these realizations come with choices. What do I do with this knowledge? Staying the same isn't really an option for me, but sometimes forming new habits and thought patterns is a struggle. The ruts of old thinking and doing are still there and it takes a steady hand on the wheel to avoid sliding back into those well-worn tracks. 

This is especially true when I don't want to give up work completely. I want to be productive. I want to feel the satisfaction of accomplishment. However, I don't want to work in a panicked, you-gotta-do-this-or-die mode. 

I want to love what I do and take the time to celebrate a project well done.

Guess that sums up my choice, doesn't it? 

WORK WITH JOY AND PASSION, TAKING THE TIME TO RELAX AND CELEBRATE WHEN IT IS DONE!

GEOFF LAWTON'S FRIDAY FIVE

Since I am a big fan of Geoff Lawton and his Friday Five posts highlighting positive things in the world, this link will get you to that blog.

COAL MUSEUM TO BE POWERED BY SOLAR

Yep, you heard that right. Kentucky's Coal Mining Museum at the Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College is installing 80 rooftop solar panels to cut down on energy costs.

(Again, thanks to Geoff Lawton's Friday Five for the tip to this link.)

STOP YOUR WHINING!

Here's an article from The Guardian on taking a 21-day challenge to not complain during those three weeks. Are you up to it?

I'm going to, gulp, give it a try...or perhaps I'm not ready for this yet!

(Thanks to Geoff's Lawton's Friday Five for steering me to this link.)

A VISION FOR HEAVEN ON EARTH

Do you have a vision for Heaven on Earth? Perhaps it's something like what is described in this post from Martin Rutte.

WAR IS A RACKET

Major General Smedley Butler wrote the book, War is a Racket, in 1935. The short version I bought is 99 cents for an Amazon Kindle version. 

This book struck me as disturbingly true and I almost stopped reading. Fortunately, I read to the end--it's only a couple hundred pages--where the Major General offered ways to end war. 

Thought-provoking. Read it if you have the courage...

MANIPULATING CHAOS

Interesting article in Fusion that talks about how decades of planting manipulative information targeting older white men has led to the chaos in current U.S. politics.

HOW DO YOU GROW YOUR FOOD?

This article in Permaculture News gives a brief outline of a variety of growing systems to provide food. In addition to growing vegetables in the ground, this article suggests other methods of cultivating food such as using pots, aquaculture, wicking beds, bee hives, raising chickens and/or quail, and more!

OIL CHANGE AND A MANICURE

An all-female oil change business in Philadelphia allows you to have your hair and nails done while you wait for the oil in your car to be changed. What a fun idea!

I LOVED MY GRANDMOTHER. BUT SHE WAS A NAZI.

A thought-provoking article from the New York Times. 

CO-CREATING HEAVEN ON EARTH

"At present, we know how to create Hell on Earth. What would it be like to create the opposite — Heaven on Earth? What do we need to do right now to start?" 

Read more about co-creating Heaven on Earth from Martin Rutte, the founder of Heaven on Earth.

URBAN FARMS AS PRESCHOOLS?

Here's some dirt to wiggle your toes in: 

At the Architecture Workshop in Rome (AWR International Ideas Competition), a group of architects from Italy and the Netherlands took first place with their proposal for a preschool on an urban farm. The challenge centered around designing a nursery school model for London. This CityLab includes farm animals such as cows and chickens as well as greenhouses and ground-planted rows of vegetables. 

(A hat tip to Geoff Lawton and the Permaculture Research Institute for the heads-up on this article.)

MUSLIMS RAISE FUNDS TO HELP REPAIR JEWISH CEMETERIES

After a Jewish cemetery was desecrated, two Muslim groups started a fundraising campaign to make repairs. Their goal of $20,000 was met in just three hours, and now stands at over $160,000. The organizers said additional monies would go to repair other Jewish cemeteries that have been vandalized.

In a similar touching gesture, when copies of the Qur'an were damaged at the Islamic Center Tucson, Jewish friends raised the funds to replace the damaged copies.

(A hat tip to Geoff Lawton and the Permaculture Research Institute for the heads-up on this article.)

FROM "VICTORY" TO COOPERATION

I recently received an email from Sen. Merkley of Oregon celebrating the withdrawal of a bill that would repeal the Affordable Care Act, and urging citizens to continue the resistance to such actions. I don't have permission to reprint his email, so I won't post that here. However, I am sharing my response to that email expressing my hope that we move from an adversarial position to one that truly works to benefit all citizens.  ***** My response to Sen. Merkley: I understand the elation with a "victory" after months of lies and cruel actions that seem to rip at the fabric of compassion and caring that has provided the foundation for America. While I appreciate so many people think the ACA is great, it simply does not work for me. Considering the opposition to this Act and the number of people who still have not signed up for health insurance, I would guess it doesn't work for a lot of people for varying reasons.

Your email says the ACA carries the "promise of affordable, accessible health care for all." FOR ALL.

Well, now is an excellent time to make good on that promise. Not just for the people who support the ACA, but perhaps most especially for those who don't. 

Why doesn't everyone support the ACA? Doesn't everyone want to be healthy? And truly LISTEN to what detractors of the ACA have to say. 

I recently saw a post on social media that expressed a lot of my thinking on this topic. I'll paraphrase here because I don't remember the exact wording.

Just because I'm pro-choice, doesn't mean abortion would be my choice. Just because I support LGBT rights, doesn't mean I'm lesbian, gay, bi-sexual or transgender. Just because I value freedom of religion doesn't mean I'm Muslim, Buddhist, or atheist. 

The same goes for health care. I've found my own way to be healthy that does not involve paying insurance companies hundreds of dollars each month nor does it involve the U.S. medical system.

I SUPPORT THE RIGHT OF PEOPLE TO MAKE THEIR OWN CHOICES, not to have someone else's choices forced on them. Although the intent of the ACA may have been good, what it became is trying to force someone else's choices on everyone and, to make matters worse, to make everyone pay for choices that are not theirs. 

I think the true victory in the Trumpcare bill being pulled is to show that involved citizens and courageous leaders can indeed make a difference. 

However, to use a somewhat graphic medical analogy, the wound of divisiveness will continue to fester unless we get to the root cause. Can we clean out the infection of anger, resentment and desperation reflected in the attitudes and actions of Trump and his supporters so the wounds of our country can heal?

Can we extend the compassion and caring we want for ourselves to those with whom we disagree? Can we move beyond a "we won, you lost" attitude and find ways that benefit everyone? That could be the true measure of making America even greater.

Thank you for listening to the voices of all and for your continued leadership in helping make those messages heard.

IDEAL WORLD

I've spent a lot of time over the last few months in anxiety and worry about events in the United States, and I've felt the effects in my physical body. Definitely a message this is not healthy. 

However, it's also obvious my head-in-the-sand approach to politics of hoping elected officials will make right, moral, and ethical choices according to my standards is ludicrous.

So I'm forging a way to become more vocal and involved in political issues in what I hope is a thoughtful way, yet allow plenty of time to tend to the other pieces of my life. 

I've also begun forming an image of an ideal world where I spend some thoughtful time each day. A world where wise, visionary leaders blend past traditions and new technology to shape a culture that constantly evolves. A world where people are respectful of Nature and live abundantly in health and creativity. Where we are interconnected with plants, animals and other people in ways that nurture all beings physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Where new inventions amaze us and inspire us to explore areas we never thought possible. 

As I look for examples of people building such a world--like a community of Earthships in New Mexico or permaculture farms growing around the world--this ideal world becomes more and more real, bringing a flow of positive energy, strength and hope, which then radiates through everything else I do. 

QUOTE FROM THE UNIVERSE

This was my message from The Universe this morning:

Primitive societies live by the Rule of Might, and the strong prevail. 

Advanced societies live by the Rule of Law, and the privileged prevail. 

Enlightened societies live by the Rule of Love, and everyone is lifted higher. 

Intriguing considering the times we are living in.

FALSE VICTIMS

I have witnessed and heard instances of a disturbing trend that seems to have become more prevalent--an increasing number of individuals who:

--Lie, even when telling the truth would be more beneficial.

--Abuse drugs, often manipulating the medical system with phantom ailments to obtain prescriptions.

--Believe they are entitled to money, food, housing and any other benefits they can obtain from welfare or other government agencies, through any means.

--Pursue indiscriminate sex, which many times results in a child or children they can use as weapons against any who might be sperm donors and/or their families, and to manipulate welfare and other systems to provide resources.

--Are often aggressive, attacking others verbally and physically, then twisting situations to wear the banner of victim, mobilizing police and courts against their supposed attackers.

--Neglect, abuse, manipulate and terrorize their children to the point these children will do and say anything to avoid their wrath.

These individuals are almost exclusively female, and choose their victims cunningly from among the many (mostly men) who fall into the trap of easy sex; from soft-hearted individuals who want to help them; from systems and individuals that think they are defending the vulnerable; from people who know better but have serious concerns for the children involved. 

Perhaps you've been unfortunate enough to see these individuals in action. You may have even been duped into being sympathetic to them. They have honed their role of victim to an art and are masters of manipulating others. 

These people stir up a frenzy of drama, then retreat to smugness while systems and other social crusaders complete the destruction of others' lives and further damage the psyches of the children involved.

How can we reverse this trend? Like many issues facing society today, this is too complex to be insulted with generalizations and one-size-fits-all assumptions. But the first step is simple: recognize it exists. 

Next, question any claims of someone being a victim. Do not assume because someone claims they have been threatened or harmed in some way that this is true. Remember, some people have built their lives on lies and twisting circumstances to suit their purposes.

Unfortunately, the machinations of false victims call into question the dire circumstances of those who have legitimate concerns for the safety of themselves and their children, and who truly do need help to survive. These people may be any gender, and many times suffer in silence rather than bring more danger by speaking up.  

Another step is to listen--really listen--to what the alleged perpetrator/attacker has to say. Once again, remember that false victims are masters at manipulating others. They manipulate you and your emotions. They also manipulate those they accuse and are cunning about choosing someone who may not have made wise choices in the past. 

Examine each case individually. Examine your own prejudices even more thoroughly. If you have been victimized in the past as I have, be aware you will see any situation through the lens of your own experiences. Don't jump to the conclusion that the man is the abuser and the woman is the victim. There are usually mistakes and bad choices on both sides. 

Finally, do not let false victims off the hook with sympathy and welfare benefits. False victims should be held accountable for their intentional, despicable actions. If they choose not to change and atone for what they have been done, they should be removed to where their actions can be neutralized and where they cannot damage more children and destroy more lives.

NEIGHBORHOOD SOLAR

Dozens of homes and businesses in Brooklyn have been wired into a solar micro-grid, which allows members to exchange excess electricity credits. The start of a new trend?

Check out this article in the New York Times.

QUIT MAKING ILLNESS AND DISEASE PROFITABLE

I don't support Obama Care/the Affordable Care Act or anything else I've seen proposed so far. In fact, it's quite discouraging to hear the noise of two radical sides either totally supporting the ACA or wanting to totally dismantle it.

As with so many issues facing our country at this time, I would sincerely hope politics can be set aside to have rational, intelligent discussions of this topic. 

WHAT IS HEALTH CARE?

Has there been anything close to agreement on what constitutes basic health care for our citizens? 

I do NOT think every medical procedure should be paid for with taxes. Perhaps revisit the original Oregon Health Plan for ways to provide medical coverage within a budget. 

I also think this is an excellent time to look at what are considered "alternative" health practices that are showing what many consider miraculous results and are increasingly backed up by research and studies to prove their effectiveness. Using energy to heal the body is a growing field. I've personally experienced great results with a mix of Reiki, Eden Energy Medicine, QiGong, chiropractic care, homeopathy, EFT/tapping, acupuncture, acupressure, cranial-sacral massage, and a number of others. 

I've also realized my continuing journey to have a healthy physical body comes from total well-being, which involves nutrition--real food!--exercise, emotional and mental health, life style and other factors.

CONCERNS ABOUT THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

--First of all, it's not really affordable. Paying an insurance company hundreds of dollars per month does not make a person healthy. In fact, that's financially very unhealthy. I made the choice before the ACA was passed to pay my mortgage and other bills rather than funnel an outrageous sum of money to a health insurance company that wasn't paying anything toward alternative care that was helping me stay healthy. CUT OUT THE MIDDLE MAN AND SAVE A WHOLE LOT OF MONEY!

--There is no way to simply opt out without being penalized. I understand "systems" such as the ACA need a certain number of fairly healthy people to pay for the medical costs of those with major medical concerns. However, I feel unfairly penalized for a lifetime of making choices to stay healthy. QUIT PENALIZING PEOPLE WHO MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES!

OVERHAUL THE U.S. MEDICAL SYSTEM

--The U.S. medical system is documented as the third leading cause of death in this country. Not a comforting statistic. 

--While I have heard of some great instances of trauma care and medical technology that has saved people's lives, more and more people I know have spent thousands of dollars on tests, doctor visits and hospital stays, but the medical system can't even decide what's wrong with them. I've also heard of an Eastern medical tradition that practitioners didn't get paid unless their patient got well. Excellent! Would you pay a mechanic or furnace repair tech for not doing their job? Probably not. QUIT MAKING ILLNESS AND DISEASE PROFITABLE!

--This country has spent generations of time brainwashing people into thinking they are stuck with health problems that run in their families and that their bodies deteriorate as they age. Given the latest research that says our bodies are constantly regenerating and every cell is totally replaced every five to seven years, this simply is not true. 

Yet I can't lay the blame totally on the U.S. medical system. In many ways they are simply responding to huge numbers of people who want a pill to "fix" years and perhaps decades of abusing their bodies and making lousy choices that affect their health. If people want to be healthy, there is much they can do by taking personal responsibility for their health, but this takes commitment and effort. 

GIVE PEOPLE OPTIONS

I have chosen what are considered alternative practices to stay healthy. While most others are lamenting about their latest ailments, I am using my sixty-plus-year-old body to remodel my house and dig in my yard. From my personal experience, the best way to become healthy and stay that way is using "alternatives" such as energy healing that can be learned easily at no cost or minimal cost. The ACA and the U.S. allopathic medical system simply do not work for me. 

--If people want to use alternatives, I believe they should be able to do that without penalty.

--If people want to use the U.S. medical system, they should be free to do that.

--If people want to blend ways to stay healthy, great. How about an option for only trauma care--which the U.S. medical system seems to do fairly well? Or cancer insurance if people are concerned about that? Or other health issues that might be of concern to certain individuals?

TURBULENCE = WILDLY BETTER THINGS AHEAD!

My message from The Universe today: "How is it that with so many brilliant beings on your planet, so few recognize that when one's life encounters turbulence, choppy waters, or setbacks, it's always a sign that things are about to get wildly better than they've ever been before?"

CYCLES OF CLIMATE

Scientist, visionary and scholar Gregg Braden explains how the changing climate we are experiencing reflects cycles of the Earth going back more than 400,000 years.

<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxERTlbAo7g>

USE WHAT YOU GOT...

An old(?!) innovative solution to California -- or other places -- drought.

EARTHSHIPS!

A nice clip about Earthships -- houses built from recycled materials that are totally self-contained.

FROM PEANUTS TO SOLAR PANELS

A New York Times article about former President Jimmy Carter leasing 10 acres of his family's land for solar panels. 

CORRUPTION

Why have you stopped searching for Truth?

Why do you simply ride the high horse of your self-righteousness

that you are protecting another "victim"

from an "assailant"

that is conjured from the fears of her own distorted experience?

That she is so terrorized from her own fears

of not surviving

of having her illusions ripped away

of facing her failures

and the condemnation of expectations she cannot meet

That she strikes out at others

spreading lies and falsehoods

ruining lives

so her own fears and failures are not exposed

You are not helping

You are not rescuing or protecting

You are perpetuating the violence

You are the instrument of injustice

With your assumptions and extortions

You send your storm troopers to enforce the lies

Causing more and more damage

based on the lies and fears of one 

so terrorized by her own failures

that she clings with desperate fingers to the smothering denial of her addictions

to the false assumption

that it matters not 

who she destroys

even her own child

even herself

As long as the truth is not uncovered

Where is Truth? 

You have denied her

You have tried to smother her voice

Yet she is there

Waiting

You have only to find your courage and look for her

Truth

©GenieGabriel

LENS OF EXPERIENCE

If you are seeing hypocrisy, 

then you are likely looking for hypocrisy

through the lens of your experience

Just as if you see an opportunity to work together

then you are likely looking for that opportunity

to join with others to improve this life

Since I have experienced lies, abuse, betrayal and violent deaths

The lens through which I view life is distorted by these experiences

To see opportunities for a different life, I must remove these distortions--

take off the glasses

clean the lenses

or whatever metaphor you wish to use

Rewind the tape of my experiences

And start with a clean, fresh tape

Is this possible?

I'm hopeful it is

For if not, we are condemned to struggle and disappointment and injustice

And I am so weary of those illusions

I want to see Truth and Beauty and Integrity

Wisdom and Grace

To deeply feel the knowing of the Universe

that all experiences are an opportunity 

to see life in a different way

To clear off the fog of abuse and struggle

And let the rays of hope and beauty shine through

To not be mired in the sewage of fear

so deeply it seems we will never be free of it

To know we can scrape the poo off the shoes of our soul

LOL at the purple prose

Not to take ourselves so seriously

Not to overdramatize or chew constantly on angst

But to find the humor

The joy

The opportunity

of living life without the lenses of distortion

To see clearly with the eyes of our true being

that of love and beauty and opportunity

Opportunity


©GenieGabriel