I have been giving a lot of thought to my writing lately and what I am really called to write about. I keep going down new roads trying to find what suits me and satisfies me most. I feel as a political commentator I suck. There are so many writers that I respect who are so much better and more well informed than I. I try to give my informed opinion but so what? Everyone has an opinion and I do not think I will change any minds anytime soon. When I write about God, or Being I am on much more solid ground. My degree in Philosophy, my study of comparative religions, my study of Christianity and Hinduism, and my own insights about what I write; ( which I truly believe are not just my own), have given me a lot more confidence in what I write.
Of course my own experiences and those of people I know do provide a rich ground for writing. When I was a kid I was told to write about what You know. Well, unfortunately for many many years I felt I just didn't know enough about anything. Now I know a lot more but I am nearing the end of my life, not the beginning. So what and who do you know, and when did you know it becomes a question which looms large on my horizon.
I was speaking to a friend this morning about consciousness. Now I believe everything is conscious to a smaller or larger degree. We all tend to equate consciousness to humans and perhaps to some extent animals, but when it comes to plants it really gets iffy for most people. I, on the other hand, believe even a rock or other supposedly dead, inanimate object is conscious.
Matter is made up of atoms, protons, neutrons , electrons, particles, waves, quarks, you name it it may have it. So why not consciousness? Now, I do not have a degree in physics but it has been a life long interest of mine. If the very act of observing a thing changes it's behavior, then to my untrained mind it displays consciousness. The directional moves may be predetermined by the laws of physics, so what else is new. When I unconsciously move one of my feet, a part of my being which is conscious has caused the move. Consciousness and unconsciousness are relative terms.
In my conversation with my friend this morning we were talking about universal mental consciousness. Because radio waves were recently discovered in the broad scope of history, doesn't mean they did not exist before we found them. The same with waves of consciousness. Because we cannot perceive these waves with our senses does not mean they do not exist. I mentioned that when a product or idea is found it one country it is often found at about the same time in another country or part of the world. Ideas cannot belong to one individual even though we do try to patent them. Ideas exist in the realm of consciousness, or as Plato would have said as a form. There is nothing new under the sun; it is only left to us to discover it.
Therefore, and thusly and indubitably, I maintain we are humans being rather than human beings. The internal consciousness or soul, or being, as I like to refer to it, is moving and forming us as humans, rather that we humans simply being conscious.
Then we have the Creator, the ultimate Being and Spirit, our little piece of the Whole. The One and it's Attributes, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Somewhere along the way is the Sacred fertile Goddess. the Holy Mother, Mother Earth. Where is this all leading? Follow along with me and perhaps we will enlighten you.
Showing posts with label socialbabble. Show all posts
Showing posts with label socialbabble. Show all posts
Monday, March 6, 2017
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Civil War
What does civil war mean?
Civil | Definition of Civil by Merriam-Webster
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civil
1 : of or relating to citizens <civil rights> 2 : of or relating to matters within a country. 3 : of or relating to the regular business of citizens or government that is not connected to the military or a religion. 4 : polite without being friendly <Those men, they used to be best friends.
While trying to sleep this morning (4:00), the phrase Civil War, the war of brother against brother, neighbor against neighbor against neighbor, kept hazily moving through my brain. The war of all against all; no friends, no enemies. Why, and what does it all mean? In our biblical folklore it began with Cain slewing Able. Later we have the patriarch Abraham and his two sons Ishmael and Isaac, from whom many believe became the division between Jew and Muslim or Palestine and Israel. Of course we are all familiar with the divisions between the same peoples. African tribes selling other tribes into slavery. Native American tribes at war with one another until they faced a common enemy in the new white settlers in the Americas. European boundaries shifting again and again throughout history. The peoples of Asia fighting war against each other over and over.
It would appear the largest common denominator among men is their willingness to fight against their brothers, their tribes, and their peoples, spreading blood, carnage and war, whether within or against families, or the world at large.
I always found it strange that a family I know which has four children I have always seen the enmity they had against one another even as little children. They always seemed to feel their mom and dad loved the other sibling better than they did the one. In the early days it was sister against sister and later brother against brother in this little family of four. They presented a solid front against the world at large but seemed to really hate each other within the little family. Christmas day used to be a nightmare as the children squabbled over who got the best presents and there were always tears and hurt feelings. This enmity, by the way, has continued between the two girls to this day. They are both born again ultra right conservatives, as are their husbands, but they can hardly be in the same room together without fighting. They say they all love each other but the emotions which separate them seem much stronger than the similarities in their belief systems.
My own sister and I used to have battles and hurt feelings but I used to think it was because of the eight year separation in our ages rather than innate rancor. We fought as children and later as young adults but seem to have come to a commonality in our belief systems in our later years and we really do love each other.
I have tried and tried to reason out what circumstances can cause such difference in view among the same people or tribe but I am still at a loss.
I know it is not just culture because the difference in beliefs of far right Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu and other religious groups comes down to restricting the freedom of the same things. Woman's rights, music, drugs, books, sexuality, you name it. When it comes down to a difference of beliefs or opinion they all act out in the same way. The same is true for Liberals or Progressives. Group think is the common ground for all parties. I really could go on and on as I have fought through these thoughts for many hours but the end of my conclusions is there cannot ever be any peace in this world. It really is not about color, religion, culture, sex or anything else. There is no reason to it among reasonable mankind. Difference and righteousness are what it all seems to be about. I know I am no different that anyone else in these groups. I hate with the same intensity and seem to find almost nothing I can agree with on the other side.
Someday the lion and the lamb may indeed lie down together. If animals are protected, have enough food and territory to live comfortably they do seem to become friends. Mother cats nurse baby dogs and even mice, and chickens protect kittens under their wings. There are so many animals videos out there of dogs and elephants and even lions and men and women who raised them, never losing their love and affection for each other. I do not really understand animal behavior but I think I understand humans even less.
When a people who live in the USA with all the creature comforts one needs to survive continue to work totally against one another, I can only feel there is no hope for mankind. There is enough wealth in this country to supply the highest standard of living for all of our people. We would be required however to share the wealth which is alien to almost all of us. Our differences separate us much more then our commonalities. We all bleed when we are injured and require food, water and shelter to survive. the actual differences between peoples are such superficial things as skin color, hair color, eye color, build and facial characteristics like noses, eye shape, lips etc. Except where there is a physical problem we all have two of each arms, legs, feet and hands and two eyes and two ears. I used to try and explain our differences by right and left brained people but science has proven me wrong here.
All humans react in the same ways to difference, inclusion and exclusion and conservative or liberal mindsets. The extremes of these commonly held views may be labeled tea party, libertarian, progressive or even as Whigs and Tories but they all break down to the same hatreds and misunderstandings no matter how we label them. Human kind will not ever come together and all we can ever hope for is relative peace among our peoples.
So what can we do with this dismal situation? I really believe prayer is important for each individual to come to grips with his or her own nature: and that peace can only be held by an individual who is willing to give himself up for the needs of others. Our heroic models for peace all shared one thing in common, they were willing to lay aside their own interests and sacrifice their lives for others. The rest of us are left with our shitty little self interests flawed relationships until our Creator intervenes.
Someday the lion and the lamb may indeed lie down together. If animals are protected, have enough food and territory to live comfortably they do seem to become friends. Mother cats nurse baby dogs and even mice, and chickens protect kittens under their wings. There are so many animals videos out there of dogs and elephants and even lions and men and women who raised them, never losing their love and affection for each other. I do not really understand animal behavior but I think I understand humans even less.
When a people who live in the USA with all the creature comforts one needs to survive continue to work totally against one another, I can only feel there is no hope for mankind. There is enough wealth in this country to supply the highest standard of living for all of our people. We would be required however to share the wealth which is alien to almost all of us. Our differences separate us much more then our commonalities. We all bleed when we are injured and require food, water and shelter to survive. the actual differences between peoples are such superficial things as skin color, hair color, eye color, build and facial characteristics like noses, eye shape, lips etc. Except where there is a physical problem we all have two of each arms, legs, feet and hands and two eyes and two ears. I used to try and explain our differences by right and left brained people but science has proven me wrong here.
All humans react in the same ways to difference, inclusion and exclusion and conservative or liberal mindsets. The extremes of these commonly held views may be labeled tea party, libertarian, progressive or even as Whigs and Tories but they all break down to the same hatreds and misunderstandings no matter how we label them. Human kind will not ever come together and all we can ever hope for is relative peace among our peoples.
So what can we do with this dismal situation? I really believe prayer is important for each individual to come to grips with his or her own nature: and that peace can only be held by an individual who is willing to give himself up for the needs of others. Our heroic models for peace all shared one thing in common, they were willing to lay aside their own interests and sacrifice their lives for others. The rest of us are left with our shitty little self interests flawed relationships until our Creator intervenes.
Friday, October 28, 2016
Why I write this Blog
I have often wondered why I expose my inner most thoughts to the public and friends through this blog. I believe it is because I am crying out to people to really know and love me. With all my thoughts, warts, bumps, inadequacies, and every other unnameable thing that occurs to me.
Actually, in truth, I do not expose my inner most thoughts and feelings. Those I save for God alone. So even here I wear a mask. There are some things/thoughts that are unspeakable. Not bad, just unspeakable. A voice crying out in a wilderness, but masking his true identity.
Do you too mask your true identity? Do you too cry out for fellowship you may never have, with people you will never know. Is this a common experience or is it only me?
Internally my God is all to me. He walks slightly ahead of me everywhere. holding my hand but stepping out first so he can both protect me and lead me in the way he would have me go. The Lord is my Shepherd and I am a pretty dumb ewe. But I do know enough to follow him. Sometimes I forget to request his/her companionship but he is there anyway, watching me make my mistakes and blunders, and falling down. The Lord is ready, always ready, to pick me up when I ask. I truly am never alone.
But in my external world I seem to need fellowship, understanding, congruence between my inner and outer worlds. I make a fool of myself reaching out to Facebook friends who never answer me. Oh they may like or love something or post a three word comment. but they never relate to my advances in a real way. I send them a long message telling them about myself and asking about them and I get back bupkis. My one friend,Eileen, and my one niece, Margo,answer me. I already know them. I want to know you. I want to know about your life, your family, what you think and what you believe. I want to engage in real conversation. I am basically a shut in, with supportive Church friends, a wonderful husband, but few other people I can really connect with. I keep reaching out. Like a damned fool. Or a fisherman casting into the water, but I only get nibbles. No bites.
I am getting tired of it and myself so I am thinking of not doing this any more. I can put my photos in order or scrapbook instead: for people who will only throw them all out when I die.
I know this is a rather dark post but I am a needy person. I need feedback. Who is it that is out there in France, Germany, and China, who is reading my blog? Why are you reading it and can you not comment? Who is it on Facebook, or is responding to my blog update emails?
Where are you? Who are you? Why do you keep coming back?
It is all a great mystery.
Actually, in truth, I do not expose my inner most thoughts and feelings. Those I save for God alone. So even here I wear a mask. There are some things/thoughts that are unspeakable. Not bad, just unspeakable. A voice crying out in a wilderness, but masking his true identity.
Do you too mask your true identity? Do you too cry out for fellowship you may never have, with people you will never know. Is this a common experience or is it only me?
Internally my God is all to me. He walks slightly ahead of me everywhere. holding my hand but stepping out first so he can both protect me and lead me in the way he would have me go. The Lord is my Shepherd and I am a pretty dumb ewe. But I do know enough to follow him. Sometimes I forget to request his/her companionship but he is there anyway, watching me make my mistakes and blunders, and falling down. The Lord is ready, always ready, to pick me up when I ask. I truly am never alone.
But in my external world I seem to need fellowship, understanding, congruence between my inner and outer worlds. I make a fool of myself reaching out to Facebook friends who never answer me. Oh they may like or love something or post a three word comment. but they never relate to my advances in a real way. I send them a long message telling them about myself and asking about them and I get back bupkis. My one friend,Eileen, and my one niece, Margo,answer me. I already know them. I want to know you. I want to know about your life, your family, what you think and what you believe. I want to engage in real conversation. I am basically a shut in, with supportive Church friends, a wonderful husband, but few other people I can really connect with. I keep reaching out. Like a damned fool. Or a fisherman casting into the water, but I only get nibbles. No bites.
I am getting tired of it and myself so I am thinking of not doing this any more. I can put my photos in order or scrapbook instead: for people who will only throw them all out when I die.
I know this is a rather dark post but I am a needy person. I need feedback. Who is it that is out there in France, Germany, and China, who is reading my blog? Why are you reading it and can you not comment? Who is it on Facebook, or is responding to my blog update emails?
Where are you? Who are you? Why do you keep coming back?
It is all a great mystery.
Friday, September 2, 2016
Friendship Lost and Found
I started this post on Sept.1, but it carried over into today..Aw well, sigh!
I wanted a new friend so badly it hurt. I wanted someone to share every adventure with and who understood all my varied moods. I have reached out so many times in the last years and months and no one very special was there. I asked God and he kept reminding me that he is there. I know that dear God, and I love you so much, but that was not the same as having a living breathing human friend to do things with. I love Srini so much also,and he is my dearest love but doesn't share my same interests or like to go to the same places with me. My little dog Angie is a poor companion at best. I love her dearly but she is not a real companion to me. She is a bit of a loner but has drawn more close recently.
What to do? What to do?
At least when I worked, until that last year, I always had someone to hang with, and joke with, but that was all in the past. When Char moved away, part of my heart moved with her. The same with Pam. When she and Charlie moved to Morro Bay part of my heart moved with them. I had tried to substitute Facebook friends but they seemed too far removed and when I did not post they seem to forget about me. Even if they were there, when I signed off I was alone again.
I knew my husband had the same problem and some days he really stewed about the fact he never had a real friend who had not turned on him. Of course his experience was different than mine and we handled it differently. He is much more active than me and is not as introspective. He has always kept busy with friends on the telephone (his former students and now friends) and his exercise, guitar, and wood working projects. He also loves to read but is too active and spends a lot of time learning more about his hobbies on line than reading. We both love the Robert Crais books because Elvis and Joe, the main characters, are true friends and always have each others backs. This is the kind of friendship both of us felt we yearned for and needed in our lives.
We were stumbling along and I kept yearning for a real true friend who would never leave until one or the other of us died. My dear sister, with whom I shared a love, and not so much love relationship,was stumbling into deeper dementia, and was not able to even reminisce with me.
Then, out of the blue I had an epiphany. I cannot describe it as anything else. Certain things happened with certain friends, and I received wonderful feedback from several other dear friends and I suddenly realized what a real fool I had been. Mooning about lost or missing relationships and not valuing enough the real relationships I have and enjoy.today.
I have a larger group than most people, who really love and care for me. All of these dear ones in my life seemed to have converged around me in the same time frame and I realise how truly blessed I am.
There is no special "Best Friend" any more and in truth I don't think I could handle one today. The relationship always becomes too exclusive and excludes others who mean so much. In truth I am a very slow learner and it has taken me 72 years to have this insight into relationships. I always
knew that three people could not be best friends because two always eventually excluded the third and feelings would be hurt. This happened to me in early highschool so I learned to count on one special friend only.
Fast forward more than sixty years and I finally learn that dear and very special friends surround me always and not one, but many people are there to watch my back and catch me if I falter or fall. Among my many dear friends are several gentlemen both here and abroad, in India, and other far countries; who always watch out for and care for me. Add to them my many Facebook friends who are further away and Church friends who are both on FB and also near to me and I already have a very large group. Then add to this several other dear friends who live in Phoenix but whom I have neglected far too long but am gathering close again. . I cannot count all my friends with both finger and toes and even limbs and orifices. They seem countless like the stars and one or another pops up and then recedes for a while, whenever I have a need for companionship or help.
I have to say it again. I AM SO BLESSED> I have so many very dear and special friends and I pray I never again devalue them by searching for a special one. The Creator is my first and special One and I vow from now to love and value others as he/she, has valued me.
I wanted a new friend so badly it hurt. I wanted someone to share every adventure with and who understood all my varied moods. I have reached out so many times in the last years and months and no one very special was there. I asked God and he kept reminding me that he is there. I know that dear God, and I love you so much, but that was not the same as having a living breathing human friend to do things with. I love Srini so much also,and he is my dearest love but doesn't share my same interests or like to go to the same places with me. My little dog Angie is a poor companion at best. I love her dearly but she is not a real companion to me. She is a bit of a loner but has drawn more close recently.
What to do? What to do?
At least when I worked, until that last year, I always had someone to hang with, and joke with, but that was all in the past. When Char moved away, part of my heart moved with her. The same with Pam. When she and Charlie moved to Morro Bay part of my heart moved with them. I had tried to substitute Facebook friends but they seemed too far removed and when I did not post they seem to forget about me. Even if they were there, when I signed off I was alone again.
I knew my husband had the same problem and some days he really stewed about the fact he never had a real friend who had not turned on him. Of course his experience was different than mine and we handled it differently. He is much more active than me and is not as introspective. He has always kept busy with friends on the telephone (his former students and now friends) and his exercise, guitar, and wood working projects. He also loves to read but is too active and spends a lot of time learning more about his hobbies on line than reading. We both love the Robert Crais books because Elvis and Joe, the main characters, are true friends and always have each others backs. This is the kind of friendship both of us felt we yearned for and needed in our lives.
We were stumbling along and I kept yearning for a real true friend who would never leave until one or the other of us died. My dear sister, with whom I shared a love, and not so much love relationship,was stumbling into deeper dementia, and was not able to even reminisce with me.
Then, out of the blue I had an epiphany. I cannot describe it as anything else. Certain things happened with certain friends, and I received wonderful feedback from several other dear friends and I suddenly realized what a real fool I had been. Mooning about lost or missing relationships and not valuing enough the real relationships I have and enjoy.today.
I have a larger group than most people, who really love and care for me. All of these dear ones in my life seemed to have converged around me in the same time frame and I realise how truly blessed I am.
There is no special "Best Friend" any more and in truth I don't think I could handle one today. The relationship always becomes too exclusive and excludes others who mean so much. In truth I am a very slow learner and it has taken me 72 years to have this insight into relationships. I always
knew that three people could not be best friends because two always eventually excluded the third and feelings would be hurt. This happened to me in early highschool so I learned to count on one special friend only.
Fast forward more than sixty years and I finally learn that dear and very special friends surround me always and not one, but many people are there to watch my back and catch me if I falter or fall. Among my many dear friends are several gentlemen both here and abroad, in India, and other far countries; who always watch out for and care for me. Add to them my many Facebook friends who are further away and Church friends who are both on FB and also near to me and I already have a very large group. Then add to this several other dear friends who live in Phoenix but whom I have neglected far too long but am gathering close again. . I cannot count all my friends with both finger and toes and even limbs and orifices. They seem countless like the stars and one or another pops up and then recedes for a while, whenever I have a need for companionship or help.
I have to say it again. I AM SO BLESSED> I have so many very dear and special friends and I pray I never again devalue them by searching for a special one. The Creator is my first and special One and I vow from now to love and value others as he/she, has valued me.
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
It's all about the bass?
When did this fascination about asses begin? When I was a kid the only asses we talked about were jackasses. Guys don"t make passes at girls with big asses. Oh, for the good old days. Now the Booty is the thing. No one cares anymore about breasts or lips, or legs. Every girl now wants a big bum and every guy seems to only notice the hind side of a woman
Where did it all begin? I think the beginnings go back far into human history. Consider the baboons and monkeys with bright red bottoms to make them sexually attractive to their mates. Can humans do any less?
Beyonce', Rihanna, Jenny from the block, Lopez and the Kardashians, all exemplify the big ass boom, but they didn't start it. Three of them were most likely born with the feminine pulchritude they carry but then enhanced what is natural more with tight and suggestive clothing. I have no idea where Kim got her booty but I am willing to bet it ain't natural
Everywhere we look we are finding dresses and skirts with stretchable fabric that cups the buttocks and makes women look like they have balloons tucked in their skirts or pants. Gently rounded curves are replaced by caricatures of bulbous comic book women. Girls are getting collegian injections and fat injections and padded underwear to try to fit into the craze.
It is so sad we cannot accept the way we are individually and wonderfully made, We need to be role models for young girls and do the best we are able to keep our bodies fit and active. We need to tell them unnaturally big butts can lead to sway back and other back issues that no one finds attractive. We need to tell out young men, not to gawk and make fun of women with excessive anything. Consider the whole package of femininity, physical and mental and not to be so attracted to image as opposed to substance.
Girls will be girls and boys will be boys. However as a society we should be more judicious of the trends we get caught up in.
If you think these are the opinions of an ancient ugly woman you would be right, but who cares. I am what I is for all time.
Where did it all begin? I think the beginnings go back far into human history. Consider the baboons and monkeys with bright red bottoms to make them sexually attractive to their mates. Can humans do any less?
Beyonce', Rihanna, Jenny from the block, Lopez and the Kardashians, all exemplify the big ass boom, but they didn't start it. Three of them were most likely born with the feminine pulchritude they carry but then enhanced what is natural more with tight and suggestive clothing. I have no idea where Kim got her booty but I am willing to bet it ain't natural
Everywhere we look we are finding dresses and skirts with stretchable fabric that cups the buttocks and makes women look like they have balloons tucked in their skirts or pants. Gently rounded curves are replaced by caricatures of bulbous comic book women. Girls are getting collegian injections and fat injections and padded underwear to try to fit into the craze.
It is so sad we cannot accept the way we are individually and wonderfully made, We need to be role models for young girls and do the best we are able to keep our bodies fit and active. We need to tell them unnaturally big butts can lead to sway back and other back issues that no one finds attractive. We need to tell out young men, not to gawk and make fun of women with excessive anything. Consider the whole package of femininity, physical and mental and not to be so attracted to image as opposed to substance.
Girls will be girls and boys will be boys. However as a society we should be more judicious of the trends we get caught up in.
If you think these are the opinions of an ancient ugly woman you would be right, but who cares. I am what I is for all time.
Saturday, April 23, 2016
I am starting again......
I have decided there is no cure for it. I have to keep writing. I have to figure out how to get everything I have written on paper into my blog, and keep it for perpetuity. Why? Because the Lord must have given me this desire for some reason and I have been avoiding the reality of it for too long. I have always played around with the "gift" but never dared to take it seriously. Now I don't have a heck of a lot of time left but I must do what I can.
I always thought writing for me would be the GREAT AMERICAN NOVEL, or a biography but I realize it just ain't going to happen that way. I write in spurts and in short papers on any variety of topics. I guess this is the way it is supposed to be 'cause this is what I do, and enjoy doing. I am too damned prolific on Facebook, where nobody really cares and I waste my time iso doing something useful with my thoughts. I am neither original or profound in my thoughts or my writings. This is why I have always been afraid of putting my thoughts down. All the greats have done it all before me and the crumbs I leave at the table after digesting their wonderful works leave me ashamed . So be it. I am what I am and 72 years ain't agonna change it. I deliberately use eclectic grammar and word usage so do not try to correct me. No red ink, please.
I will try to always tell the truth about what I am feeling or thinking, but I will also try to be kind. Just do not get me angry. It upsets my little dog and interrupts my thought train
The things I care about most are in random order after:
God
Srini
I care about family and other people,Truth, Justice and the American way, All living creatures, our beautiful little blue planet, friends near and far(both silver and gold), animals I have loved personally and whom I like to believe are waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge. I have no prejudice against any group of people or nationality, religion, color, sexual orientation, political party,etc. as long as they too accept others just as they are with no assumptions. If, however, one rants and hates against others, guess what????I cannot help ranting and hating against them.
I try to tamp myself down and even ignore those whom I feel express hatred or disrespect but it is really one of my worst challenges. I am working on it because judge not lest you be judged, but of all things this is most likely the challenge I will carry to my death.
I am interested in physics and metaphysics, philosophy, science, fiction, mystery novels, coloring, beading, religions. I am a bit of a political wonk and cannot tear myself away from current events. This is why I never turn on the TV before noon. I rest after lunch so can waste the time then.
This is just about enough for now.
I will try to blog at least 2-3 times a week. If you enjoy reading my blog please let me know through FB, an Email, or comment on Blogger. I believe you have to have a G+ account to do this.
I always thought writing for me would be the GREAT AMERICAN NOVEL, or a biography but I realize it just ain't going to happen that way. I write in spurts and in short papers on any variety of topics. I guess this is the way it is supposed to be 'cause this is what I do, and enjoy doing. I am too damned prolific on Facebook, where nobody really cares and I waste my time iso doing something useful with my thoughts. I am neither original or profound in my thoughts or my writings. This is why I have always been afraid of putting my thoughts down. All the greats have done it all before me and the crumbs I leave at the table after digesting their wonderful works leave me ashamed . So be it. I am what I am and 72 years ain't agonna change it. I deliberately use eclectic grammar and word usage so do not try to correct me. No red ink, please.
I will try to always tell the truth about what I am feeling or thinking, but I will also try to be kind. Just do not get me angry. It upsets my little dog and interrupts my thought train
The things I care about most are in random order after:
God
Srini
I care about family and other people,Truth, Justice and the American way, All living creatures, our beautiful little blue planet, friends near and far(both silver and gold), animals I have loved personally and whom I like to believe are waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge. I have no prejudice against any group of people or nationality, religion, color, sexual orientation, political party,etc. as long as they too accept others just as they are with no assumptions. If, however, one rants and hates against others, guess what????I cannot help ranting and hating against them.
I try to tamp myself down and even ignore those whom I feel express hatred or disrespect but it is really one of my worst challenges. I am working on it because judge not lest you be judged, but of all things this is most likely the challenge I will carry to my death.
I am interested in physics and metaphysics, philosophy, science, fiction, mystery novels, coloring, beading, religions. I am a bit of a political wonk and cannot tear myself away from current events. This is why I never turn on the TV before noon. I rest after lunch so can waste the time then.
This is just about enough for now.
I will try to blog at least 2-3 times a week. If you enjoy reading my blog please let me know through FB, an Email, or comment on Blogger. I believe you have to have a G+ account to do this.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
O.K. So you do not like philo/religio thoughts
O.Kaaaaaaaaa
We will move on to something else. Need to keep my followers happy and engaged. Why? Because this is what I do. At 70 you do not have a lot of energy for challenging new outlets but I damn well am going to keep looking.
Social media is perplexing isn't it? You find out things about others you are often better off not knowing. Much of what we learn is useless but amusing. Some of it is downright unacceptable. Yet it is the world wide phenomenon of the 21st century. Everyone who doesn't have a devise, if only a smart phone, is, almost entirely cut off from the rest of the world. Maybe this is the best way to be but it is too insular for me.
My dad would have hated social media. Of course he was mainly interested in himself and his own little pleasures. He would sit in his recliner and watch Vanna White turn the letters and think he was in hog heaven. I am seriously afraid my sister is doing the same thing, but I am not sure if she has a recliner. I know she is afraid of some of the technology and thinks her secrets might be put out there. Who cares about secrets when you are over 70. You know that God knows anyway, and he is the only one who matters once you are dead. Gloria Vanderbilt sure doesn't worry, and I don't either. What are you going to do sue me, or arrest me, or defame me, or even ignore me!!! ? None of it matters much anymore.
Now if I was a young person, yes, I would worry. For most people their professional life depends on their image and in only certain fields can you let it all hang.
Oh, the freedom and joy of the elderly. For what you have to put up with in pain, limited mobility, and relative poverty you gain in mostly untold advantages. In the future I might let out even more of our aging secrets.
We will move on to something else. Need to keep my followers happy and engaged. Why? Because this is what I do. At 70 you do not have a lot of energy for challenging new outlets but I damn well am going to keep looking.
Social media is perplexing isn't it? You find out things about others you are often better off not knowing. Much of what we learn is useless but amusing. Some of it is downright unacceptable. Yet it is the world wide phenomenon of the 21st century. Everyone who doesn't have a devise, if only a smart phone, is, almost entirely cut off from the rest of the world. Maybe this is the best way to be but it is too insular for me.
My dad would have hated social media. Of course he was mainly interested in himself and his own little pleasures. He would sit in his recliner and watch Vanna White turn the letters and think he was in hog heaven. I am seriously afraid my sister is doing the same thing, but I am not sure if she has a recliner. I know she is afraid of some of the technology and thinks her secrets might be put out there. Who cares about secrets when you are over 70. You know that God knows anyway, and he is the only one who matters once you are dead. Gloria Vanderbilt sure doesn't worry, and I don't either. What are you going to do sue me, or arrest me, or defame me, or even ignore me!!! ? None of it matters much anymore.
Now if I was a young person, yes, I would worry. For most people their professional life depends on their image and in only certain fields can you let it all hang.
Oh, the freedom and joy of the elderly. For what you have to put up with in pain, limited mobility, and relative poverty you gain in mostly untold advantages. In the future I might let out even more of our aging secrets.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Finally free to marry
Two of my best friends just got married; to each other. They have been together 25 years and a more loving and generous couple I have yet to meet. Yet it has taken 25 years before they have been allowed by their states to be married.
They have always been very low key. Not out there or in your face...though I most likely would have been both. Instead my dear friends kept their love private, between family, a few friends and God.
Finally they are in the same world the rest of us who love our spouses occupy. They can visit each other in hospitals, sign death certificates and make funeral arrangements for their beloved. They can inherit each other's financial and personal effects with no legal disputes. Most of all they can love another freely and legally.
I am so happy for them and proud of them.
They have braved non acceptance from those previously dearest to them, and scorn and derision for too many unnamed and unkind persons they met or who are in their lives. They have born insults from the right and sometimes the left wings, clergy, the military, and even their governments. All that is in the past for them now.
If only those of you who have ears would listen. Governments, local and foreign, need to change their laws to that of acceptance for the rights and concerns of all of their citizens..
They have always been very low key. Not out there or in your face...though I most likely would have been both. Instead my dear friends kept their love private, between family, a few friends and God.
Finally they are in the same world the rest of us who love our spouses occupy. They can visit each other in hospitals, sign death certificates and make funeral arrangements for their beloved. They can inherit each other's financial and personal effects with no legal disputes. Most of all they can love another freely and legally.
I am so happy for them and proud of them.
They have braved non acceptance from those previously dearest to them, and scorn and derision for too many unnamed and unkind persons they met or who are in their lives. They have born insults from the right and sometimes the left wings, clergy, the military, and even their governments. All that is in the past for them now.
If only those of you who have ears would listen. Governments, local and foreign, need to change their laws to that of acceptance for the rights and concerns of all of their citizens..
Matthew 5:45
The Message (MSG)
43-47 “You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.
If God causes his sun to shine on all, how can governments do less.
I am so proud and happy for my dearest friends, and for all the others who share in the same benefits, under God and the Law.
If God causes his sun to shine on all, how can governments do less.
I am so proud and happy for my dearest friends, and for all the others who share in the same benefits, under God and the Law.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
November is here, near the end of the year again!
I have worked the Rummage sale for 7 days and loved the fellowship and camaraderie. The results are not too shabby. About $2100. for Phoenix mission work. If you take the people who worked, times the number of hours each worked and divide up the results you come to about .03 cents an hour, but it is all good.(just kidding, but there wasn't a lot of payback in $s for the hours worked.)
On Saturday one of our best friends, who was on a business trip from India to SFO, took a valuable weeks vacation to visit us. We could not have had more fun. Srini and he discussed and played guitar, talked martial arts and practical arts like carpentry and aircraft. He and I talked books and philosophy. He taught me and a friend about setting up modem and WiFi, Kindle, and Nook, and got my friend on Facebook and email. Our friend, Arvindar, cooked for and with me, and would not let me lift a finger in work. When we went shopping he carted around my portable oxygen. He gave us both a number of useful gadgets. Best of all he and another dear friend Madhu, gave me a pair of red Crocs to skip down the yellow brick road in my red Wizard of OZ t-shirt I had received on a previous visit. Little Toto(or a female version, Angie), and I will go to the Church today for a blessing of the pets, dressed in our colorful outfits. Angie too has a red t-shirt.
All in all it has been a fantastic 2 weeks of fellowship and friendship. Like all good things it must wind down but the wonderful memories are carried forward for years.
Now the next things are Thanksgiving, Priya's wedding, and Christmas. Lots to look forward to at the end of the year.
On Saturday one of our best friends, who was on a business trip from India to SFO, took a valuable weeks vacation to visit us. We could not have had more fun. Srini and he discussed and played guitar, talked martial arts and practical arts like carpentry and aircraft. He and I talked books and philosophy. He taught me and a friend about setting up modem and WiFi, Kindle, and Nook, and got my friend on Facebook and email. Our friend, Arvindar, cooked for and with me, and would not let me lift a finger in work. When we went shopping he carted around my portable oxygen. He gave us both a number of useful gadgets. Best of all he and another dear friend Madhu, gave me a pair of red Crocs to skip down the yellow brick road in my red Wizard of OZ t-shirt I had received on a previous visit. Little Toto(or a female version, Angie), and I will go to the Church today for a blessing of the pets, dressed in our colorful outfits. Angie too has a red t-shirt.
All in all it has been a fantastic 2 weeks of fellowship and friendship. Like all good things it must wind down but the wonderful memories are carried forward for years.
Now the next things are Thanksgiving, Priya's wedding, and Christmas. Lots to look forward to at the end of the year.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Why I have a love/hate relationship with FB
I am led to blog again by a Facebook incident which has forced me to review once again what I am doing and why I do it. I got on Facebook a couple of years ago just to find out what it was. I discovered to my surprise that I really was enjoying my FB experience. I began to encourage my friends and family to get on it with me so we can keep in touch with what each other was thinking , enjoying, where we were traveling to and from, getting engaged or having babies....All sorts of exciting stuff I had not known about for many years. For me the benefits of FB have been mostly positive. I find that while my family seldom if ever writes and rarely cal,l they will keep in touch somewhat on FB. I am separated by a lot of miles by most of my family and friends. From India, Korea, New York, Pennsylvania, to California and Michigan, among just a few places, my friends and family are scattered far and wide. From FB I have met up again with my great nieces and nephews. Josh, Nick, Sean, Angela, are all my friends now. Their significant others Elizabeth and MerryDeath, and now little baby Natalie are on my radar, where normally I wouldn't have a clue from their parents and grandparents where they were or what was happening in their lives. I have connected with old friends Becky, Helene, Charlene, and have become much closer again, to Eileen and Jenny. I have become friends with Joretta and some of her kids and love keeping up with them. Debra is in touch much more often and I am so thrilled to be in contact with her again. Amy is in touch through FB but I have not found Dylan, Zack or Brooke yet. Blake and Kenny and Michael ignore me but perhaps it is an older guy thing. Srini too, isn't officially on FB but he reads the posts from family and his friends in martial arts and really enjoys them.
There are so many other people I would like to find and be in touch with but I forget to look for them when I'm on FB. If your out there and see me, send me a friend request.
I really enjoy posts about you and the family and the animals. I like to know where you have been. Its O.K. that you don't say where or when you are going, but I love the updates when you get back. I love to know your daily details, like comments on funny kids, kitties, dogs, or other wild life. I enjoy recipes you post, cute sayings or profound thoughts or just status updates. I like to know about family reunions, frustrations with daily life, funny things that happen or pictures you take and post.
The whole experience is mostly good.
What I do not like, however, are political statements which bad mouth others, or which put others in a bad light or try to convince others to one's point of view. I do not like religious statements for the same reason. It is one thing to mention you are campaigning for the Tea Party, Republican, Libertarian, Democrat or Progressive party, or to mention that you went to a rally, etc. It is quite another to post political rants or smear campaigns or negative cartoons or racist comments. I also do not like statements of faith which imply if you don't think or feel the same way, you are wrong and worse than that, damned. I love hymns and lovely religious music and interesting links to what my friends and relatives might also find interesting. I hate rants right out there in my face, which I am forced to hide or skip over continuously. I just do not believe FB is the forum for our deepest faith and political beliefs. There are blogs and emails which are much more suited for this type of exchange, or even links and private messages through, FB. Please just do not proselytize to me when I just want to know you better, share a few laughs and pictures, and relate to you all in a gentle way. So much for this blog. See you all again soon.
There are so many other people I would like to find and be in touch with but I forget to look for them when I'm on FB. If your out there and see me, send me a friend request.
I really enjoy posts about you and the family and the animals. I like to know where you have been. Its O.K. that you don't say where or when you are going, but I love the updates when you get back. I love to know your daily details, like comments on funny kids, kitties, dogs, or other wild life. I enjoy recipes you post, cute sayings or profound thoughts or just status updates. I like to know about family reunions, frustrations with daily life, funny things that happen or pictures you take and post.
The whole experience is mostly good.
What I do not like, however, are political statements which bad mouth others, or which put others in a bad light or try to convince others to one's point of view. I do not like religious statements for the same reason. It is one thing to mention you are campaigning for the Tea Party, Republican, Libertarian, Democrat or Progressive party, or to mention that you went to a rally, etc. It is quite another to post political rants or smear campaigns or negative cartoons or racist comments. I also do not like statements of faith which imply if you don't think or feel the same way, you are wrong and worse than that, damned. I love hymns and lovely religious music and interesting links to what my friends and relatives might also find interesting. I hate rants right out there in my face, which I am forced to hide or skip over continuously. I just do not believe FB is the forum for our deepest faith and political beliefs. There are blogs and emails which are much more suited for this type of exchange, or even links and private messages through, FB. Please just do not proselytize to me when I just want to know you better, share a few laughs and pictures, and relate to you all in a gentle way. So much for this blog. See you all again soon.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Material possessions
I have given myself 20 minutes from now, to write this.
I have no clue but hope my muse will lead me. Sometimes I listen and sometimes I do not. It depends on the subject presented.
I have been trying to get ready for the next step in my life but I am unsure of what it will be. I don't think it is death just yet but I do think it is in the process of dying to things. All my life I have been so materialistic. I love beautiful things and when I see them I want to have them for my own. I know I can only hold the things for a short while then I will be gone, so now I am looking to make the time of ownership even shorter. Like, I want to have things of beauty in my mind only, instead of needing to physically bring them home. I have been a little ashamed of my materialism but not enough to avoid telling people about it. Everywhere I go, everything I see, I want some of it. I ache for the beauty of the world and I somehow think if I can just hold onto it in some physical sense, that sense of awe will hold forever. Well, you all know the end of the story. After you have a thing it gets old, and you want something else to replace it. The house, the cars, the furnishings for each room of the house. We get tired of them all. We want something new and shiny to replace them. On the other hand we really want to hold on to what we already have. We do not want to give it away or share it. Sometimes we can be enticed to sell it, so we can get something new.
Now sometimes, unfortunately, we feel the same way about relationships. New is better? Can this be a reason why the divorce rates are so high?
Anyway that is another topic and I have never wanted to replace my marriage or friendships.
But this materialistic thing, it is hard for me to get a handle on it. I have always wanted to be free and unfettered, but I keep adding to my treasure trove of goodies. I can't just pick up and go because the things I am leaving behind tie me up with invisible bindings. They say to keep only what you love or is important to you. It all is. My thoughts and memories are all bound up in these things.
I keep thinking of having an estate sale before I die so I can separate myself from these material attractions. I know many people in my Church and of my generation have these same problems. It always achieves tragic proportions when people have to leave their homes and move to independent or assisted living. Decisions are forced on them and while in some sense they are ready, in another they are most assuredly not.
So I say, make the plans now. Separate yourself emotionally and then physically from these emotion fraught things, and move on. Buy no more, then you will need no more goodbuys.
A little humor there. Sayonara. I made my time deadline.
I have no clue but hope my muse will lead me. Sometimes I listen and sometimes I do not. It depends on the subject presented.
I have been trying to get ready for the next step in my life but I am unsure of what it will be. I don't think it is death just yet but I do think it is in the process of dying to things. All my life I have been so materialistic. I love beautiful things and when I see them I want to have them for my own. I know I can only hold the things for a short while then I will be gone, so now I am looking to make the time of ownership even shorter. Like, I want to have things of beauty in my mind only, instead of needing to physically bring them home. I have been a little ashamed of my materialism but not enough to avoid telling people about it. Everywhere I go, everything I see, I want some of it. I ache for the beauty of the world and I somehow think if I can just hold onto it in some physical sense, that sense of awe will hold forever. Well, you all know the end of the story. After you have a thing it gets old, and you want something else to replace it. The house, the cars, the furnishings for each room of the house. We get tired of them all. We want something new and shiny to replace them. On the other hand we really want to hold on to what we already have. We do not want to give it away or share it. Sometimes we can be enticed to sell it, so we can get something new.
Now sometimes, unfortunately, we feel the same way about relationships. New is better? Can this be a reason why the divorce rates are so high?
Anyway that is another topic and I have never wanted to replace my marriage or friendships.
But this materialistic thing, it is hard for me to get a handle on it. I have always wanted to be free and unfettered, but I keep adding to my treasure trove of goodies. I can't just pick up and go because the things I am leaving behind tie me up with invisible bindings. They say to keep only what you love or is important to you. It all is. My thoughts and memories are all bound up in these things.
I keep thinking of having an estate sale before I die so I can separate myself from these material attractions. I know many people in my Church and of my generation have these same problems. It always achieves tragic proportions when people have to leave their homes and move to independent or assisted living. Decisions are forced on them and while in some sense they are ready, in another they are most assuredly not.
So I say, make the plans now. Separate yourself emotionally and then physically from these emotion fraught things, and move on. Buy no more, then you will need no more goodbuys.
A little humor there. Sayonara. I made my time deadline.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Odd thoughts on mental health
I just finished reading the some of the blog, Idoinautismland.com. It is the blog of an autistic boy who has learned to communicate through writing. He is brilliant and his thoughts are fascinating. He now has a book he has written on Amazon. I bring him up not only because he deserves recognition, and because he can teach us all so much about what those who are locked in feel and experience; but also because so often what appears normal is often abnormal and what is called defective often isn't.
I have been thinking a lot lately about apparently normal people who are going off the deep end all around us and we just pass it off. I'm thinking Jody Arias and her dead lover and the secret life they were involved with and their family and friends not knowing. The two radical terrorist's who hacked up a British drummer soldier in England. Since guns are not available in England they used a meat cleaver and knives. If they were in the States with AK47s they could have taken out a whole Band and then some. The mad motivation is the same however. People become radicalized because of events, thoughts and situations they cannot deal with in their own lives. Their internal world becomes fixated on a single solution and they can draw others into their madness, by sharing their vision. Reality becomes reduced to black and white, simple to understand concepts, that can be dealt with by simple actions or solutions. I.E.:
Our lives are shitty in our neighborhood or country and we don't know how to deal with complex solutions so "kill the infidel".
My mother is mean, nasty and has power over me so I will rape and torture other girls or women that I can have power and control over.
My father abused me when I was young so I will use my femininity to punish other men who find me interesting and attractive; or I will keep putting myself in abusive situations because I am worthless and deserve it.
I cannot be comfortable with thoughts and ideas which have mysteries or are perplexing or contradictory, so I will follow a simple set of rules which allow no contradictions and I will achieve happiness.
I can think of a thousand examples which will just repeat my same theme. The internal world of normal appearing persons can be mad and contain great evil, while the internal worlds of so called mentally ill people who might be labeled bipolar, schizophrenic, autistic, etc. are caused by chemical and over stimulated nervous systems rather defective personalities. Being locked into the mind beats acting out hostile and deadly thoughts towards others.
So now you have some oversimplified and most likely very naive rambling thoughts on a Sunday morning.
I have been thinking a lot lately about apparently normal people who are going off the deep end all around us and we just pass it off. I'm thinking Jody Arias and her dead lover and the secret life they were involved with and their family and friends not knowing. The two radical terrorist's who hacked up a British drummer soldier in England. Since guns are not available in England they used a meat cleaver and knives. If they were in the States with AK47s they could have taken out a whole Band and then some. The mad motivation is the same however. People become radicalized because of events, thoughts and situations they cannot deal with in their own lives. Their internal world becomes fixated on a single solution and they can draw others into their madness, by sharing their vision. Reality becomes reduced to black and white, simple to understand concepts, that can be dealt with by simple actions or solutions. I.E.:
Our lives are shitty in our neighborhood or country and we don't know how to deal with complex solutions so "kill the infidel".
My mother is mean, nasty and has power over me so I will rape and torture other girls or women that I can have power and control over.
My father abused me when I was young so I will use my femininity to punish other men who find me interesting and attractive; or I will keep putting myself in abusive situations because I am worthless and deserve it.
I cannot be comfortable with thoughts and ideas which have mysteries or are perplexing or contradictory, so I will follow a simple set of rules which allow no contradictions and I will achieve happiness.
I can think of a thousand examples which will just repeat my same theme. The internal world of normal appearing persons can be mad and contain great evil, while the internal worlds of so called mentally ill people who might be labeled bipolar, schizophrenic, autistic, etc. are caused by chemical and over stimulated nervous systems rather defective personalities. Being locked into the mind beats acting out hostile and deadly thoughts towards others.
So now you have some oversimplified and most likely very naive rambling thoughts on a Sunday morning.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Are you following me?
Have you walked down the street and been sure someone is following you? It used to happen to me in NYC. Sometimes it was true and sometimes I think it was wishful thinking.(just kidding). No, I have been followed on the street and it can be a very scary sensation. First, your not sure and think you are imagining things. Then you realize it is for real and you must decide what to do. Once in NYC I knew two apartment buildings, which were on two parallel blocks, were connected by a tunnel. To escape my follower I went in one building, sent the elevator to the 6th floor, took the stairs to the basement, and scurried through the tunnel to the other apt. bldg.. and from there went out on the street. I was shaking like crazy and couldn't believe it had worked. I ran to my apt. bldg. which was on the same block as the second bldg. There is actually more to this little tale but it doesn't detract from the fact that I escaped from the situation by keeping my cool and using my wits.
There are times I went into stores and restaurants when I thought I was followed and I was the type who kept my keys in my hand so I could get into a car or a home quickly. Once when I was studying martial arts I was walking to the school on a very crowded street. I felt someone behind me and then felt the strap of my handbag being pulled from the rear. I spun around with my hands raised in a fighting stance only to confront Ralph, one of the black belts and worst practical joker in the school. He of course stepped back quickly and said "don't hit me", laughing. I wanted to punch him in the face so badly but restrained myself.
Yes, being followed is a scary thing, unless you have a blog and wanted to be followed. I eagerly check the stats every day to see how many people have logged on to my blog and what countries they are from. I don't know how accurate the stats are but I seem to have had people read my blog from USA, So.Korea, Germany, India, Canada, and surprisingly a steady flow of readers from Russia. I would really like to know who my readers are but only 2 people, who I love, ever comment on FB and a few have spoken to me in person. Please come out of the darkness of Internet privacy and let me know who is following my blog. I wish it were easier to comment here, but since it isn't, you can use face book or send me an email. Thanks guys, I would prefer to know my followers.
There are times I went into stores and restaurants when I thought I was followed and I was the type who kept my keys in my hand so I could get into a car or a home quickly. Once when I was studying martial arts I was walking to the school on a very crowded street. I felt someone behind me and then felt the strap of my handbag being pulled from the rear. I spun around with my hands raised in a fighting stance only to confront Ralph, one of the black belts and worst practical joker in the school. He of course stepped back quickly and said "don't hit me", laughing. I wanted to punch him in the face so badly but restrained myself.
Yes, being followed is a scary thing, unless you have a blog and wanted to be followed. I eagerly check the stats every day to see how many people have logged on to my blog and what countries they are from. I don't know how accurate the stats are but I seem to have had people read my blog from USA, So.Korea, Germany, India, Canada, and surprisingly a steady flow of readers from Russia. I would really like to know who my readers are but only 2 people, who I love, ever comment on FB and a few have spoken to me in person. Please come out of the darkness of Internet privacy and let me know who is following my blog. I wish it were easier to comment here, but since it isn't, you can use face book or send me an email. Thanks guys, I would prefer to know my followers.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Politically incorrect?
Should we always worry we will not be loved if we say what we feel? Have you ever said or written something which you mean in general but do not mean specifically when it comes to relatives or friends? You say it, then immediately think, I wish I could take that back. I do not mean it when it applies to so and so. Well, I do this all the time.
How are we to handle these awkward moments when what we believe is so far away from what someone whom we love believes? On the other hand often the one we are concerned about has no such concern for our sensibilities. It is a quandary isn't it?
We tie ourselves up in knots being politically correct and trying not to offend anyone, that often the one we offend by omission, is OURSELVES. I remember back in the day when Grandpa or Daddy would say exactly how they felt or what they believed and we would just keep our mouths shut or say he is just a stupid or ignorant old man, and just let it go. Age should have some privilege's and I am now 70.(or soon will be) I should be able to say what I think and mean what I say without being hated forever, or not being talked to.
What is it about our time which is so incendiary and what makes it so difficult to love each other when we disagree? We used to say let us agree to disagree. Now we think, I shouldn't let them know I disagree or they will be angry.
I say so what and damn the torpedoes. In a world where bombs explode around civic events, ricin is sent to our president, and the f- bomb proliferates, I think an old lady can certainly express her opinion and not worry about offending those near and dear.
So I will speak out and say what I feel. I have no desire to hurt anyone else but perhaps if enough people know there are those who are willing to speak up for the other side, no matter what the other side is, then perhaps we can be more accepting of each other in general. Live and let live, agree to disagree, let all voices be heard and don't be afraid. This is what the 1st amendment is all about. It isn't just to allow a voice for porn or madmen.
The only people we should worry about hurting the feelings of, are those who cannot stand up for or defend themselves, like babies, children, and persons with different abilities.
PooBah has spoken!!!
How are we to handle these awkward moments when what we believe is so far away from what someone whom we love believes? On the other hand often the one we are concerned about has no such concern for our sensibilities. It is a quandary isn't it?
We tie ourselves up in knots being politically correct and trying not to offend anyone, that often the one we offend by omission, is OURSELVES. I remember back in the day when Grandpa or Daddy would say exactly how they felt or what they believed and we would just keep our mouths shut or say he is just a stupid or ignorant old man, and just let it go. Age should have some privilege's and I am now 70.(or soon will be) I should be able to say what I think and mean what I say without being hated forever, or not being talked to.
What is it about our time which is so incendiary and what makes it so difficult to love each other when we disagree? We used to say let us agree to disagree. Now we think, I shouldn't let them know I disagree or they will be angry.
I say so what and damn the torpedoes. In a world where bombs explode around civic events, ricin is sent to our president, and the f- bomb proliferates, I think an old lady can certainly express her opinion and not worry about offending those near and dear.
So I will speak out and say what I feel. I have no desire to hurt anyone else but perhaps if enough people know there are those who are willing to speak up for the other side, no matter what the other side is, then perhaps we can be more accepting of each other in general. Live and let live, agree to disagree, let all voices be heard and don't be afraid. This is what the 1st amendment is all about. It isn't just to allow a voice for porn or madmen.
The only people we should worry about hurting the feelings of, are those who cannot stand up for or defend themselves, like babies, children, and persons with different abilities.
PooBah has spoken!!!
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Price of Meds
Why oh why are my med costs so high? Oh what is my government doing?
With seniors so many and poor folks galoor, who is it we needs be pursuing.
I'm sick of the talk of development costs, and the safety with which we dispense,
Whatever they're costs, their profits are boss, and ad.time the most high expense.
I'm tired of rhyming and I'm just upset, the thought of the donut hole(Dough nut hole, get it?) looms for me and countless others of my countrymen, and few care about it, until they live it. Other countries have the same research and development expenses( or are you naive enough to think the research is done here in this country?) All the largest pharmaceutical houses are overseas in Europe and Asia and the manufacturing of the drugs is done, where?
I am tired of the bloviating and excuses. If Canada can have lower costs for the same drugs, why can't we? Don't even talk about Federal inspections of drugs and facilities after the fiasco over the knee injection drugs manufactured in New England, and the sequester and budget cuts which will bring Federal inspections of drugs and food to a basic halt.
Oh., I am angry this morning and all my facts may not be straight but I don't care, neither are theirs. They feed the American people a pack of lies and excuses and we all kneel to the power of the lobbies. When will we begin to stand up for ourselves?
With seniors so many and poor folks galoor, who is it we needs be pursuing.
I'm sick of the talk of development costs, and the safety with which we dispense,
Whatever they're costs, their profits are boss, and ad.time the most high expense.
I'm tired of rhyming and I'm just upset, the thought of the donut hole(Dough nut hole, get it?) looms for me and countless others of my countrymen, and few care about it, until they live it. Other countries have the same research and development expenses( or are you naive enough to think the research is done here in this country?) All the largest pharmaceutical houses are overseas in Europe and Asia and the manufacturing of the drugs is done, where?
I am tired of the bloviating and excuses. If Canada can have lower costs for the same drugs, why can't we? Don't even talk about Federal inspections of drugs and facilities after the fiasco over the knee injection drugs manufactured in New England, and the sequester and budget cuts which will bring Federal inspections of drugs and food to a basic halt.
Oh., I am angry this morning and all my facts may not be straight but I don't care, neither are theirs. They feed the American people a pack of lies and excuses and we all kneel to the power of the lobbies. When will we begin to stand up for ourselves?
Monday, April 22, 2013
I Pray on Earth Day
What does Earth Day mean to me and why do I pray for our little blue planet? I admit it, I am a tree hugger. Each time I see a tree taken down in my neighborhood, even if it wasn't looking too pretty anymore, I mourn. I am not going into all the arguments about how the planet is rapidly changing due to the myriad effects of so called civilization. I'll leave all the reasoning to the scientific community and the bullshit in both directions to the politicians.
What concerns me is my empathy for the creator's various life forms. Our planet is made up of infinitely diverse creatures. In the water, on land and even in the very air we breathe,
I admit it I cannot kill even a spider or a cricket. I trap them and place them outside. I have less problem with ants, mosquitoes and black flies but only because they are attacking or harming my being or invading my personal spaces. Everyone has a home they want to protect from invaders. Even bees and crackles defend their little territory.
Nature, flora and fauna, is so innocent and so deserving of our love and protection. Imagine a world with no dandelions with the puffy, round little heads which are blown in the wind to spread their seeds for the next generation? We try so hard to destroy them when they invade out lawns.
Imagine a world with no baby seals or dolphin. or even tuna or sharks? The incredible universe exhibited on our little planet alone, has provided for all our needs for untold generations. When a species is no longer needed it either dies out or evolves to a more useful life form.
I saw a picture yesterday of a man holding baby radishes and carrots he had pulled from his garden. My first thought was why couldn't he have waited until it was their time. Call me a hopeless romantic, call me a hypocrite because I eat dead things every day. You might say what is the difference between eating a potato or a chicken? I would answer the chicken is a more advanced life form. It can feel and sense it's environment in ways a potato or a carrot cannot. I do know that plants scream or react when plucked and I am of the mindset that talking to plants helps them grow. Vibrations of life are everywhere on the planet. I simply choose to limit my munchings to the less sentient varieties of life. I am not opposed to drinking milk or using dairy or eggs but I am very concerned with how the animals used for this purpose live out their days. I am totally in favor of humane farming, like in the good old days. Cows used to head to the barn to be milked because they enjoyed it and it was such a relief. Compare that to living your days in a stall 3 by 8 foot and permanently hooked up to a milking machine. We do things the Lord never intended. Just because it can be, doesn't mean it should be, or has to be.
I want a gentler, kinder, world where we live in harmony with all our fellow creatures. This is what I pray for on Earth Day.
What concerns me is my empathy for the creator's various life forms. Our planet is made up of infinitely diverse creatures. In the water, on land and even in the very air we breathe,
I admit it I cannot kill even a spider or a cricket. I trap them and place them outside. I have less problem with ants, mosquitoes and black flies but only because they are attacking or harming my being or invading my personal spaces. Everyone has a home they want to protect from invaders. Even bees and crackles defend their little territory.
Nature, flora and fauna, is so innocent and so deserving of our love and protection. Imagine a world with no dandelions with the puffy, round little heads which are blown in the wind to spread their seeds for the next generation? We try so hard to destroy them when they invade out lawns.
Imagine a world with no baby seals or dolphin. or even tuna or sharks? The incredible universe exhibited on our little planet alone, has provided for all our needs for untold generations. When a species is no longer needed it either dies out or evolves to a more useful life form.
I saw a picture yesterday of a man holding baby radishes and carrots he had pulled from his garden. My first thought was why couldn't he have waited until it was their time. Call me a hopeless romantic, call me a hypocrite because I eat dead things every day. You might say what is the difference between eating a potato or a chicken? I would answer the chicken is a more advanced life form. It can feel and sense it's environment in ways a potato or a carrot cannot. I do know that plants scream or react when plucked and I am of the mindset that talking to plants helps them grow. Vibrations of life are everywhere on the planet. I simply choose to limit my munchings to the less sentient varieties of life. I am not opposed to drinking milk or using dairy or eggs but I am very concerned with how the animals used for this purpose live out their days. I am totally in favor of humane farming, like in the good old days. Cows used to head to the barn to be milked because they enjoyed it and it was such a relief. Compare that to living your days in a stall 3 by 8 foot and permanently hooked up to a milking machine. We do things the Lord never intended. Just because it can be, doesn't mean it should be, or has to be.
I want a gentler, kinder, world where we live in harmony with all our fellow creatures. This is what I pray for on Earth Day.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
The Day after the night before
Do you feel exhausted on the day after all the non-stop news? I am a news junkie and have trouble tearing myself away. I am O.K. if I do not turn it on, but once on it is so hard to turn off. I have a friend who never watches or listens to any news. She is nearly always aware, somewhat, of what is going on and if she feels she should know a little more she goes to the Internet. She doesn't vote either. She figures why bother, either side is equally corrupt.
More and more I sympathize with her negative viewpoint. I do, however, figure you have to be in it to win it, and I would feel guilty if I didn't at least try to make an informed decision.
Every tribe or pack, animal or human, bird or other critter, has it's leaders and it's followers. It has it's middle of the roaders, the unconcerned who relies on others to provide for and protect them, and the outcast who leaves to be a lone wolf. They sometimes also have a usurper who struggles to overcome a leader and take over an existing tribe. All have their place in God's world and for a time he allows all of them to exist. Many dynamics take place in this closed loop and for a moment in time various combinations occur and then dissolve. A bee hive or an ant colony may appear more or less static, but even here outside influences and occurrences can rupture the tribe's unity and cause catastrophe, and new beginnings with different players to occur. Any student of nature, human or more seemingly structured nature, is amazed by the situations which can and do occur.
As a news junkie I fall into this category, more than another. I always want to know what is going on. I want to know everything. It isn't that my life isn't already full enough, it is that there is always more to learn, absorb and think about. I can't solve any of the problems but like a person with no teeth I can gum the hell out of it.
More and more I sympathize with her negative viewpoint. I do, however, figure you have to be in it to win it, and I would feel guilty if I didn't at least try to make an informed decision.
Every tribe or pack, animal or human, bird or other critter, has it's leaders and it's followers. It has it's middle of the roaders, the unconcerned who relies on others to provide for and protect them, and the outcast who leaves to be a lone wolf. They sometimes also have a usurper who struggles to overcome a leader and take over an existing tribe. All have their place in God's world and for a time he allows all of them to exist. Many dynamics take place in this closed loop and for a moment in time various combinations occur and then dissolve. A bee hive or an ant colony may appear more or less static, but even here outside influences and occurrences can rupture the tribe's unity and cause catastrophe, and new beginnings with different players to occur. Any student of nature, human or more seemingly structured nature, is amazed by the situations which can and do occur.
As a news junkie I fall into this category, more than another. I always want to know what is going on. I want to know everything. It isn't that my life isn't already full enough, it is that there is always more to learn, absorb and think about. I can't solve any of the problems but like a person with no teeth I can gum the hell out of it.
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