08.31.11
Posted in Just Me at 8:56 PM by Ann Hornbeck
I am so darn proud of myself. Yesterday, at my trail run, I came in just after the fastest runners! Everyone was amazed at my antics. Even the women were pissed off – ha! One of them said, “Yes, it was a great run but the only thing I didn’t like was you beating me down the mountain.” Ha! My retort: “It’s the Gu!”
That stuff is amazing! It has no after effects and man, the energy levels are amazing. Within minutes of taking the oooie-gooie stuff, you are running like the wind! And, amazingly, I didn’t have any soreness afterwards. Modern technology! Gotta love it!
Ok, Ms. Vegetarian who won’t even take an Advil for pain – let us check the ingredients!
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories = 100
- Carlories from Fat = 0%; Total Fat = 0%. So far, so good!
Saturated Fat – 0 grams; Trans Fat = 0; Sodium – 55 mg (!), Potassium – 45 mg; Total Carb – 25 g
Ok, not bad!
Sugars – 5g; Protein – 25 g
(What IS this stuff?)
Vitamin C – 100%; Vitamin E – 100%; Calcium – 2$
WTF?
Ok, now the good part: ”Made of Maltodextrin (Glucose Polymers (glue perhaps?), filtered water (check!), fructose (check), blah, blah, blah.” No worries, I don’t plan on suing them. If anything, I will probably start using this in high quantities.
I loved the caption on NPR.org: “Partisans Pick Up Right Where They Left Off.” Are you ready for some football?!?!? I am definitely not!
This is a great photo of Dolly Sods, and one of the many reasons I love my West Virginia hills!
Dolly Sods is approximately 1.5 hours from my hometown. As a young child, we would drive past these majestic mountains on our way to the family reunion, or to visit someone who had a cabin in the general area. But, the best experience was actually sitting on the top, looking west as far as your eyes could see, your imagination brimming with excitement, wonder and awe at the beauty of it all. Is there someone like me sitting at the same latitude and longitude, at this very moment, thinking the same things that I am thinking? And, who is that person? Do they look like me? Do they think like me? Are they wearing similar clothing? What color is her hair? Is it someone that I will eventually find? Or, is it all an illusion created by the winds that sweep across your body, as a shift of consciousness illuminates your mind and calms your soul – ahhhh, just a few more moments.
I think I will most definitely drive there and do a hike. I just hope I can find someone to go with me who really wants to hike. We shall see.
Right now, it is time to get in bed and cuddle up with Kona the Cat and my book.
Stop the insanity! No Fracking! No mountain top removal! Make Love, not war!
Peace!
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08.28.11
Posted in Just Me at 8:40 PM by Ann Hornbeck
I love Sunday evening as I listen to Eddie Vedder singing an old classic: “You’ve got to hide your love away.” I can definitely relate to that one. KFOG always seems to get the mood just right. I love San Francisco. I went into the city on Saturday evening with my dancing partner. We had a nice bowl of soup and a cheese plate, and of course, a nice red to go with it. Afterwards we hit the infamous “Saloon” to hear delta blues by Ron Hacker and the Hacksaws, a San Francisco favorite. He has an interesting personality, but man, that guy can definitely play the blues! There were these two hippie guys with their wooden flutes like you might see when you’re sitting around a camp fire in the Andes Mountains (ha!), and Ron looked out into the audience and made eye contact with the two guys and told them, “If you play that thing even once during my performance, I will shoot you.” I had to laugh, but man, he cut right to the chase! Check out this promotional piece – you will see why he is so popular. (http://web.me.com/ronaldhacker/ronhacker.com/Welcome.html)
The hardest part of my Saturday was my 6-mile trail run. It was hot on top of the mountain, but as we cleared the top and started our descent, those west winds kicked in to provide much needed relief. I must admit my legs were sore for a few good hours. I guess the dancing helped! In the early afternoon, I headed to Los Altos to visit my favorite family who just lost their father, husband and friend. Savo and Nena were my landlords for a few years. Their sons and I became wonderful friends and they were so much fun. Somehow, I always end up at places that are extraordinarily perfect for me. This one was very special on many levels. The first time I met Savo was when I went to look at the property. I found him inside his wife’s office. I took one look at him and thought he was an artist. We hit it off so well that on the spot, he lowered my rent by $400! The family took me under their wings and they became my family as I became theirs. My building was connected to the main house via a pathway past the pool. On the bottom floor, I had a big living room, a dining room and kitchen. As you moved from the front sliding door to the kitchen, you ended up underground! From the upstairs, I could opt to exit to the pool, or sit on the outside wrap-around porch that provided sweeping views to the east and west, with the lone horse grazing and galloping below, and a perfect view of the sky as the open space provided many opportunities to star gaze. Oh yes, and the coyotes! There were many times when I literally ran from my car to my house if I was pulling in late at night. The reason being, the coyote’s howls came from different directions and it felt like they were forming a circle around me, waiting for the kill! So many memories! Ha!
One time, the eldest son decided to grow grapes on the side of my house and above the pool. So, one day he comes home with the vines. We all worked our butts off digging huge holes into the clay and rock bed. It took us two full days to get the vines in. On the second day, I woke up and literally could barely move. And of course, it was one of those March months where it got to 82 degrees while we were digging and planting. Three years later, we got to step into the big tub with our bare feet and crush the grapes. It was so much fun. Yesterday, as we sat outside, I noticed those beautiful bunches waiting to be picked – yum, yum, yum!
When I arrived, Nena and I slipped outside and we hugged and cried and hugged and cried. She said that Savo was as gentle as a puppy throughout his battle with Alzheimer’s. He loved her so much. Eventually, we all found those very important opportunities to laugh as others joined in, sharing their stories of life with Savo. Nena, Boris and Alex made sure to tell me how much Savo loved me. I will miss him so much. I sure am glad that I visited them yesterday. I found myself this evening raising my glass to the heavens and out of my mouth came “Toast, Savo!” “Toast, Mama Betty!” Nena also invited me to come for a visit for a few days. I think that is a great idea – a win-win situation. I get to help her and step back into a time that meant very much to all of us.
Indeed, sunrise, sunset.
In another week, I will get to see many family members as we toast David who will be entered into the High School Hall of Fame for his quarterbacking in 1963. Mom, John, Granddad, Grandmom, Uncle Bill, Brad, friends, and all of our past generations take a front row seat in heaven, shining that ever loving light on a man who deserves nothing but the best. A man of truth, kindness, calm and follow-through – what else would you expect from a quarterback! I love you, David!
Now, John Prine and Bonnie Rait sing a duet of “Angel from Montgomery.” What more needs to be said?
Peace out!
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08.24.11
Posted in Politics at 8:05 PM by Ann Hornbeck
The sun is finding its nesting place high above the world as the earth spins around and around and around, yet, we barely notice the motion at all. Perhaps when we dance, or, when we ride a big Ferris wheel, and then, only if we happen to pay attention. It is very sad to hear that Steve Jobs is stepping down as the CEO of Apple. He sure is an amazing person, and one that I have always rooted for since the 1980′s. How much suffering he has gone through over the past five years or so, but life does not play favorites. Life is a predestined and ordained event that no one escapes. Rich or poor, black or white, red or yellow, good or bad, young or old, short or tall, beautiful or otherwise, we all take that final step into the great beyond, and no one is better than the next. But, even in death, we remain connected and aware.
My legs were definitely aware last night after running the trails. It was 98-degrees (101 degrees on my friend’s car thermometer) and yet I never noticed the heat. I was going to opt out but she persuaded and persuaded and persuaded me to “just do it!” So, I did it and it felt wonderful going up and down, back and forth and over and under – you get the picture. But, I am definitely looking forward to the Season of the Fall. I am hoping my vacation in my West Virginia hills will provide some cool days and nights. The highest point in the state is Spruce Knob at 4861 feet, but my hometown is only around 1400+ feet. That isn’t very much but it sure makes a difference when you have hills hugging you regardless of where you look or where you stand.
My brother Bill and Ms. Margaret in Virginia are lucky to be standing after the rocking and rolling yesterday when the big earthquake hit. I spoke with Bill today and he said his house was vibrating for a long time. And, when he got outside, it was still vibrating, and he has a BIG house so I can only imagine. Well, I actually can totally imagine. I was in my home watching the SF Giants game on October 17, 1989, and I remember me and my family trying to get from the family room to the back patio which was only steps away, yet we could barely maneuver our bodies to stay upright as the waves just kept coming. The rock bed of the East Coast is very different from the Bay Area, but equally scary and disorienting when you are in the midst of an earthquake. I remember how odd it was in the 1970′s when an earthquake rattled Cape Cod and surrounding cities and states. That was the first time I had ever experienced an earthquake, but being young, I thought it was cool.
Poor Luna the Chicken will never lay eggs again. She (and Angie!) went through a harrowing experience trying to release her first egg, but the sac never opened so the egg got caught inside, pushing the uterus out of her backside. She experienced much pain and agony, but Angie let nature take its course. Luna is getting better but she is still a little wobbly walking around the backyard. Robin, god bless him, has stepped up to the plate to put butt medicine on her (Luna’s!) “tush” to help with her much needed recovery. Now, how many of you guys would do that?!? Quite a lot of you, I suppose.
Angie was pretty stressed out during the whole process, and so was I, but with one call to Soulful Farms, she quickly whisked beautiful Luna away to the farm for help with the (un) delivery. I hope Luna feels better soon. She is a beautiful hen, and, I am sure she is in mourning, too. But, this too shall pass. And, how blessed is Luna to live in a yard like Angie and Robin’s where the worms wiggle and the bugs crawl and the garden grows and the kids play and “nurturing” is the word of the day – every day, regardless of being a person, a chicken, a dog, or a cat – there will always be a cup of nurturing waiting for you.
Love makes the world go ’round!
Peace out!
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08.21.11
Posted in Miscellaneous at 7:35 PM by Ann Hornbeck
My babysitting duty is completed. I loved and embraced every single moment. Last night, it felt like a rotating bed as I laid Anna to sleep, then she woke up to go to the bathroom, then she went to bed, then she called me an hour later to tell me “I’m all done with my nap” which meant climbing in bed with me to assure her it was still nighttime. Next, she decides an hour or so later to go back to her bed. After that, I hear Ben’s door creak and lo and behold, there’s Ben climbing into my bed, and guess what! You guessed it – there comes Anna. At this point, I had about 6 inches of space for my body to occupy so I slept on my side to assure no more awakening of the little ones. Fast forward to the rising sun, where I see two angelic faces lying next to me, both in a deep and peaceful place, surrounded by a mound of pillows and my duvet that promises many more hours of sleep should I choose to accept it. Silly me gets up and goes for the coffee. Oops, Ann must have mis-positioned the coffee pot as a pond of hot coffee is covering the granite countertop – just when she needs it the most. C’est la vie, moi bon ami!
I listened to the greatest segment on Science Friday this past Friday (duh!) as I drove, yet again, to U.C. Davis to buy necessities for Kona the Cat. It was titled Weaving “Charlottes’s Web.” The book was a view into the life of E. B White, and how he developed the story. How many of you remember the first sentence of that book? I had forgotten, but now it is seared in my psyche: ”Where’s papa going with that ax?” You must try to find the NPR transcript. It was such a wonderful story about an amazing book that has easily and justifiably been one of those rare classics that forever will capture life to the nth perfection. I must order the book! It’s titled: The Story of Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White’s Eccentric Life And the Birth of an American Classic. I am always amazed at how people can capture the true depths of a situation. I remember the author stating how tomes of E.B.’s notes were thrown away and burned from frustration of not being able to achieve that moment of finding water, and what he was able to eventually achieve. I remember being hesitant of reading that book to my children. I know why, but truth be told, it was my fear of breaking their hearts, even though I understood that knowing is better than not knowing.
I am sitting on the front porch, playing with my dolls, when a spider appears on the porch floor before me. I place my finger in front of the spider who runs away, up my fingers and onto my hand. I keep letting it crawl across my hand and then I change its path so now it quickly runs onto my left hand, then back across to my right hand, where I then turn my hand upside down and watch with curiosity at its ability to scurry to the opposite side. I watch this for quite a few minutes, but for some unknown reason, it begins to run faster and faster. I notice its ability to maintain and trust its path. Suddenly, it drops to the porch floor. I gently nudge the little guy to play some more, but the spider doesn’t move. I touch it again, wondering why it won’t move. But then, I see its legs bent and twisted, its body already becoming gray and lifeless. I stare at this beautiful creature in fear and confusion, and suddenly, I jump up and run into the house. “Mama, Mama? Mama!?!! David!?! Bill!?!” Someone responds, but I can only think of an awareness that brings pain. My brain recognizes this is something beyond reasoning. So I run to my room and cry and cry and cry. I keep it to myself. I don’t remember a conversation, or a hug, or an explanation. If there was, I pushed it far down into my soul, cradling that spider as if I had crossed a line that was worse than hell. For years and years and years and years and years, I run from death. I do everything possible to defeat it, to push it as far away as possible. A series of losses continue to create bad behaviors, bad choices, anger and irresponsibility. Poor little spider – release me. Poor little Annie – give yourself a break for crying out freakin’ loud! To this day, I never kill a spider. I try not to kill any creature, and thus one of my reasons for being a vegetarian. It’s not a bad thing, and even if you don’t understand, it sure brings me joy. Maybe E.B. and I have something in common.
And now, Chuck Prophet’s melodic voice has brought me into the present. I sure am glad to be alive. When I’m not, I know absolutely that I will be back around again. And when that happens, I sure hope I find that spider because we sure have a lot to talk about.
Peace out!
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08.17.11
Posted in Just Me at 10:57 PM by Ann Hornbeck
Oh, yippie-yay-o, the dog and pony show is coming to a town near you, bringing all of us to fall upon our knees and pray to the porcelain(?!?) gods to stop the pain, stop the pain, STOP THE PAIN! Anything, anything, ANYTHING, but please, not….THE SUPER COMMITTEE! Kill your TV, turn off the radio, don’t open that CNN alert on your iPhone – hide everyone, hide!
That’s all I have to say about that!
Sometimes, I’m pretty darn smart. Last night, when I got to the park for my trail running class, I decided on a whim that in 95 degree weather with no wind to help out, I was NOT going to run those darn trails. So, instead, I ran a 5k on the flatland with the other running class and I loved it! Yes indeed, sometimes the pain is worth it and other times you need to create boundaries for yourself.
Boundaries are something I never paid a lot of attention to, and I definitely crossed them many, many times, and probably still do, but as I’ve aged, I am pretty good at creating them for myself. I remember the stories about my brothers who were quite rambunctious in their young age. Rambunctious to the point where my so-called-father had to nail the lamps to the tables in the TV room so they wouldn’t get broken, again, and again and again. Then there is the story of my grandmother coming for a visit and taking my two brothers to town at a very young age. My mom said, “Mother, you need to take the child leash with you.” Of course, Grandmother refused to put her grandsons on a “dog leash” and went to town with boys in tow. A couple hours later, there comes Grandmother walking up the street, red in the face and not too happy, except knowing that at least she could keep the boys safe and sound. Of course, my mom always laughed and laughed and laughed remembering that scene. I’m sure you’ve heard that story before.
We have neighbors with children I refer to as “Free-range children.” Now, I know that it is good to provide space and adventure, and room to grow and learn and experience. On many levels, I was a free-range child myself, especially due to the age gap between my older brothers and myself. By the time they were in high school and college, I was only 10 years old. Mom being a single woman with kids did everything she could possibly do to manage three kids and her work, but it wasn’t an easy task. But, back to the neighbors – these people have absolutely no boundaries.
They come to the door at 8:30 a.m., or ring the doorbell during the kids nap times and if no one answers, they decide to open the side gate or tear the front porch apart, releasing the leaves that were cleaned up yesterday, and hey, I’ll take the broom too! Or, when they manage to squeeze their way into the house, decide to get into my makeup bag and use the wand of my mascara to create an art project on the recently, professionally-shampooed carpet, or leave their kids bikes, tri-cycles and scooters in their yard, our yard, and half of the court for hours, blocking entrance to driveways, or running straight into the back of cars and trucks, head injuries included. Wow. I sure sound like a grandma!
Boundaries – yes, they are very much needed at times, controlling and inflexible at other times, but I sure do like setting mine. I have realized at this place and time in my life that I am proud of recognizing how important they are. This thing called Wisdom is a funny thing. You can forget your keys, find them and lose them again, take 10 steps and forget where and why you went in that direction to begin with, or forget to screw the gas cap back on your car after filling up with gas, or embarrass yourself when you can’t remember someone’s name, and a host of other silly and unexpected behaviors and incidents. But, Wisdom and Grace always seem to be right here when we need them the most. In the future, I might forget their names, but I will never forget the journey that brought me here. Yes, my journey has been very, very good to me. No boundaries required, but they sure help make things more manageable.
Peace out!
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08.12.11
Posted in Just Me at 6:14 PM by Ann Hornbeck
Today was a good day. I slept in, read a little bit, drove to U.C. Davis, accompanied by Diane, to pick up Kona the Cat’s insulin and syringes, then celebrated her birthday with lunch on the patio at a local, downtown restaurant (Just the two of us!), followed by a glass of wine in her backyard with husband and son #3 joining in.
As I started to leave, Diane says, “Oh! I have something for you.” She disappears and comes back into the hallway to hand me a Bob Dylan music purse that she picked up recently.
OMG! I love it!
The bag consists of two sides made from a heavy nylon material and riveted into one side of the purse is a section of the cover of Dylan’s Greatest Hits album; on the other side a portion of the actual vinyl.
I jumped for joy wondering “Whose birthday is it, anyway?!?!”
Yes, indeed, I am a Dylan fan through and through.
My body will proudly adorn my Bob Dylan purse at Creek Walk tonight as I stroll around the park, wondering but not really caring what anyone thinks of me or the purse I gladly promote!
Fast-forward…tomorrow is wine tasting with my girlfriend.
On Sunday, I am the worship leader at church, and then, the Adele concert at the Greek Theater in Bezerkeley. Woo Hoo! Life is good.
Yet, I feel very selfish. Prayers to Suzzanne and Larry whose son has only months to live. Suzzanne and I lived next door to one another in our little town in West Virginia. We were very different on many levels, yet, we recognized how important our friendship meant to each of us. Oh, the stories, but I will never forget when she tried out to become a majorette in high school.
It is the summer of 1968. Every day I would meet her outside as she tossed and twirled and twirled and tossed her baton high into the air, higher and higher it went, yet never once did it drop to the ground. She marched and marched and twirled and twirled, day after day, night after night, weekend after weekend until the time came for the final tryouts. Will she or will she not make the team? Of course she did! She came running into my driveway, jumping into my arms, tears streaming down her face: “I made it, I made it!!!” How happy we were and what a wonderful experience for one who so deserved that very special moment! Now, her heart is broken.
I can’t stop thinking of her. I can’t wait to call her tomorrow or the next day or the next day after that. God bless you Son of Suzzanne and Larry. One thing I know is true – those who know and love them will reach out and comfort them with food and blessings, prayers and consolation. God bless the West Virginia spirit of family and friends that continuously cradle us from pain and heartache and loss, yet lay witness to the love and strength and belief that carries all of us ever-forward.
For those who know her, and even if you don’t, I hope you will reach out with prayer or meditation.
Love makes the world go ’round.
Peace.
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08.10.11
Posted in Politics at 7:04 PM by Ann Hornbeck
First and foremost, I wanted to share my friend’s latest post with you: http://stensonian.blogspot.com/. The name of the post is “Hope and Chains.” I think you’ll like it – I sure did! I told him he should send it to the Oval Office. But, Facebook will have to do.
I can’t talk about yesterday, but if I did, I would tell you that I survived another trail run in 93 freakin’ degrees at 6:15 p.m. After a much needed shower, I was blessed to have Ben and Anna climb in bed with me so I could read them two books, the third on tonight’s agenda.
I have lived through a day of very minor struggles, relatively speaking, as I typed myself smack dab into a blank space as my business plan was just not where I needed it to be, even though I must share a copy of my work-in-process to the Board members tomorrow. I’m not afraid to share it, but I don’t like sharing documents that are not at that special place where I know it is good enough – for this moment. And will be even better, in the near future – hopefully.
How fortunate am I to sit in front of this computer, my fingers following my brain’s commands, landing perfectly and consistently on the correct keys that, when miraculously found, continue the program loop to include a perfect tap of up or down, on or off, and even then, struggling to achieve a stretch to the shift key to include an uppercase letter, even as “I” did not command anything to that level, than I can remember. Yet, my brain has already recognized that which I think I may type, and that which I continue to hesitate typing, all in an instance where I myself, become aware of what I’m creating, wondering when and where and how I will choose to stop this silly paragraph that now produces again, miraculously, a fork off to another node, that graciously and without feelings, lets me out of this conundrum of nothingness as awareness takes a breath, and all nodes remain on just i n c a s e s o m e t h i n g h a p p e n s w h e r e A n n s t a r t s t r y i n g t o t y p e e a c h l e t t e r o f a w o r d f o l l o w e d b y a s p a c e.
Wow, that took a lot of energy! Try it yourself!
Our brains are very, very conditioned, yet there is a universe, and many parallel universes, where the realm of possibilities are endless, so that means you can trick yourself into learning something new and find that it is never as hard as you think. Focus, belief and determination – that’s the ticket.
So, let me see…
1.End the warzzzzzzzzzz.
2. Feed the hungry.
3. Clothe the poor.
4. Tax the rich.
5. Hug a tree.
6. Eat every sandwich.
7. And listen to your mother!
Peace out!
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08.08.11
Posted in Politics at 8:02 AM by Ann Hornbeck
I don’t even know where to start! First, I want to send my condolences to the family and friends of the Navy Seals who were shot down last Friday in Afghanistan. It was very disturbing and unsettling to hear the news, but reading their bios and hearing their stories provided some level of comfort. Peace to all who suffer across our world.
On Saturday morning, I ran 5.5 miles on the trail. It was a wonderful experience, as I careened up, over and through the switchbacks to the top of the mountain and back. The weather was absolutely perfect as we had a cool down from the high temperatures. It was a wonderful feeling. The three 58-year olds even out-ran two young 30-somethings – we were so proud of ourselves!
Later in the day, I went for a couple hours of wine tasting with my friend and her husband at a winery in Suisun Valley that was fabulous – $5 to get in, free tasting from a list of 10 different wines, then they pour you a full glass of the one you decide is the best of the list, all of this while you are listening to a live blues band and soaking up the sun and cool breezes. It was so much fun, and I will actually be doing a repeat as one of my girlfriends from Marin County is coming for a visit next Saturday! After the wine fest, I made it to Olivia’s birthday party just in time to see her blow out the candles and eat cake and ice cream. Just so you know, grandma was given a reprieve to not be at the party for the first hour as I become a big-pain-in-the-butt when I see my young grandchildren jumping off of balance beams, trampolines, etc. It is quite ironic, as I was a dare-devil most of my life, but, people change!
On Sunday morning, another girlfriend and I drove to the coast to hike Montara Mountain. It was a very, very, drizzly day on the coast. When we first arrived, it was too wet and cold to start, so we went to El Granada for a cup of coffee and a bagel. We got back to the mountain and started our climb around 11:30 a.m. All the times that I have hiked, walked and run that mountain, I had never gone to the very top. But, guess what! We did it! 1800 feet straight up in 2.5 hours. Yes, we were slow but it’s all about the journey and a good one it was! At the very top, there is a huge tower (of course) and the fog was so thick you could barely see it. And, the wind was whipping like crazy! It felt like Antarctica in August! The Manzinita trees were so beautiful with their moss covered branches and different species of wild flowers growing all around them. I kept referring to the hike as a “walk on the frozen tundra” as the vegetation lessened and the winds howled. Many times, you would hear voices and magically, people would appear out of the fog, dressed in winter jackets or layers of warmth, and there is my friend walking up the mountain, all 6-feet of her with only a tank top on! We were so proud of ourselves when we finally exited the mountain, but sore, sore, sore when we finally got to the car. We could barely lean over to untie our shoes and change clothes!
Next, a short drive to Half Moon Bay for a fish taco and a beer at my favorite place, then a drive to the San Gregorio Store so my friend could experience music at the General Store, followed by a short drive to La Honda to meet my friend Louise and let Candie get a taste of La Honda. The men and man-boys sure liked meeting this new and beautiful woman. Time to go! Oops, a car fire on the Bay Bridge with the result of not making it home until 9:30p.m.
So, there you go! Once again, zoom, zoom, zoom and so much fun doing it!
Peace out!
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08.03.11
Posted in Just Me at 9:54 PM by Ann Hornbeck
This is a big celebration week for the Left Coast family with Olivia’s birthday today, Angie’s tomorrow, and Robin and Angie’s 12th wedding anniversary the following day. It is time to P-A-R-T -Y! We are very blessed in so many ways.
Today, I seemed to be much more aware of the number of families with children who continue to show up at our agency, or the agency below us, or the one in the building beside us, or on the side of town where other agencies plant themselves so they can be closer to the problems, some literally right smack dab in the worse areas of town. The city’s demise is the result of drugs, violence, lack of jobs, government cuts to health and social services and social security, the lack of unemployment benefits and even still, racism. All of “it” continues to plague our cities across what used to be considered a GREAT nation.
I reflected on the differences between the business park where I work and the heartbeat of the city that created it. It is a city that is on the way to somewhere else, smack dab in the middle world of commuters going West and East, or North and South (which way do I go?!?) trying to get to a part-time job that may pay $13/hr. but only for a few days of work per week. But, if you’re a person of color (??? – I have never understood that one), it’s probably more like $8/hour. As I drove to pickup my lunch order, I stopped at a red light and was truly amused as I watched a young man dancing on the corner, waving and twirling his restaurant sign, lucky to be drumming up some business at just the right time of day. Hey, he may even find a little bonus in his paycheck based on the increase of patrons during his shift. But, I doubt that will happen as there is probably a provision that bonuses don’t count during lunch time! (We live in a twisted society!) So, I watched him until the light changed while taking note of the smile on his face, while I shared a moment by beeping my horn to congratulate his dancing abilities and his unbounded joy at life itself. What is the adage: “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade!” I started thinking that if I were his age, I would probably do the same thing. I would do it because (a) I love to dance, (b) dare me and I will, and (c) why not, there’s money to be made!
I read a report recently about how the black and Hispanic populations are in extreme and dire straits, relatively speaking: “The wealth gap in the United States has grown wider in the wake of the Great Recession, with black and Hispanic American households faring much worse than white households, according to a study published Tuesday.” Once again, the bottom of the barrel, the s-h-i-t on the bottom of your shoes, the no-gooders, just a bunch of drug addicts, and lazy too – you’ve heard it all before. But the truth is, that every population on the planet is reeling. Why? Because everyone who takes the time to read these silly words that I write are not in the top .00001 % of the wealthiest people on the planet (and thank God for that!).
We’re all reeling. We’re all in dire straits, and yes, some more than others so take care of them first. Yes, it’s true. These are the best and worse of times. These are the times when you say “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore!” But this is even worse than that. It’s definitely not the same as it ever was. This is the beginning and it’s as bad as it gets! No more unemployment benefits – too bad for you. No Medicaid – too bad for you! No Social Security – too bad for you! No jobs – too bad for you! Disabled? We might have a bone to throw you! Black, hispanic and non-white – too bad for you!
This is not what we’re all about. We’re all connected. There is no one on the planet that isn’t connected to you, to me, to everyone you know and love, and even to those that you think you don’t know or love. WE ARE ALL CONNECTED. We are a great nation. We are great people. Not because of our government, but because of what we know to be true – that this is a government of and for the people. And without us on-board, there is no one to govern, nothing to fight for and nothing to be won.
How’s that for some ranting and raving!
Love makes the world go ’round.
Hate is a false positive.
Love is the answer.
Peace out!
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