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10/27/10

The sun is high in a sky of blue as gentle winds create a dance of nature on another beautiful day on planet Earth. Prayers to the Indonesian people who suffer after a tsunami and a volcanic eruption took many lives and destroyed much. I am glad to read that rescuers are now able to reach the islands and provide necessary care for the sick and injured. In Haiti, the cholera outbreaks seem to be under control for the moment, but how much pain can one survive? Here in the US, the headlines are about the election, economy and foreclosures, but little is being done. And of course, nothing being shared regarding the two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan – you must take it upon yourself to search for that information. In the upcoming election, “two-thirds of all voters are likely to be older than 45.” One of the biggest issues is Social Security. Republicans want to allow investment of Social Security funds into private accounts. This may sound good to the under-45 crowd, but not so acceptable for all of us who have worked for the past 40-plus years and are nearing retirement. The other issue is the two wars where one person interviewed by NPR noted the one thing that “few Americans of any stripe seem to be talking about this campaign season - the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.” No matter how you look at it or where you live, it is obvious that our nation’s youth are fighting a war – a war on drugs, or a war that is entirely about oil. It is time to bring them home.

Bring them home!

 

10/25/10

After a weekend swim meet in the wind and rain, my head cold is back in full force. I am ready to lie on the couch and call it an evening. I resist anything that might make me think too much, or that may cause a moment of disappointment and so on. So, I am also seriously considering a radical act of love. Perhaps I will witness an awakening. Perhaps I will fall asleep. Perhaps I will become restless and decide to do something else. Perhaps I will do nothing. The good thing is, whatever I choose will be perfectly perfect.

God bless the children of the world.

 

10/22/10

Rain is the forecast for today and over the weekend, but right now it is foggy and misty, a perfect fall day on the western shore, where men are Republicans and women still love Obama, or so the poll watchers purport. I read today that more 'working families' are receiving food stamps to supplement their incomes. But of course, some Republicans consider the measly $133 monthly stipend as "just another federal entitlement program, with House Speaker Newt Gingrich framing the vote as a choice between 'the party of food stamps' and Republican policies that create jobs." I wonder what the Tea Party has to say about that!?! What do the Libertarians think? What do you think? Yes, I am a bleeding heart, but I consider poverty very important as so many are at risk. I understand that in a capitalist society, it will never go away. But, I am becoming alarmed at the patterns that are appearing as more and more people are desperate and without hope, causing a rise in violence against families, especially women and children. Even our south western borders are under siege as the drug cartels become braver and braver, guarding the U.S./Mexico border on some of the lakes that are used by U.S.  citizens as a vacation getaway.  My goodness, I am ranting today, but I am concerned with the deterioration that is visible across this great country. I know all of you see it too. Let's make a difference by voting for the people, not the politics or the politicians.

Love makes the world go 'round!

 

10/20/10

Another beautiful morning with thick fog and zero visibility! Last night, I made a fire in the fireplace, curled up with a book, turned on Sirius to the Grateful Dead station and poured a glass of wine - precious! During the night, it became very hard to breathe as my cold worsened, but this too shall pass, sooner or later! Same with the elections that are just around the corner, and thank goodness for that! Viva la France! Although I do not purport violence, it is most interesting to read how French citizens are adamant about not allowing "American-style capitalism" to root its way into the French government. Of course, Sarkozy is moving forward with his plan to change retirement age from 60 to 62, and the result is more violent protests, blockades, airports on high-alert, and gasoline supplies dwindling as "rising urban violence" continues. One person stated: "It's Baghdad here." Not quite, but with the French history of strikes and protests, this may go on for quite a while. I don't want to think about a revolution in this country as the violence would be much, much worse. I had to laugh when I read that the Tea Partiers are calling themselves the "New Republicans." If that doesn't raise a red flag, then you aren't paying attention. The Democrats have not handled things perfectly, either, but don't let the momentum deter your better judgment - we have too much at stake as a nation. Sigh. "What's it all about, Alfie?"

Peace out!

 

10/18/10

Happy Birthday to Jessica who is 35(!) today, and happy belated birthday to Brad who would have turned 57 on the 14th. What a weekend! The Pumpkin festival, food, pumpkin patch, food, drink, a walk on the beach, food, drink, a rainy day, more food, more drink. My goodness, you would think I was employed or something! And here I sit when I should be running! But, today, I need to do some serious job hunting. I found it interesting to read that some of the biggest and vocal opponents of the stimulus bill also applied for stimulus funds - are you surprised? I am definitely not surprised by anything, especially during an election year. It was wonderful to watch the final rescue of the Chilean miners, and, staged or not, it was worth watching moments of total and unbounded joy. Unfortunately, their 15 minutes of fame will return to more of the same - living in poor communities with multiple family members under one roof, lack of food and services, and a multitude of other hardships. However, each one of them has been changed, so may their journeys be blessed and their futures bright! And the same to you!

Peace.

 

10/13/10

"It's a beautiful morning, I think I'll go outside for a while, and just smile!" So far so good on the Chilean front, and what an exciting and emotional moment it was watching the activities. Our own government has lifted the drilling ban in the Gulf of Mexico. I am not so sure I agree with that, but I will assume it is less a political move and more due to the hardships of the Gulf Coast residents and the economy in general. However, I wish drilling for oil was a thing of the past. While watching the Chilean rescue, there were many comparisons to the Sago and Upper Branch mine disasters that occurred in the recent past. My granddaughter and I visited the Sago mine memorial last summer. It was a somber moment. It was apropos that it was pouring rain as we tried to jump out of the car to take some pictures. We ended up sitting in silence within the confines of the car, but it was a very special moment to say the least. Listening to the CNN reporters last night, it made me aware that it is true that every time you turn on a light switch, we can thank a miner. Some things never change and mining is one of them. My heart now mourns as I read that two small children were found dead in their apartment in Fairfield, CA, their mother alive with possible self-inflicted wounds. These are the stories that emerge when the economy takes its toll - services diminished, jobs scarce, families in turmoil, loss of hope, and drug dependencies. Our governor has passed some much needed legislation, but it is not enough. Please give what you can to a nonprofit near you.

God bless the little children of the world.

 

10/12/10

The morning fog is non-existent, the sun high above, the color of morning gold and yellow and blue and white, the mountains and tree tops green, reflecting the light of the world. Hallelujah. A prayer for the Chilean miners and for all who suffer across our world! It is a hot one today, with high fire danger and firefighters on high alert as the autumn winds blow across the western states. I had lunch with a friend yesterday who shared some great advice for finding a job. Today, I will focus on updating my resume, job hunting, and whatever else it takes to find a job. According to my source, currently, the market in the valley is not so bad, and I am told I must have faith that the gods have forgiven my wanton and hubris ways, my dues are paid, my karma erased, my future bright, and the perfect job is awaiting my very presence. Let's hope my friend is on-the-mark! If nothing else, the conversation was well worth the trek over the mountain as were the culinary delights. Getting over the mountain to the valley is a chore even on weekdays as families continue to flock to the pumpkin patches. The mountain road was bumper to bumper from morning to night. This weekend is the "40th Annual Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival" and the town of Half Moon Bay is depending on a huge success. Every town across the country is hoping for good economic news but the end is nowhere in sight. The news reports profess that the anger is directed at Obama and the Democrats. So, here we probably go again, back to the Republicans who will claim to be the answer to everything that is broken, especially, extending tax cuts for the rich. But what are truly consuming my thoughts are the Chilean miners and their families who wait and wait and wait. Please hold them close this day.

Peace.