The Coming Year~2008

EDITOR'S NOTE: Date shown above reflects the date saved to the Draft Folder.

The entry actually posted on Feb. 7, 2008

There are those who can good look ahead and based on information they are privy to have a reasonable take on the coming year. Issac Asimov's Foundation series is based on a scientific method of predicting how the masses will react. Psychohistory, I believed he termed it. This world has its methods, whether you're dealing in financial futures or studying the results of the most recent census information. Or by casting those ever-precious votes to determine who shall inherit the Oval Office.

At this writing, I know only how I dealt with the year just passed. Not one I care to relive--other than with those who shared their time, assistance, patience and/or graciously suffered my periodic need to vent.

Because of numerous PC troubles I didn't complete the writing I'd set out to accomplish and/or share last year. But, I've been working on a few pieces to send out for publication. My EarthVerse and HeartSong Graphics sites fell painfully by the way last year. I'd like build my graphics site back to service in some way. That's going to take aLOT of work. And I'm not sure how much my back can take.

So far this year, I've managed to clean up, archive, and update my Pearls of Wisdom site. [see What's New?] Over the last year or so, I've added my digital signature to almost 50 petitions and/or Action Letters. [see Adding My Voice] There is so much wrong and cruelty in this world. If I leave no other legacy, I felt it important to give voice to the Voiceless.

And at the risk of continually annoying my readers, my concerns for the world upon which we live, are far from being satisfied. Many of the petitions I signed have been directed toward governmental agencies, Congress and/or the President. My concerns are for the seemingly lack of initiative and of forthrightness. I know the big oil men and bank lords don't care how I feel about the environment or polar bears, but the greed has to end somewhere, someday, or we're NOT going to have a healthy world upon which to live. [see Point of No Return]

I recently finished my Never Get It Back post. And though it shows May 27th as the published date, that's actually the date of the last Save to the Draft folder and the last time I worked on it right before the next round of pc woes. I posted it Feb. 6, 2008, which brings me to another direction for 2008; the importance of words.

Considering how we are bomb-barded daily, moment by moment, how are we ever to know how we truly feel on any given subject. Words all too often can be twisted, maniputlated, spun, and/or doubled back on themselves. So many words are unkind and leave us feeling angry, hurt, or lost. And children don't come into this world hating ANYthing. Except maybe brussel sprouts! But, they are taught by the words they hear as they grow.

I believe it's important to know the words that have been deleted or withdrawn from our histories or collective consciousness. Where are the unknown words, those left unsaid, that leave us standing in the shadows of the truth? Yea! Look for me to bore you more on THAT!

There's the other creative side of myself. I've called myself a big old lop-sided right-brainer [with a penchent for perfection]. I've got creativity coming out of the old wazu! But I'm also dealing with a phsyical disabilitly these days [four degenerating discs] that leaves a great frustration gnawing at my psyche. I do what I can do for I long as I can, then I have to go lay down and take the pressure of my spine.

I've got knitting projects to finish that were begun sometime last year. And dream catchers waiting for their dreamers. Mittens and handbags to design, and shawls to finish. Lots to keep me busy.

And lastly, but not leastly, I've so missed the work I did for the collection of school supplies that were delivered to the children of families living on primarily Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Indian Reservations in North and South Dakota. [see Drive for School Supplies] In the next few months, I'll be working to rebuild that page and will include a PayPal option for financial donations. All to be done provided my pc has no other ghosts to give up!

Blessings, L.L.

A Tale of Two Kitties

A little over two weeks ago, my dark and long-haired Lucy jumped down from the couch and took off for the kitchen. I heard her maneuver through the curtains to the window sill where she proceeded to chatter up a storm. I thought the sparrows were out there flying in and out of the eaves. As I walked in to peek at the goings on, I saw her shadow, through the shears, darting back and forth across the sill; stretching and reaching up each side of the window. Then I caught sight of something brown moving along the ivy that is draped over the rod. I had Starlings in the walls a couple of years ago [try catching three of THOSE to take back outside!], so-- I'm thinking a sparrow got in the house. NOT!

I catch another glimpse of movement and saw a tail [not one sporting feathers] and whiskers gyrating about. When it looks right at me--through those little dark bulgy eyes--I'm thinking, 'I've paid eighty-some dollars for those electronic apparati to keep you and your kind out.' I'm also thinking I may as well go ahead and pull the darn things from the outlets and save a little more on my electric bill. Because they’re obviously NOT WORKING.

ANYway, I said, “GOOD G-I-R-L, LUCE! Good G-i-r-l!”

Then I’m thinking, now I’ve got to catch the little bugger. Since the kitchen became somewhat the catch-all room throughout the spring-clean season, I didn't have far to reach for a box to snatch it up. My first and only attempt failed; with the mouse losing it's footing. It fell. Where? Both Lucy and I looked. And looked. She had a bead on it once then-- nothing. I hadn't seen it move across the floor, so I figured it came up through the furnace vent--just underneath the window--and scurried back down. So I closed it off and thought I'll call the landlord. Later.

Well, with recent health concerns and other Life moments happening, I totally forgot about: The Mouse. What I couldn't forget is the look on Pearl’s face [she’s my short-haired tuxedo kitty] when I caught sight of her as I lavished her sibling with all that, “You’re-such-a-good-mouser!” praise. I knew I needed to do something to make amends. And it couldn't involve anything even remotely resembling false praise because she'd see right through it. Fear not though, My Pearl had her day. Though not before Lucy had another valorous go at: The Intruder!

I'm on disability for degenerating discs, so whatever the activity was that strained my back [week ago Sunday; aside from trying to catch a mouse] it made me go for the full regimen of drugs and landed me on the couch for several hours of uninterrupted sleep. When I woke, I found Lucy sitting like a statute on the arm of the big chair that sits in front of the living room window; staring at--of all things--the curtains. She never sat there. And not like that. I don't remember what I said, but she wouldn't budge or even look away. Then I noticed the intense look on her face.

Enter: The Mouse.

I walked over to lift up and look under the valance panels and there it sat at the very top on the drapery rod. Peeking right at me over the ruffles . ‘It's BACK!’

Well, before I could think [Becasue no! I hadn't come up with a good amends yet.], I'm saying, “Good Girl, Luce!” Yeap! I knew as soon as I said it. As I head to the kitchen to get the box I know I'm in– j-u-u-u-s-t that much deeper –with Pearl. Who, as it happened, sat there watching her sister and me.

When I got back, Lucy still sat there like a dog on point; with a mouse clearly in her sights. I stepped up on the chair, reached for and snagged the little devil. It struggled to get away. Lucy moved in. I saw the fear in its eyes. The Mouse is afraid! Lucy clawed at the drapes. The Mouse wiggled free. ‘DANG!’ Lucy lunged to the floor and: The Chase was on.

There's a flurry of activity that I can't get to— Pearl finally makes her move. Lucy cornered it. No-- She had it trapped under her body. Her plume of a tail twitched. Pearl clearly tried to figure, 'what can I do?' There's another flurry and Pearl rushed in. Then– Lucy emerged with: The Mouse, dangling in humiliation by it's own tail; held tight in my good mouser's mouth.

Lucy trotted straightaway toward the kitchen. I followed immediately after thinking, 'And you're going to do exactly WHAT with it when we get there?'

I didn't get the chance find out. Lucy lost her grip and the little brown devil darted toward and through the open laundry room door. ‘DANG again!’ I watched it scurry under the washer and dryer. I hurried in and closed the door so it couldn't circle back out. It's a small room. And yes, I stood there with Lucy saying, “It’s alright, Luce! We’ve got it.” And just as I offered a reassuring, “You’re a good mouser, Lucy!” I gave thought to turn and open the door.

There was Pearl. Sitting quiet and still and very much alone. When she lifted up those beautiful cow eyes, the look on her face said, 'Yes! I heard every word- through the door you closed.’

Without the slightest hesitation and in a ‘where-ya-been?’ voice, I said, “Get in here, Misskins!”

A shabby save at best, I admit, but she hurried in, tail held high and I closed the door behind her. But all we could really do was wait. There's no way these days, for me to move around those heavy appliances, so– I simply resolved to let it [The Mouse] exit on its own risk. I'm thinking by now its got to have a pretty fair idea of what its just let itself in for– and, I needed to go lay down. Again.

The next day [being Monday last] I had some pesky computer trouble to deal with and called my tech support pretty much first thing in the morning. I finally hung up the phone after an horrendous five hours and six different people later; all of whom failed the, 'This-is-not-rocket-science!' Test. Meaning, my problem never got totally resolved. Regardless, I called for Pearl [as she's my meditation kitty] and headed to the bedroom to meditate myself out of the terrible mood the whole morning and its business put me in.

I sat down. Put on my headphones. Got the neck roll just right. ‘Breathe in-- Breathe out ...’ Pearl jumped up and into my lap. She walked up a way and gifted me with a much-needed nose kiss. She moved to settle in; kneaded a little. Purred a little. I drifted and went to that safe and comfortable place– All was well and good with the world– I willingly lost track of the time– And,

Enter: Pearl. And: Her Due!

I felt Pearl stir in my lap. I opened my eyes as she jumped to the floor and bolted across the room to the window. I figured the birds were flying in and out of the eaves so I got up slowly from the chair and walked over to see the goings on. She'd jumped up and sat in the sill but stared, intently, at the back side of one of the curtain panels. Just as I figured it didn't have anything to do with birds, I saw: The Shadow. There it sat... ‘No ...’ hung in a fold of the panel. Very slow– I pulled at the panel– and peaked around– ‘It's BACK!’ All I could see was its little mousy fur on its little mousy backside.

“Good GIRL, PEARL! Okay ... Don’t move.” She didn't.

“Don’t let IT move.” She didn't.

“Let me go get ...”

Okay, the box was downstairs in the kitchen and I did NOT want to go all the way down and have to come back up again. Think, think, think ... I found a tin in my studio office and pulled off: The Lid. I took a deep breath, ‘this is going to have to do,’ and went back for: The Next– (((‘NO!’))) No, no, no! I went back for: The Final Round.

When I got back Pearl still sat on that sill like a dog on point; with a mouse–mere inches away–dead in her sights. I moved slow but confident. I took the base of: The Tin around and behind: The Shadow. I took: The Lid over my side of: The Curtain Panel. ‘I GOT IT!’ And Pearl knew it. ‘Yea, but now what do I do?’ I'm standing there with a Mouse Sandwich and no one to help me out of it.

Just then I saw: The Tail flip about; j-u-s-t outside of: The Crust. 'Think, think, think ...' I decide to slide: The Sandwich down toward the floor. There’s no way to slide it to the right or left. It’s a leverage thing. It’d be QUICKER ... But, Pearl has yet to be trained in Advanced Curtain Wrangling and the two hands I’ve already got were occupied with a potential victory!

So. I start to pull: The Sandwich downward. All while keeping: Said Mouse inside of: Said Sandwich. By the time I got rather awkwardly to my knees, Lucy arrived. While she got herself up to speed on the current goings on: The Hem of: The Curtain Panel was but a few inches away.

Mouser One and Mouser Two began to circle around; both ready to pounce if– (((‘No ifs!’))) I stopped momentarily to make sure: The Fold opened up and released: The Mouse into: The Tin. Done! ‘I'm almost there!’ I maneuvered over the dreaded: Decorative Stitching of: The Hem– and then: 'VOILA!!!!'

The Mouse ... is in ... The Tin!

I took another good look and shook the curtain panel, then turned to Pearl and said, “You’re a good mouser, My Pretty Girl! Thank you, Pearl!”

She looked so proud. I was so proud! She sniffed at: The Prize and I got to my feet. I shook: The Tin [I promise only a little] just to make absolute sure I hadn't trapped mere air and once satisfied, I headed down the stairs.

As I opened the back door to take and release our little intruder back where it belongs [into the great wide open] I said, “I do hope you think about this a good time or three before you try to find your way back in here again!”

Time will tell. With that said, I pulled off: The Lid and gave: The Mouse a little toss into the freshly mowed Spring grass. It sat there for a moment; thinking 'DANG!' no doubt. Its little whiskers wavered and shimmered with the sun light. I did think its tail's looked a little more worse for the wear and as it moved and started to head back my way I said, "Don't be an idiot!” I walked over, scooped it back up and took it farther out.

Once back inside, I found my girls patiently waiting. "Is it time for Snackies?"

And yes! I'm going to pull those electronic gizmos out of the walls. Come June, I'll have lived in this townehome for three years. As I went about setting up house, I saw what I thought might be: Evidence of Mouse. But I simply could never bring myself to lay and bait one of those traps. I just thought the electronics [which are meant to disturb and keep them at bay] more humane. I don't want to mutilate and/or kill them. I just don't want them inside. Besides, now that I know my girls are not just a couple of pretty faces– I'd rather spend that little bit of extra money on a cat toy or two!

Many blessings, L.L.

Never Get It Back!

EDITOR'S NOTE: Date shown above reflects date last worked and saved to Draft Folder.

The entry was published on Feb. 6, 2008

There's a writing prompt on my Soul Echoes blog; an embedded Writing Tip of the Day, script. Back in May, 2007 [around the time my pc monitor gave up its ghost], the following was offered:

Write with wisdom and careful thought, because in publishing, haste often makes waste.

I felt it important to get back to this post [It's been sitting in the Draft folder--waiting everso patiently--for my return.], because it reminded me of the man I'd met several years back and quoted in my first attempt at writing commentary: That Which We Call Earth

Arvol Looking Horse is Chief and 19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Pipe of the Lakota, Dakota & Nakota Sioux Nation. I saw him straightaway as a quiet and peaceable man; one who gives considerable thought before he speaks. I also knew, as he chose his words, he knows a great deal more than he will ever immediately share.

He opened his speech by sharing the reason behind his careful consideration of the words he choses; before he speaks them. His mother taught him that once a thing is said, once a thought is put out there, you can never get it back.
.
Many of us grew up with the axiom, 'think before you speak.' When I hear that, my mind goes straight to an episode of Friends when Rachel baby-sits and loses Ross's monkey, Marcel. It's the one where Phoebe takes a dart for the cause. There's a scene with the Animal Control Officer, where Rachel and Ross try to pretend the call they made was a big mistake.

The officer buys it until Monica and Phoebe rush in the apartment and Phoebe mentions something about Marcel. Monica [obviously aware they'd just blown it] asks, "Pheebs? You know how we talked about saying things quietly to yourself first?" I just about died laughing when Phoebe responded with, "Yes, but there's not always time."

Well, all things considered [and imaginary friends aside] we have to make that kind of time. Why? Because we brandish them to easily. And give little to no thought to the consequences wrought.

There's an old childhood axiom about 'sticks and stones and broken bones, ... and those words can never harm us...,' well, they do harm. Words can leave wounds so deep that if left untended, they may never heal. And too often never do.

I found this prompt to be also quite timely since my focus these days is on concerns of the earth. I'm reminded and find great truth to a First Nations axiom, Mitakuye Oyasin, which in Lakota means, All My Relations or We Are All Related. It speaks to an inter-connectedness with all living things, whether two-legged, four-legged, winged, or crawlers; whether mineral, organic, of the rocks or the trees.

I asksed the profound question, recently: What is Life? [Pearls of Wisdom, see, Pearls of Life] Simple words. And a seemingly simple question derived from a point I wanted to make--"Were we all to consider our Earth a living breathing entity"--meant to stir how we all might better handle what threatens us today.

As mentioned above, my commentary posed the following: if we thought of Earth as nothing less than sacred, "might we be quicker to consider a proper cure?" I must have chosen the wrong words. Because no one ever responded. [Okay, Myrna did. But only because I pleaded for her time.]

I believe we are connected to the world that sustanes us in a way we have simply forgotten. And all we need do, is take some time and breathe in, breathe out, live in the moment and know what's true. That means taking much valued time to pay attention to the words that also connect us.

I believe what is, simply is. Knowledge is knowledge and has nothing to do so much with Good or Evil; Divine or Forbidden. But, -- just because we know a thing, doesn't mean we need do a thing [Think Jurrasic Park], or say a thing. Words are too often used to hurt.

It's what we do with what we know that others perceive as being right or wrong. And it's wrong when what we should know, we don't know; when what we do know, is but half a truth. When words are stratigically missing or unwisely said, they do nothing more than divide and keep us conquered. Words manipulate thoughts and bring about action. It's how we use the words we speak, whether to influence or persuade, that once put out into the world, we can never get them back.

I believe we are all as one. But, if we continue to let words and the fear they can manifest divide us, ill-spoken words meant to keep us at bay, then nothing will ever change. And we'll have only ourselves to blame.

Many Blessings, L.L.

Please visit Wolakota.org.

A Well-placed Concern

I felt the need to write the following piece after reading one person’s concern that: "... some people think Green is just a trend. Since this level of media attention cannot sustain itself, I'm worried that folks will drop Green like a hot potato for the next big thing." ~emmaspirit, Go Green. I agreed with her. Too many people could find this as nothing more than a trendy fad unless or until they are hit with the more dire facts of reality.


It may well have been the polar bears [See: Arctic Melt Worse Than Predictions] that finally made the media sit up straight and take further notice. Not totally their fault though; maybe. The nay-sayers seemed to hold a stronger voice on the matter. No longer. At very least, local and national news media are now making regular attempts to insert Going Green tips and Global Warming issues into their daily and/or weekly broadcasts. Along with daytime talk shows like Martha Stewart, Rachael Ray, etc. But, when they stop, so too will public interest.

Unfortunately the out of sight, out of mind concept is built of brick. And until it hits someone in the face– Until someone who lives as though, ‘it’s not going to happen to us’ has their home swept away by a hurricane or rising flood waters; blown apart by tornadoes or straigt line winds; burned out by increasing wild fires, or has to pay the countinuing outrageous high prices for produce due drought, unseasonal frost, or farmers selling corn and soy for alternative fuels, it's going to be a very hard sell. It's one reason I'm grateful for the more pronounced attention the above-mentioned media is giving this issue.

I know certain retail stores are stocking more organic clothing. I told the cashier at Walmart recently [after buying a couple dozen men’s hankies], that they should create a display of these and include some women’s handkerchiefs to help implement the idea that: buying these items will cut down on the use of paper products. A hopeful pay-it-forward hint. Next month [can't doing anything more financial right now] I'm going purchase some cloth napkins to help further cut my dependence on paper products.

It was good to see Lowes celebrating Earth Day with a flyer of nothing but Green and earth-friendly products–from energy saver light bulbs to water heater blankets. It's going to take a continual 'keep it in the public eye' approach; but doing it in a manner that doesn't make anyone say, 'enough already.'

We all need to take a little responsibility and let the stores where we shop, know what we want to see. It would be great if national stores like Walmart, Sears, SAMS, Home Depot, Lowes, as well as local retail, department, and grocery stores, took time to set up something like: Go Green Centers, to help customers either become more aware of what they are currently providing or take suggestions as to what we'd like to see them offer.

I've done a lot of sewing over the years, it would be a positive step if fabric stores stocked and promoted more organic fabrics, threads, etc. I'm sure some quilters would have a field day creating quilts with nothing but organic materials. Think: Quilters Organic!

With all that said, it would also behoove the owners and/or managers of retail establishments to make some time and take stock of the products they offer and the waste they generate--what do they recycle or throw away; do we want "plastic or paper" bags? We all really know by now that plastic bags are not good. The list will vary and by many degrees. But, we all need to recognize and/or acknowledge what would be helpful toward making positive changes.

Manufacturers should take a look at their packaging. The cosmetic industry can have three different layers of generated trash: the cellophane; the box; and the molded plastic insert. I don't mean to single out cosmetics; that is a familiar trend throughout marketing. The fast-food industry needs to look at the amount of styrofoam containers they use. As I understand it, styrofoam is not recyclable and cannot go in the landfills. So, where's it all going?

In closing, a friend forwarded an email on 'who has the cheapest gas, and whose the worst offenders of gas usage.' [See Where gasoline is cheap] Though the United States is high, it was not the worst or even number one on the list. My response to him was [and this is a copy/paste of that reply]: "While it is truly shameful that the US government has not taken a more defined lead position in the efforts of global warming, it is going to take a true global effort to turn things around in order to stave off the damage we are all guilty of. IMHO!"


I leave you with a tip that may help make your home become a little more green and earth-friendly; a way to lessen your ecological footprint.

For some households, especially those with older plumping, running the tap water a second or two helps to release any sediment. Instead of wasting that amount of water each time you want a glass, fill a pitcher for the frig or countertop; keep ready for use. Keep one in the bathroom as well. Anywhere you regular draw water from to drink. Run the water [and waste it] only once instead of six or eight times a day. The size of any one family determines how much water is or may no longer be wasted.

Until next time, [A Peepster update is on the way!]

Many Blessings, L.L.

Thieves In The Night

Okay, another Trash Day is rolling around and I’ve had about a week to stew over this. Though "peeved" isn’t exactly the word [I've already used] to describe how I felt when someone stole the caddy for my recycle bins; I’ll leave the expletive for releasing bodily functions for off-site ears.

In my neighborhood the recycle trash truck comes very early. Usually well before the sun [or myself for that matter] rises. So, we all wheel our cans and bins to the curb sometime throughout the previous day. Last week I woke up and started my day like any other Trash Day. As I do each morning, I peered through the window to see who might be at the feeder. What I hadn't expected to see were my recycle bins sitting, tumbled on the grass.

I blurted aloud, "Where's my caddy?" Loud enough to startle a Mourning Dove into flight. I stood there genuinely dumbfounded and thought, 'Who needs to steal a caddy for recycle bins?'

I admit it was nice. That’s why I bought it. Have a look. I found the Bin Buddy, at HSN. Kind of cool-- Right? I thought so. Am I going to buy another one? I doubt it!

But, -- The reason I bought it in the first place is due to my degenerating discs. Since I can no longer carry them from Point A to Point B, I thought it would make it easier to get my bins [filled with recycle-bound trash] to the curb. Hence my purchase of the spiffy little caddy. Unfortuante for me, someone skulking around in the dark [most likely having seen it sometime during the previous light of day] thought the same thing. It doesn’t justify such a shameful theft.

So, -- Here’s my conundrum. What to do. [????] What ... to ... do. Though it did make my life a little easier, just in case one isn’t enough, I’m in no hurry to buy another for him/her or them.

H-u-m-m-m-m..., Think. ... Thank. ...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Thunk!

Okay, I'm back from a little window shopping. QVC has this neat Lightweight Foldable Hand Truck. Nothing to leave out and tempt Fate with there. This may be doable when I'm able to afford it!

In the meantime, I do have one of those collapsible milk crate carts with inline skate wheels and a pull handle. I used it for my daily collection of school supplies [from three different buildings] that were delivered to reservation schools in North and South Dakota. I could use that to transport a bin back and forth. It'll have to do ... for now.

With my conundrum reasonably-solved, ... I'm moving on.

Many Blessings, L.L.

What am I Doing?

Seeing as how I've ranted about what we all need to do, I thought it only fair to share some of the things I've done of recent, to make my life more Green.

I've spent the past year swapping out all my light bulbs to energy saver bulbs. I rent so, I've placed all the old bulbs in storage and will swap them back the day I decide to move. These new bulbs are a little pricey so, where I go, so too will they!

With so much being said about our consumption of paper-related products, I went out and bought a couple dozen handkerchiefs. Yes they're men's hankies but it's much harder to find ones for women. I keep 2 or 3 here at my desk, a few in the bedroom, buy the couch, you get the idea. It will cut down on that regular expense [at the grocery or dollar store] and save a few trees to boot. The day I bought them I told the cashier why and suggested that Walmart put together a display to help pass along to shoppers who may not have thought about doing the idea.

I haven't bought trash bags for years. That's what I use all those grocery bags for. But, I now take a cloth bag for the light-weight items and will buy a couple more as funds allow. What plastic bags I use are for recycled items, i.e., paper, plastics, aluminum, etc. I asked the checkout girl one day if Kroger had plans to eliminate plastic bags like they announced in California [see: San Francisco First City to Ban Plastic Shopping Bags or Plastic-ban full of holes.], but she didn't know anything about a ban on plastic shopping bags. Another checkout girl, who'd over heard our conversation, acknowledged if it really happens, Kroger may well follow. I suggested it would be a, "very good idea." We'll see.

I've always used cold water to launder my clothes and never run a load in the dryer until whatever articles are completely dry. I run each dryer load just long enough to help remove lint or potential deep set wrinkles, then I hang dry. That's what door frames and those handy little collapsible clothes racks are for.

As for the laundry detergents [and other household products], I admit I need to make a change back and used brands like Seventh Generation for many years. Problem is, until these earth-friendly brands lower their prices and make it more affordable with competitive prices, people who live paycheck to paycheck [and that's a massive amount of people--myself included] simply can't afford or justify the higher prices. It's not that they won't want to buy earth-friendly products, it's that they feel they can't afford to. Something to think about there.

I unplugged pretty much everything around the house. The major exceptions being: the stove and frig [I can't even get to those outlets], the TV and my PC. My printer would be another exception. I keep it unplugged until I need to print or scan anything.

Some things I plan to do in the near future:

When I can afford one or two [I'm on Disability so funds are rather low these days] I will go out to buy those one or two of those new Smart Strips for the entertainment center and PC.

I want to make some insulated window shades for the back windows which receive the major heat of the day. I hope to cut down on the mid-day heat so that the air-conditioner won't kick on as much throughout the summer months. I'll do the front windows [which get the morning sun] as I can afford them.

UPDATE: Added 5-1-07:

I watched Nova's Saved by the Sun, on PBS again yesterday which made me get online to find out what materials I need. I found the following article at Mother Earth News: The Homemade Thermal Shade.

I'm going to buy a water heater blanket [also called a water heater jacket], next week, to help lower the expense of heating water. Those run only about $20 at Lowes.

Here are a few helpful sites:

I found these: earth911, and TreeHugger, last year and Unplugged Living, just this week.

Last year I joined:

Here's their Take Action list.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Probably about 7 years ago [give or take a few months on either side] I bought a Scott's manual push mower. It was around the first time the gas prices sky-rocketed and it was my way of saying, "I'm not paying that much to cut my grass!" I know my neighbors thought me crazy or silly at best as I rolled the little mower blades across the lawn. But I wasn't going to let that stop me. Besides, it is much more quiet and we could all do with a little less noise pollution--while we're at it. It also didn't exactly match their perfectly mowed lawns. Not that I have anything against perfectly mowed and manicured lawns. I'm simply want to offer a little perspective.

I live in a townhome now and the landlord hires a crew take care of the lawns. But. For those who want to spend less on gasoline consumption; could use or want a little more exercise; and have a small-sized lawn, QVC just showed one yesterday for under a $100. It comes with a grass collector [mine didn't even come with that] and would help with maintaining a compost pile. And anyone doing any kind of gardening, should have a compost pile.

We do not all have to take a giant step to start, but we all need to start doing something [everyone's action list will vary] and do what we can now. We can no longer afford to sit idly by thinking someone else is going to take care of this for us.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Until next time,
Many Blessings, L.L.

My Peeps!

~ For those of you playing the home game,

this is an update to my Earth Day letter.

.

The little Rusty-capped Sparrow returned last week. I'd seen him only that one time and barely caught sight of him hopping around that very same place, at the corner of the private drive and public sidewalk.

.

In order to properly identify him, I grabbled the binoculars from the table next to the window. I studied his markings as he hopped down the concrete walkway; about 50 feet or so. Meandering back-n-forth, from one side of the grass-edged walk to the other, he picked at the seed blown in the debris of the season's first mowed grass. As he trailed away, I reached for my field guide to find he is a Chipping Sparrow.

.

The size of the little unknown bird is what drew my attention in the first place. Smaller than the House Sparrows [especially the males] he's possibly more slight than a House Finch or a Chickadee. And the odds of seeing any two of them side by side--anytime soon--are of course, even more slight. Until next time [and bring your lover], hop on, Little Chipper, hop on!

.

There's another male Cardinal in town. I've witnessed a couple territorial disputes between him and my male Between One. [See my Earth Day Letter.] Earlier this week the three of them flew up and into The Pine. They whistled and fluttered about the branches while the Doves and other guests [seemingly oblivious to the chaos] persisted below.

.

As the female flew clear and settled on the feeder, her mate focused on the intruder as they flew out of the tree, circled, and landed on the newly green lawn. Though more than a foot apart throughout the conflict, they remained face to face. Rising and falling back to the ground. One would charge while the other backed away.

.

During another conflict I lost sight of who was who and one male lighted on the feeder beside the female. He pecked at her three or four times-- then flew off to the neighboring tree. I'm not sure who was sitting beside her. Was it the intruder trying to weigh in or a chiding mate. In the end, peace returned and all was well with the rest of the day.

.

I need to pick up more film the next time I'm out. Though I can't afford to get any pictures developed for a while, I don't want to miss getting a shot of the teeny-tiny, lime green, baby pine cones that appeared [just this week] at the base of this Spring's growth.

.

Since I've been on disability for a little over a year now, I had a lot of film that I haven't been able to put to its original intended use. When I looked out one Winter afternoon and found wing tracks in the fresh-fallen snow, I pulled a roll of film from its bag in the closet and loaded my trusty Nikon. I simply couldn't let a chance like that go by, I had to capture those images. So, for the time being, pictures shot throughout the winter are locked in a zip bag marked: Winter Photos and the last three rolls [shot the last couple of weeks] are in a bag marked: Spring Photos.

.
I admitted recently to a friend and feel somewhat honor-bound, yet again, to express my possible regret for not choosing a DIGITAL camera when I purchased the FILM-loving one instead a few years back. But in my defense, though I obviously have no aversion to technology, seeing as how my first DVD player is less than five years old, and I only just bought a cell phone not quite two years ago, I'm a good decade away yet from digital photography.

.

Enough about me, though, time to get back to what's been happening with my peepsters.

.

Moira [the female Red-winged Blackbird] finally made her way up and onto the feeder. In all fairness though, it took Winston quite a while before landed on the ground and fed among the other usual suspects. Initially he came to the feeder, took a seed, then flew away. I saw Moira for the first time on the ground. Oh, she would flutter up to the lower branches and feed on the seed [flung wildly from the above] that collects in the crooks of the pine; where the branches grow out from the trunk.

.

A possible answer to, ‘Why are the males always more colorful that the females?' came to me while I sat one morning and watched Moira. Aside from the beak, the shape of the head and wing markings, female redwings look nothing like their better halves. [Pun somewhat intended!] And, in their defense, there is vast number of species where male and female birds are virtually identical, i.e., the Mourning Doves or Canada Geese [to name but a few]. But mates of the more boldly colored are more "dull," [I believe] in order to blend with their surroundings while protecting their nests. It sounds good to me anyway!

.

It's not like I monitor the window 24-7, but I'd yet to see the little Goldfinch revisit the feeder. Yes, that's not to say he couldn't have while I was off doing a much-needed-somethingelse. But, I sat one day thinking, ‘where, oh where can you be?' -- and what do you know! Who just flew by?

.

The next day, while viewing the goings-on, they flew by again; en route from one location [conifer] to another. "They" meaning, with the female just a wing-stroke or so behind her mate. And by "flew" I mean like little lear jets. I'm also thinking I need to go look for and take down that 'No Goldfinches Allowed' sign.

.

As for the Starlings, well-- Since I made a conscious decision to stop putting out suet cakes [they're fav], they swarm and feed less often. Oh, one or another still come to pick at the seed throughout any give day, but it's a little less scrappy around the sanctuary now. And it simply makes for a more peaceful dining experience for everyone.

.

I noticed a female gathering nesting material. She gathered up a few strands of last year's dried grasses and flew off to the top of an ornamental pear just across the street. Some new baby scrappers on the way!

.

Lastly, and on a more anguished note, I needed to go to bank [earlier this week] to deposit a check and left late in the morning to avoid the rush hour traffic. While still on a major thoroughfare, I witnessed the hit-and-run of a Canada Goose taking flight. A car in the curb lane, well ahead of me, hit the goose just as it took off. I caught sight as it tried to ascend higher but clearly could not. Its wings curled in and flapped awkwardly back out. It dipped and banked. Slightly up, around and down behind the driver; landing clumsily in the same lane.

.

The car next to me sped up and around in front of me. Swerving hard, it barely missed the frightened bird. With conviction, I veered to the right--into the curb lane--to block any other oncoming traffic. I slowed to a stop just few feet away. In my rear-view mirror I saw another car approaching. Instead of stopping, the driver chose to change lanes and went around me.

.

The large bird hunkered down. Its mouth open. Tongue wavering. It then flapped its wings and rose upon unsure feet. With a few burdened steps it stumbled up and over the curb-- and settled into the grass. I sat for a moment and watched as a second goose honked in concern and waddled nearer to its mate.

.

Though I feel somewhat guilty for not doing more, I offered [at very least] a watchful eye. Having spent a fair amount of time photographing Canada Geese [I do claim to be somewhat of an amateur photographer] I am quite fond of these beautiful birds and know them to be a totem in my life.

.

And while we're on the subject of Canada Geese-- I'd like to help make it more clear here. This is a pet peeve of mine so bear with me!

.

For those who continue to refer to them like they just flew in on holiday from Canada-- Their proper name is Canada Goose. More than one does not make them Canadians; it makes them Canada Geese. That is my public service commitment for the day. Thank you-- and a good one!

.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Click here to visit my Photo Album!

For an excellent on-line Birding Source visit
All About Birds and their Bird Guide

.

© 2007, L.L. Abbott ~ Pearls of Wisdom, All Rights Reserved

Use by written permission only

Introduction Pending!

I have a proper introduction to this site all fleshed out but it went missing [along with all my other files] when my PC took a nose dive earlier this year!

It will be posted as soon as I reload everything. Until then, here are a few posts. The one just below My Earth Day Statement, would have been posted on my Pearls site. [I rededicated it's purpose to concerns/issues of Global Warming and Going Green. See my: Winter 2006 Commentary] But, since I felt it was not completely secure, I'd limited my acces to email only and sent it to the regular visitors of Pearls of Wisdom. So, for now, it appears here.

In the meantime,



Many Blessings, L.L.

My Earth Day Statement ~ 2007

Though I am on an extremely tight budget [which has been severely tested of recent] and do not get around like I used to, before winter set in I pulled an old feeder from a shelf in the garage, filled it with seed and suet cakes and hung it in the Pine tree out front- and waited. And waited. It took well over a week but the birds eventually found way to my offering and stayed throughout the winter months. A good thing since we had extended periods where the landscape lay blanketed in snow. Though Robins seldom eat seed, for those who returned too early (due to erratic warm spells) they were clearly stressed.

The Chickadees were the first to arrive. When I heard their mirthful birdsong, I knew we were in business. Along with the usual suspects of: assorted Sparrows; a horde of brattish Starlings; and a few Mourning Doves; (the hesitant cardinals stopped by only every once in a while) a little Downy Woodpecker found way to my tree. Yes. That meant I had to go out again and buy a woodpecker brick; but- I just loved to hear him peep. I've yet to see a female though.
Drawn to the suet cakes, a Mockingbird eventually graced me with his daily presence. It took a couple of visits to the feeder and a good look through a birder's book to identify him. But up until that first day, I had never seen a mockingbird.

Once Spring arrived, there came more species of the winged ones; along with a squirrel or three. I rarely saw the Grackles before the seasons changed but they're here now. Strutting and chattering about. The Brown-headed Cowbirds (whose birdcall sounds almost electric) have also arrived. At least one pair of House Finches visit daily. Another male showed up the other day. There are a few more Mourning Doves. Two definite mated pairs along a few single ones looking to connect.

Then there is my favoritest of guests- a Red-winged Blackbird. He sings his arrival each time he visits. Only this week did I finally see his mate. I never thought to see a Red-winged at a feeder. All the more a gift. For some reason I felt so inclined to name them: Winston and Moira, respectively.

Earlier this week, a male Goldfinch stopped by to feed. He still bears the remnants of dark winter coloring down his back. So far, I've only seen him that one time. I looked out (from the upstairs window) one morning to find the long-tailed squirrel tucked-tail and all-in one side of the feeder. He looked so cute there, I laughed out loud. Since I had already opened the window, I almost scared him away. I call him the long-tailed one because there is obviously one with but half the fluff.

While watching the comings and goings one sunny afternoon, a Blue Jay flew up and landed on a branch about mid way up the tree. Not to partake; just a look about. I'm guessing merely to check out all the fuss- and then flew away. Later during that same watch, there also came a very small yet-to-be-specifically-identified Rusty-capped Sparrow. I have the page marked, but it will require another visit to know exactly which variety.

The seemingly elusive pair of Cardinals are now my daily guests. Though they flit in and out throughout any given day, they arrive first at Dawn and finish out the day at Dusk. I call them my Between Ones. The Mourning Doves have grown more comfortable and occasionally hunker down for a nap or to bathe in the warmth of the sun. It is even more sweet to find them settled side by side on a pine bough. There is a comfort associated with their presence; with things seeming not-quite-right when they go missing.
.

Everywhere I lived, I have always provided some kind of feeder and bird bath. Especially during the winter when it's harder, at times (for the ground feeders), to find seed. Now there is another. A Bird Garden in progress. Yes. It keeps my house-bound cats, Lucy and Pearl, entertained. I've been shy of purposely shooing away the birds in order to give the ‘the girls' some time to relax! Mainly, I had a desperate need to reconnect with Nature and am gifted each day with glimpses of its wonders. Be it when the little Downy Woodpecker refused to be bullied away by the horde of scrappy Starlings, or the male House Finch giving a seed to the mate alighted by his side.

This is my ever so humble way of giving back. Though it may seem that certain of us do not yet, (truly) know the more immediate affects of the no-longer deniable reality of Global Warming, we are paying more at the store (for certain crops) due to extended droughts and/or damage done by the more harsh, erratic weather patterns. It hasn't taken a scientific explanation to tell most us that fact. Both local and national news media now focus more attention on what is going on and how can each challenge the affects of a crying planet.

Many of the Original or First Nations Peoples have a custom they call, A Giveaway. It is the giving of any one thing (or things) of whatever value, to those who may not be as fortunate or for whatever the reason, simply be in need. The ‘gifts' are deposited upon the ground - an indication of something that no longer belongs to one person or another - a thing (or things) now free for the taking.

As regards the world just outside countless front and back doors, we have taken away so much from those seemingly less important. To build more roads, highways, housing developments, shopping malls, etc. We take for granted the birds,( as well as squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, woodchucks, opossum-the list varies) can simply go somewhere else. Too many give little to no thought as to whether there is an elsewhere for the winged (or the four-legged) to go.

Where should we expect them to travel when we continue to chip away at what we leave them? It has been reported (just this month) that there are a number of species (animal, fish, and bird) heading toward endangerment. And regardless the countless species that have vanished over the millenniums, (known now only by their fossilized remains, all-but-forgotten paintings on rediscovered earthen walls, or by a long-dead anthropologist's or wildlife artist's field renderings) these are dying because of our corruption of what's left for them to inhabit.

In recent decades and by no little effort, by a seemingly determined few, we have taken a number of species off the Endangered Species List. It will take a much greater number to correct this endeavor. And it would be unconscionable of us to let any one of them go by the way when we know we can make a difference.

Think how it would sound if there were no birds to sing throughout any given day. During the days and weeks that followed the landfall of Katrina, one thing the people directly effected noticed and commented on was the quiet. There were no birds. No birdsong. A thing not missed- until it's gone?

Today is Earth Day. A day to focus on a terribly endangered World. It is day to decide what we can do to make our lives or home more Green. To plant a tree or for simply giving back. It could also be the day to build or go buy a feeder and create a place for the winged ones. A sacred place. A giveaway sanctuary for those, so often taken for granted, to know they are welcome when there may be nowhere else to go.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

© 2007, L.L. Abbott ~ Pearls of Wisdom, All Rights Reserved
Use by written permission only

Why do I Write?

As I sit here wracking my brain, I realize I'm no closer than the last half dozen times I flirted with the answer. I could claim writer's block and be done with it. But I can't. Because I have only two instances that constitute what I call writer's block. One is when I’m stuck on what word to use that best defines a mood, an action, or emotion. The other is when I struggle with a paragraph that’s just not quite right. After that, anything else is just something I haven't figured out yet.

It's the later of the two that reminds me of an up-all-night session, more years ago than I care to estimate, when I just couldn't look at the words one second more. I needed to get up and walk away from the frustration. I went to the kitchen, poured a cup of coffee, and went outside to sit on the back porch steps. From there I had a clear view of the late night sky. A clear view of the most beautiful moon; under which I queried, “Why am I doing this. Who cares about what I have to say? And why am I driving myself so crazy if no one’s really ever going to care?”

And here I am; still working to get it right. Why? Because one day, whether by my own self-publishing efforts or landing one of those still ever-precious contracts--with a major publishing house--I will be In Print.

Okay, so all of this didn’t exactly explain why I write. Hence the tortured-soul syndrome. It's like asking someone the 'getting-in-tune-with-yourself version of, "What do you want?" Try getting an answered to that one in the same day's time.

Unfortunately I've stated, rather naively on more than an occasion or three, that I have this wonderful story that needs to be told. And as Fate tends to have it, that particular topic has raised its narly little head again; forcing me, once again, to wrastle with why?

When my pc is up and running, you can find me on an iVillage message board, the Writer Exercise Board.

The following post QOTW - The Dedication Page, asked the following questions:

How dedicated are you to the craft of writing? Do you write just for fun or do you dream of publication? Do you share your work because you seek praise, or do you seek feedback that will sharpen your skills? Do you view WEB as a social network or an educational resource?

The post reminded me of a passage I'd found a couple of weeks ago, while I sorted through some old files, while I worked with the national (or global) level tech support during a Spyware attack. Yea! That's how I started my 2008. Though I'd put the print aside, to share at a later date, the above questions were a clear invitation to share it a little sooner.

What I love to hear (and what I guess any writer enjoys) is someone saying, "I never saw that coming in the story!" Tell a superior tale and write what you know, which may just be, how to spin a fine story.

A friend of mine undstood it best when he said an excellent writer writes because he [or she] has to. It must come out and be told. No illusions of lasting art no ideals and morals, just a story dying, aching to be shared. In that way, you are writing what you know for certain.

[from Beyond The Words, a column by Steven Shrewsbury]

For me, that spoke to the very inspiration behind what I work so hard toward accomplishing. Reading those words were like someone reaching inside and pulling them free. Finally, someone knows exactly what I've been trying to say.

MORE COMING SOON. THIS POST IS NOT COMPLETE.