Soul Echoes ~ Quill of the Heart

Think Green Tips

2009-01-10T15:04:00.008-05:00

I thought it was time to gather up the, And Think Green tips that I include in my email notifications that go out for the quartely updates to my Pearls of Wisdom website.
.
~Unplug what you do not use on a regular basis. Unplug your toaster, coffee maker, TV, printer, radio, etc., when you leave for the day or weekend. You'll be surprised what you save on your utility bill! And, you'll help lessen your ecological footprint!
.
~Buy or make some reusable shopping bags.
.
~Quilters, instead of using an iron to set every seam, use a hand pressing tool or finger press to conserve the energy spent heating up the iron. Save pressing for the larger, more complete block.

~Replace those plastic hand pump soft soap containers [at your kitchen and/or bath room sinks], with old-fashion bar soap. Cut down on the need to recycle or even produce the necessary plastics.
.
~The next time you wheel your trash bin to the curb—for city/county pickup—give a thought to what you would do if you had to dig a hole and bury your trash in your own back yard. We will one day be an ancient society. How will anthropologists think of what we left behind? How will they view and/or judge our existence?
.
~The next time you are @ Target, Meijer, Walmart, Kmart, Kohls, etc., buy a pkg. of handkerchiefs and help save trees from being used for nothing more than to blow our noses.
.
~Start saving and recycling emptied glass jars, i.e. peanut butter or jelly jars, and use them instead of so many zip lock bags or disposable plastic storage containers. They are great for left over servings of soup, corn, peas, rice, etc. And that’s less plastic to buy, recycle, or end up in a land-fill.

Blessings, L.L.

It's 2009!

2009-01-01T01:22:00.002-05:00

Quill of the Heart wishes you a Joyous and Prosperous New Year!

Blessings, L.L.

Taking Leave of 2008

2008-12-31T08:49:00.044-05:00

Its a bitter cold New Year’s Eve. The kind that makes it just little harder to muster up the warmth of heart I’m looking for in order to take my leave of such a bittersweet year. I want to say farewell and good riddance; because the bad seemingly far out-weighed the good.

All the news-related programs this week, offered their perspectives and looks back at a very "bumpy year." That's an understatement at the very least. Where there seems more loss than gain, it's hard to wish the past year well, save for the historic message of change elected to bring us all back from the brink and depths of despair. That’s a lot to heft upon the shoulders of one man [and his team], and he dare not let us down. Especially while the whole world watches.

But— already I digress!

.
So, aside from all my health-related issues, which I will not discuss here [not wanting to give them any more power than they already command], here’s how I saw [and in no particular order] some of 2008.

.
Many of my former co-workers lost their jobs this year; the transfer off shore [to India], is now complete. I don't know their fates, but it will be difficult to find anything comparable in what has been deemed a 'dying town.' But-- I wish them all well.

.
The price of gas at the pumps piqued to record highs and then fell back within a more satisfying reach. It is currently on the rise again though; albeit slowly. And I believe one cannot claim supply and demand [I don't care how much China and India factored in], or the scarcity of crude as cause and effect, [which translates to excuses], when numerous reports verified 'record profits' which exposed a greater reality. Now we're faced with the Saudis' threat to reduce the output of barrel because the American consumers 'are buying less.' Well, good for us! Unfortunately, there's little doubt that the line between those who had no choice and those who made a conscious effort to cut back, is severely blurred.

.
Unpredictable storms brewed and raged throughout 2008. And the remnants of Ike blew hundreds of miles inland; wrecking havoc upon unsuspecting communities. Though not even in the same league with what Texa suffered, many endured weeks of state or county-wide power outages. An apartment complex across the street, has yet to repair the missing shingles on numerous rooftops.

.
Nationally there were record high temperatures and with such an early onset of winter, there are already record lows and more power outages. Crops failed, and food hording were declared world-wide. And riots played out in the streets. Locally more crops than we know were lost by farmers who redirected their profits, almost over night, and sold their harvests for alternative fuels sources instead of sustenance. I lay no blame here. They've families to feed, bills to pay, and land to protect. But we all know how the pricing of the basic of necessities skyrocketed in seemingly as short a period of time.

.
2008 saw the Boomers came of age and in record numbers they filed for their Social Security benefits. Shamefully, the vast amount of those aging will remain without medical and proper health care for a long time to come.

.
It would seem no one is going to be held accountable for the horrendous housing fiasco. Yes, far too many people have been living well beyond their means and are paying the ultimate price. But, no one can tell me they weren't taken advantage of and there is not the first criminal act that still needs ferreting out, and brought into the proverbial light of day.

.
We all watched as Wall Street struggled and stumbled and ate away at untold dreams; both greedy and benign. The market plummeted and rose again; tettering and tottering. I refuse to use the word volatile. It's thrown around so nilly willy by those who want to impress the impressionable. The stock markets are not as fickle or unpredictable as they would have the masses believe. I worked a few years in financial backing and know better. And there are those who believe the market is already dead; that we're merely being fed false numbers to keep us calmed.

Countless retirement accounts are now lost. Insurance companies subsequently fell to their knees, and were raked on the coals when they were caught flaunting bail monies at luxury resorts. Banks closed or merged. Million and Billionaires were single handedly bilked out of their financial empires. A French financier committed suicide as a result. Let's see how that weighs upon the perpetrator. And the Bailouts are still being defended. We'll see how history records the eventual true outcome.

.
My question regarding 2008 is what exactly were the private-jet-faring, top three auto big boys planning to do had there been no failures and bailures? Had not the first bailout even been considered—much less offered—when and/or how else were they going to relay just how bad things are for the American automotive industry? Regardless of what they’ve been handed, out of taxpayer pockets—on however tarnished the platter—tens of thousands of people are still going to lose their jobs. This is inexcusable!

Numerous cities are going bankrupt, and global markets are in jeopardy. And pundits, and President alike, continue to waiver, and refuse to commit to whether we're actually or already in a recession. Each individual will need to make up their own mind. But the simplist definition of recession is: a temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced. Call me naive, but I think we've got it nailed!

The key word in that phrase would be "temporary." As it relates to what? The Great Depression? Correct me if I'm wrong, but the President Elect already indicated there's no easy or "quick" fix down the forthcoming long road to recovery. And there are plenty of experts suggesting this "recession" is going to get much worse. How much longer can they not call it what it is and expect us to find them a reliable source of information?

Though we can argue the degrees to which we've been swayed, lied to, fooled, and/or bought, We The People drooled over [and why not!] the Stimulus Package developed to keep the threat of said questionable recession at bay. We readily accepted those checks that went out across America; in hopes of igniting our floundering economy. Still, tens of thousands of jobs were lost, and it’s said those 'they' people are hiding the real numbers so as to not incite a panic. All the while the ranks of homeless grow; in such a rich and powerful country.

The shear volume of massive product recalls is staggering; and continued holding offshore manufactures to task. Almost nightly the evening news reports on more shootings, bank robberies, and muggings. And the holiday shopping figures for 2008 hit a low not seen in decades. Subsequently, it's been declared that many establishments may not be around for a redo next year.

In the midst of much of the above, whether you loved or hated them, felt obliged to vote for or against them, it was the year of women in politics. But! The country remained true to the male of the species and elected a new president, and still made ground-breaking history. While I will NOT miss the political campaign ads, Thank God, there are no more campaign ads! none of the above is anything we are able wave at, graciously, and say good-bye.

.
But, as with each new day, there is a new beginning. Out with the Old, in with the New. Right? Well, n-n-n-not so much. The clock may well be a ticking. And symbolically another cycle is about to begin; giving us another calendar year to get it right. Again! But 2008 has no choice but to follow and dog us into the next, and will long after we after we are newly distracted by the next chink in the chain of reality.

.
Though the benefit of the doubt isn’t always given for the intelligence of mere mortals, and much of the above was either foisted upon or duped out of us, [all acts of nature and weather aside (alright! There are those who claim the weather is being controlled, but that's a whole other Oprah show!)] neither are we blameless. As I indicated earlier, too many of us have lived far too long beyond their means. Many also have turned a blind eye to those we believed we could trust, or wallowed in what's perceived to be out of our control, and enabled those we put in charge or allow to lord over us.

How much should we look to others? And what rests within individual realms of personal responsibility?

"Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person." ~Mother Teresa

Many are mere hours away from making resolutions that fall largely by the way a month or three down an all too familiar road. And there seems a greater need, in the days to come, that the typical resolutions simply won’t meet or satisfy. But we human beings are a hardy lot. Yes, we can be fooled, mislead, and misjudged. But we can also be generous, graciously wise, and wonderfully grateful for what or who is left in our individual and collective lives.

.
It is said we are our brothers’ keeper. And I am forever reminded of the indigenous axiom: Mitakuye Oyasin! Lakota for: We Are All Related or All My Relations.

"The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be only the beginning." ~Ivy Baker Priest

I concede I didn't speak to all of the notable events of 2008, much less present what I did in the proper order. Chronology was never a factor. And they were pulled from a memory that is less than perfect these days. [I forgot to ask Santa for a new memory card.] The point I aspired to allude to is how does one wish another Joy and Prosperity in the midst of so much being suffered? How do we keep our hearts lifted in the course of such continuing strife?

.
Granted we have the right to mourn that which we grieve, and grief is not restricted to the lose of life. But each does so in their own way and time. It's not a thing to pencil in one's planner. And it's rather difficult to comtemplate a farewell to that which is so far from being resolved. So. To what can we truly say, "Good-bye?"

There’s much to be said regarding the power of positive thinking, or in this case wishing someone well. So-- Let's say good-bye to that which we cannot change. Let's say good-bye to that which didn't work out right. Let's say good-bye to that which simply no longer matters. And know that come what may, regardless the race, faith, cultural prophecies, travesty or tragedy, we all face this New Year and same tumultuous world. And in the end, each being responsible for the other, we are all in this together.

.
Many Blessings to you all, for a more joyful year. May your hearts find and know songs of true Peace.

Merry Christmas to One and All

2008-12-25T09:19:00.014-05:00

These are my favorite songs at Christmas. Enjoy!

What Child is This?

O Holy Night~Josh Groban or O Holy Night~Celine Dion

O Holy Night~Trans-Siberian Orchestra

[take your pick of the versions]

Wizards of Winter~Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Carol of the Bells~Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Do You Hear What I Hear?~Carrie Underwood

Little Drummer Boy~Josh Groban

Blessings to you all on this day of days

Dear Santa

2008-12-16T07:37:00.010-05:00

Merry Christmas to All, and to All a Good Night!

My Seasonal Prayer

2008-12-12T12:39:00.006-05:00

I wish for all
a wonderful holiday season
filled with peace, joy, and
the bountiful love of family and dear friends.
May you all know safe roads for your journeys
and may those far from home
find warm hearths upon their returns.
May the spirit of the season live on in all hearts.
And may the new year ahead
hold many blessings in store.

Blessings to All, L.L.

The Gift of Rainbows

2008-10-10T02:02:00.048-05:00

Yes, Fall is ablaze. But while such a vibrant season is still relatively young, it's a happening of the summer past I wish to share. It's not without a reasonable amount of frustration [and interruption] that I finally got it posted. I had the Word doc up in edit mode the same day the remnants of Ike blew up and across the state of Ohio. I believe we're calling it the great Wind Storm of 2008. Recent stats show it will be more costly than the Xenia tornado, in 1974. But I digress!

Though we survived another mild drought, the landscape in my little part of the world looked dry and brittle. I ran the air conditioner more than I would have liked, but health concerns make that a given; regardless the electric bill. And one thing I noticed this year is [which gave thought to not having seen them last year] there were no fireflies! That made me quite sad. It would seem we are losing the fireflies much the way as we've lost the honeybee. [Lights out? Experts Fear Fireflies Are Dwindling]
.

Back in August, the high winds of a storm took down several main branches of the beautiful crab apple tree across the street. Split it right in half. I judged my first signs of spring by that tree. Now it’s gone. The half left standing was felled, cut up, and hauled away a few days later. A cable line broke that same night leaving the neighborhood without cable TV, the internet and/or digital phone service [depending on one's package or bundle] for more than a day and a half.
.

Lightening has never bothered me. But on that night, as I opened the back door to go out and drive my car into the garage, a bolt flashed and streaked across the sky overhead, just in front of me. I froze in the pouring rain. After a moment, I turned around and came back inside. That was ju-u-ust a little too close! It literally scared me back inside and I had no desire, whatsoever, to go back out. The car (though I’ve no way to afford another one) was on its own.
.

A few days later, August 7th to be exact, more storm clouds blew in and across the evening sky. Though the day’s forecast hadn’t called for any significant rainfall they were dark and menacing nonetheless. I’d spent the better part of the day up here in my studio cleaning up some unfinished projects; putting certain things away and readying new ones.

I sat at my sewing table pulling fabrics together for a new quilted pillow case, for one of the pillows I keep on the chairs in the kitchen, when I heard a light rain begin to fall. Since I hadn’t gotten around to changing out the music CD, I had only the noise that filtered in through the window behind me. I took a quick look over my shoulder and then went on about my work; fully expecting the usual downpour.
.

There’s something soothing about the sound of a gentle rain. As an equally genteel breeze wafted through, it carried a scent that beset my senses; that rare fresh air clean that accompanies such a shower. I’d not smelled that kind of fresh air in a long time. I turned around, drew it in deep and savored it. You don’t get air like that a storm. And that seems all we experience of late; storms. Though it continued to drizzle the neighborhood stood dappled with sun. Another thing I’d not witnessed in a while; rain while the sun still shone. I smiled and then turned back around to the collection calico fabrics.
.
What happened next I can’t fully explain. Nothing distracted my attention from the task at hand. No sudden noise, rhyme or reason. I merely turned back around and there it was, right outside my window. Not one but two brilliant, bold, and striking rainbows. A double, both-arches-in-complete-view, rainbow.
.
Before you scroll down to look for one, or post a comment asking where one is, I had the Nikon IN MY HANDS. I went and pulled it from its bag in the closet and returned to the window. I raised up the screen, had the camera strap double wrapped around my left arm, and I set up the shot. I pressed the shutter release button. Nothing. I refocused and pressed the button again. Nothing. Again. @#%&! The batteries were dead. And I had not the first spare.

.
Yes. I dwelled on the disappointment, but then thought, No matter! I sat there content merely in jaw-dropped wonder; overwhelmed with the sheer joy of it's presence. It struck me at that very moment that it’s quite simply impossible look upon a rainbow and frown. Or scowl. I also thought on how they've sparked countless imaginations for millenniums. I thought of their place in myth, legend, and the covenant with Noah after the great flood. [Genesis 9 11-17]
.
I also realized how easily, in this harried world, it could have gone unseen. Afterwards I questioned what even made me look out the window in the first place? Their want to be experienced? Oh. I truly believe they wanted to be seen. They wanted someone to notice they were there. And I wanted someone else to see them as well. I wanted someone to walk down the street and wonder why I hung out my window, so that I could point, “at the rainbows!” I wanted to see someone, anyone, walk through their front or back doors so that I could yell, “Turn around and look at the rainbows!” But no one did.
.
They was so close. So vivid and full. I could see each band of color perfectly. I’ve never seen the like. So striking and beautiful it’s something I’ll never ever forget. And quite frankly, I don’t want to. Yes. I know they are easily explained by Science. I get the whole rain + air + sun + refracted and reflected light = a rainbow. And because of the optical effect one might not even be seen by someone on the other side of the street. And, what I felt as I gazed upon it goes beyond the standard of such a discipline. They filled me with a childish sense of wonder.

.
What is most important from that moment? I knew them as a thing Nature bestows upon those who chance to see; a gift to its beholder. That makes it more than a mere act or by-product of a natural occurring event of nature. And the gift is to the soul and the sense of the greater wonder of it all. That I consider it boarders on the spiritual drove my desire to put the experience into words. That makes it more than what Science can satisfy.

.
What does it say about an event that makes one want to pick up a pen and share it with mere words? Is it simply where I’m at in my life? I sat there not wanting to lose what I knew to be so fleeting. Though I remember thinking, well that just made my day! it could easily have gone unseen. No. A force incited these words and I knew these rainbows to be a gift. It was my double rainbow. My joy and I’ve claimed it.

The very notion of the want of being noticed brought tears to my soul. I wept for such a want. It was no mere act of nature. There was a spirit to it; strong enough to make me write these words and share it someone else.

.
I can emphasize the grandeur of it all as I may. Anyone reading will either chose to believe me or push it off as hyperbole. To say I’ve never seen the like is the greatest understatement I can make. Hence my ill-fated trip for the camera. And why should I feel this experience is of interest to anyone but me? Because it filled me with the kind of joy I hope might be contagious. Though it’s up to each of us to find our own, I can’t be faulted for trying to show the way.

.
I sat that evening and watched my gift fade from existence. The second and lesser arch faded first; left of the sky to the right. The bolder of the two began fading as well. Simultaneously, the last of the murky clouds drifted in to cover it over, and I was left with but a fractured view. Once the bits and pieces were gone from sight, I lowered the window screen and reluctantly turned away.
.
With that reluctance comes my words. These are my echoes and my sharing. My not wanting others to miss out on what this world still has to offer. It’s a knowing that lost in all the vast amount of misfortune: global natural disasters; massive ill-health; scandals; jobs sent off-shore; political wranglings; theft and murder; price gouging; golden parachutes; puppy mills, factory and fur farms; famine; unchecked genocide; war and threats of war, annihilation, and assassinations; shaken and radical faiths; untold lies and shades of the truth; numerous looming prophecies; financial crises; along with varying degrees of conspiracies [NWO, webbot predictions, HAARP, etc.] and/or pending doom [lack of sunspots and solar winds, pole shift, etc.]; (insert breath here— ) there are still rainbows.

Take time out of your busied days and look for them!

Many blessings, L.L.

Earth Day Letter ~ 2008

2008-04-22T15:41:00.073-05:00

Well, in the Ohio Valley, the various ornamental pear trees are abloom. Some are even losing their pedals to the breezes of the day. And to many, the forsythia is the quintessential sign that Spring is finally here.
.

We equate this season with rebirth and renewal; a hope for a better year than last. But already wildfires and unseasonal tornados have raged in the U.S. There are riots in other countries due to lack of food stuffs and soring prices (or as with rice, stockpiled and exports withheld). Crude oil is out of control, and news articles warn that our water supplies are either tainted and/or at risk.

Old growth forests are being felled and burned at an alarming rate and numerous species of animals are endangered. All because the greatest of predators cannot control their growth, greed, consumption, and/or humanity. Happy Earth Day, indeed!

I’ve read it’s said this “is the Green’s High Holiday.”
.
Make no mistake; this is no holiday to me. I am neither a Green nor an Environmentalist. Though I haven’t physically hugged a tree of late, I do claim to be someone who cares about what is happening to that which we sustains us.
.

I posted the following quote recently:

Some day the earth will weep, she will beg for her life, she will cry with tears of blood. You will make a choice, if you will help her or let her die, and when she dies, you will die too. ~John Hollow Horn, Oglala Lakota

Is that what’s going on these days? Are we nearing the end times? Or is this all just the natural changes Earth periodically goes through? Is man even to blame? Or is it the sun’s meteorological disturbances? Is it something we can all understand or is it beyond us? Do we truly know the facts or are we being duped?
.
One thing I do know, I’ve maintained for several years now, the seasons have changed. Recent springs have come early and ended sooner than they should. By the first week of June, 2007, the grasses were all but dead. Front yards in the Ohio Valley were brown. Well, those whose owners decided to not waste the water on a green lawn.

There were record high temperatures and droughts. Fall was a month late in coming. I know because it's my favorite time of year. And winter had extreme rises and drops in temperature; literally from one day to the next and over night. I have no degree in forecasting weather, but I know none of this is right. It's also part of the Hopi Prophecies. [See: The Prophecies of the Hopi & The Forces of Purification]
.
This year, by mid April, wild fires have already raged, we’ve had out-of-season tornados, massive rains and flooding, pharmaceuticals lace our water supply, we’ve had temperatures 10-15 degrees higher the yearly average [It's not supposed to be up to 80 degrees right now.], and just a few days ago, the earth trembled under our feet. [See: Scientists: Even Bigger Quake Could Hit Midwest - read the comment by: Alboday]

I was awake at five-something that morning. My girls and I heard the building shake. I didn’t know what had happened at the time, but they were clearly unsettled and disturbed by the undefinable noise. Later in the day, as I sat at my desk, my monitor shook in front of me during an aftershock. Are these the rumblings of things to come?

Throughout 2006 and 2007, polar bears became the poster child for global warming, and Al Gore, with An Inconvenient Truth, made it an acceptable topic of conversation. All across the TV, people were (and still are) talking about going green. It would seem the argument for global warming over. Though a number of people have stated it emphatically, it's not. The nay-sayers aren't contesting whether or not it's real. They can't. Because it can no longer be covered up.

Though there are those who say we're heading for another ice age instead, the overall argument is whether climate change is a natural occurrence (something to be explained away by past earth cycles), or the harm done by man. That would be the greenhouse gas and CO2 emissions; our carbon footprint. I don't want to forget they're also arguing its instead the affects of solar activity and/or flares. [See: Global Warming Not a Cosmic Swindle]

In the following article: Global Warming: The Cold, Hard Facts?, Timothy Ball asks, “So how has the world come to believe that something is wrong?” Well, I'm guessing because something compelling is going on--telling us otherwise--and we chose to believe it's true; that climate change is real.

For decades scientists struggled to warn us. And we heard them silenced by those of differing agendas. On various message boards where the subject comes up, for every one or two who believe climate change is man made and offer up their articles and voices of proof, there are those who follow immediately after touting it’s not; relying on their own evidences of the truth.

Global Warming or Just Hot Air? A Dozen Different Views provides a number of educated opinions (one or two possibly somewhat arrogant--you be the judge) but failed to mention global warming being man’s modification and control of the weather.

There are those who believe man is utilizing Telsa-based magnification technology. Simply put, man’s been screwing around with the weather and not telling us about it. Also, what we understand as those chemtrails in the morning skies, are actually maneuvers meant to correct the damage. The problem is, the chemicals being dumped were meant to reduce the ill-effects of man's tampering with Nature. But, instead they mix with what’s already wrong in the air and rain down ill health upon the masses.

That's slightly different from the largely believed version that these trails are laced with barium, aluminum, and ethylene dibromide; heavy metals, biological and nuclear aerosols. Some believe we're being tested on; aerially. Others believe it's a way of culling the human herd. .

I see chemtrails outside my window on a regular basis. Just a few days ago, I woke to a beautiful clear blue spring sky. Less than an hour later, I looked out again to find it criss-crossed with lines. I took a few pictures that day. I even captured an image of a jet lacing a new trail.

Most simply believe these are natural vapor trails. But they’ve not paid attention to the difference between the two. And the problem is we're left to ourselves to squabble and decide what's the truth. There are people who refuse to be outside when they see these unnatural clouds in the sky.

The article also doesn't mention anything about the fast approaching 2012, or the gravitational pull from approaching stars and/or planets. Take your pick. There is the Red Star/Kachina and the Blue Star/Kachina. If you read the Hopi Prophecy articles above, you already understand the significance. And there are recent astrological correlations, i.e., red dwarfs, Hale Bopp comet.

But there's also Planet X and/or Nibiru (widely accepted, already identified by NASA). Some say Nibiru is now only half the size it was the last time its orbit crossed Earth's. But it will still do some serious off-axis damage nonetheless. Another faction claims it's been destroyed and we've nothing to worry about. But! We earthlings are on our own. If we want change, it's man's responsibility to do so.

The evidence is equally compelling. Or is it? Arguments abound these days about Global Warming being nothing more than an elaborate hoax; with certain figures, in the grand scheme of things, set to profit the most. [See: The Year the Global Warming Hoax Died and there's a whole website dedicated to The Great Global Warming Swindle.]

I read the stories. What I’ve provided here is but a significant few. No wonder people are either confused, don’t care, or just plain complacent. It's difficult to know who or what to believe. Is it merely determining whether Global Warming is a natural cyclical occurrence or man induced? Is it a pending calamity? Is it all a smokescreen and propaganda? What’s the real hoax?

Do those who do nothing simply not want to be responsible for the massive changes necessary to help reverse and put things right? Do we even have another 10 years to reserve it? [See: No improvement in climate fight since 2006 film: Gore & Apocalyptic Climate and Global Ecological Warnings Justified]

Is it beyond human control? Do we simply wait until a mysterious planet/star draws closer and forces Earth off its current axis and see who survives? Because if it's that, than we have less than five years and reversing it doesn't factor in. Or, why should we even care when our own government shows no visible signs of concern? The US has literally snubbed their noses at recent global conferences, i.e., Kyoto Protocol. And things are not fairing well at present. [See: Climate change talks 'heading for trouble']

And what about those polar bears?

I know from personal experience, that we as human beings can be quite endearing. I experienced that for the many years as the organizer of a corporate drive for school supplies for Native American children on Indian Reservations in the Dakotas. The kindness of my fellow employees never ceased to amaze me.

.
And when we know what we do is truly going to make a difference, we open our hearts to others to the point of miracles. Though world wide, certain responses to the Katrina disaster were the most shameful, there was also an over abundance of good will. A thing that can also be taken advantage of.

.
Are Polar Bears rightfully an indicator of the growing global threat? Or have our emotions been played? And to what end?

Click on the image to the left. This video says the polar bears are not in danger.

But there are numerous articles of recent, that speak to their plight and dwindling numbers. Canada's polar bears in dire straits: WWF, states: "Research is showing that increasing numbers of Beaufort Sea polar bears are starving and walking all the way to Russia, or far inland, in search of food," Ewins said. Increasing numbers of the bears are being killed as they forage wider for food and come into contact with human settlements. An emaciated mother bear and her two cubs were shot dead by Canadian police in early April at the community of Deline in the Northwest Territories, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) south of the Arctic Circle.

It should not be ruled out that there are those who prey on the good intentions of well-meaning people. But if real, is it better to suffer the environment and a species to extinction, to satisfy our never-ending need for oil? [See: See the following petition: Chill the Drills - Protect Alaska's Polar Bear Seas & Interior Dept. announces further delay of months in decision on listing of polar bear as threatened]

I've said it before, it would be unconscionable for us to let a thing die when we know we could make a difference. How will the children of our grandchildren think of us if we to let it happen otherwise?

So what do we do? Who and what do we believe? I believe there are those using the issue for profit. Which sadly defeats the efforts of well-meaning people honestly concerned about the environment; those who are caught in the middle of making sacrifices for what they perceive as necessary changes. I believe there are those who go looking for the truth and end up confused. I also believe that we know just enough about the truth of things to make some of our efforts more hazardous than good. [More on that, later!]

.
Bet no one expected all of this in this year’s letter!
.
Last year, to some, I prattled on about the birds outside my window. But I also spoke of it as being my way of giving back to Nature. I have always honored the Winged Ones on Earth Day. I can only trust that some took on a similar responsibility; that a few set up their own back yard sanctuaries.
.
This year, given what the questions and concerns posed above, I suggest we take nothing for granted. We need do what we know is right for the earth upon which we live. We must be observant of its needs. For I believe the earth does indeed weep.
.

In closing, I found the following Earth Day video and would like to share it with you. It's short; less than 6 more minutes of your time. Just click on the frog. And then decide what you're going to do.

Thank you for visiting and sharing my echoes.

Blessings, L.L.

This played in the background

as I drafted this post.

Time for the Pumpkin to Go

2008-03-27T13:34:00.011-05:00

Toward the end of Summer, 2007, when all the new Fall garden accessories start to show up in the stores, I found this adorable terra cotta pumpkin bird feeder. There are two large sections cut away; leaving a perch on say the east side and another on the west side. I love to decorate for Fall so I thought I would extent my celebration to the birds. I hung it on a low branch of the pine tree, came inside and wondered how long it would take for anyone to venture in and dine.

Within half an hour the Chickadees were there. I was so pleased. They're so charming to watch as they hop around inside and forage. The sparrows, however, took quite a bit longer; several months to be somewhat exact. I was decorating for Christmas by the time I noticed a sparrow inside. I had to wonder, who were the few who finally made the brave decision to check it out?

Once they had though, I hadn't the heart to take it down. I left it there throughout Winter. And there would be two to three feeding at any given time. It hosted many who visited my humble sanctuary. I've looked throught my window on rainy days and found one or another just sitting in there; out of the elements.

I looked out one afternoon and found a squirrel stuffed inside. I noticed the south end first. A long fluffy tail hanged droopily from one entrance of the pumpkin, while the front feet and head rested comfortably just outside of the other. And no! I figured by the time I went upstairs and came down with the camera, he or she would be long gone.

Yesterday, now that Spring and Summer lawn and garden ornaments are abloom, I found a little hanging dish feeder in the shape of a leaf. I thought this would make a great substitution for the pumpkin; which desperatly needs to be cleaned and is, quite frankly, no longer in season. So, after I refilled both the cedar and thistle feeders, I emptied the seed from the pumpkin into the leaf and hung it from what's left of the same pine bough.

I haven't seen or even heard the Chickadees lately, so it's up to the Sparrow Clan. I'm waiting, albeit patiently, to see how long it takes for another little sparrow to think outside the box and light upon the brown terra cotta leaf and partake. The seed is as much in plain sight as the seed I scatter for those who feed exclusively on the ground. Today is Day Two. There are still no takers.

Thank you for visiting and sharing my thoughts, L.L.

These are MY Words ~ Part II

2008-02-12T09:09:00.065-05:00

My last two posts, Never Get It Back and The Coming Year ~ 2008, touched on the importance of the words we speak. I believe now, more than ever, it is important to speak for those whose voices are rarely heard, and whose cries of pain have too long been ignored.

Prior to drafting and completing this post, I sent the following information [an email by the same title; hence Part II of the title] to friends and acquaintences hoping to convince them to watch Earthlings, just as I had the night before.

EARTHLINGS is a feature length documentary about humanity's absolute dependence on animals (for pets, food, clothing, entertainment, and scientific research) but also illustrates our complete disrespect for these so-called "non-human providers." The film is narrated by Academy Award nominee Joaquin Phoenix (GLADIATOR) and features music by the critically acclaimed platinum artist Moby.

With an in-depth study into pet stores, puppy mills and animals shelters, as well as factory farms, the leather and fur trades, sports and entertainment industries, and finally the medical and scientific profession, EARTHLINGS uses hidden cameras and never before seen footage to chronicle the day-to-day practices of some of the largest industries in the world, all of which rely entirely on animals for profit. Powerful, informative and thought-provoking, EARTHLINGS is by far the most comprehensive documentary ever produced on the correlation between nature, animals, and human economic interests. There are many worthy animal rights films available, but this one transcends the setting. EARTHLINGS cries to be seen. Highly recommended!

Most were unaware that held back on inundating people with more email than they might want to receive. Today I risked, "Enough already!" I also knew they could simply click on Delete and believe, 'She'll be none the wiser.'

.
As I woke this morning and lay in the warmth of my winter blankets, I contemplated the images I'd seen just hours before, and better understood the words, 'We've let this happen.' After I fed my little ones and traversed the snow-covered ground to throw out seed for the birds, I sat at my computer and decided to risk those relationships.
.
I conveyed the need for us to no longer ignore the cries of pain we'd chosen not to hear, and admitted to being truly ashamed in front of those who would ask, 'how have you let this happen?' And only after watching Earthlings, could they begin to understand how I'd come to those conclusions.
.
I relayed I understood how we're all so enveloped with what's going on in our lives, and they'll want to make an excuse for why they don't have time for this. I warned it is NOT something to watch at their desks during a lunch break. And admitted my eyes were still swollen from the tears that I cried the night before. But I simply couldn't go on with the rest of my day until I decided what I was going to do.

I know the affection many people have for the animals in their lives and that most don’t want to see these kinds of things. Neither did I. But I do believe unless you’re actively out there in the trenches, fighting for their rights, we're guilty of indifference to those we feel we have no time for.

Though I'm a vegetarian, I've been naive enough to believe there is some degree of humanity involved in some of these processes. Hence the need to know of how it’s really done. I adore those happy California cheese cows, out there dodging rain clouds and/or checking out the new babes. And can only trust there is truth in their advertising and that they DO know a better life than those who live otherwise.

.
I'm not claiming any kind of perfection! Disheartened doesn't begin to describe how I felt, recently, when I found out I had things in my pantry and linen closet, from companies [like Iams and Fresh Step] that still test on animals. I clearly have some new shopping to do.

See: Adding My Voice, where I've posted some of the petitions I've signed recently. [see THIS PRODUCT TESTED ON ANIMALS. And here, for information to help: Take Action regarding downer cows for human consumption.]

When I much younger, I learned my mother's brother-in-law couldn't bring himself to eat pork after visiting a slaughter house. He still ate hamburgers, steak, and chicken, but that was ok because he hadn't seen them butchered.

Bear with me here, I want to draw a parallel here. About a year ago I saw actual footage of a soldier being shot. He didn't fall to the ground the way they do in the movies. One moment there was life. In less than the next, he collapsed in a hovel on the ground, like the strings of a marionette had been carelessly cut away. I had channel-hopped on to a program already in progress. Did I want to see that? No. Am I glad I did, if for nothing else, to better understand the arena he walked? No. That’s a little perverse. What it did do though, is empower me to argue that maybe these are the images of war we need to see, because this is what war is.

I offered the above revelation with respect to what it is we really need to know about the world in which we live. Is ignorance bliss? Are we truly better off not seeing the truths? Would I have been moved to do what I'm doing now? Are my words really going to change anyone’s mind? To anyone reading this post, or those who’ve already seen Earthlings, these words will seem nothing more than a proverbial sermon to a choir. Most people reading this, regardless whether they do or don't want to watch it, do already get it. But had I not watched this, I wouldn't have written these words.

As I write this I’m forced to consider, how we should regard the people who run these factories, industries, research facilities, fashion houses, and the like? Who are the people with such little regard for Life? Who are these people who wield the final heartless blows? If' I'm not to judge least I be judged, how can I ask, "How can you do this?"

.
How does anyone with any kind of conscience, sit and pluck the feathers from a living bird? How can anyone have absolutely no regard to, 'Something that's heading off to be slaughtered and eaten anyway? So, who cares? Why do you care?'

Too many people know I'm not even that interested in eating those veggie burgers. You know, the ones designed to make vegetarians look more like they fit in? I don't eat beef, pork, chicken, or fish.

I care!

What is it that we risk by putting ourselves in the position of responding to, 'Well you people want the puppies and kittens; the prime rib; fast foods; fashionable leather coats, boots and handbags; yadda, yadda, yadda. How do you think it all gets there?'

Like this?

There are a number of restaurants that removed Foie Gras from their menus recently, due to industry practices. [see The Foie Gras Controversy which explains the procedure (of which you see in, Earthlings) and Puck removes foie gras from menus] If we continue to basically do nothing, the inhumanness continues. And I use inhuman because I'm not sure— inhumane no longer seems to pass on the value it should.

Oxford English Dictionary defines:

inhuman • 1 lacking positive human qualities; cruel and barbaric. 2 not human in nature or character.

human • 1 of, relating to, or characteristic of humankind. 2 showing the better qualities of humankind, such as sensitivity.

inhumane • without compassion for misery or suffering; cruel.

humane • having or showing compassion or benevolence.

Sorry for the academics, but sometimes we need our memories jarred.
.
What's the old adage, "We are what we eat?" It would seem we've ingested an undeniable amount of cruelty along the years, as well. How does that set in anyone's stomach? And by watching this documentary it’s rather clear that the fish many chose to eat, because it's believed to be healthier, is more hazardous to our collective health than AIDS.

It's not enough any more to say, 'I treat my animals well.' That does nothing for the ones who still suffer. 'I'm a vegetarian and I shop with a social conscience.' I'm a vegetarian too. Watching what we shop for isn’t wholly enough any more. So we shop for the faux leathers and furs instead of the real thing. That's nothing but a double-edged sword. It makes those with the money and means, who simply won’t settle for the fake, all the more determined to own what's real. Shopping for the non-real thing isn't good enough any more. To answer those who say, 'but they're not an endangered species, they're raised for this.' Yea! That makes it all the more reasonable. I don't remember seeing, 'we love it here,' in the eyes of those foxes or raccoons.

We’ve wasted far too much time giving absolutely no thought to how anything arrives in the local grocery store. We've bought too far into the convenience of things. Our days are full, hectic, and filled with our own struggles to survive. But that’s an excuse that just isn't good enough any more. And for those who refused to watch it, because they don't want to see such "negative images" [There were several, so anyone reading this far in-- don't think you're being singled out, but--], that's a cop-out! And it simply isn’t good enough any more!

I adopted my cats, Lucy and Pearl, from the local Humane Society about two and a half years ago. Until today, I'd never given thought to where they'd been prior to seeing their little faces, the day we met. They'll be three years old in April. They're my loves and of recent, my saving graces. I shutter to think how they could have been rammed into a cage, with as many others as would fit, to suffer 20 minutes of dying in a chamber filled with gas. There's got to be more humanness to us than that.

.
When I started to watch Earthlings, Pearl was curled up in my arms. When mere tears progressed to jerky shoulders and chest heaves, she eventually rose up and hopped to the floor to lie on my feet. About an hour into the film, I looked away from the screen and found her sitting, hunkered down, about a foot away. She looked as uncomfortable as I felt. I wanted to take a break and go to her. But I didn’t. I watched it straight through. Because, I knew-- if I’d clicked on the pause button just once, I most likely won’t have clicked to restart it again.

Remember, I said above I'm not perfect. It's not like I didn't know about euthanasia, or cattle prods, or seal clubbing. And I did claim a certain naivety regarding slaughterhouse industry standards. But I believe we ALL must give more consideration the next time a couple of steaks are grabbed up at the produce counter; eggs are placed in the grocery cart; when we reach for a purse or wallet; try on a new leather coat; or sit down to watch the next animal-related sporting event; to just exactly how it all gets here. And those who continue to remain silent about what it is we truly know, are equally guilty of the torture and inhumanness. [something I would not have said prior to watching Earthlings] Because I fail to see anything human about sticking an electrocution rod up the back end of a fox, so that someone can have a fur collar on their new coat.

This is about each and every one of us taking on the responsibility of change. If we do and/or say nothing, then nothing will ever change.

.
So here I've set, still unable to continue with the usual goings-on of the day, until I crafted out the words I trust will make others take on actions of their own. These are the most difficult words I've ever chosen to write. Making words I'd spent time crafting just the day before, completely unimportant and irrelevant. And all I can do is trust they do not fall upon deaf ears.

I closed the above-mentioned email, with the following words:
.

February is a time when our thoughts and hearts are usually guided by what we know as Love. These are MY words; guided by what I understand as Love. I hope you choose as I did, to summon up the courage to watch what you won't want to see, and then give thought to what you're going to do.

Blessings, L.L.

The Coming Year~2008

2007-12-27T15:45:00.000-05:00

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

2007-05-30T11:24:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-05-27T11:59:00.010-05:00

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

2007-05-11T08:46:00.000-05:00

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

2007-05-01T07:19:00.000-05:00

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?

2007-04-29T09:27:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-04-27T11:05:00.000-05:00

~ 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

Use by written permission only

Introduction Pending!

2007-04-27T10:27:00.000-05:00

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

2007-04-25T17:35:00.000-05:00

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.

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

Why do I Write?

2007-01-07T13:45:00.001-05:00

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.