Kiki's Korner

I am boycotting air travel

2011-04-28T18:30:00.008-04:00

i am ashamed of this countries molestation of any customer not wishing to be exposed to harmful radiation: children, men, women - the latest: miss america having her vagina touched 4 times by tsa, amongst other invasions - before that an older man with 'tube' for his urine due to medical condition: he was reduced to tears when the tsa jogged the connection loose, with no regard for the related info he gave them, after which he had to walk toward his plane with urine running down his leg and soaking his clothes - if you are remaining silent about these atrocities, amongst many others, remember germany and how the 'rules' changed under oppressive govt 'policy' - mark these words: eventually, every person will have to be chipped in order to pass through roadblocks too, after regions are designated re: travel., no matter what kind ie. bus, train, plane, car, motorcycle etc and by the time tsa and homeland security are 'done', you will beg to be 'chipped'

tell me though, even if you see no reason to oppose the above, what do you think about the following: a mother seeks help from local agencies for her daughter - she is given medication = administers it as prescribed - notices the child does not respond well and decides to discontinue use - after the 'agency/dr' were told of the drug discontinuence, child protective services was notified, and a 'group' of agents in full battle regalia, with guns, show up at her home, take her child into custody and arrest her - by the way, they also brought a tank - yes a battle tank ! - they had to let her out when a lawyer she contacted presented a copy of the agreement the mother signed with the treating agency that she was not under any compulsion to continue the drug under any circumstances, should she wish for whatever reason to discontinue - she is still trying to retrieve her daughter - what country is this again ? certainly can't be the USA i used to love

5th dimensional humor

2011-01-27T14:37:00.005-05:00

What some call a 'lie', may be, to another, a conscious and aware construct with no purpose other than:

changing violent reality, into fun fantasy, for the purpose of maintaining sanity.

'tis important to acknowledge this 'coping' skill relative to 'others' :-)

What i know today:

2010-04-30T14:39:00.003-04:00

Self doubt has been a curse and no longer has a place on my path. Iam listening, learning and becoming.

Do we know ?

2010-04-26T14:34:00.003-04:00

Sometimes I think I've spoken in silence and found I've spoken aloud. Sometimes I think I've spoken aloud and found I've spoken in silence. Sometimes I 'hear' in silence when I think I've 'heard' aloud.... the world of vibration and light is a beautiful place while continually 'be-coming'. The world of the objective becomes beautiful in the 'knowing',too; at least for today :-) Preparing the garden for 'planting' and enjoying every moment. nameste

New Energies

2010-02-15T14:48:00.003-05:00

With the earth now being outside of the protective heliosphere of the sun, we are open to more cosmic dust and energies flowing to us from space. When all is quiet, including the mind, it is palpable. Take a foray outside and it's like taking a shower. 'Tis important to 'collect' the benefits for future use as our minds become more open to capabilities only dreamed of, in days gone by. The sounds of silence are the doorway. Step through and enjoy your personal and renewed transformation. There are tools new to us, we need to practice using. Enjoy !

Silence

2009-11-02T11:32:00.002-05:00

There is so much I don't speak, of what I see. Why ? Well, I suppose lots of people have different reasons for quietly going along and not speaking. Mine, at this point, is: I've already said it, time and again. What is the point in continuing ?

And, selfishly, I'm attempting to prepare myself for the horrific sights I'll witness as more people are hungry and will no longer be able to live at the level of integrity they are used to and may unsuccessfully strive to maintain, if they intend to survive.

I used to enjoy the sounds of silence. Now my own haunts me, at times.

Migrations Of The Brown Recluse

2009-10-23T15:07:00.003-04:00

Someone I know in northern Ohio bitten by a brown recluse spider - luckily her husband caught a few of them, stuck them in a jar to take to the hospital since the Dr. kept insisting brown recluses are a southern bug - they are NOT native that far north ie. warmer climate spider - seen by game wardens in ohio at times moving en masse - my son nearly lost his leg, and has horrible scarring with some muscle missing, from a bite of this spider - keep the info in the back of your mind - weather is weird and some bugs are migrating it appears - nasty spider with a nasty bite - might want to look them up for more info if you live in area where generally not seen - like any spider, they don't much care if they live inside or out but colder weather in the north may coax them inside

Now This Is A Serious Rant !

2009-10-08T17:10:00.003-04:00

I don't know these fellows but wow, what a rant ! I can't argue with their facts, can you ? Gotta dig for the truth, if you want it:

http://www.silverbearcafe.com/private/10.09/fringe.html

Around here, the aisles in stores have become much wider, with less merchandise; small business owners are still smiling but their stress is showing; workers and shoppers aren't smiling much anymore. The fabric is ripping; do you hear the sounds ?

I'm Still Laughing !

2009-10-02T19:37:00.003-04:00

♠

I Needed A Laugh And Found This !

2009-09-29T10:56:00.002-04:00

http://market-ticker.org/archives/1470-ROFL!-4-Minutes-With-An-Elephant.html

I do not recommend drinking a beverage while watching, nor watching with young children nearby; otherwise have a laugh from these two clips !

No Bake Granola

2009-09-08T12:15:00.004-04:00

Now here is a great idea from:

http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/11/crockpot-granola-recipe.html

- 5 cups oats (if gluten free, make sure the oats are certified GF.)
- 1/4 cup honey * (see note below)
- 1/4 cup melted butter * (see note below)
- 1 T flax seeds
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (I used raisins and cranberries)

The Directions.

Put all the dry ingredients into your crockpot. You'll need at least a 4 quart.

Melt the butter in the microwave, and add. Add the honey. Toss well.

*note: if you add this amount of honey and butter, the granola will be cereal-like, and not trail-mix like. If you'd rather the granola clump together in pieces, you'll need to add more honey and butter. I tried it with the honey and butter doubled (1/2 cup each) and it still didn't clump much--so if you'd prefer your granola that way, you'll need to add at least 3/4 cup of honey. I didn't want that much sugar, and my kids are cool with eating it like this.

Cover, but vent with a chopstick. Cook on high for 3-4 hours, stirring every so often.

If you can smell the granola cooking, go stir. It will burn if you don't keep an eye on it. But it won't burn as quickly as it does in the oven!

♠Dump out on some parchment paper and let cool. Eat with milk like cereal, warmed with milk like oatmeal, or as is. Seal well in an air-tight container or in a ziplock. Granola freezes well.

The blog has soooo many crockpot recipes; check them out if you need more ! She, also, encourages changing the ingredients around for the granola to suit your taste so experiment and have fun. :-)

SciFi Comes To Our Reality

2009-09-01T15:50:00.005-04:00

♠You may want to read up on HAARP, both sides ie. the govt version and the version written about by Dr. Begich in 'Angels Don't Play This HAARP';

"The Mind Has No Firewall"

(Excerpt from Earth Rising- The Revolution by Dr. Nick Begich & James Roderick)

In another article published in the Spring 1998 edition of Parameters, US Army War College Quarterly, an article by Timothy L. Thomas appeared - "The Mind Has No Firewall." The article was perhaps the most revealing in terms of what can be expected in the future.

For decades, the United States, the former Soviet Union, and others have been involved in developing sophisticated new systems for influencing human physical and mental health. The desire and focus of this research has been to discover ways of manipulating the behavior of humans to meet political ends in the context of war-making and defense. What is interesting in all of this is the sophistication of external devices which can alter our very nature. In the article "The Mind has No Firewall" the author states:

"A recent Russian military article offered a slightly different slant to the problem, declaring that 'humanity stands on the brink of a psychotronic war' with mind and body as the focus. That article discussed Russian and international attempts to control the psycho-physical condition of man and his decision-making processes by the use of VHF-generators, 'noiseless cassettes,' and other technologies."

The article goes on to describe that the aim of these new weapons is to control or alter the psyche or interfere with the various parts of the body in such a way as to confuse or destroy the inner-body signals which keep the living system operational. The article describes the way "Information Warfare Theory" neglects the most important factor in information warfare - the human being. Militaries publicly focus on hardware and software, neglecting the human "data-processor." In the information warfare theories put forth in the past, discussion was limited to manmade systems and not the human operator. Humans were considered in information warfare scenarios only in that they could be impacted by propaganda, deceit and deception - tools recognized as part of the military mindset and arsenal. This book publicly explores a more sinister approach, an approach which must be considered in the context of basic human rights and values which are fundamentally and foundationally based on our right to think freely. The article went on:

"Yet the body is capable not only of being deceived, manipulated, or misinformed but also shut down or destroyed - just as any other data-processing system. The data the body receives from external sources - such as electromagnetic, vortex, or acoustic energy waves - or creates through its own electrical or chemical stimuli can be manipulated or changed just as the data (information) in any hardware system can be altered."

The aim of any information war ultimately deals with human beings. The policy of the United States is to target all information dependent systems "whether human or automated" and the definition extends the use of these new technologies to people - as if they were just data-processing hardware.

The Parameters article went on to discuss the work of Dr. Victor Solntsev of the Baumann Technical Institute in Moscow. He insists that the human body must be viewed as an open system instead of simply as an organism or closed system. This "open system" approach has been held by many Russian researchers and others going back to at least the early 1970s, according to documents held by Earthpulse. What is interesting is that it has taken thirty years to be seen in the open literature as a credible view of reality. Dr. Solntsev goes on to suggest that a person's physical environment can cause changes within the body and mind whether stimulated by electro-magnetic, gravitational, acoustic, or other stimuli.

The same Russian researcher examined the issue of "information noise" which can create a dense shield between a person and external reality. The "noise" could be created as signals, messages, images or other information with the target population the consciousness of the group or individuals. The purpose would be to overload a person so that he no longer reacts to the external stimulus or information. The overloading would serve to destabilize judgment or modify behavior.

According to Solntsev, at least one computer virus has been created which will affect a person's psyche - Russian Virus 666. This virus appears in every 25th frame of a computer's visual display where a mix of color, pulse and patterns are reported to put computer operators into trance. The subconscious perception of the display can be used to induce a heart attack or to subtly manage or change a computer operator's perceptions. This same system could be used in any television or visual broadcast.

In a July 7, 1997, U.S. News and World Report article, it was revealed that scientists were seeking specific energy patterns which could be externally applied to the body of individuals for the purpose of modifying their behavior. The article addressed some of the important public revelations about these new systems. These "revelations" represent but a small part of the story.

Since we first discovered these materials we have pieced together the bits and pieces of information that weave together a more complete story. What we now know is that the most powerful weapon systems will be those which subdue populations through the use of subtle energy fields which trick the body and mind into reacting as if the signals were normal and natural. These systems can also be used to create total disorientation in people, cause "mystery" illnesses as well as be used to induce, at a distance, heart failure or significant respiratory distress, among other things.

One of the other important areas of our current work deals with the issues of privacy. Under the guise of such thinking as, "if you don't have anything to hide, why are you concerned? This is for your own safety and protection" - comes a theme voiced by every repressive regime ever to emerge out of human interactions. Fear is being used to dismantle our system of laws and civility. International drug traffickers and terrorists are the first targets of these new technologies, based on the idea that the average person will look the other way when the rights of these suspects are considered. However, except in the most extreme situations, the first questions which should be raised deal with the idea of innocence until guilt is proven, concepts of due process of law, the right to a reasonable defense and a fair trial. Who is the guiding hand that will otherwise decide the guilt or innocence of suspected persons? Should we look the other way or insist that the values on which all democratic constitutional law is based are equally enforced? Developments on the privacy front are summarized below and dealt with in greater detail later. They include:

It is now possible to follow the movements of any individual anywhere through their cell phone. In fact, in the United States, under the guise of locating people in emergency situations, it will soon be required that all cell phones have this tracking ability. It is also possible, with this new technology, to use microcircuits in these phones just like a hidden microphone to monitor the conversations of cell phone owners even when the device is switched off.

In many urban areas micro-cameras are being installed inclusive of microphone pick-ups in order to monitor "criminal activity." These cameras are being installed in numerous major urban areas and, based on miniaturization and decreasing technology costs, it will soon be possible to literally monitor entire countries.

Sophisticated computer systems are under development which are designed to read body language in order to interpret potential violent or other behaviors and dispatch authorities to the scene.

The ability to look into the homes of individual people, using very high tech infrared cameras and other technology combinations, is now available to law enforcement. These technologies allow people to literally look into the bedrooms and private activity of anyone.

The ability of televisions, through cable connections, to be both transmitter and receiver is not far away and is being tested and introduced as new burglar alarms and home safety devices.

The technology to look through peoples clothing to find hidden weapons or drugs is now in use by some policing and military organizations.

Roving wiretaps which involve the idea that whole areas of cities can be tapped in order to find a single person who might be engaged in criminal activity. It is the same logic behind collecting DNA samples to prove an individual's innocence or getting fingerprinted at the bank in order to cash a check - all are gradual intrusions into privacy.

Genetic predisposition-to-violence studies which involve the concept that certain genetic markers can be identified which show who is likely to exhibit criminal behavior are now ongoing. Once identified, the individual can be medicated with mood altering drugs in advance of such anticipated behavior. During the Bush administration, this program was almost implemented in urban school systems in the United States. The $400,000,000US initiative was stopped when those engaged in real science began to object. Now, nine years later, this issue is again surfacing, the interesting point being that the same indicators in terms of personality for criminals are the same for non-conforming elements of society which produce the leadership within countries.

Mandatory bank transaction reports including "reporting suspicious activity" are also being initiated in a number of countries around the world.

These are but a few of the things that are happening now and are presented here only to give indications of the general direction of these invasive technologies."♦

Here is the website for Begich: http://www.earthpulse.com/

I suggest we all learn how to change with ease, the frequency of our thinking on any given day, depending on how we are 'feeling'; it may just be incoming 'cell messages', directing us in a way we wouldn't normally 'choose' to go. And, of course, unplug phones, internet and digital tv's before bed; oh and add some sort of music to confuse any other incoming cell missiles from surrounding equipment. It really is becoming a pain in the neck to be concerned with living, considering these 'conditions'. Maybe we should all just 'go along and get along' ? Sorry, I don't think I can 'go along' without at least trying to live under my own 'power'; since I have great faith and experience with the power of the mind, I think I'll keep plodding along my own way, directing those signals back from whence they come.

FYI: The High-frequency Active Auroral Research Project (HAARP) is managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Dr. Sheldon Z. Meth, the Program Manager, as of March 9, 2006, on the official DARPA page for HAARP http://www.darpa.mil/ucar/programs/haarp.htm states that the high frequency transmitting array at the HAARP Research Station, Gakona, AK has been completed.

Did you note the dates ?

When is it enough to say you did your best ?

2009-08-09T12:12:00.016-04:00

I stopped talking about what's happening to 'just anyone' months ago, but there were/are still a few very special people, I continued attempting to reach. However, I've now come to a point where I can't continue to put energy where there is no action on their part.

Part of preparing emotionally, will include 'letting go' of loved ones who aren't doing their own homework, and have concluded they prefer to go along with the crowd and think you are crazy. It is what it is; move forward and don't look back. If they don't see the need to prepare by now, it is doubtful they will. Remember the old saying: 'You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink.' ? Just enjoy them and don't even try to talk about what they find too disturbing and pure craziness. Love them while you can.

It's a little like gardening: you prepare the soil, plant a seed, sometimes it grows and sometimes it fails. Enjoy the fruit of your labors instead of thinking about the seeds that failed to germinate.

Ergo: rest your heart. Your words fell on deaf ears; so what? You did your best and that's all you can do regarding others; even when they are people you love the most. Now get to work and finish up your preps and stop talking about it 'cept with those who are doing the same. It's time to toughen up; you can't single handedly save those who won't help themselves, though you may be able to plan for a few. If you don't have the resources, then you don't have the resources. Share what you can, and don't fret the rest. Play with the guitar frets instead ! Yes, that means: don't forget how to play and laugh, smile and sing as often as possible ie. it may be work not to lose your humanity amongst the stress and strife. Hug someone now and then.

If you must cry about it, do it now; there won't be time later.

With a salute to my fellow 'canaries' ! :-)

It's Sneaking Up On You: Prepare !

2009-08-05T13:02:00.011-04:00

Largest Issue: world population - nearly 7 billion on a planet with resources that will support only 8 billion - many must die, one way or another - watch for changes in attitudes from above toward the masses ie. less to no regard for life (remember, actions speak louder than words) - don't expect your civil liberties to be respected. Prepare emotionally !

Next big financial issue: derivatives bubble will probably pop this fall - at present, China is not buying long term US govt bonds - they have a concern US govt may fail - keep some cash at home in case of 'bank holiday'.

Food: grain shortages/crisis due to 'rust' disease, spreading fast - US has no wheat reserves, among other things such as cheese - container shipping is down 30% - trucking down 30% - prepare for food shortages and hyper-inflation

If there is a big flu hit starting this fall, it will complicate things significantly.

It's right around the corner folks - brace for turmoil and chaos within the next year. If you have thought about doubling up on living space with others, do it now and again: prepare emotionally !

****Please don't sacrifice your ethics and values. How you conduct yourself during turbulent times, is a reflection of who you are and what you stand for.

Tidbit: clove oil, applied with a q-tip on a painful tooth relieves pain - if you can, learn how to pull a diseased and continually painful tooth in the event there is no dentist available to you

Moments suspended in time ? Embrace them !

2009-07-21T12:33:00.011-04:00

As we pass through this episode in the evolution of planet and man, we wait upon our personal kairos', with an attitude of readiness, to act with decisiveness, as they each pass. Wouldn't be good to miss any fleeting segments of time, each constituting eternity in a moment. In the aftermath, readiness to act is the gift of expectation and revelation.

What's water got to do with it ?

2009-07-20T13:02:00.005-04:00

hmmmm I wonder if this could be the reason my solar plexus are on high alert:

http://www.tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/press/EastCoastWaterLevelAnomaly.shtml

and could this be related to earth changes relative to the approach of the planetary line up with the center of the galaxy: winter solstice 2012 ? The black hole at the center of the galaxy, with capacity to increase 'sucking' power against our gravity ?.........(gravity just happens to decrease when the planet is approaching a polarity shift).

did you know the December tsunami in 2004 altered the earths' axis and shortened the day by 2.7 microseconds ? the whole earth 'shuddered' and other earthquakes were triggered as far away as Alaska ?

You may be thinking, as I did when I first read these stats: such small changes, they couldn't be 'that' important. Well, think about the scale we are looking at here: it's changes to the planet, galaxy, universe - perhaps those small changes are more important than we think ? A tooth is small in comparison to humanoid size but it can be pretty important to the function of the organism.

Changing water levels could just be one of many upcoming geographic changes we see, approaching a major shift in the earths' crust, if indeed we are looking at a 'wobble left' or 'wobble right' in a possible upcoming change of earths' axis.

'Course there is lots of debate about whether there is any value in writings pertaining to the planetary line up. And difficult to find any scientific studies related to it, to peruse for more technical understanding of just what it might mean to life on planet earth.

In the meantime, I'm not too crazy about the 'anomaly' of a rise in ocean levels along the entire eastern seaboard of the USA.

And the sounds of nature are still 'off'; way too quiet.

And The Beat Goes On:

2009-07-10T12:18:00.019-04:00

What in the world ........? :

IOU's from CA are now to be considered 'securities' ? Last time I looked, it was against the law to be paid in anything but monies, unless you specifically agree to be paid in another form. And I can't help but wonder how many pennies on the dollar your IOU 'security' will be worth when you attempt to convert it to the dollars originally owed you ! (As a 'security', it can potentially be 'traded' and thereby be susceptible to varying worth.) yikes

It is also my understanding that if a business accepts IOU payment(s) from the State, said business must follow the law and pay their employees in monies ie, it’s against the law for businesses to pay employees in IOU(s). If CA can do this and more states find themselves in the same financial fix, in times to come, the same thing will be coming to all of us, in one form or another ! Small businesses don't qualify for 'bailouts'. (These businesses are contracted by the State for services, so what happens if the small business breaches the contract by cause of 'unable to fulfill' ?) This action will put many out of business; ie. where are they supposed to get the monies to pay employees and restock, when they 'must' accept the IOU offered in payments or bill the State and wait GOK's how long, for payment in monies ? double yikes !

soooooooooooo laws were broken that got us into this mess and now laws are broken, in a duplicitous attempt to get us out, by changing the rules/laws as the ‘game’ progresses - what’s wrong with this picture ? Have you noticed how much of all this mess is impacting the working 'little people' ? Now I see in todays news, AIG is currently trying to get a special 'ok' to pay for past, unpaid bonuses to their execs with bailout monies. I'm getting fed up with 'news'; how about you ? And, how about prosecuting the original fraud ? Nope, I still haven't been diverted from THAT issue; I love the Constitution.

Worth in Critical Thinking ?

2009-07-10T08:34:00.009-04:00

Has anyone else sensed what the news is selling, is fear and divisiveness ? It strikes me as a way to deflect attention from the fraud committed against we, the people. First, I noticed, how the 'finger' was being pointed at 'people' who weren't living within their means ie. the burst mortgage and credit bubble. Now, correct me if I'm wrong but weren't the banks, at one time, pretty adept at assuring a mortgage app, if approved, could be repaid, under the applying persons credit history, outstanding loans and wage ? What ? The banks suddenly got stupid or careless ? I doubt it. With the reading, I've done, it looks like the most recent financial fiasco started with the Federal Reserve allowing hidden information related to credit default swaps and fraud being given the lack of light to proliferate in, until someone stopped playing the game and said, "Wait a minute. Something doesn't seem right here, I don't want to play anymore." Then the whole 'scam' collapsed. By the way, it was the big banks participating in this and we see no investigation nor anyone being held responsible for it. Indeed what we see is government bailing out the biggest 'defrauders' and prosecution of the likes of Madoff (who in the larger scheme of things is a little guy compared to the greater fraud against 'we the people').

Next began the media fingers being pointed at what to be afraid of, whether a new flu, pandemic of one sort or another, or a different race of people or religious belief. Now, it's such things as: it's easy for 'someone' to figure out your social security number, encrypted info exchange on the internet has a minute piece of time, wherein 'someone' can access it, or 'oops, a cyber attack on our govt websites attributed to China or North Korea. Oh, BUT, we are lauded as Americans that we don't riot like we see in other countries about anything related to the worldwide financial crisis. So, I have to wonder how stupid we, the people, are to buy any of this. Are we being deliberately anesthetized so we stay 'civilized' while our society marches toward poverty ?

I remember a personal experience I had some 20 yrs ago. I was at happy hour with friends. Since I don't drink alcohol, I was at full capacity to notice the shenanigans of one of my acquaintances. (I have nothing against alcohol; I just can't handle it ie. I get very happy and start hugging everyone, along with getting very silly. Then I feel like I've been run over by a Mack truck for 3 days after. Not worth it and I don't need a high to enjoy life so I pass.) Ok, back to what happened. This was a very small, bar and snack mixing place for lawyers, investment bankers etc. It was long and narrow with the bar going nearly the whole way down one side and a few booths on the other side and a few tables at the front, along the window. So I was sitting on one of the bar stools about 3/4 of the way toward the back of the bldg. The place was wall to wall people with all seats occupied and the rest in 'standing room only' space. We'll call the fellow I was observing "John". So I notice John at the front end of the bar talking with a few people for awhile. Then he moves onto a few other people and talks with them for awhile until he eventually gets to the crew I'm with. Here is the 'good' part. He moved on AFTER he had created a controversy amongst each group and left them to argue it out, with a self satisfied grin. When he attempted to 'get me and my crew' started along the same path, he was confronted and initially, played dumb. When he realized he'd been found out, he smiled and said it was a way he'd found to entertain himself because most people are susceptible to their 'passions', at the expense of greater principles. That was a huge lesson for me and I'll be ever grateful for it. He was a top notch trial lawyer, by the way.

Are we the people being manipulated, distracted and dishonored ? Are our passions being used against us ? Is it possible to have and exercise ones' passions and still be capable of critical thinking ? What do you think ? It is very easy to get 'pulled in' and 'turned on' by a passion, afterall. It shouldn't be so easy to 'whip us up' but I'm afraid, when it's a 'hot button', the potential is always there. Anyone for a crowd 'wave' ? I'm not, but thanks for the invitation !

'It's in the air' but what's the message ?

2009-07-07T12:33:00.008-04:00

Something has been disturbing my solar plexis aka 'early warning system'. As a result, I've been more aware than usual to anything I sense as unusual. So: it's too quiet; been too quiet for several months now. The sounds of nature are different, subdued or nonexistent at times. Now, slugs usually, being nocturnal, I'm seeing before dusk and while I didn't use to see them except when conditions are humid or wet, those behavioral criteria don't seem to matter to them, currently. The birds singing is out of step or none to be heard (aside from normal silent periods). Nature is too quiet regardless of the weather. When there is the sound of nature it isn't the normal 'song'. When nature is out of step with it's usual ways, what is it responding to that we humans don't sense, other than, maybe, through our 'extra-sensory' ? Something is hanging in the air affecting natural behaviors; a kind of anticipation. What is it saying ?

Wizards in the heat of collapse

2009-06-18T10:16:00.014-04:00

Question: What does what we are seeing/being told say about the big picture ?

I've been doing alot of reading; writings of people much smarter than I am about financials/economics. There seem to be two predominant groups: one saying wake up, the math doesn't work for the touted recovery expected 'soon'. And two: the group that says there are signs showing there will be recovery, albeit a slow one. Then there are some screaming bloody murder about the stupidity of political and corporate wizards thinking/instituting the current mode to recovery ie. paper money printing with new financial/economic warlords. Okay most of these actions being taken are good for the corporate world and squeezing the average citizen with a whole lot of their money 'disappearing' into financial never never land. That, in itself, diverts attention away from the big picture; people have daily survival on their minds. Another faction is saying outright, the PTB are downright stupid. Others say they are doing the best they can. Personally, I don't believe there is stupidity being exercised but I would very much like to know what is being withheld, cause things just don't add up.

Overall, the big picture looks to me like, there is a deliberate move to make America poor and at the same time I see significant efforts to incorporate more laws to potentially exercise more control over world populations. If that's true, and the PTB aren't 'stupid', then what would be the reason for it ? I think we need some cool heads, disregarding the propaganda to figure it out. In my opinion, it's about more than greed; it's about survival of the fittest and having enough resources to start over with enough minions to serve. So is there information the average person doesn't have access to or is it about the nearly 7 billion inhabitants on a planet with resources that will only support 8 billion ? Hmmmmmm now where did I put my crystal ball ?

News isn't news anymore;

2009-05-27T12:05:00.004-04:00

it's a marketing tool, selling and manipulating adaptive social change/thinking. It can be rather amusing seeing it from this perspective. And we can each choose what group we want to belong to, too: those who are prepared and those who aren't and won't be. You can hear, sometimes on the same station, a stat that says the economy has turned a corner. And an hour later, another stat that says the opposite. Spend money; save money. Buy stocks and goods. Don't buy and save instead. Don't worry; be happy ! See ?

News outlets aren't independent of corporate America anymore and the corps need us to spend and produce to keep their paradigm intact. What investment does corporate America have in telling us the truth? Humpty Dumpty may still be sitting on the wall but the cracks are massive and tell a tale of their own. Shake the air and soon we'll all see the thousands of itty bitty pieces where we live and in the streets. Not quite time for that yet; there are still a few things to put in place before we find the rug pulled out from under middle America, completely. Give it a whirl and try watching the news with this in mind and see what you think !

Change; What is your associated fear ?

2009-04-27T13:35:00.005-04:00

Foregoing the definition of change, I've been thinking about why human beings are fundamentally afraid of it, generally speaking. Theoretically, it would appear it relates to one, or more, of the 6 main fears, plaguing the individual human psyche and they are:

fear of poverty
fear of criticism
fear of ill health
fear of loss of love
fear of old age
fear of death

It would appear, there are few people who have dealt with what they fear most in order to deal with change from the most beneficial mental/spiritual place during changing times. I have one left to deal with and, of course, it has the most aggressive hold on me, so again, I have some work to do !

Caveat: Even if we find we are excited by an upcoming change, there is generally, one or more of these ghostly fears lurking in one corner of the mind or another. Ergo, it would behoove each of us to search out our ghosts and deal with them accordingly.

Considerations not to be put off for another day:

2009-04-17T14:02:00.017-04:00

A few things you can do now, aside from stocking up (which goes without saying). Get a dog; one the appropriate size for your living situation. They make lots of noise when you're home and someone may be thinking about breaking in to loot and possibly harm you. They are an effective alarm system and are great companionship. Yes, there are associated costs but the benefits far outweigh them. Having a cat doesn't hurt either. (Can be an outdoor cat.) They eat mice which could be an annoying problem in coming times. Mice like to eat through packaging to consume stored grain/edible goods. (If you don't want a cat, stock up on the old fashioned mouse traps and store all foodstuffs, in a cool place, in plastic mice proof containers.) And last but not least, make sure you have some kind of weapon in each room of your home for each adult in the household. The kitchen is no problem; generally, there are lots of things here from the kitchen knives to a heavy duty frying pan. Baseball bats are good too, if you have enough room to swing one, in a close encounter of the 'bad kind'. Take a self defense course. It might be a good idea to get as much stocking done now before hyperinflation sets in and the price points become impossible for anything but the absolute necessities.

Tidbit preps:

Get some old fashioned fly papers to hang and lots of fly swatters. Fly swatters are good for insects too. Old newspaper, folded and rolled will fill in nicely for fly swatters but newspaper may be hard to come by eventually.

Learn how to set up a few easy to do, noisy, booby traps for the weak, entry points of your home (windows, especially ground floor). Add an extra deadbolt to your doors, if you live in an apartment, and someone else has a master key for the regular doorknob lock. Learn to live in a state of awareness, even in your own home.

Think about teaming up for errands and shopping. It saves gas and adds an extra element of safety as opposed to wandering around alone. This is an important issue and will become more important as more services are cut back and more people are angry and desperate. Practice becoming more aware of your surroundings and who is near and/or approaching. Have an exit strategy planned ahead of time to avoid confrontations. Watch for anyone appearing to follow you home or someone loitering near the entry to your home while unloading purchases.

Learn how to make some wonderful, hearty, inexpensive soup and feed some hungry folks now and again. Just sharing the recipe along with the basic principles could save a few lives. (It's all in the bones !)

PS If you have a sliding glass door, make sure you have a bar to insert in the track when the door is closed and locked. (if you don't want to buy a bar, cut down the handle from an old broom to fit the space with no more than 1/2" opening between the end of the handle and the sliding glass door.)......................... and don't forget to get some old fashioned handkerchiefs; paper goods may eventually reach a premium in cost .

Talking heads are amazing aren't they ?

2009-04-09T10:31:00.006-04:00

I've been watching, learning and preparing since I last posted. Here is what I'm thinking:

It's truly amazing how long the troubled economy has been propped up thus far. Like hot air spewing forth from the earth in geyser form, TPTB keep pumping it up on falsehoods, skewed statistics and the masses have no clue what to do about it or haven't yet awakened from their sorry slumber. Sooner or later, floating the economy precariously atop a mountain of hot air, and freshly printed dollars, won't work anymore. How long can the picture be made to look as though something 'good' will happen in the short term ? I say: just until everything is in place to defend the ruling elite from the angry masses, when the economic avalanche reaches the front doors of 80% of the American population and there are so many with no roof over their heads and no means with which to continue filling their heads with propaganda. (Well, I suppose, the homeless camps could install PA systems to keep everyone 'updated'.) When will that be ? That would be when more people lose jobs, go on unemployment, the current unemployed find no jobs but run out of unemployment benefits and the newly unemployed run out of theirs. There will be a tipping point as the cycle continues. When hyperinflation arrives, hits the food prices and bellies go empty, watch out. This depression will be much worse than the 1929 - beginning of WW2. Why ? Because there is generational 'selfism' well in place; it's in the bones. It's all about the 'I' with little left over for others/community. And sharing for the purpose of safe community will be a difficult, if not an impossible transition for many. None of it bodes well for survival of all. Perhaps 40% will make it through alive. That's not terribly optimistic, is it? Well, remember in 1929 people still knew how to survive, doing without alot of what we are used to today. They had their own wells, gardening skills, knowledge of pre-industrial living and savings. Some still hadn't torn down their outhouses yet. Today, we live in a precariously built civilization. What would you do without the electricity that brings water to your home, powers your gadgets, and lights your nights ? What would you do if your means of communication is no longer available ? Do you have a plan in place for emergency meeting up with your loved ones ? Satellites have a bit of trouble with solar flares if no one closes the protective shields in time or hasn't the time needed to close them. The power grid is old and susceptible to cyber attack, natural cause shutdown of regions, large or small. Alternate means of transportation: do you have something planned or purchased when gasoline is beyond your budget and/or means ? Believe the talking heads and don't prepare at your own peril. A word to the wise.

Short Update

2009-02-09T12:10:00.014-05:00

So I have to have 2 teeth pulled/get a bridge to replace them and get new glasses (the eyestrain is becoming obnoxious) and I'm hoping to have all this done before hyper-inflation sets in. I probably won't get the teeth done until after the Combat Field Medicine Emergency Training Class I'm taking is completed in March but the glasses are a must have now, as is the hands on training. This opportunity fits in nicely with my Shiatsu, a lifetime interest in herbs for healing and CPR/First Aide over the years. Unfortunately, I'm afraid I'll have occasion to use most of the knowledge but good fortune for whomever may need it !

I had the chance to discover this past weekend, my grief work is complete and I experienced complete joy instead, when confronted with the subjects of my grief. So I'm celebrating by musing on the purity of joy :-) It's satisfying to know I'll have my best capacity to offer when/if my skills are necessary.

On the crisis, well, I think I've posted or have links posted that address anything, anybody interested could need for study of surviving the coming times so I won't belabor that point. The signs are there for those that see. Other than that, all I'll say, is: we all have to keep vigil, in the attempt we don't overly 'contract', when things get tough, but attempt to keep a spirit of sharing, to the best of our ability amid our personal circumstances and resources. This will be a very real issue and the temptation great to find a hole and crawl into it when the climate of social need requires we all share what we can.

I got this in my email today from a friend; she forwarded it from one of the biggest haters I know that she received it from. Paradox here somewhere ? Yes: it never hurts to evaluate how much of an inspirational piece applies to us :-).....................off to contemplate on this myself:

Hater/ By Maya Angelou

A hater is someone who is jealous and envious and spends all their
time trying to make you look small so they can look tall.
They are very negative people to say the least. Nothing is ever
good enough!

When you make your mark, you will always attract some haters...

That's why you have to be careful with whom you share your
blessings and your dreams, because some folk can't handle seeing
you blessed...

It's dangerous to be like somebody else... If God wanted you to be
like somebody else, He would have given you what He gave them! Right?

You never know what people have gone through to get what they
have...

The problem I have with haters is that they see my glory, but they
don't know my story...

If the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, you
can rest assured that the water bill is higher there too!

We've all got some haters among us!

Some people envy you because you can:
a) Have a relationship with God
b) Light up a room when you walk in
c) Start your own business
d) Tell a man / woman to hit the curb
(if he / she isn't about the right thing)

e) Raise your children without both parents being
in the home

Haters can't stand to see you happy.
Haters will never want to see you succeed.
Most of our haters are people who are supposed to be
on our side.

How do you handle your undercover haters?
You can handle these haters by:

1. Knowing who you are & who your true friends are
*(VERY IMPORTANT!!)

2. Having a purpose to your life: Purpose does not
mean having a job. You can have a job and still be
unfulfilled.

A purpose is having a clear sense of what God has called you to be.
Your purpose is not defined by what others think about you.

3. By remembering what you have is by divine
prerogative and not human manipulation.

Fulfill your dreams! You only have one life to live...when its your
time to leave this earth, you 'want' to be able to say, 'I've lived my
life and fulfilled 'my' dreams,... Now I'm ready to go HOME!

When God gives you favor, you can tell your haters, 'Don't look at
me...Look at Who is in charge of me...' ...................End of Poem

I love you all, wish for you the best of everything and the strength to endure. I'll continue to post for as long as I can. Be well and stay safe. Peace !

Where are the facts and are they worth knowing ?

2009-01-23T10:48:00.011-05:00

I read this several days ago:

Perfect Space Storm Could be Catastrophic on Earth, Study Concludes By Robert Roy Britt, Editorial Director posted: 07 January 2009 09:03 am ET A new study from the National Academy of Sciences

http://www.livescience.com/space/090107-space-weather-storms.html

and there is that date again: '2012'. Ok so what facts do we have about the year 2012. I see lots of prophecies and conjecture but how about scientific fact ? There seems to be enough to satisfy my need for it, relative to sunspots/cycles etc. but definitely not enough re: proposed pole shift in 2012. However, I have seen some interesting blurbs by scientists over the last several years; just no legitimate articles or studies I can find to do some in depth reading to see what I think about the scientific 'evidence' that may have been submitted. Only a scant few pieces of information re: from soil samples/ice core samples showing pull of gravity lessens prior to a pole shift/astronomers showing the alignment of the sun and several planets with the center of the milky way (where there just happens to be a black hole)/gravity has lessened over the past 10 + yrs or so and now an anomaly the size of a medium sized nation in the Atlantic Ocean south of the equator with the characteristics of gravity in the northern hemisphere.

Then I had a thought. If our government studies the sex life of fruit flies why wouldn't study of the issue of planetary line up and possible pole shift warrant more study? Well maybe it did. And maybe the results are broad in interpretation from: nothing happens to all hell breaks loose. If you were a leader of a country and knew something potentially calamitous was going to/might happen in a given time period, what would you do ? Talk to other nation leaders (since it would be a planet specific event not regional planet event) ? Would you inform the people you govern ?

I asked this question of several people and all concluded there would be no point in alerting people because there is nothing anyone could do to stop it nor any way to mitigate the consequences. And of course, if an alert was given, panic would ensue. That may be true for the 'masses', but do you believe nations wouldn't be trying to figure out how to survive with the pieces (and people) they have left, if any, to govern ?

Dig it up !

2009-01-19T11:27:00.013-05:00

If all you're doing is watching the news, you are missing the markers for what's coming to this country very soon. Our news outlets are very carefully monitored re: what they air. If we are told the truth before it's deemed we 'need to know', a panic would be difficult to control. There are alot of things being done/prepared under the 'umbrella' of terrorism, presumably of the foreign kind. But did you know, under the Patriot Act, anyone can be arbitrarily suspected of terrorism and all the individual rights we've been accustomed to become void, in those circumstances ie. you have no rights and there is no provision for accountability required by the government acting on it's 'suspicion' ?

Watch this case as it develops and note the level of authority exerted:
http://www.ftcldf.org/news/news-22dec2008.htm
It should be interesting since the majority have no clue this kind of action is allowable under the Patriot Act, by Executive Order or Homeland Security Dept. directives.

And watch where our troops are stationed at home, as they return. Civil unrest is happening around the globe and increasing by the day from the global financial crisis. With more people out of jobs, unable to find new ones and losing their homes there will be many more going hungry here. More businesses, big and small, going out of business means more jobs lost and less goods to choose from. Soon you may not be able to communicate with loved ones as they disappear into the void of this global economic disaster. What plans have you made ? Hungry people will do most anything to survive and the more of the 'hungry us', the more threat of violence becomes more than just an idea. Then we will all experience less freedom than we have known in our past life in the USA.

So dig up the news that isn't being reported in the mainstream and read, so you aren't caught completely unaware. The next 90 days should be very interesting and revealing ie. what we can expect in the way of returning to the 'good 'ol days'. I'm not holding my breath. Bush/Cheney and gang left a mess leaving the new administration with few options.

Tidbit: non electric: http://www.pump-n-seal.com/
if you've canned foods and lost your heat, the canned goods aren't viable if they've frozen

Have you noticed ?

2009-01-09T11:09:00.026-05:00

Remember after 9/11 the White House invited hollywood film/TV people to a closed door meeting with TPTB ? I remember thinking, at the time, how odd that seemed. Take a look and see what you think: History channels 1 and 2/Nat'l geographic etc. ie. economic depression/war chronicles/apocalypse/prophets/gangs and their history etc.; add to that, programming on Marine, Army and Navy Seal survival training along with Bear Grylls and Les Stoud survival shows. Update: tonight there was a 2 hour program on the History channel called: Black Blizzard (about the dust storms of the 1930's).

I've been taking notice of how many times a mental 'bell' goes off in my mind as I note various choices in channel programming. It seemed a subliminal message at first (2002), now more blatant; old history teaching old living lessons ? Attempting to acclimate the hardheaded among us to prepare for the coming hardships ? I first noticed a significant programming change after 9/11; really started coming full force around the December holidays 2008 when a program (loosely related to Depression 1929) covered all the economic news up through and including the end of October 2008, leaving the impression the worst is yet to come. I have never seen such a short prep time for a feature docu/type program, airing. At the very least, it seems an effort to frighten people to action.

And while I composed this, Barack Obama was speaking for the 3rd day in a row BEFORE his inauguration; his message: 'dire' consequences' related to the economic crisis if lawmakers don't pass his stimulus AND he isn't sure it will work. So preparing for 'dire' would seem sensible, no ? Cause if it isn't 'dire' it WILL be mighty uncomfortable, regardless of how well the govt handles this crisis. Can you see the avalanche barreling down the hill at you yet ?

Tidbit question: what is the unemployment rate today under the 'old system' of calculating same? my guess: we are already in double digit unemployment stats and already in an economic depression predicted to get much worse since we currently sit atop the tip of the economic iceberg................keep in mind, it's still melting

take a look: http://www.portfolio.com/views/blogs/market-movers/2009/01/09/yet-another-gruesome-employment-report

See how fast it can all change.

2009-01-08T11:50:00.005-05:00

The countries present condition is so tenuous we are likely to experience this thoughout the regions; take a look:

From the oil drum blog (link on left)

http://www.theoildrum.com/node/4884#more

if the link doesn't work, check the archives for the title/article:

Scenario 2020: The Future of Food in Mendocino County

Posted by Jason Bradford on January 5, 2009 - 9:27am
Topic: Environment/Sustainability
Tags: food supply, local food, oil shock [list all tags]

What are the statistics on false hope?

2008-12-30T12:02:00.005-05:00

All around me I hear people expecting a miracle to extricate us from the economic repercussions coming our way; more people than not turning a blind eye and mind from the coming hardships; refusing to prepare, as if doing so, will lend credence to the inevitability. So instead of holding hope of survival in the hands of their own preparations, they'd rather wring them and hold onto false hope, doing virtually nothing to ensure their best chances. And then there is the group still looking through rose colored glasses, keeping in mind something 'bad' is happening but 'if you pray all will be well'. The fewer prepared the more the likelihood of so much civil unrest the government will have no other choice but to declare a National/or FEMA style emergency, in the hope of holding a deteriorating nation together. Please do yourselves a favor and learn how to build a fire; you may need the skill in coming times.

Ready or not; here it comes:

2008-11-30T11:46:00.015-05:00

When I posted elsewhere, I’d realized I needed to spend some time quieting my inner self and adapting my mind and emotions, I thought I was addressing a need to ‘ready’ myself for the coming change in the landscape of this country/this world. True, but not in the way I thought. Imagine my surprise when I found, instead, a grieving already in process and gave myself to understanding it. Grieving for my country on its deathbed, as I’ve known it; grieving for those who are unawakened for whatever reason; grieving for my children and the hardship they will face through more years than I have left to live. All of it; yes the anger too. I realized looking back over the time since I originally discovered http://www.fromthewilderness.com/, the stages of grief I have already passed through, where I am now and what I have left to do. If I can get well into stage 7 before TSHTF the more able I’ll be when it does.

Grieving is something we all have to do alone, in large part, but there is comfort in sharing the experience with others that grieve or have grieved. (A special thank you to all who have helped by sharing your grief.) If we are to be ready to give what we have to share in the coming 'mainstreet' crisis, it is important to let go of as much grief as possible; it takes too much energy away from more immediate concerns and disables the griever from contribution to the community they 'belong' to. "Physician, heal thyself" would seem to apply here. We must all apply ourselves to the task of eliminating whatever grief lies fallow and unaddressed in each of us. Let it go and prepare.

All signs point to the 'bandaides' not staying on as financial 'fixers' past next spring; if they do, I'll be more than amazed.

Tidbit: on any given day, there is not more than 2 weeks worth of supplies on the shelves of local grocers............are you ready, should there be any disruption of continued supply in stores?............are you ready, should there be any disruption of energy supplied to your homes for heat and cooking etc. ?

http://www.theoildrum.com/
title on the above link:
Impact of Credit Crisis on the Energy Industry - Where Are We Now?

Saddling up for the ride !

2008-11-21T11:07:00.007-05:00

Ok I have finally gotten some boxes to start the packing and have emptied 4 plastic bins of yarn for the packing of less sturdy items. Since most of the sorting has been done, the packing is just a tedious business but ultimately doesn't take as long as said sorting. The culling will begin when I have all my personal things in one place. Then I can start allocating to whom they will go, assuming the recipients want them ! lol Can't take it all with me so this is the best option. Otherwise, lots will be donated to needy facilities or I have 1 sister who responded with a loud 'yes, I'll take whatever you can't 'carry with you' or 'nobody else wants'. She is special :-) ..........No response yet from anyone else.
I've also packed my backpack with herbs, so that's done and ready to go. The rest is on the 'to do list' and I should have plenty of time over the long Thanksgiving weekend to get the rest done. Hopefully, anyway ! I'll know more specifically the 'depart' date next week sometime so things are coming together slowly, but surely. Hi! Ho! Silver !

A Call for Action Part III

2008-11-10T17:13:00.008-05:00

Ok so you’ve read Part I and Part II. When you read them did you nod your head in agreement ? Did you hit your email compose button and pass it on? Did you think of at least one person of a different ethnicity and commit to having a conversation with them about the subject of these missives? Agreement without action is pretty much the status quo; what’s been going on for years. The majority in it’s silence have allowed the ethnic divides to remain brewing in the background, snaking themselves in, out and around every corner of our national community, while many insist racism doesn’t exist. It’s time to make some noise, take action, let it be known we stand by and for each other. Have you imagined a few instances that could happen and thought about what you may say or do?

It is a good time for celebration; as a nation we have crossed a barrier and taken a huge step toward moving forward toward true equality and creating real community. You know, where all are considered brothers and sisters to one another. But in your joy, I would ask you take a moment to think about the hate groups that have been, for the most part, quiet for many years. Last tuesdays hallmark in American history has the potential to bring them out of the woodwork and if they can’t get to our new President they may, in their cowardly way, target the race. If we don’t have the courage to speak up, stand with and/or step in, the minority hate mongers will succeed. It’s up to us. If you agree and have the courage please take some kind of action and at least prepare yourselves if someone needs you. Will it be courage or the status quo? It’s our choice.

A Call for Action Part II

2008-11-06T10:49:00.003-05:00

Silent Americans: it's time to speak. The voices of many are loud. One voice alone isn't.

It would be nice to see a movement of predominantly small actions such as accompanying ‘endangered’ races (isn’t that all of us?) on outings at night when the hate mongers, under cover of darkness are the most dangerous and treacherous, as well as letting it be known we don’t condone, nor will we stand idly by when we see a hate exchange taking place, at any level. It means speaking up, standing with, and stepping in. Really, it doesn’t require a lot of courage; it only takes knowing what is right and proudly demonstrating that belief.

I don’t even want to think about what the hate groups are saying, thinking, planning today. It is imperative this message go out loud and clear so we can show this minority the rest of us are organizing and in no uncertain terms, not only out number them but we will not stand for, nor do we agree with their hate based actions. They work in the dark and count on no one knowing who committed their abhorrent deeds.

We must be prepared to act and soon. Otherwise, they and our ongoing silence will continue to divide us and perpetuate the racial divides. Just as each of our votes spoke volumes so will the small actions of speaking up, standing with and stepping in. What we do and say can mean the world to someone and to our future as Americans. Pass it forward ! Do something today ! When we go to bed tonight who of us can say: 'I spoke up, I stood with or I stepped in?'

A Call for Action

2008-11-05T13:37:00.004-05:00

There is a community near where I live that had an incident of prejudice against a Jewish member of the community. The housing community in which they live is mostly Christian. The community, as a whole, went out and purchased menorahs, set them in their windows and lit them, showing their abhorrence of the hate driven action taken against this family. The recipients of this action were not left wondering which members of their community wanted them dead.

We may need more of this kind of action and more active participation against the actions of similar hate groups, in lieu of the historic election of our first African American President. Let us join together in finding out how we can help snuff out this hatred and let our non prejudice shine instead of quietly peeking out from behind the curtain of safety.

Talk to your neighbors, friends, family, strangers and devise a plan. It is time for unity and standing with our fellow man against hatred and prejudice. Stand up and be counted !

If you agree and have the courage to act , please pass this on; and for Gods sake begin to speak your views to others outside your race !

Currently,
one white american wondering who else feels the same way
I would love to hear from you

Love or hate/derision or empathy? Your choice !

2008-10-31T13:55:00.000-04:00

I am troubled with how much judgement and blame seems to be aimed at people feeling the continued impact of the financial meltdown. The people losing their homes and jobs. Any one of us could find ourselves in their situations and there will be many more of us in the same 'boat' before it's over. In order to survive what's coming we will all need each other - skills, knowledge, leadership, ability to be a part of a team - think of it: every person is a 'resource' - we each have a base of knowledge that no other has; a wealth of information when utilized within a group of people - so what good is it to stomp on another for his/her misfortune when they most likely have many things in their base of knowledge which could help our communities? When busy judging and looking down upon, we can rarely perceive the gift that may have just come into our lifes - please don't feed the angry judgement when, but for the roulette wheel of fortune, it could have been or may be you, me or someone we know and love....................in the times to come, it will be important to remember, none of us will have all we want or need - if we all understand that basic bit of information we can offer what we can to the situation/each other and not take the rest personally...............in the meantime save your empty toilet paper 'tubes', fill them with lint from the dryer and save them in case you ever need to build a fire...... and here's a useful tidbit if you have no fruit in winter to supply yourselves with Vit C: http://1stholistic.com/Recipes/A2005/recipe_herbal-teas-pine-needle-tea.htm

The Most Immediate Crisis - little time left

2008-10-21T03:58:00.000-04:00

well, now i know what i’m looking at and Naomi Wolf leaves me little to wonder about, except, ' why?'; yes, it’s worth the time:

http://towardfreedom.com/home/content/view/1429/54/
(caveat: i don't recommend her 'solution')

everything else vying for our attention would seem a diversion !

do the homework and read:

http://www.fromthewilderness.com/
you may be surprised or the information may support your own suspicions

The Edge of November

2008-10-15T10:38:00.002-04:00

I admit I've been preoccupied with ferreting out information related to the 'crisis'; to find out what's happening 'behind the scenes'; you know, the things you won't find being reported on major news stations; sometimes there are small blips at off hours, like the early hours a.m. and then not reported again during peak public watching/listening hours. Was horrified to see the house was threatened by Paulson with declaration of martial law if they didn't pass the bailout bill last week. Talk about strong arming...................see: http://towardfreedom.com/home/content/view/1429/54/
And then to find out, the bail out bill included nullification of upside limits of loans to foreign banks and yes, that's right - some of the 700 billion will be going to foreign banks; I don't recall that possibility being a part of the information I got when the bailout was being 'debated'. At this point, I am wondering if the move by Russia into the Georgia region and blurbs I heard about their looking to organize the east with a similar organization to the UN and World Org was a protectionistic move (and show of strength) against what's going on now with the Big 8. Interesting. I think there is alot more going on worldwide politically than meets the eye and anyway 'you' cut it, it's going to bite us in the _ss !

We know not the misery that marches toward us

2008-09-27T12:55:00.001-04:00

Well this would seem a good time to speak more directly to what's coming since so many are still 'asleep'.

I'm afraid there are way too many people who don't know what the meltdown in the markets really means to us. They don't even have the advantage of watching it develop over the past 9 years, understanding what they were seeing and preparing themselves mentally and emotionally, let alone tangible preps. I've talked about it, been looked at askance, been called a conspiracy theorist, an alarmist and generally flicked aside like an annoying fly. What will happen to those I love that refused to hear? I don't know and many of them are too far away for me to help when things get really tough. Their survival skills, few. Some have heard and have done their homework so all was not useless noise I uttered into many an ear. Some consolation I suppose. For those that want to do what they can now, read: http://www.fromthewilderness.com/ and do what you can, while you can.

Simmering September

2008-09-20T14:04:00.001-04:00

I think my creative mind is in simmer mode and ready to break out with free form crochet in granny square format for some swap partners in colors of their choice; should be lots of fun and satisfying for my artistic urge too :-)

Today was Joanns Fabric day for the yarn needed to make a rasta hat for my little 2nd grade friend - colors: green, yellow, orange and red ! the design is one of Teresa Richardsons and lovely !

I requested some yarn on my local recycle for the donation projects I have going and someone gifted me with nearly 100 skeins of unused yarn! Heaven shone down on me that day and now I'm working on donation squares, more with angels in the middle and some I have planned with bears and dolphins; others, traditional patterns. Continuing the fingerless gloves for the homeless and am aiming for 100 pr for our local homeless shelter in various sizes, including childrens sized gloves. This week I plan to play with the pattern a bit with different weight yarns and hooks. Some new pics will be posted later today on my flicker album and in ravelry for anyone who would like a look see. <http://www.flickr.com/photos/29049978@N08/>

And the organizing project continues at a grueling pace. arghhhhhh Slow but sure; once the paper stuff is done the rest should be a cinch ! I think it's nearly done but with so much paper everywhere in different piles it's hard to tell! It will be sooooooo nice not to have so much stuff bursting out all over. My grandfather would have called my closets 'fibbermagee' closets ie. open the door and take your chances on everything falling out on the head of the hapless person daring to do such a thing lolol There is less overall stuff already since one of my sisters came by and picked up alot of things I thought she and hers would enjoy ie. holiday decorations, some ceramic items (fountain, angel etc), old family things and oodles of photos, so already progress can be noted (except for the paper stuff that's driving me crazy lololol). I still haven't even started on the bedroom storage hide-a-ways yet ! (at least there's no paper stuff in there lolol)

And line dance classes are just so much fun and great exercise too. The music for most of the dances does something nourishing to the soul and it calls you to move to it so having the option of learning the associated line dance is fantastic since this old dog has trouble learning new
tricks ! :-) Of course, it's a great counter balance for all the seated crochet and computer cruising I do :-) Luckily I have a girlfriend I see a couple times a week for extra practice sooooo that takes care of the 3 X's a week exercise recommended by the Dr !

Ok off to upload some new pics. I'm actually in a contest with one of my friends for who gets their pics posted first! ahem Brenda did i win yet? lolol

My Header Pic and other things !

2008-09-06T13:21:00.005-04:00

I fell in love with this potholder design when I discovered it here: http://web.archive.org/web/20041111053853/http://www.splynda.com/free_patterns/picasso/picasso.htm AND this is the gals blog that so kindly took the antique potholder apart in order to provide the pattern: http://timelesscreations.blogspot.com/2005/09/here-it-is-picasso-potholder.html

The links above don't work anymore for the pattern so here it is:

Potholder:
#10 Crochet Cotton and #7 hook
You make 3 strips. The strips are worked with single crochet (sc) in the back loops of the previous row. This makes it stretchy like ribbing in a sweater.
Row 1: Ch 2, 3 sc in 2nd ch from hk, ch 1,turn.
Row 2: Sc in same place and in each st across, ch1, turn. (3 sts)
Row 3: 2 sc in the same place, and in each st across, ch 1, turn. (4 sts)
Row 4: Sc in same place and in each st across, ch1, turn. (4 sts)
Row 5: 2 sc in same place (back loop remember) and in each st across, ch 1 turn (5 sts)
Continue in this fashion (repeating rows 4 and 5) until there are 14 stitches, then work even until the strip is about 9" long. Then break the thread and finish it off.
The edging goes on the edge where the increases were made. edging:
Row 1: Working evenly along the side of the strip (I put my sc in the low part of the rows) sc, ch 3 and repeat to the end of the strip.

The edging goes on the edge where the increases were made. edging:
Row 1: Working evenly along the side of the strip (I put my sc in the low part of the rows) sc, ch 3 and repeat to the end of the strip.
Row 2: sc in the ch 3 space, ch 3, sc in the 3rd st from hk (making a picot), ch1, sc in next ch 3 sp. Do this to the end, break thread and finish off. Actually any pretty little edging would work.

Now, sew the three large ends of the strips together with sewing thread. After that, wrap the strips making the pot holder as round as possible. Sew with thread.

The back is just a circle of double crochets. Stitch the back to the front hiding the stitches under the edging. Even if the front isn't exactly round, the round back can be eased on, press it, and it will be fine. Cover a ring with single crochet, and attach it for hanging. TIP: With red sewing thread, gather the straight side! It will curl right up in the position you want. After sewing a strip on, take out the red thread.

I then found one made up in blue by: Fran Doreham of Arlington, TX (which just happens to be my favorite color)! Ergo, it has become my header so I can look at it whenever I choose. Looking at it makes me feel happy, lighthearted and creative!

This past week someone suggested a great way to use yarn tails about 3" or more in length using the weavers knot. What an adventure it's been attempting to learn this knot in order to make those tails useful. Originally I was using them to put out for the birds to aid nest building, until I learned that unnatural fibers are bad bad bad for them! So now just the tails of 100% cotton goes out for my winged friends :-) My first attempts at this knot have been weak; you know the first part of the learning curve is steep, afterall. So my first ball of refugee yarn is pretty funny looking and I intend to use it for a dishcloth. My weavers knot friend says my dishes won't mind all the knots in it and in fact they come in handy for cleaning bit's of food that don't want to exit the surface they are residing upon. Thanks Brenda !

My latest frustration has been having to divide my time between crocheting and reorganizing closets and all those 'tuck away' places we have in our homes. So many crochet projects and life just keeps demanding I give other things my attention. Phooey ! It does feel good to lighten the load of things in my possession so that part is ok - it's just getting it done that seems sooooooooooo painful ! I guess I just don't have the mind for it :-) Now some people are organizing maestros - well I need an organizing guru or some organizing junkie that wants to come do it for or with me ! lolol To make the process easier freecycle is my new friend except for some family stuff that one of my sisters is coming to fetch for her gang. And paper; of my! oh my! I seem to have reams of it with various kinds of information written, typed and scribbled upon it. Do I really need all of it? Well I can't answer that until I go through all of it first = Oh God will I survive the task? I just have wayyyyyyyyy too much STUFF !

Busy Busy Busy

2008-09-02T15:27:00.001-04:00

Well with the aid of techno help I finally have the comment box under the posts which only took the weekend to figure out ! sheesh! On to bigger and crochetier things. I think I'm going to make more fingerless gloves for the homeless shelter this year out of my stash. And stay on the hunt for more yarn since I doubt I have enough for more than about 10 more pair. In the meantime searching for a great easy pattern for them should keep me occupied along with my other projects :-) I'm not crazy about the pattern I've been using. If anyone knows of an easy pattern for fingerless gloves please post it for me and I'll be ever grateful as will some homeless folks. The almanac predicts a veryyyyyyyyyy cold winter in the northeast!

Quick Update

2008-09-01T12:19:00.000-04:00

Check this out: http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,161,151179-225203,00.html%20/ Someone gave me this link while in chatroom and I think it sounds toooooooo funny but yes I'll be making them - why?...... just because i want to try it; bug balls the size of meatballs.....the idea of it makes me laugh. I have no more time to give blog today; have to get busy with the dish promised for the bbq later today (which should have been done yesterday!) - and 'no' to the wise guys who may be thinking I'm taking bug balls to the bbq - I'm taking real food ! lol ...ok later gators :-)

Right Angles

2008-08-30T13:36:00.000-04:00

When life is in right angle mode I really must remember to look around the corner ! More on that another time.

Let's see; since last I posted there has been a line dance class birthday party that was great fun with fabulous food and people. I'm still working on the afghans, made another soap sachet, more granny squares for donating (a few with an angel in the center) and a yo yo granny in progress. The project I most want to get to sooner than later is something crocheted with plastic bag yarn aka plarn for those who haven't heard the term yet (it was new to me a few months ago). Finally decided on a method for cutting them into strips and THEN got sidetracked on an old sheet that has a tear in it and decided it MUST be recycled too! So now that's in the process of being readied to 'strip' for a project (though I haven't a clue what I'll make with it yet).

Oh and also I'm on the hunt for a crocheted shopping bag pattern that is big buttttttttttttttt big horizontally, not vertically ie. will expand more sideways than lengthwise. So far no luck - perhaps there is no such thing?

Musings and 'did' list

2008-08-27T15:48:00.001-04:00

I am a
Snapdragon

What Flower
Are You?

So today I have crocheted an angel, a small sachet, worked on an afghan for someone special and a few granny squares of various sizes for donations. A little time was spent wondering why some people are soooooooooo rigid they hamper the free flow of ideas between people. However most of the people I know are beautiful people who love to share ideas about most anything and I appreciate them immensely; including my internet friends' ! :-)

what a day!

2008-08-26T16:26:00.000-04:00

Finally i got this blog created. Gads, how frustrating ! Now i just have to figure out how to use it - we'll have to see how this goes which will have to wait for another day since i haven't any crocheting done yet for this day. Working on squares, 2 afghans, fancy dishcloth and a sachet. Project list is wayyyyyyy too long to list today.