Going Against What Is Popular does no longer seem the status quo. I am appalled at the ease with which the citizens of the U. S. are willing to give up their freedoms because of some contrived threats from the government. Yes there was a disaster on Sept. 11, some years back. That does not mean there is a disaster gojng to happen on 9/11 everyh year... There has not been a Pearl Harbor since 1942. Of course thered has not been a Victory dasy since V J day in 1946. Since then we havve just been lead down the primrose lane with a judasgoat as a leader.
Just because an idea or way of doing things is popular doesn't mean it's right for everyone. However, part of the way that something becomes popular is that many of us don't take the time to determine what's right for us; we simply do what most of the people we know are doing. In this way, our decisions about life are made by default, which means they aren't what we call conscious decisions. There may be many other options available, but we don't always take the time to explore them. This may be the result of feeling overwhelmed or pressured by family, peers, and humanity at large, to do things their way, the way things have always been done. Regardless of the cause, it is important that, as often as we can, we decide for ourselves what to do with our lives rather than just drift along on the current of popular opinion.
It is not always easy to make decisions that go against the grain. Many people feel threatened when those close to them make choices divergent from the ones they are making. Parents and grandparents may be confused and defensive when we choose to raise our children differently from the way they raised us. Friends may feel abandoned if we decide to change our habits or behavior. Meanwhile, on our side of the fence, it's easy to feel frustrated and defensive when we feel unsupported and misunderstood simply because we are thinking for ourselves. It can be exhausting to have to explain and re-explain our points of view and our reasons.
This is where gentleness, openness, and tolerance come into play. It helps if we are calmly persistent, consistent, and clear as we communicate to those around us why we are making the choices we are making. At the same time, we have the right to say that we are tired of talking about it and simply need our choices to be respected. Our lives belong to us and so do our decisions. Those who truly love us will stand by us and support our choices, never mind what's popular.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Heaven or Hell
A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, "Lord,
I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like." The Lord led the holy
man to two doors. He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in.
In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the
table was a large pot of stew which smelled delicious and made the holy
man's mouth water. The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly.
They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long
handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach
into the pot of stew and take a spoonful, but because the handle was longer
than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.
The
holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering. The Lord
said, "You have seen Hell."
They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as
the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew
which made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the
same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump,
laughing and talking. The holy man said, "I don't understand."
"It is simple" said the Lord, "it requires but one skill. You see, they
have learned to feed each other, while the greedy think only of themselves."
I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like." The Lord led the holy
man to two doors. He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in.
In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the
table was a large pot of stew which smelled delicious and made the holy
man's mouth water. The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly.
They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long
handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach
into the pot of stew and take a spoonful, but because the handle was longer
than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.
The
holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering. The Lord
said, "You have seen Hell."
They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as
the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew
which made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the
same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump,
laughing and talking. The holy man said, "I don't understand."
"It is simple" said the Lord, "it requires but one skill. You see, they
have learned to feed each other, while the greedy think only of themselves."
Friday, September 22, 2006
Puppy time
Early this week I went to see a litter of puppies with the idea of "just looking" at them. There were 8 puppies 6 weeks old, confined in a 5 foot diameter circle on the kitchen floor. There were black and tans, black and whites, tan and whites, tan and black with a blaze of white on her forhead and tail tip along with the toes. My bride and daughter were trying to see which one they liked. I had first picked a black puppy with some small spots of tan on him. At the last minute I chose a german shepard marked puppy, brown, black and white. A cute puppy. After paying a reasonable price for the puppy, we headed toward home. Many names crossed my mind and nothing seemed to say what I wanted this dog to say. Finally, after a 45 minute trip home, I remembered a story that had a Hawaiian word in it. "Family" My daughter knew the word and the puppy is now call OHANA. She is to be my service dog and though she is just 6 weeks she is already providing me with the aid I need to survive.
did you know about these?
How many of these did YOU know about?
A sealed envelope - Put in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a
knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed.
(hmmmmmm...)
== ==========================================
Use Empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords. It keeps them
neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to.
============================================
For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and put
Dawn dish washing liquid in it. Pour it all ove r the steps. They won't
refreeze. (wish I had known this for the last 40 years!)
============================================
To remove old wax from a glass candle holder, put it in the freezer for
a few hours. Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The
wax will fall out.
=================================================
Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped
in baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is!).
============================================
Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt
BLUE!) rubbing alcohol on paper towel.
=============================================
Whenever I purchase a box of S.O.S Pads, I immediately take a pair of
scissors and cut each pad into halves. After years of having to throw
away rusted and unused and smelly pads, I finally decided that this would
be much more economical. Now a box of S.O.S pads last me indefinitely!
In fact, I have noticed that the scissors get 'sharpened'' this way!
=============================================
Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little hydrogen
peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works
every time! (Now, where to put the body?) LOL
=============================================
Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal
for inside windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks.
Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don't wash windows
on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.
============================================
Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely
light scent in each room when the light is turned on.
============================================
Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will
smell freshly washed for wee ks to come. You can also do this with towels
and linen. Also, bars of soap in your dresser drawers. This lets the soap "dry out"
and will last longer when you use it later on in the bath or shower.
=============================================
Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3
hours prior to burning.
=============================================
&nb sp;To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the
flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt
and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm!
=============================================
To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or
two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to
a boil on stove top.
================== ============================
Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before pouring
in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains.
=============================================
W rap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will
keep for weeks.
=============================== ==============
When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the
corn's natural sweetness
=============================================
Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on your
forehead. The throbbing will go away.
=============================================
Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future
use in casseroles and sauces ......... Left over wine? What's that? :)
=============================================
To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area
and you will experience instant relief. Meat tenderizer on stings.
=============================================
Ants, ants, ants everywhere ... Well, they are said to never cross a chalk
line. So, get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants
tend to march. See for yourself.
============================================
Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still,
leaves a lovely smell to the shine.
============================================
When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to
tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, and
then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily.
=====================================
Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer........
Clean a toilet.
Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush.
The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous China .
============================================
Clean a vase.
To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water
and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.
============================================
Polish jewelry.
Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the
jewelry for two minutes.
=============================================
Clean a thermos bottle.
Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak
for an hour (or longer, if necessary).
=============================================
Unclog a drain.
Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the
drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes,
and then run the hot water.
=============================================
Do your friends a f avor. Pass this timely (and some not-so-timely)
information on to a friend! I just did.
Makes you wonder about ingesting Alka Seltzer, doesn't it?
A sealed envelope - Put in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a
knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed.
(hmmmmmm...)
== ==========================================
Use Empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords. It keeps them
neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to.
============================================
For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and put
Dawn dish washing liquid in it. Pour it all ove r the steps. They won't
refreeze. (wish I had known this for the last 40 years!)
============================================
To remove old wax from a glass candle holder, put it in the freezer for
a few hours. Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The
wax will fall out.
=================================================
Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped
in baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is!).
============================================
Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt
BLUE!) rubbing alcohol on paper towel.
=============================================
Whenever I purchase a box of S.O.S Pads, I immediately take a pair of
scissors and cut each pad into halves. After years of having to throw
away rusted and unused and smelly pads, I finally decided that this would
be much more economical. Now a box of S.O.S pads last me indefinitely!
In fact, I have noticed that the scissors get 'sharpened'' this way!
=============================================
Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little hydrogen
peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works
every time! (Now, where to put the body?) LOL
=============================================
Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal
for inside windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks.
Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don't wash windows
on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.
============================================
Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely
light scent in each room when the light is turned on.
============================================
Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will
smell freshly washed for wee ks to come. You can also do this with towels
and linen. Also, bars of soap in your dresser drawers. This lets the soap "dry out"
and will last longer when you use it later on in the bath or shower.
=============================================
Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3
hours prior to burning.
=============================================
&nb sp;To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the
flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt
and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm!
=============================================
To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or
two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to
a boil on stove top.
================== ============================
Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before pouring
in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains.
=============================================
W rap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will
keep for weeks.
=============================== ==============
When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the
corn's natural sweetness
=============================================
Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on your
forehead. The throbbing will go away.
=============================================
Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future
use in casseroles and sauces ......... Left over wine? What's that? :)
=============================================
To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area
and you will experience instant relief. Meat tenderizer on stings.
=============================================
Ants, ants, ants everywhere ... Well, they are said to never cross a chalk
line. So, get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants
tend to march. See for yourself.
============================================
Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still,
leaves a lovely smell to the shine.
============================================
When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to
tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, and
then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily.
=====================================
Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer........
Clean a toilet.
Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush.
The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous China .
============================================
Clean a vase.
To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water
and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.
============================================
Polish jewelry.
Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the
jewelry for two minutes.
=============================================
Clean a thermos bottle.
Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak
for an hour (or longer, if necessary).
=============================================
Unclog a drain.
Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the
drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes,
and then run the hot water.
=============================================
Do your friends a f avor. Pass this timely (and some not-so-timely)
information on to a friend! I just did.
Makes you wonder about ingesting Alka Seltzer, doesn't it?
U S backs Noongar Aboriginals in Australia...
"GOOD MOON RISING" – INDIGENOUS TITLE TO WESTERN AUSTRALIA AFFIRMED –
BYE BYE COLONIALISM!
MNN. Sep. 21, 2006. It's a landmark case. The Noongar Aborigine
people of Australia were affirmed as holding title to a substantial
part of Western Australia, including the city of Perth. In the case
of Bennell v. State of Western Australia (2006) FCA 1243, the
Noongar people proved that their community continues to exist and
that they are still part of the land. They continue to observe the
community's traditional laws and customs, including their
relationship to their land.
The Noongar have a claim under their own laws and customs as a
result of their occupation of the land before the colonial visitors
arrived on the scene. This community continues to exist today.
They are still guided by the spirits of their ancestors. They
continue to acknowledge their laws and customs even though there
have been some alternations and interference by their white
visitors. In other words, the rights are possessed under
traditional laws that are acknowledged and observed which maintains
their connection to their lands and waters.
Those rights are recognized by common law in Australia, Canada, the
United States and other commonwealth countries, including those in
Africa. The major point of the decision is that the native people
are identified by their own laws, not by colonial laws. Even though
they have been prevented from exercising their rights for a period
of time by the colonists, they still have title.
It is a persuasive decision in terms of setting a precedent for a
new stage in the relationships between Indigenous people worldwide
and the colonial states that have imposed themselves on our lands.
We think that the Department of Indian Affairs in Canada has become
hysterical over this reaffirmation of our rights to our lands and
resources. They are the only ones we can think who might be
responsible for planting stories trying to make the Canadian public
think that Indigenous people are trying to do them in. Last Monday
there was an explosion on the 17th floor of the "Tower of Power"
known as Indian Affairs at 10 Wellington Street in Hull Quebec.
It's right across the Ottawa River from the Parliament Buildings
that are squatting on Algonquin land. This is the second time that
the police have been called in to investigate "vandalism".
I was home on Monday. This reminds me of the time I worked on the
17th floor until I was fired during the Mohawk Oka Crisis of 1990.
In 1988 there was a Canadian soldier working on the 14th floor.
Yep. The Canadian military was right there in the middle of Indian
Affairs. One day the officer in charge came to see me. He wanted
to talk about my opposition to the claims that Nelson Small Legs
Junior had committed suicide. He died suddenly two days after
testifying at the hearing against the McKenzie Valley Pipeline. I
told him I wanted an investigation. He came back a month or two
later. He more or less said that I was right. It was not a
suicide, as his father had claimed to me. But the RCMP was not
going to change the report.
He then suddenly decided to show me something extraordinary. He
took me down to the 14th floor to the western side of the building
which was all painted black. There was a cutout of a door with a
lock. He took out a key, opened the door and invited me inside.
It was a large room. The windows were all covered with thick black
drapes. In the middle was a large round table covered by a green
felt cloth. He pulled off the cloth and revealed a map of Canada.
On the map were small yellow, red or green flags on each Indigenous
community in Canada. I noticed that the Mohawk communities and a
few in Northern British Columbia and the Northwest Territories had
red flags. Most had green. Were they considered to be "pushovers"
who gave colonialism the green light? Were the red flags describing
those stalwart defenders of Indigenous rights? Red meant that these
communities had to be stopped in their tracts. I asked him what
this was all about. He said it was in case of "emergencies" . I
asked, "Like what?" He said like fires, floods and other
catastrophies (like martial law?)
At the left side of the door there was a room full of computers. I
wondered what kinds of information were being put into them. He
said, "All kinds of information" was being collected. But he didn't
go further. He was in charge. In others words, this was the "war
room" being run by the Canadian military in the Department of Indian
Affairs. It's obvious they never forgot that Indian Affairs began
as a branch of the British military back in the days when they were
plotting the "conquest" of the French in North America and dreaming
that they could suck the Indians into doing all their dirty work for
them. They still haven't learned that we just don't
like "trespassers" .
Later, after the Oka Crisis, I was in the hotel adjacent to Indian
Affairs. That night I looked up at the building outside my window
and counted up 14 floors. Sure enough! The black curtains were
still on the windows. The imperial menace was still lurking
inside.
What documents is Indian Affairs trying to get rid of by setting off
explosions in the building? Have they gotten caught up in
the "Fight Club" mentality that's inspiring teenagers to fake phony
fights and put them on the internet. Are they giving themselves
black eyes and trying to blame it on us? They expect the public to
believe that we're doing it to them. They're trying to justify
their own existence.
We've been asking them to produce their documents on how they got
control over us, our lands and resources. We've been telling them
all along that they just could not come here, land on our shores,
rob us of everything we have, and we wouldn't complain about it!
The time has come for their heirs to face up to this monumental
fraud and hoax. We're just not buying it and they can't make us.
As Floyd Westerman sang, "We just ain't your Indians anymore!" as if
we ever were! Canada, you have no choice but to come to terms with
this colonial operation called "plunder and pillage". You helped
yourselves to everything and killed 99% of us off in the
process.
Well, Canada, it looks like St. Nick and the Easter Bunny have left
the building. You'll just have to follow them out. And please take
with you your bag of lies and genocidal policies. We don't want any
left over explosive caps or land mines. Oh! On your way out, clean
up after yourselves. Leave things in the condition you found
them.
BYE BYE COLONIALISM!
MNN. Sep. 21, 2006. It's a landmark case. The Noongar Aborigine
people of Australia were affirmed as holding title to a substantial
part of Western Australia, including the city of Perth. In the case
of Bennell v. State of Western Australia (2006) FCA 1243, the
Noongar people proved that their community continues to exist and
that they are still part of the land. They continue to observe the
community's traditional laws and customs, including their
relationship to their land.
The Noongar have a claim under their own laws and customs as a
result of their occupation of the land before the colonial visitors
arrived on the scene. This community continues to exist today.
They are still guided by the spirits of their ancestors. They
continue to acknowledge their laws and customs even though there
have been some alternations and interference by their white
visitors. In other words, the rights are possessed under
traditional laws that are acknowledged and observed which maintains
their connection to their lands and waters.
Those rights are recognized by common law in Australia, Canada, the
United States and other commonwealth countries, including those in
Africa. The major point of the decision is that the native people
are identified by their own laws, not by colonial laws. Even though
they have been prevented from exercising their rights for a period
of time by the colonists, they still have title.
It is a persuasive decision in terms of setting a precedent for a
new stage in the relationships between Indigenous people worldwide
and the colonial states that have imposed themselves on our lands.
We think that the Department of Indian Affairs in Canada has become
hysterical over this reaffirmation of our rights to our lands and
resources. They are the only ones we can think who might be
responsible for planting stories trying to make the Canadian public
think that Indigenous people are trying to do them in. Last Monday
there was an explosion on the 17th floor of the "Tower of Power"
known as Indian Affairs at 10 Wellington Street in Hull Quebec.
It's right across the Ottawa River from the Parliament Buildings
that are squatting on Algonquin land. This is the second time that
the police have been called in to investigate "vandalism".
I was home on Monday. This reminds me of the time I worked on the
17th floor until I was fired during the Mohawk Oka Crisis of 1990.
In 1988 there was a Canadian soldier working on the 14th floor.
Yep. The Canadian military was right there in the middle of Indian
Affairs. One day the officer in charge came to see me. He wanted
to talk about my opposition to the claims that Nelson Small Legs
Junior had committed suicide. He died suddenly two days after
testifying at the hearing against the McKenzie Valley Pipeline. I
told him I wanted an investigation. He came back a month or two
later. He more or less said that I was right. It was not a
suicide, as his father had claimed to me. But the RCMP was not
going to change the report.
He then suddenly decided to show me something extraordinary. He
took me down to the 14th floor to the western side of the building
which was all painted black. There was a cutout of a door with a
lock. He took out a key, opened the door and invited me inside.
It was a large room. The windows were all covered with thick black
drapes. In the middle was a large round table covered by a green
felt cloth. He pulled off the cloth and revealed a map of Canada.
On the map were small yellow, red or green flags on each Indigenous
community in Canada. I noticed that the Mohawk communities and a
few in Northern British Columbia and the Northwest Territories had
red flags. Most had green. Were they considered to be "pushovers"
who gave colonialism the green light? Were the red flags describing
those stalwart defenders of Indigenous rights? Red meant that these
communities had to be stopped in their tracts. I asked him what
this was all about. He said it was in case of "emergencies" . I
asked, "Like what?" He said like fires, floods and other
catastrophies (like martial law?)
At the left side of the door there was a room full of computers. I
wondered what kinds of information were being put into them. He
said, "All kinds of information" was being collected. But he didn't
go further. He was in charge. In others words, this was the "war
room" being run by the Canadian military in the Department of Indian
Affairs. It's obvious they never forgot that Indian Affairs began
as a branch of the British military back in the days when they were
plotting the "conquest" of the French in North America and dreaming
that they could suck the Indians into doing all their dirty work for
them. They still haven't learned that we just don't
like "trespassers" .
Later, after the Oka Crisis, I was in the hotel adjacent to Indian
Affairs. That night I looked up at the building outside my window
and counted up 14 floors. Sure enough! The black curtains were
still on the windows. The imperial menace was still lurking
inside.
What documents is Indian Affairs trying to get rid of by setting off
explosions in the building? Have they gotten caught up in
the "Fight Club" mentality that's inspiring teenagers to fake phony
fights and put them on the internet. Are they giving themselves
black eyes and trying to blame it on us? They expect the public to
believe that we're doing it to them. They're trying to justify
their own existence.
We've been asking them to produce their documents on how they got
control over us, our lands and resources. We've been telling them
all along that they just could not come here, land on our shores,
rob us of everything we have, and we wouldn't complain about it!
The time has come for their heirs to face up to this monumental
fraud and hoax. We're just not buying it and they can't make us.
As Floyd Westerman sang, "We just ain't your Indians anymore!" as if
we ever were! Canada, you have no choice but to come to terms with
this colonial operation called "plunder and pillage". You helped
yourselves to everything and killed 99% of us off in the
process.
Well, Canada, it looks like St. Nick and the Easter Bunny have left
the building. You'll just have to follow them out. And please take
with you your bag of lies and genocidal policies. We don't want any
left over explosive caps or land mines. Oh! On your way out, clean
up after yourselves. Leave things in the condition you found
them.
And there may be a rest of a story!
"GOOD MOON RISING" – INDIGENOUS TITLE TO WESTERN AUSTRALIA AFFIRMED –
BYE BYE COLONIALISM!
MNN. Sep. 21, 2006. It's a landmark case. The Noongar Aborigine
people of Australia were affirmed as holding title to a substantial
part of Western Australia, including the city of Perth. In the case
of Bennell v. State of Western Australia (2006) FCA 1243, the
Noongar people proved that their community continues to exist and
that they are still part of the land. They continue to observe the
community's traditional laws and customs, including their
relationship to their land.
The Noongar have a claim under their own laws and customs as a
result of their occupation of the land before the colonial visitors
arrived on the scene. This community continues to exist today.
They are still guided by the spirits of their ancestors. They
continue to acknowledge their laws and customs even though there
have been some alternations and interference by their white
visitors. In other words, the rights are possessed under
traditional laws that are acknowledged and observed which maintains
their connection to their lands and waters.
Those rights are recognized by common law in Australia, Canada, the
United States and other commonwealth countries, including those in
Africa. The major point of the decision is that the native people
are identified by their own laws, not by colonial laws. Even though
they have been prevented from exercising their rights for a period
of time by the colonists, they still have title.
It is a persuasive decision in terms of setting a precedent for a
new stage in the relationships between Indigenous people worldwide
and the colonial states that have imposed themselves on our lands.
We think that the Department of Indian Affairs in Canada has become
hysterical over this reaffirmation of our rights to our lands and
resources. They are the only ones we can think who might be
responsible for planting stories trying to make the Canadian public
think that Indigenous people are trying to do them in. Last Monday
there was an explosion on the 17th floor of the "Tower of Power"
known as Indian Affairs at 10 Wellington Street in Hull Quebec.
It's right across the Ottawa River from the Parliament Buildings
that are squatting on Algonquin land. This is the second time that
the police have been called in to investigate "vandalism".
I was home on Monday. This reminds me of the time I worked on the
17th floor until I was fired during the Mohawk Oka Crisis of 1990.
In 1988 there was a Canadian soldier working on the 14th floor.
Yep. The Canadian military was right there in the middle of Indian
Affairs. One day the officer in charge came to see me. He wanted
to talk about my opposition to the claims that Nelson Small Legs
Junior had committed suicide. He died suddenly two days after
testifying at the hearing against the McKenzie Valley Pipeline. I
told him I wanted an investigation. He came back a month or two
later. He more or less said that I was right. It was not a
suicide, as his father had claimed to me. But the RCMP was not
going to change the report.
He then suddenly decided to show me something extraordinary. He
took me down to the 14th floor to the western side of the building
which was all painted black. There was a cutout of a door with a
lock. He took out a key, opened the door and invited me inside.
It was a large room. The windows were all covered with thick black
drapes. In the middle was a large round table covered by a green
felt cloth. He pulled off the cloth and revealed a map of Canada.
On the map were small yellow, red or green flags on each Indigenous
community in Canada. I noticed that the Mohawk communities and a
few in Northern British Columbia and the Northwest Territories had
red flags. Most had green. Were they considered to be "pushovers"
who gave colonialism the green light? Were the red flags describing
those stalwart defenders of Indigenous rights? Red meant that these
communities had to be stopped in their tracts. I asked him what
this was all about. He said it was in case of "emergencies" . I
asked, "Like what?" He said like fires, floods and other
catastrophies (like martial law?)
At the left side of the door there was a room full of computers. I
wondered what kinds of information were being put into them. He
said, "All kinds of information" was being collected. But he didn't
go further. He was in charge. In others words, this was the "war
room" being run by the Canadian military in the Department of Indian
Affairs. It's obvious they never forgot that Indian Affairs began
as a branch of the British military back in the days when they were
plotting the "conquest" of the French in North America and dreaming
that they could suck the Indians into doing all their dirty work for
them. They still haven't learned that we just don't
like "trespassers" .
Later, after the Oka Crisis, I was in the hotel adjacent to Indian
Affairs. That night I looked up at the building outside my window
and counted up 14 floors. Sure enough! The black curtains were
still on the windows. The imperial menace was still lurking
inside.
What documents is Indian Affairs trying to get rid of by setting off
explosions in the building? Have they gotten caught up in
the "Fight Club" mentality that's inspiring teenagers to fake phony
fights and put them on the internet. Are they giving themselves
black eyes and trying to blame it on us? They expect the public to
believe that we're doing it to them. They're trying to justify
their own existence.
We've been asking them to produce their documents on how they got
control over us, our lands and resources. We've been telling them
all along that they just could not come here, land on our shores,
rob us of everything we have, and we wouldn't complain about it!
The time has come for their heirs to face up to this monumental
fraud and hoax. We're just not buying it and they can't make us.
As Floyd Westerman sang, "We just ain't your Indians anymore!" as if
we ever were! Canada, you have no choice but to come to terms with
this colonial operation called "plunder and pillage". You helped
yourselves to everything and killed 99% of us off in the
process.
Well, Canada, it looks like St. Nick and the Easter Bunny have left
the building. You'll just have to follow them out. And please take
with you your bag of lies and genocidal policies. We don't want any
left over explosive caps or land mines. Oh! On your way out, clean
up after yourselves. Leave things in the condition you found
them.
BYE BYE COLONIALISM!
MNN. Sep. 21, 2006. It's a landmark case. The Noongar Aborigine
people of Australia were affirmed as holding title to a substantial
part of Western Australia, including the city of Perth. In the case
of Bennell v. State of Western Australia (2006) FCA 1243, the
Noongar people proved that their community continues to exist and
that they are still part of the land. They continue to observe the
community's traditional laws and customs, including their
relationship to their land.
The Noongar have a claim under their own laws and customs as a
result of their occupation of the land before the colonial visitors
arrived on the scene. This community continues to exist today.
They are still guided by the spirits of their ancestors. They
continue to acknowledge their laws and customs even though there
have been some alternations and interference by their white
visitors. In other words, the rights are possessed under
traditional laws that are acknowledged and observed which maintains
their connection to their lands and waters.
Those rights are recognized by common law in Australia, Canada, the
United States and other commonwealth countries, including those in
Africa. The major point of the decision is that the native people
are identified by their own laws, not by colonial laws. Even though
they have been prevented from exercising their rights for a period
of time by the colonists, they still have title.
It is a persuasive decision in terms of setting a precedent for a
new stage in the relationships between Indigenous people worldwide
and the colonial states that have imposed themselves on our lands.
We think that the Department of Indian Affairs in Canada has become
hysterical over this reaffirmation of our rights to our lands and
resources. They are the only ones we can think who might be
responsible for planting stories trying to make the Canadian public
think that Indigenous people are trying to do them in. Last Monday
there was an explosion on the 17th floor of the "Tower of Power"
known as Indian Affairs at 10 Wellington Street in Hull Quebec.
It's right across the Ottawa River from the Parliament Buildings
that are squatting on Algonquin land. This is the second time that
the police have been called in to investigate "vandalism".
I was home on Monday. This reminds me of the time I worked on the
17th floor until I was fired during the Mohawk Oka Crisis of 1990.
In 1988 there was a Canadian soldier working on the 14th floor.
Yep. The Canadian military was right there in the middle of Indian
Affairs. One day the officer in charge came to see me. He wanted
to talk about my opposition to the claims that Nelson Small Legs
Junior had committed suicide. He died suddenly two days after
testifying at the hearing against the McKenzie Valley Pipeline. I
told him I wanted an investigation. He came back a month or two
later. He more or less said that I was right. It was not a
suicide, as his father had claimed to me. But the RCMP was not
going to change the report.
He then suddenly decided to show me something extraordinary. He
took me down to the 14th floor to the western side of the building
which was all painted black. There was a cutout of a door with a
lock. He took out a key, opened the door and invited me inside.
It was a large room. The windows were all covered with thick black
drapes. In the middle was a large round table covered by a green
felt cloth. He pulled off the cloth and revealed a map of Canada.
On the map were small yellow, red or green flags on each Indigenous
community in Canada. I noticed that the Mohawk communities and a
few in Northern British Columbia and the Northwest Territories had
red flags. Most had green. Were they considered to be "pushovers"
who gave colonialism the green light? Were the red flags describing
those stalwart defenders of Indigenous rights? Red meant that these
communities had to be stopped in their tracts. I asked him what
this was all about. He said it was in case of "emergencies" . I
asked, "Like what?" He said like fires, floods and other
catastrophies (like martial law?)
At the left side of the door there was a room full of computers. I
wondered what kinds of information were being put into them. He
said, "All kinds of information" was being collected. But he didn't
go further. He was in charge. In others words, this was the "war
room" being run by the Canadian military in the Department of Indian
Affairs. It's obvious they never forgot that Indian Affairs began
as a branch of the British military back in the days when they were
plotting the "conquest" of the French in North America and dreaming
that they could suck the Indians into doing all their dirty work for
them. They still haven't learned that we just don't
like "trespassers" .
Later, after the Oka Crisis, I was in the hotel adjacent to Indian
Affairs. That night I looked up at the building outside my window
and counted up 14 floors. Sure enough! The black curtains were
still on the windows. The imperial menace was still lurking
inside.
What documents is Indian Affairs trying to get rid of by setting off
explosions in the building? Have they gotten caught up in
the "Fight Club" mentality that's inspiring teenagers to fake phony
fights and put them on the internet. Are they giving themselves
black eyes and trying to blame it on us? They expect the public to
believe that we're doing it to them. They're trying to justify
their own existence.
We've been asking them to produce their documents on how they got
control over us, our lands and resources. We've been telling them
all along that they just could not come here, land on our shores,
rob us of everything we have, and we wouldn't complain about it!
The time has come for their heirs to face up to this monumental
fraud and hoax. We're just not buying it and they can't make us.
As Floyd Westerman sang, "We just ain't your Indians anymore!" as if
we ever were! Canada, you have no choice but to come to terms with
this colonial operation called "plunder and pillage". You helped
yourselves to everything and killed 99% of us off in the
process.
Well, Canada, it looks like St. Nick and the Easter Bunny have left
the building. You'll just have to follow them out. And please take
with you your bag of lies and genocidal policies. We don't want any
left over explosive caps or land mines. Oh! On your way out, clean
up after yourselves. Leave things in the condition you found
them.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
REMEMBERINGS
In the faint light of the attic, the dust danced to a muted song of old memories. The old man, bent his great frame, now stooped with the years of living alone, made his way to a stack of boxes that sat near one of the little half-windows.Brushing aside a wisp of cobwebs and setting more dust dancers to the air, he tilted the top box toward the light and began to carefully lift out the old photograph albums, one after another. Eyes once bright and now dim, searched for the source that had drawn him here.It began with the fond recollection of the love of his life, long gone, and somewhere in these albums was a photo of her he hoped to rediscover.With the silence of a mouse, he patiently opened the long-buried treasures and soon was lost in a sea of memories. Although his world had not stopped spinning when his wife left it, the past was more alive in his heart than his present aloneness.Setting aside one of the dusty albums, he pulled from the box what appeared to be a journal from his grown son’s childhood. He could not recall ever having seen it before, or that his son had ever kept a journal.
Oh, why did Elizabeth always save the children’s old junk? he wondered, shaking his white head.Opening the yellowed pages, he glanced over a short entry, and his lips curved in an unconscious smile. Even his eyes brightened as he read the words that spoke clear and sweet to his soul.
The voice of the little boy who had grown up far too fast in this very house, and whose voice had grown fainter and fainter over the years returned from the recesses of his mind. In the depth of the attic silence, the words of an innocent six-year-old worked their magic and carried the old man back to a time almost totally forgotten.Entry after entry stirred a sentimental hunger in his heart like the longing a gardener feels in the winter for the fragrance of spring flowers. But it was accompanied by the painful memory that his son’s simple recollections of those days were far different from his own. But, how different?Remembering he had kept a daily journal of his business activities over the years, he closed his son’s journal and turned to leave, forgetting the cherished photo that hungrily triggered his search. Hunched over to keep from bumping his head on the rafters, the old man descended the wooden stairway, then continued down the carpeted stairway that led to the den.Opening the stained glass cabinet door, he reached in and pulled out the appropriate business journal. The steps to the desk were few and he sat down and placed the two journals beside each other. His was finely leather bound and engraved neatly with his name and monogram in gold, while his son’s was a tattered ring binder with the name “Jimmy” that had been nearly scuffed from its surface. He ran a long skinny finger over the letters, as though he could restore what had been worn away with time and use.As he opened his journal, the old man’s eyes fell upon an inscription that stood out because it was so brief in comparison to other days. In his own neat handwriting were these words:Wasted the whole day fishing with Jimmy. Didn’t catch a thing.With a deep sigh and shaking hands stirred by emotions , he took Jimmy’s journal and found the boy’s entry for the same day, June 4. Large scrawling letters pressed deeply in the paper read:Went fishing with my dad. Best day of my life.You may have heard it before but it bears repeating. Someone once said, “I’ve never known anyone who, on their deathbed said…I wish I had spent more time at the office.”
This quote from my childhood says it all: “A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account balance was, what sort of house I lived in and where , or the kind of cars I drove. What will matter in this world will be the fact that I was important in the life of a child.”
Oh, why did Elizabeth always save the children’s old junk? he wondered, shaking his white head.Opening the yellowed pages, he glanced over a short entry, and his lips curved in an unconscious smile. Even his eyes brightened as he read the words that spoke clear and sweet to his soul.
The voice of the little boy who had grown up far too fast in this very house, and whose voice had grown fainter and fainter over the years returned from the recesses of his mind. In the depth of the attic silence, the words of an innocent six-year-old worked their magic and carried the old man back to a time almost totally forgotten.Entry after entry stirred a sentimental hunger in his heart like the longing a gardener feels in the winter for the fragrance of spring flowers. But it was accompanied by the painful memory that his son’s simple recollections of those days were far different from his own. But, how different?Remembering he had kept a daily journal of his business activities over the years, he closed his son’s journal and turned to leave, forgetting the cherished photo that hungrily triggered his search. Hunched over to keep from bumping his head on the rafters, the old man descended the wooden stairway, then continued down the carpeted stairway that led to the den.Opening the stained glass cabinet door, he reached in and pulled out the appropriate business journal. The steps to the desk were few and he sat down and placed the two journals beside each other. His was finely leather bound and engraved neatly with his name and monogram in gold, while his son’s was a tattered ring binder with the name “Jimmy” that had been nearly scuffed from its surface. He ran a long skinny finger over the letters, as though he could restore what had been worn away with time and use.As he opened his journal, the old man’s eyes fell upon an inscription that stood out because it was so brief in comparison to other days. In his own neat handwriting were these words:Wasted the whole day fishing with Jimmy. Didn’t catch a thing.With a deep sigh and shaking hands stirred by emotions , he took Jimmy’s journal and found the boy’s entry for the same day, June 4. Large scrawling letters pressed deeply in the paper read:Went fishing with my dad. Best day of my life.You may have heard it before but it bears repeating. Someone once said, “I’ve never known anyone who, on their deathbed said…I wish I had spent more time at the office.”
This quote from my childhood says it all: “A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account balance was, what sort of house I lived in and where , or the kind of cars I drove. What will matter in this world will be the fact that I was important in the life of a child.”
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Talking about subsidies.
Taking the subsidies away from the Tobacco industry would surely stop subsidies the farm industry. It would create food more expensive to the public. This would decrease the amount of extra monies available to purchase new cars every couple of years. We would not be able to take those expensive vacations to Disney World or Cabo San Lucas, or the Bahamas. We would need to live with-in our means.
We live a life style that is subsidized to the hilt. Our economy is held up by credit and an ever more increase in credit to those who are least able to afford off. Farmers get a credit increase on the speculation of next seasons crops. People are given an increase in credit to purchase those “necessary goods” to make their lives a better. One example is the new long term credit line to purchase a new car. WOW! 96 months to pay your new car off. Never mind it will cost you double to have that new car and that you will be top heavy and not be able to sell or trade your car for 5 of those 9 years or 8 years or even 7 years. You have your NEW CAR for now at least. Purchase a home? The cost of home could become something that your debt will be inherited you’re your children to finish paying, if you could ever find a home you could qualify for.
If we are to be a part of the worlds “People” and we must be a part of the worlds paying. The price of gas is subsidized, the price of food is subsidized, the Auto industry is subsidized. Practically everything we use, eat and otherwise pay a lower price for is subsidized. We have been sold a bill of goods that says we DESERVE these things, We have a right to them. We are the strongest and the biggest guys on the world, so we aught to be able to spend and use at the rest of the worlds expense. I wonder?
Taking the subsidies away from the Tobacco industry would surely stop subsidies the farm industry. It would create food more expensive to the public. This would decrease the amount of extra monies available to purchase new cars every couple of years. We would not be able to take those expensive vacations to Disney World or Cabo San Lucas, or the Bahamas. We would need to live with-in our means.
We live a life style that is subsidized to the hilt. Our economy is held up by credit and an ever more increase in credit to those who are least able to afford off. Farmers get a credit increase on the speculation of next seasons crops. People are given an increase in credit to purchase those “necessary goods” to make their lives a better. One example is the new long term credit line to purchase a new car. WOW! 96 months to pay your new car off. Never mind it will cost you double to have that new car and that you will be top heavy and not be able to sell or trade your car for 5 of those 9 years or 8 years or even 7 years. You have your NEW CAR for now at least. Purchase a home? The cost of home could become something that your debt will be inherited you’re your children to finish paying, if you could ever find a home you could qualify for.
If we are to be a part of the worlds “People” and we must be a part of the worlds paying. The price of gas is subsidized, the price of food is subsidized, the Auto industry is subsidized. Practically everything we use, eat and otherwise pay a lower price for is subsidized. We have been sold a bill of goods that says we DESERVE these things, We have a right to them. We are the strongest and the biggest guys on the world, so we aught to be able to spend and use at the rest of the worlds expense. I wonder?
Candlelight Tour at Fort Vancouver 2006
Now that I have had time to digest this past week-end, I am able to post about being in the year 1836 at Fort Vancouver NPS here in Vancouver. There was much to see and to display by those who participated in the "Village" site.
On Friday from 6 to 9 pm, We had over 800 visitors all asking many questions. Some were just simple mindedness, "Did you trap dogs and cats?" I was, for these days, "Grandpere" and had the privilege of finding a bride for my young 12 year old son and some husbands for my many daughters. What a wonder to watch the public catch the spirit of the moment and join in by wanting to sell their wife and daughters. We showed what a typical meal in the village would be. Chicken became either moose meat or goose, depending on the crowd. I offered a piece of beef jerky to a young boy and he asked what if was. My response was, "It is bear meat." The lad did a quick taste and spat it out with a yuck sound. (Very funny face too".) His dad told him it was just beef jerky, but the boy would have nothing of it. I wondered at the suggestive powers of words in a possibly believeable setting.
Saturday night was even a bit more reckless and abandoned. With 1400 people coming through the camp, we had the opportunity of singing songs, drumming, telling stories and just having a grand time of it. Our bread, stew and bread pudding was shared by those who REALY wanted to taste the 1800's cooking. I for one was not able to eat my food hot, due to the many people at our camp. I ate less than I would have liked but then I AM down to 236# now. Reports to the National Parks Service staff where high on the enjoyment poll. We were in formed our camp was the busiest and most informative. Our work was not lost to an indefferent crowd.
On Friday from 6 to 9 pm, We had over 800 visitors all asking many questions. Some were just simple mindedness, "Did you trap dogs and cats?" I was, for these days, "Grandpere" and had the privilege of finding a bride for my young 12 year old son and some husbands for my many daughters. What a wonder to watch the public catch the spirit of the moment and join in by wanting to sell their wife and daughters. We showed what a typical meal in the village would be. Chicken became either moose meat or goose, depending on the crowd. I offered a piece of beef jerky to a young boy and he asked what if was. My response was, "It is bear meat." The lad did a quick taste and spat it out with a yuck sound. (Very funny face too".) His dad told him it was just beef jerky, but the boy would have nothing of it. I wondered at the suggestive powers of words in a possibly believeable setting.
Saturday night was even a bit more reckless and abandoned. With 1400 people coming through the camp, we had the opportunity of singing songs, drumming, telling stories and just having a grand time of it. Our bread, stew and bread pudding was shared by those who REALY wanted to taste the 1800's cooking. I for one was not able to eat my food hot, due to the many people at our camp. I ate less than I would have liked but then I AM down to 236# now. Reports to the National Parks Service staff where high on the enjoyment poll. We were in formed our camp was the busiest and most informative. Our work was not lost to an indefferent crowd.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Remember 9/11?
Yes. I remember 9/11. I'll never forget the lives that were lost. I'll never forget my shock and sadness and outrage. But there are other things that I remember too. Maybe you do too. I'm 68 and I may remember further back than you do but I know there are things we all remember that we no longer enjoy. Remember civil liberties? Remember privacy? Remember thinking the government would be there for you in case of a disaster? Remember when elections were free and legal? Remember thinking that torture was something that evil little puppet governments in miserable little countries run by dictators practiced and that we were above that? Remember the theory of checks and balances when special interest groups didn't own our legislators and the courts served justice and the People rather than being the mouthpiece of the Executive Branch of the government? Remember when the rest of the world didn't despise Americans and we were heroes? Remember when our tax money went to pay for the peoples needs? Remember green woodlands providing habitat for animals and birds? Remember clean oceans and lakes and streams? Remember clean air? Remember when most people you knew had a reasonable chance of owning their own home one day? Remember when you could afford to buy a car, let alone a gallon or two of gas? Remember when you could go grocery shopping once a week, filling your cart and have money left over from your pay check? Remember when you knew your doctor and went for regular check-ups and could afford to pay the bill? Remember thinking that sick people couldn't be refused medical treatment? Remember when doctors weren't referred to as vendors by giant insurance companies? Remember when almost all kids graduated from high school? Remember when hardly anyone you knew was divorced or had parents who were divorced? Remember when hardly anyone you knew was on anti-depressants and when school kids paid attention because the teachers and parents encouraged them to? Remember when it seemed as though there was a major difference between the Republicans and the Democrats? Remember news reporters who reported the news instead of making it up or reading it from a script? Remember 3 cent postage stamps, 5 cent loaves of bread, 27 cents agallon for gas, $7,000 for a three bedroom farm house, $3,600 for a brand new car right off the showroom floor? Remember when one person worked outside the home and one person worked in the home and children didn't come home from school to empty houses? Remember red barns and blue silos and black and white cows dotting the countryside as far as the eye could see? Remember always eating fresh foods, unadulterated by additives, hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, colorants and artificial things you can't pronounce and shouldn't ingest? Remember when family meals started with a prayer instead of pulling up to the drive-through speaker? Remember saving up to buy things instead of saving up to make a payment on a credit card balance that never goes down? Remember a time when you weren't hooked up to some electronic device for at least part of every single day? Remember how nice it was when you got a letter in the mail that someone you knew and liked had written by hand? Remember neighborhood corner grocery stores and cash registers with bells? Remember filling stations where you couldnt buy milk but they pumped your gas, cleaned your windows and said thank you without charging extra? Remember when all soda pop came in returnable bottles and how cold it was? Im sure we can all remember good things that are gone, that have been gobbled up in the name of progress but have really disappeared because of greed and the lust for power. We have been falsely frightened into making changes we do not really want and we have been falsely seduced into thinking more is better at any cost. We have been sold many lies that weaken us and separate us. We have traded treasures beyond price for lies and corruption and death. So, if you are in a mood to remember something, Remember this: We are thePeople. We can make life good again if we remember to trust our instincts and we remember to honor each other and our beautiful planet not only on 9/11 because the news media mouthpieces of a rogue government say we must remember a horrid day of deceit and violence but every day. Remember liberty and justice for all.
Remember, it is your life that is being manipulated by a system without morals and a conciousness. To take your life back, there may be some things that are truly NOT needed and there are places we need NOT move to becuase of whatever reason. Chose to be free and happy, not chained to a false have-to life. I have and it was easy to do, even with a young family.
Remember, it is your life that is being manipulated by a system without morals and a conciousness. To take your life back, there may be some things that are truly NOT needed and there are places we need NOT move to becuase of whatever reason. Chose to be free and happy, not chained to a false have-to life. I have and it was easy to do, even with a young family.
Monday, September 11, 2006
magical moments to savor
Savor Magical Moments
Throughout history, humankind has stood in awe of mountains. The strength and sturdiness evident in the rocky crags and smooth slopes of peaks around the globe have from time immemorial inspired creativity and kindled courage. Mountains have been venerated by many cultures, which worshipped great summits as gods and sacred beings. In their looming presence, humanity has seen power, steadfastness, and resolve. Yet you needn't live near a mountain to tap into this vast energy of commanding grandeur. Conversely, since mountains are as unique in form as human beings, your locale may exist under the unwavering gaze of a small mountain without your knowing it. As you practice mountain meditation, the power that lurks in the heart of all mountains will flow into you while their essential beauty reminds you that you, too, are a creature of the earth. If there are mountains in your area, plan to spend some time enjoying the peaceful embrace of Mother Nature, which can be a potent meditation aid. Likewise, grasping a rock or stone in your hand will enable you to easily tap into earth energy. If you are prevented by circumstance from visiting a mountain, however, begin by visualizing yourself at the base of a towering summit. Holding a rock can be helpful to tune into mountain energy. You may find yourself picturing a steep and majestic snowcapped peak or a lush, tree-covered mass that rises gently from the earth. Sit or imagine yourself sitting at the mountain's base and spend a few minutes simply coexisting with it. When you feel tranquil, express your intention to commune with your mountain and ask to receive its energy. Project your consciousness onto the mountain's peak, and look down upon the flatlands over which it stands guard. Send light to the flora and fauna that call the mountain home. You may discover that you ! feel wonderfully immense and unshakable as you delve deeper into the meditation.Finally, ask the mountain to serve as a guide and give it your sincerest gratitude. If you have literally visited a plateau or summit, pass time with the mountain by camping, hiking, or picnicking upon it. Or, if your journey has been a spiritual one, use your imagination to survey the sights, sounds, and scents of your mountain. As your explorations progress, you will become ever more grounded, growing gradually into your personal power. When you are finished meditating with mountain energy, give thanks to this strong and powerful energy for sharing time with you.
Throughout history, humankind has stood in awe of mountains. The strength and sturdiness evident in the rocky crags and smooth slopes of peaks around the globe have from time immemorial inspired creativity and kindled courage. Mountains have been venerated by many cultures, which worshipped great summits as gods and sacred beings. In their looming presence, humanity has seen power, steadfastness, and resolve. Yet you needn't live near a mountain to tap into this vast energy of commanding grandeur. Conversely, since mountains are as unique in form as human beings, your locale may exist under the unwavering gaze of a small mountain without your knowing it. As you practice mountain meditation, the power that lurks in the heart of all mountains will flow into you while their essential beauty reminds you that you, too, are a creature of the earth. If there are mountains in your area, plan to spend some time enjoying the peaceful embrace of Mother Nature, which can be a potent meditation aid. Likewise, grasping a rock or stone in your hand will enable you to easily tap into earth energy. If you are prevented by circumstance from visiting a mountain, however, begin by visualizing yourself at the base of a towering summit. Holding a rock can be helpful to tune into mountain energy. You may find yourself picturing a steep and majestic snowcapped peak or a lush, tree-covered mass that rises gently from the earth. Sit or imagine yourself sitting at the mountain's base and spend a few minutes simply coexisting with it. When you feel tranquil, express your intention to commune with your mountain and ask to receive its energy. Project your consciousness onto the mountain's peak, and look down upon the flatlands over which it stands guard. Send light to the flora and fauna that call the mountain home. You may discover that you ! feel wonderfully immense and unshakable as you delve deeper into the meditation.Finally, ask the mountain to serve as a guide and give it your sincerest gratitude. If you have literally visited a plateau or summit, pass time with the mountain by camping, hiking, or picnicking upon it. Or, if your journey has been a spiritual one, use your imagination to survey the sights, sounds, and scents of your mountain. As your explorations progress, you will become ever more grounded, growing gradually into your personal power. When you are finished meditating with mountain energy, give thanks to this strong and powerful energy for sharing time with you.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Instant Vacation Relaxing At Home
Throughout our lives, most of us are led to believe that relaxation is best pursued outside of the home. As a result, we spend months anticipating weeklong vacations, seldom fully appreciating the leisure time we are blessed with on a more regular basis. It is possible, however, to reexperience the same utterly relaxed state you slip into while on holiday within your home's walls. The feelings of serenity you enjoy during a vacation are a product of your outlook rather than your locale. You give yourself permission to enjoy yourself and unwind while on vacation. Granting yourself the same privilege while at home allows you to experience complete relaxation, even when surrounded by routine. Our homes can be distracting places as most survival tasks are addressed there. Reviving the tranquility you felt on holiday is as easy as creating an atmosphere that helps you relax. First, divest yourself of the notion that messes must be cleaned up immediately and reaffirm that relaxation is as vital as physical nourishment. Then, set the mood. Music that reminds you of a beloved vacation destination can put you in a vacation mind-set. The exotic flavor of a tropical beverage or the spiciness a favorite ethnic dish can transport you to a more restful mental space. Finally, put aside your projects and commit to doing only what you consider truly pleasurable. Your responsibilities will wait as you put up your feet and revel in peacefulness that comes from within.If you find it difficult to ignore the temptation to simply fall back into your usual schedule, consider that relaxation should occupy a prominent place on your to-do list. You deserve to take "you time" and to care for yourself, even during life's busy periods. While you may not always be able to get away from it all, you can still nurture yourself and regain your peace of mind.
Throughout our lives, most of us are led to believe that relaxation is best pursued outside of the home. As a result, we spend months anticipating weeklong vacations, seldom fully appreciating the leisure time we are blessed with on a more regular basis. It is possible, however, to reexperience the same utterly relaxed state you slip into while on holiday within your home's walls. The feelings of serenity you enjoy during a vacation are a product of your outlook rather than your locale. You give yourself permission to enjoy yourself and unwind while on vacation. Granting yourself the same privilege while at home allows you to experience complete relaxation, even when surrounded by routine. Our homes can be distracting places as most survival tasks are addressed there. Reviving the tranquility you felt on holiday is as easy as creating an atmosphere that helps you relax. First, divest yourself of the notion that messes must be cleaned up immediately and reaffirm that relaxation is as vital as physical nourishment. Then, set the mood. Music that reminds you of a beloved vacation destination can put you in a vacation mind-set. The exotic flavor of a tropical beverage or the spiciness a favorite ethnic dish can transport you to a more restful mental space. Finally, put aside your projects and commit to doing only what you consider truly pleasurable. Your responsibilities will wait as you put up your feet and revel in peacefulness that comes from within.If you find it difficult to ignore the temptation to simply fall back into your usual schedule, consider that relaxation should occupy a prominent place on your to-do list. You deserve to take "you time" and to care for yourself, even during life's busy periods. While you may not always be able to get away from it all, you can still nurture yourself and regain your peace of mind.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow
Well, this past week was spent in Oregon at a state park outside of Bend. The Yurt experience was wonderful. The campgrounds were poor and the noise from the Freeways, the trains and the trucks made it all unpleasent.
Today was a day of joy! I spent the time in some plum trees and collecting them for plum jam, and other delights. Will also try to make some pulm and raisin wine. I will use crassins as a substitute for the raisins.As I searched I found more and more receipes for the use of plums.Just a stockpile of information to delight the palate.
Tomorrow will bring more canning, then cleaning, then the library, and finally an orientation at Ft. Vancouver for the upcoming Candle-Light Tour. Fun will be had by all. I enjoy persona making and the living in the 19th early century. Some say it cannot be done, but I know different. I've lived that way as a child ansd as an adult. Now that I am aged, I know what it is to enjoy the days-gone- by life and I wouldn't trade them for all the futures planned by the mad men in government and upper business. Try me or better yet try living as though it is the 19th century. NO PHone, no computer, no car, no modern conveniences at all. Use of an outshouse, cold cellar, solar showers, and some modern hygenics would be allowed. Think and be truthful before you answer lightly, Could you do it???
Today was a day of joy! I spent the time in some plum trees and collecting them for plum jam, and other delights. Will also try to make some pulm and raisin wine. I will use crassins as a substitute for the raisins.As I searched I found more and more receipes for the use of plums.Just a stockpile of information to delight the palate.
Tomorrow will bring more canning, then cleaning, then the library, and finally an orientation at Ft. Vancouver for the upcoming Candle-Light Tour. Fun will be had by all. I enjoy persona making and the living in the 19th early century. Some say it cannot be done, but I know different. I've lived that way as a child ansd as an adult. Now that I am aged, I know what it is to enjoy the days-gone- by life and I wouldn't trade them for all the futures planned by the mad men in government and upper business. Try me or better yet try living as though it is the 19th century. NO PHone, no computer, no car, no modern conveniences at all. Use of an outshouse, cold cellar, solar showers, and some modern hygenics would be allowed. Think and be truthful before you answer lightly, Could you do it???
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