Happy Easter 2009

Maternidad...
Merida, Mexico.

Nothing says Happy Easter and hope for new life like a mother and her children. This beautiful statue was photographed in a courtyard in Merida last fall.

Good luck and best wishes in the spring of the year. Let us all give thanks for the wonder of the life we have been given.

A Squirrel Tale

Ever been blessed out by a squirrel? I received a true tongue lashing the other day.

I had a tree cut down that was too close to the house and was also rotten in the core. The squirrels were at a loss. They had been used to being able to jump from the back porch straight into the tree limbs. It was a huge hackberry, full of bird and squirrel holes and hideaways. I did hate to see it go, but it was necessary. The squirrels did not share my feelings however, and let me know it.

I apologized profusely, but the tree had to go. After all is said and done, I deserved the tongue lashing and tail twitching fury, but I do have plenty of other trees in the yard and they will adjust.

We live in concert with our wildlife friends, so I do feel quilt. I will never forget the frantic pacing back and forth, and the desperate look of "what happened to my tree." I feel the loss as well, but I know it was the right decision...no matter how much it upset the squirrels. I know they won't have to go far to reestablish their home...and I can keep my home safe from a tree way past its prime.

Stress and crime

Originally I wanted to address "stress" and mental illness as the subjects of my blog, but I have tended to write about the stress of our economy and the political aspects contributing to this stress.

Recently, I have noticed an increase in violent crimes in my city and state, and have wondered if the stress related to the economy, loss of jobs, and a general sense of hopelessness has caused this increase in violent crime.

If a person is on the edge anyway, due to stress and/or mental illness, it wouldn't take a lot more to push him or her into a desperate act. Unfortunately many of the victims of these desperate acts are the people closest to that person.

Sometimes it is hard to see tomorrow as looking any brighter than today. Mental health professionals are quick to point out that things will always change. It isn't always easy to see that change coming, especially if you need a change for the better.

Why can some people recover from setbacks faster than others? Support from family and friends is helpful but doesn't always work. Losing a sense of control of your life can be the worst part for most people. Gaining back that control is essential in gaining back your self esteem so that you can get on with life.

The following may help if you have that feeling of loss of control:
1. Get help from a mental health professional
2. Find someone who can listen...spouse, friend, pastor, sister or brother
3. Seek out others in your same profession
4. Seek out others with similar interests such as in a club or hobby
5. Check out your local city and state resources
6. Get into the habit of getting up, getting out...do not sit at home
7. Get enough rest and eat a healthy diet...exercise...take a walk
8. Know that you are not alone

Stress can cause many changes in your body and mind. Carefully evaluate your situation and keep your head up. Accept help if you need it. Don't allow the stress of life to get you down. And especially, keep your cool and don't take out your stress on the ones closest to you.

Capitalism or Socialism?

When we bail out banks, Wall Street, and states, are we embracing socialism as a way to solve our economic crisis? The words "socialism" and "socialists" have been bandied about by the press, but is this the way we are really headed? Do we want to depend on government to always come to the rescue when we get ourselves in financial trouble or do we want to pull ourselves up by our own entrepreneurship or "bootstraps" if you will?

Apparently we want both.

A business will succeed or fail on its own, but often needs a boost in the early years to keep afloat. There is nothing wrong with that. But what about a business that has gotten ahead by cheating or lying about its assets. Are we supposed to try to keep these afloat as well? What if the business made lots of profit for the owners, only to drain the business itself and its workers dry? Sound familiar? Where do we draw the line in saving a business, especially when the business impacts a lot of people. President Obama has tried to address this by requiring salaries of top executives to be capped if they request federal bailout money. This is a good start, but falls short. Many of these executives are criminals. They should be in jail instead of being rewarded for bad business practices and shady deals. I wonder how these people sleep at night knowing how many people are suffering due to their misdeeds.

How do we decide which businesses truly deserve help and which ones should be weeded out...I don't know the answer, but I believe that capitalism will do the weeding out eventually. Only the strong and well run company will last in the long haul. In the meantime, socialist-type bailouts will be acceptable until we get back on our feet.

and I don't even like football...

How did this happen? I began watching Super Bowl XLIII for the commercials and figured I watch the half-time show and be done; but,noooo... I watched the entire thing!

Great game! I was sorta pulling for the Arizona Cardinals as the underdogs...I figured the Pittsburgh Steelers would run over them. Steeler James Harrison's 100 yard touchdown got my blood pumping and I was hooked.

Then the Cardinals looked like they were going to pull it off, and Steeler Santonio Holmes kept those toes down after catching a Roethlisberger bullet.

The best part of the game was than no one gave up. Both teams kept fighting until the very end. The 27-23 win over the Cardinals by the Steelers was one exciting game; maybe I'll become a football fan yet.

And the half-time show was fabulous; Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band were rocking!

This Bowl will go down in history and I might be watching more football next year. Now if the Tennessee Titans can only get their act together...

Buy low?

I decided to buy stocks. Always heard to "buy low" so I decided now was a good time.

I have invested in retirement mutual funds before, but this time I decided that I would buy individual company stocks. I would love to be that old lady who is worth millions because she was wise enough to buy Coca-Cola or Frito-Lay back before they became house-hold names.

I bought shares in Sirius-XM radio (SIRI) at $0.25 a share. HA! now it is worth half as much, but I still have hope. The Motley Fool just proclaimed it the worst stock of the 2008 year! What do they know.

I also bought Apple, IBM, Google. Wish me the best. I know I will need it, especially if I expect to become that rich old lady before I retire.

I hope to buy stock in what I know, or in what product I use or company I admire. It is fun to guess how the market will go and watch the ups and downs. Eastman Kodak (EK) just surprised me with a huge drop in value, but I am going to hang in there. Just you watch me. Look out Wall Street!

Is the honeymoon over?

As I sit here all wrapped up to keep warm, I can't help but think of several ironic notions: First of all there is a recession in many parts of the United States and yet we are obsessed with the idea of "Superbowl weekend." Second of all I do have electricity and am safe and somewhat warm, while many of my neighbors are gripped by a terrible ice storm that has caused havoc with power lines and that source of heat and comfort.

The first flush of warmth generated by the Obama inauguration has passed as Congress votes down party lines to approve or not the stimulus package pushed by the new President. Have we so quickly forgotten the glow from Washington as people from all walks of life celebrated the swearing in of Obama with all the hope and expectation of change? I feel that the CEO's that have continued to drain the U.S. of the bailout money and all of those promises has put quite a damper on the outlook of our economy.

If Wall Street banks are shameless, what about the rest of us? When are we going to demand accountability instead of just talk about it?

Happy New Year!

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Sometimes we have felt like we were spinning out of control this year. I wish we had looked this good while we were at it. Life (and Space) can be beautiful no matter what happens...Spiral Galaxy (Hubble telescope pic)






We have an interesting year to come in 2009.

The Sombrero Galaxy
(Hubble telescope pic)

Good luck to all in every endeavor you attempt...

It's Christmas Time, Again

Christmas time is here again. Gifts will be given, lights will be strung, and people everywhere will have good-will in their hearts. This year people will be cutting back because of the economy. Less spending is not good for the overall financial health of our nation, but maybe reining in the extravagance will be good for our mental and personal health. Christmas giving has gotten to be way too much anyway. Maybe the crisis on Wall Street, with the banking industry, and with the Big Three automakers has made us look at ourselves and made us realize we are indeed a nation of excess. Even people who are not in fear of loosing their jobs are cutting back and are spending less. This could be a good thing...

The gift of helping others may get a big boost, especially when we see how lucky we really are, and how we need to stick together to get through this financial mess.

Good wishes to all, and peace on earth...

Senate Balks at Bailout

The auto industry bailout is not a done deal. The UAW has refused to give concessions in pay and benefits. At one time I would have applauded the UAW move, but watching more and more Americans lose their jobs has given me less tolerance for the highly paid auto worker.

I look at how much a policeman makes, or a teacher...

and I wonder...is this fair??

If the auto industry wants to be competitive, the auto industry will have to be like any other business and trim it's budget when necessary. Don't expect the rest of the country to be sympathetic when the rest of us have to deal with budget cuts as a way of life.

I realize that there is a trickle down effect. When the auto industry doesn't prosper, it effects many others down the road. The industry needs to realize that there are many others (who do not make the guaranteed high wages) who are effected by their industry. Somehow I don't think these lower paid workers are very happy when the auto workers aren't willing to give a little during times like these.

My Dad was a "Ford Man"

My father was a loyal "Ford Man." He couldn't understand why anyone would want to buy any other kind of car. He often preached "Buy American."

Is that so wrong?

But what about free enterprise? Choice? Getting to buy the best product for the money?

No one wants to encourage protectionism in the global economy of today, but should we offer incentives to buy American? Maybe instead we should just encourage the auto industry to make a car we would be interested in buying. If the problem is the auto industry's lack of responding to the market, why are we bailing them out???

Americans should be just as proud to say they bought a new Ford as my father used to be. The know-how is there, the research is there, and the ability to make a more fuel efficient car is there.

Get with it, Big Three.

GM, Chrysler, Ford Bailout

The Federal Government has somewhat agreed to the bailout of GM, Chrysler, and to lesser extent Ford. Everyone has their hand out. What we must not forget is that we, the taxpayers, will be paying for the mismanagement of these huge companies.

No one wants to see these companies go under or to see jobs lost; but a lot of belt tightening is necessary and changes have to be made.

If the Federal Government is expected to bail out all these companies, what is expected in return? Do these companies want to be publicly owned or do they simply want to be rescued every time the books can't be balanced? There must be accountability. Their new partners (The Fed and the American taxpayer) deserve to have input to what they are planning. Since Chrysler didn't learn from past mistakes, why do we expect them to do any better this time.

The "Big Three" need to wake up. How can they be so out of step with what we want in a car? Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Audi, VW, Honda...How do they stay afloat?

Every business has layoffs. How can we justify the "job bank" for auto workers, when other Americans are simply out of work and having to look for a new job. Maybe benefits and wages need adjusted or frozen. I work under a "topping out" system of salaries...I don't like it, but I still have a job.

We all need to balance our books; that has been our problem as a country. We keep spending regardless of our resources. This should remind us all that eventually the piper has to be payed.

What will be our Legacy?

Color within an Archaeological Site in the state of Yucatan, Mexico.




Symbols of the Maya people of Uxmal, Mexico.


What will be the symbols of our age? How will we appear to others in the distant future? What will be our legacy?

Thousands of years from now, will the symbol of our age be the dollar sign?

Will the people of the future understand our obsession with the almighty buck? Will they think we worshiped it...revered it?

When we look at the archaeological remains of of this century, what will we find?

In Mexico there are many archaeological zones in which the Maya people left the history of their people. What a fabulous legacy. To think that thousands of years ago, someone spent time creating the signs and symbols of their daily life for all of history to see. Although we don't understand exactly what happened to their civilization, we are at least left with many historical areas in which we can study their life.

How will the symbols of our time be interpreted? Will we be able to tell our story in a language the future can understand...

Can't sleep...

As most people are getting up and getting ready to go to work, I am sleeping. I work the evening shift and worked the night shift previously. I have problems going to sleep sometimes and this has been one of those nights.

I am worried about my 401K. I don't like losing the money which is mainly tied into the stock market in mutual funds, but it is too late to move any funds around without losing a great deal more.

I have decided to buy some individual stocks in a separate account not tied into my retirement...just to see if I can offset the loss; but, it will be a while before I can tell if this works. Nothing will work if the stock market doesn't recover in a few years. And it will take years for our economy to rebound.

I have a headache which will not quit. And I can't sleep...

I'm tired of this

I am tired of trying to figure out what I should do. Do I buy, sell, or hold. It's not that I have all that in the stock market, but I do have some. And I don't like losing.

Maybe it's the loss of control I feel, knowing forces are out "there" that are determining my financial fate.

Is it true that Obama won the election because of the bad economy?

What are we going to do? Will we have the guts to buckle down and start paying our way instead of borrowing it? How much do we owe to foreign countries? Can our government ever get itself under control and start spending OUR money on the people of the United States instead of making huge interest payments on the money we owe others?

I decided I should buy a few stocks while the prices are low, but now I am second guessing myself and wondering if it is worth it. I decided to buy and hold on to some old timers that have been around for decades, hoping that they can weather any storm. I feel like a kid still believing in Santa Claus. Only time will tell if I get the gift or the bucket of coal and ashes.

If we had listened to history, we would have learned that we can only count on the money that is in the bank, not on that elusive money that is only on paper. We need to put a real value on things rather than an inflated idea of what we think it is worth. Oh, but wait...if we did that???

What to do, what to do...

And there was Dancing in the Streets

Barack Obama has received the honor of becoming the President Elect of the United States of America. Never have we seen such joyous reaction by his supporters; there was literally dancing in the streets.

Yes, We Can...

This election has been historic in many ways, but the one thing that has been the most amazing, has been the turn out at the voting booths. I am so glad we have had an election in which the entire US has been so involved. The candidates had very different views on the economy, health care, social security, the Iraq war, and our place in the world.

John McCain is truly an American Hero and will continue to work hard for his home state of Arizona and for the US. I believe he will be one of our new President's strong supporters and will help lead the way in getting our nation on track.

Yes, We Can!!!

Vote for your next President

There has been so much excitement over the US Presidential election. The next President will be decided tomorrow. The world looks to the US for leadership and I feel we have failed them the last eight years. I hope we elect the President who has the vision to lead us, and has the common sense to get the cooperation of the House and Senate to make the tough decisions that need to be made for America.

The next President will inherit a bucket load of problems. I hope we can began to heal as a Nation and begin to work together to solve those problems. Greed and corruption will always be with us; but, I hope the next President will lead the way to make the positive aspects of our society shine through instead of the selfishness that has characterized the last part of this decade.

What? Did you say "Buy"??

Too late to sell, but afraid to hold on to a sinking ship? They keep telling us not to sell our stocks and mutual fund shares, but people keep selling. Does this contribute to the stock market fall or is it just fear that keeps the slippery slope slippery? I think it will be years before the answer is found. All conventional thinking is out. Leaders in the US, Great Britain, and Europe are still throwing more money at the bank and credit industry. Is this going to work or will our governments only get into deeper trouble...

I hope we bounce back soon. Is it time to think about buying? After all, they have always said to buy low. How low will we go? Aye, there's the rub. No one knows.

The financial crisis has stressed us all. I think we are only skimming the surface. We need honest leadership. Greed and selfishness has to be banished before we can begin to recoup. I hope a financial leader will come forth and bring confidence and recovery back to the markets of the world.

Palin???

Sarah Palin...a big question mark for the John McCain campaign. Yes, she is a "Maverick" like McCain; yes, she is a very likable person (a soccer-mom, if you will) and yes, she is a well respected governor of the state of Alaska. I have tried to find fault with her personally, tried to dislike her; but I can't.

However, I still question McCain's judgement in picking her as his running mate and a potential second in command of our country. What was he thinking?? or was he thinking?? Is this VP pick an example of his leadership style?? Sort of "Shoot first, and ask questions later" approach to governing?? I don't like it.

For someone who has had years, and I do mean years, to select a vice-president running mate, why did he pick an unknown...unknown not only to the USA in general, but also unknown to him as well? Why take a chance like this? Desperation comes to mind, but also ignorance of what we need in the White House, manipulation of the Republican base, and arrogance in thinking he could control her every move until elected.

McCain needed a Cheerleader and he got one. I don't care how much the Republican Party spent on her hair, clothes, and make-up. What I do care about is her reckless name-calling and labeling of Barack Obama and the Democratic Party. Palin was hired to do the dirty work of McCain...that keeps his hands clean. And McCain also has a fall guy to blame when things don't work out.

We all vote for various reasons and philosophies, but I hope when you do get in that election booth, you consider not only the policies our parties represent, but also the manner in which they are presented. Vote for the person you feel will make the best President and Vice-President for our country and who will represent us best in the world arena.

What's wrong with me?

I just got back from a nice vacation. I felt great as long as I was away from home... seeing and experiencing new things. But as soon as I got back home, Wham! my Fall seasonal allergies kicked in again, and I feel terrible... can't breathe, sore throat, and tired. Life is not fair.

I also hated going back to work. I wish I had a job I enjoyed more, but it is hard to start over, especially in these hard economic times. I need to weigh the pros and cons; do I exist to work, or do I work to exist? Can I live on less? Will I miss my "family" at work? Can I make a shift in lifestyle?

Questions to ponder...

Maybe I'm just feeling the blues, a letdown after my vacation days. Whatever it is, I have some serious thinking to do.

Fear of unknown, uncertainty

The fear of the unknown and the uncertainty of the past few days may be taking it's toll. The mental stress of the financial crisis can overwhelm us if we dwell on it.

President Bush was very reassuring in his address to the nation yesterday morning concerning the money markets. He is right when he says we can and we will get through these problems. It is fear that has caused the stock prices to bounce and wobble. It may take awhile, but we will recover.

We sometimes have to let go of things for a while, so we can gain perspective of what is important. The mind and body have to recoup and renew, so that they can have the strength and energy to start all over again.

Take time this week-end to enjoy the things you do have; relax with friends... gather with family... get some exercise... clear your mind... maybe even get out and do a little fishing.

Do whatever it takes for you to get some mental and physical R&R so that you can face the issues of the upcoming week with a fresh out look and attitude.

Yes, We Can

Yes, we can. A simple enough statement. Can we go forward after the election and turn our nation around?

















At the Curb
Presidential Debate
Nashville, TN
October 7, 2008

More from Nashville, TN

Thanks to Nashville Metro Police for keeping the peace at the Curb...



Stop the War...






Green Power...












At the Curb
Presidential Debate
Nashville, TN
October 7, 2008

Outside the Presidential Debate: 2008 Nashville

There was a block party on Belmont Boulevard before the October 7th, Presidential Debate. Protesters, neighbors, students, and curious onlookers gathered outside the Curb Center at Belmont University. It was a festive atmosphere with everyone looking forward to watching the debate at local watering holes or at homes nearby. A good time was had by all...at the Curb.

Belmont Presidential Debate 2008

The Presidential debate of October 7th, 2008 has come and gone. The debate was uneventful to say the least; but what happened after the debate was over, tells me more about the candidates than anything else.

While McCain feels he has "won" Tennessee and doesn't need to expend any more energy on gaining votes,(TN has voted Republican the last few Presidential elections) he missed a good chance to work the crowd of Tennessee voters. He shook a few hands and left the stage.

Obama stayed as long as the secret service would allow... shaking hands, thanking everyone, posing for pictures, signing autographs. This is what will be remembered.

Even though the media gave Obama a slight edge in "winning" the debate, he definitely won some undecided votes by his openness and willingness to meet the public and acknowledge their hard work in preparing for it. After all, Belmont University and the people of Nashville and Tennessee, did sponsor the debate and gave countless hours and spent tons of money to be the sponsor. Granted the sponsors do benefit from the publicity, tourism, etc. Plus it is an honor to be selected as a debate site. Tennesseans can be proud of their efforts.

Thrift and Generosity

I have been reading a book named "Thrift and Generosity..The Joy of Giving" by John M. Templeton Jr., MD. This is a book we all should be reading. In these uncertain times of stress and financial turmoil, the wisdom of saving and of giving may seen an oxymoron, but this book puts everything in perspective. Good advise. Good read.

I especially liked the words of wisdom taken from The Bible, The Talmud, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Kahlil Gibran and others.

Sometimes the words of old tell it best.

We should take time to consider how our actions and attitudes influence the world in which we live.

"One man gives freely, yet gains evermore;
Another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
A generous man will prosper;
He who refreshes others, will himself be refreshed."

Poetry from Proverbs 11:24-25.

Financial crisis or Pork crisis...Oink!

I am totally disgusted with the "Bailout" and our Washington, DC leaders. Allowing all the pork barrel spending to be tacked on to the Bailout bill, demonstrates the lack of conscience of our entire Senate and the disrespect they feel for us all. I thought we had a crisis. Apparently this crisis is not important enough to allow a prudent discussion of the problems facing our banking, credit lending and insurance institutions without including the wants and desires of the lobbyists and special interest groups. Fear and drama have been used to corral the American people into the pen; however, the porkers are the only winners. The average American citizen will pay for the "pork" as well as the "crisis." Oink! Oink!

The Party is Over? Maybe

Is it time to call it a day? What a bunch of babies! There is certainly a lot of blame to go around, but now is not the time for Congress to point fingers. The American people are disgusted enough with the lack of leadership concerning the Wall Street financial crisis; but the refusal of Congress to find an equitable solution to this problem is criminal. Do we really expect any more? It is just business as usual on Capital Hill.

As Wall Street continues to falter, life goes on...

No one wants to pay for this mess, but I hope we don't end up losing even more before a plan is hammered out. We have lost money, sure; but will we continue to lose the respect we have for our elected leaders.

I hope this bailout crisis will make everyone aware how important it is to vote in the upcoming election in November. Hopefully, people will stay interested in the 2008Presidential election. I fear apathy could take its place as we watch Congress fight among themselves rather than take a real interest in resolving the immediate crisis.

I believe I am feeling stressed and a little helpless myself. I don't like this feeling. I like being in control of my future. Obviously, someone else is in the position to dictate what can happen in my life and to my life savings. Greed is a hungry monster.

I hope Congressional grandstanding will become less important as the next few days go by, and I hope a plan can be agreed upon for the good of the American people as well as for the financial wellness of our banks and Wall Street.

I want it now

After my big rant yesterday about Wall Street and the financial bailout, I began to think more about how this financial situation could have been allowed to happen. I was blaming the "Big Guys" up in Washington, DC. But I really began to worry about how this mess was going to effect me personally. The operative word being "me." I have grown up in a "me, me, me" culture. I have contributed to this climate of greed and recklessness. I have been guilty of saying "I want it, and I want it now."

I have a job that pays decent money; however, I expect my bank or credit union to give me easy credit when I "need" it. We all have laughed at the number of credit cards and bank offers we receive. Maybe all this easy money comes at a price we have been willing to ignore. We all knew something was just not quite right about it.

Well...now it is time to pay the piper.

Wall Street Financial Crisis

Our leaders in Washington,DC have a crisis. The financial crisis didn't occur overnight and it can't be resolved overnight; but, we are being told that if we don't agree to throw lots of money to bail out Wall Street (no questions asked!!!) that our entire economy will collapse. Bull.

This sounds like the old sales pitch that goes: "The deal is only good for today! The price goes up at midnight!! We have to have your answer now!!!"

I can't believe President Bush went on TV and told the American people that MORE people would lose their homes, their pensions, their jobs unless we agree to this bailout...since when did he get concerned about this??? Yesterday??? Apparently while the American people were being tricked and duped, the leaders of our country sat back believing that unregulated greed could rule the day. Who has been looking out for the average citizen??? Not the CEO's or CFO's, not the banks or mortgage houses.

The free reign given to banks and credit companies on Wall Street during the 1990's needs to be brought under control. If they can't do honest and responsible business, they don't deserve to be in business.

Why do these irresponsible entities think the taxpayer should rescue them after they have run the well dry by reaping gigantic profits for themselves. Being irresponsible should not be rewarded.

I fully understand that my 401(k) has already decreased in value and will probably look even worse as the next few weeks and months go by; but, I do not care to see my hard earned money thrown out to fix a problem that should never been allowed to happen. Yes, it needs to be fixed. Yes, government oversight is needed. I don't have to like it. I don't want to see the same people who got us in this crisis in the first place to be rewarded. I am stressed out by the lack of leadership by our government. I want to see thoughtful, carefully planned out solutions. The knee-jerk reactions of DC have surprised me. Maybe I am naive. I believe all will eventually be straightened out, and hopefully we will become stronger. In the mean time, I hope real solutions will be found and implemented, and that measures will be taken to prevent this bailout mentality.

Accountability needs to return to business. Large profits can't be artificially produced and then Woops! disappear overnight. This shifting the blame and pretending not to know how on earth these things could have happened has got to stop. Theories of finance and how money markets work may need some tweaking. Are the experts that far off the track?

The Eagles concert

Saw the Eagles in concert last Thursday. Still conflicted about it. The sound and harmony was outstanding, I sang along with all my favorites, and also enjoyed all their new "Out of Eden" tour music. I had a great time with my friends and the evening was very, very nice. Joe Walsh is my new hero. He can play those guitars! However, the entire "show" was so, so organized and choreographed that I felt a little uncomfortable with their lack of enthusiasm; it was like the "Stepford Eagles" and I felt they were just doing their job, getting it done with efficiency, and then clocking out and going home. I know they are a laid back band, and I know we haven't gotten any younger; but the whole thing was just too rehearsed for my tastes. Maybe I'm just comparing the joy and energy put forth by Bruce Springsteen when I saw him in concert last month, and I was expecting the same "concert feeling." But whatever I was looking for...I left with a peaceful, but uneasy feeling about the concert.

Greta

My dear dog Greta has made her final trip around the yard. She always liked to "check her messages" by roaming the perimeter and making sure the place was safe for her and her family. I miss her more than I ever thought possible. The emergency vet talked to me about the quality of life issue and I agreed to what was best for her. The vet told me the obvious; "She's a dog who can no longer do the things dogs like to do." The end was very peaceful and I really appreciate the staff and their kindness. Here's to all those dogs out there! and to those who care for them...

9/11/2001

The attack on the people of the United States on 9/11 will always be in our minds as something unbelievable and unforgivable. It still seems unreal and we as Americans have a hard time realizing that someone could hate and want to destroy us in such a brutal and caustic manner.

We must acknowledge our role in the political realm of the world, realize how we appear to people of other nations, and make sure our government is sensitive to the ideas and beliefs of other peoples. We don't have to agree or try to appease everyone else, but we do need to at least listen to what they have to say and try to understand their position.

Everything the USA does will always be under scrutiny. We must live the life we expect others to live. We need to be true to the beliefs we hold and be sure our government upholds those beliefs. We must set the example and raise the bar for other nations. Honesty, truthfulness, and compassion will rule the day.

"Opening the Door"

T'ai Chi is an ancient routine of traditional movements, which when put together in the proper frame of mind, can be a wonderful exercise for the body and the soul. Many of us can remember the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics when large numbers of Chinese showed the world the beauty of the fluid exercises.

I bought a T'ai Chi beginners kit by Gaiam which included a CD instructional video, a booklet with excerpts by a well-known author and teacher, and the 1-pound Chi ball. I am in love. The movements and gentle exercises are perfect for someone like me. I like the idea of relaxing and quieting my mind while giving my body a good work-out with strength and control. I am just a beginner, but I do believe this can become a life long search of the balance in mental and physical health.

With exercise movements having descriptive names such as "Opening the Door," "Waving Hands Like Clouds," "Parting the Wild Horses Mane," and "Embracing the Moon," it is easy to see the image in your mind. As a T'ai Chi proverb says "Where the mind goes, the ch'i follows."

Le Gret, The Great

Greta has been my friend and "watch dog" for 15 years. She found me at the local Humane Society Shelter. Things were a little rocky at first; Greta was already two years old when she came to live with me. She had apparently been mistreated.

We went through a time when she didn't quite trust me. We eventually worked it out though, and now I can't imagine life with out her. But that is the problem. I know her time is limited. I believe she is actually on borrowed time. She is like any elderly creature, with all the ailments of one who has lived a good long life...

It hurts to see her struggle through her aches and pains, but she knows she is cared for and loved. I sometimes feel I am being selfish by holding on, but she still likes to go for short walks, sit in the yard and smell the breeze, and beg the postman for a dog treats. Greta, "The Great" is my dog. She is one of a kind.

BRUUUCE

Saw Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band the other night. The man still has it! I can't say enough about what  great performers he and his band are, plus the energy he puts into the show and how the audience is held in his hands through out the three hour "set." Great experience...pure rock and roll...solid music.I didn't want the night to end.  So many songs, so many memories...

Starting your day off right

Some of us jump up out of bed as soon as the alarm goes off. Many of us hit the snooze a few times before we drag ourselves out. At any rate, how you wake up and spend these first few minutes can influence how you face the rest of your day.I found this great video on YouTube by "sadienardini" which I think will help many of us get our day started on the right track. It is nice to wake up, stretch, get our bodies energized and put ourselves in the right physical and mental frame of mind, even before we get out of bed.I hope you enjoy:

Wake Up to Yoga in Bed

...I have placed the video to the left of the blog. This is a way to reduce the stress of the day and to get ready for anything that comes along.

Vote! in 2008

No matter who you think will make the best President of the United States of America, be sure to cast your vote in November 2008. It is a responsibility we should all take with pride. Not every person of the world has this privilege. We are very lucky to have a voice, and we need to keep our rights and freedoms in place.

Apathy will get you nowhere. Be aware of what your political representatives will support in the legislature and express your opinions. This is a historic election. Don't let a few "hanging chads" decide your fate. Vote! Vote! Vote!

Make your informed decision and vote.

Stop talking, Please!

Have you ever had a co-worker who will not stop talking! It does not matter what anyone else has to say...they keep this running commentary on anything and everything, no matter how how busy everyone else is...they really can't seem to stop themselves. Trying to ignore them and not responding to them doesn't work. Even telling them you are really needing to focus on what you are doing and can't talk right now, doesn't seem to make an impression. (Well maybe for about five minutes, then they start in again.) It is hard when you have known them for years and would love to hear what they have to say, if only there were time to spend listening; but, when you are on the clock for your employer, it is difficult to balance the two.I try to be sympathetic to people when they need to get things off their chest. Also I know excessive talking can be a sign of nervousness. Maybe a way to get attention?? I'm really not sure, but I have exhausted the ways I know to politely say "Stop talking, Please! I can't think straight with this chatter going on..." I am worn to a frazzle (my other co-workers are as well) and need any suggestions. Any out there?? Thanks...

Life is fragile

Life, love, people in general are just fragile. Just as flowers and plants have their season, we as people have ours. It is always surprising when a well known public figure suddenly dies. We are shocked into thinking about our own mortality. We realise we or one of our loved ones could be next. We need to know that there is no guarantee we will see the next sunrise. My mother always said we should not let the sun go down on our anger. Treat your friends and family like there is no tomorrow and you will be able to rest at night knowing you have no regrets.

Blue butterfly

I saw the most beautiful butterfly yesterday. It had close to a three inch wingspan and was deep blue. It was on the grass in my front yard and at first I thought it wasn't alive. I thought this would be great to photograph, so I tried to scoop it up by placing my hand under it with my palm up. To my surprise the butterfly started walking into my palm. I stood up straight with the butterfly in my open palm and just when I thought it couldn't get any better...the butterfly took flight and was lifted by the warm summer air...up and away.

I must say, it was one of those moments. I felt more calm and at ease the rest of the day than I had felt in quite a while. There is just something about experiencing such beauty that lets one know that things are going to be OK even in an uncertain world.

Peace to all. I hope each of you can find that feeling of wonder and joy today.

Walk away

I recently had a discussion with a co-worker that turned into a contest of who could "top" the other in a war of words. It is so irritating when a person just keeps pushing, pushing, pushing...until you say something stupid just to try to get the better of them. When will I ever learn! I was so frustrated. My mind was telling me to walk away, but my instincts were wanting to annihilate and devastate the opponent.

What pleasure does a person get from setting up an argument? Why didn't I just walk away and dismiss the situation? Even though I knew better, I didn't do better. Simple.

Did I learn a lesson? Of course. Will I be able to use this insight in the future. I sure hope so. No one can make you feel like a fool... unless you act like one.

Ack!

Why does it seem that everything goes wrong all at the same time! Is there a cosmic rule that says it has to be that way?? Have I angered the gods?? Have I brought this misfortune on my self by my behavior?? What??

It's not fair! Why does the refrigerator have to leak, the car battery has to die (twice, I might add), and then the house keys go missing after I have locked myself out the door. I just want to go to bed and pull the covers over my head...or dash my head on the rocks. I'm afraid to find out what will happen next.Thank goodness all these things can be resolved, but it is just frustrating to have to deal with them. I had other plans for my day off!

Stress can come in all shapes and sizes; how we deal with it can determine our mental and physical health. Or just maybe our mental and physical health determines how we deal with stress. It is so important to keep yourself on an even keel; getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods and drinking enough water. Take care of yourself first and all else will fall in place.

And I'm lucky to have a good friend who didn't judge when I freaked out and couldn't find my keys. Friends can help reduce your stress by helping you work through your problems and by just being there when you need them. And those keys...you might just find them exactly where you put them...

Azul = Blue

Do you ever wake up with the blues? I'm talking about THE Blues. That is B.B. King, Eric Clapton, KoKo Taylor, Marion James, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, Etta James. I could listen to the Allman Brothers, Delbert McClinton, Leon Russell, Bonnie Raitt and of course the late Stevie Ray Vaughan...all day long. "The Sky is Crying" by SRV is the best of the best.

I was first introduced to the singing of the blues by my brother, who was singing some song about some woman who had left him to go to some store to get some chicken. I was rolling in laughter since I thought he was making it up as he went along, but he said no, no, it was a real song..."The Chicken Leg Blues."

Now I love The Blues in all shapes and forms, from Robert Johnson on up the evolutionary tree. A good blues guitar can set you free. The Blues are in every one's life. The songs can be serious, or silly. The songs speak of truth and of emotion, of love and of loss. I can't add all the artists I love to this list, but the one thing I do know for sure, whether we want to or not; occasionally, we will all get The Blues.

I'm crazy. Are you crazy?

I know a lot of people who have some sort of mental health issue; the most common of which is depression. We all have pressures from life, work, family...or have experienced a loss. The loss of a friend, family member, or animal companion can cause an acute sense of sadness. Mourning is different for all of us, and it takes a different amount of time to bounce back to "normal." Some people are harder to read than others, so we can't always tell how well a person is doing. Just when life is looking up again, all it takes is a memory, smell, song on the radio...and the pain of loss can flair up like the loss happened just yesterday, instead of a year ago. However, as time goes by, we are usually able to become nostalgic instead of sad, and the memories become sweet instead of painful. Celebrating the life of a loved one, knowing they were loved and loved us back, can go a long way to heal. We can't control the circumstances surrounding a loss, but we can release the feelings we no longer want to feel, and keep the feelings we want to keep.

Depression is biological as well as mental. In some people, depression can be caused by a chemical imbalance. A clinical professional should be consulted if depression is overwhelming or will not go away. Check with your local American Medical Association (AMA) if thoughts of hurting yourself or others are present. Help is out there! Everything changes, nothing ever remains the same.

I'm crazy. Are you crazy?

People who have experienced depression or other mental health issues can often feel that they are different from the rest of the world; but they really don't realize that there are many who have had the same feelings of sadness, aloneness, or isolation. Sometimes a little crazy is nice. We crazies tend to examine ourselves a little deeper and usually feel compassion and empathy for our fellow man a little more than others. So if someone looks at me and asks "Are you crazy?" I simply answer "Yes, I am."

Grandmother's squash rolls

Summer always reminds me of the garden my Grandparents planted and the rows of vegetables we would walk through looking for the ones ready to pick. Yellow squash was always one of my favorites! I like it best cooked with onion, a little salt and a lot of black pepper. One way my Grandmother would use their bounty of yellow squash was to make "squash rolls" for dinner. This is an easy bread recipe and is really good with a simple meal plan of grilled BBQ ribs, dill potato salad, corn, asparagus, and a fresh tomato and mozzarella salad. The BBQ ribs, corn and asparagus can be cooked on the grill to give it that summertime flavor.

Squash Rolls:
Cook and then drain excess water from squash. Preheat oven to 450
degrees F. Combine 2 cups biscuit baking mix (such as Bisquick) to 2/3 cup cooked and mashed yellow summer squash. Gently smooth dough into a ball on floured surface, knead 4-5 times. Roll dough out with floured rolling-pin into a 12 inch circle. Spread 2 tablespoons softened butter on dough. Divide dough into twelve wedges (cutting up like you would a pizza or pie) so that there are 12 triangles. Gently roll up each triangle, starting with the outside edge. Place rolls with pointed side underneath, about one inch apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes until golden brown.

Dill Potato Salad:
Boil one pound new potatoes (red-skinned are good) until done, then cool.In large bowl, mix together the following ingredients:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt
2 tablespoons snipped fresh dill or 2 teaspoons dried dill
1 chopped spring onion (both green and white parts)
salt and pepper to taste
Cut potatoes in quarters, leaving skin on, fold into mix and chill for at least one hour.

Tomato and Mozzarella Salad:
Quick and easy: prepare right before serving.Summer tomatoes especially heirloom or beefsteak are best.Fresh mozzarella cheese can be found packaged in either the whey or wrapped. Fresh basil or oregano if possible, but dried will do.A good extra-virgin olive oil is essential.Raspberry vinegar is very good...it is a little sweeter, but Balsamic vinegar is also a good choice.Slice and layer tomatoes and mozzarella in a shallow dish, or in individual salad plates. Drizzle with olive oil and then the vinegar. Add basil or oregano, sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste.

Grilled Vegetables:
When the BBQ ribs are about done...cook the corn and asparagus on the grill.
Corn: Remove husk and silks from ears of fresh sweet corn. Cook ears of corn 4-5 minutes in boiling water, drain and butter. Sprinkle with salt and chili powder if desired. Place on grill to caramelize, turning frequently...about 5 minutes. A squeeze of lime also adds a lot of flavor.
Asparagus: Clean and trim fresh stalks. Coat with olive oil. Grill until tender and starting to turn brown, turning frequently to prevent charring...about 5 minutes. Brush with melted butter and salt to taste.

Serve with a good pale ale or a cool lemon-lime spritzer.

A simple dessert of fresh sliced peaches, sprinkled with pecans and topped with creme fraiche or vanilla yogurt will complete the meal.

Buying local produce will ensure freshness and support our nearby farms. I believe organically grown foods are better for us and will bring back the flavor we remember from an earlier time.

Intro to jana's azul garden

The "purpose" of this blog is to throw out some ideas and see if anyone can relate and respond in kind. I am interested in how stress effects us all and how we deal with it. This includes work stress, family stress, money worries, to name a few, and how all this makes our mind and body react.Saving money (and the planet!) by buying local and organic is important in my book. I intend to include some ideas for simple and easy meals along with recipes. Feel free to add any favorites of your own by blogging to this site.After all is said and done, "We Are What We Eat!"Also, I would like to address our mental health: how we deal with our own as well as our friends and families well being. Do you know anyone with depression, obsessive-compulsion, or bi-polar illnesses? I am not a professional and do not profess to have any particular knowledge of these; but as a lay person I hope to open a forum where people can express their opinions, give the benefit of their experiences, and hopefully help each other by being open and honest about how our brains and bodies work.If we are all "Running Against the Wind"... We might as well have friends to keep us company and help share the load.