People
While Rome burned, people probably compared lentil soup recipes. Just before the Nazi’s took hold, neighbors may have made sauerkraut together and sidestepped political discussions. In current day, this version could be sharing dog pics in mixed groups as the earth melts. Maybe we’ve never been that good at engaging with various opinions, openly sharing… Continue reading People
Give an hour
The universal switchboard is lighting up and I’m taking a lot of calls. The message came through quickly, as they do, you just have to pay attention. I happened to hear it. It said, give an hour of help toward someone. Don’t hesitate. Act on this. Need help? I’ll give you an hour. Sign up… Continue reading Give an hour
Flow
I wasn’t lost but I didn’t know exactly where I was. It was a beautiful place to be disoriented. I considered freaking out but decided to use my compass instead. I found my way back. “I know no one wants unsolicited advice”… she said to me, and then gave it. It reminds me of when… Continue reading Flow
Bats, ash, and garlic
Less than 1/10 of 1% of bats are believed to carry rabies.” – Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife What’s happening in autumn? Some animals migrate or hibernate, deciduous leaves change color and fall, winter crops are planted. Winged mammals Bats are hard to notice, but they are here. Their DNA is much closer to… Continue reading Bats, ash, and garlic
Flotsam & Jetsam
If you don’t know what to do, pick up litter at the beach. It’s never the wrong move. At one point I am alone by the surf and this is where loud singing is released. I went to Heceta beach in Florence to pick up trash and I remembered a Mary Oliver poem that goes… Continue reading Flotsam & Jetsam
Comfort within
A man made bird sounds on an early morning bird walk. He tweeted, squeaked, squawked, whistled, buzzed and whooshed with his mouth making him my favorite bird that morning. A couple weeks ago, two people I’ve never met stood at my front fence and voiced observations: “I love your squash forest!”“I love your amaranth! It… Continue reading Comfort within
Brain rinse
Do not favor the company of paranoia. Whether it’s people, places, or the internet. I recently advised someone asking for help, “don’t pick friends who light up your paranoia.” “If you walk there, you will smell like pennyroyal,” said a voice. “Is that good or bad?” I asked. “I think it’s good,” said another. “It’s… Continue reading Brain rinse
Misinformation
Misinformation is like junk food. Once you get hooked, nothing else compares. It hits all your immediate imbalances like sugar and salt and a sense of righteous satisfaction lands. It seeps into the synapsis that please the unwieldy parts of the brain. Brain loves anything that backs up brain’s already held opinions. I ask people… Continue reading Misinformation
Plastic Fantastic
At first it all feels futile. Quickly, I find the connection with those who give a shit. It suddenly feels great. I agreed to to help Quakers with a modest plan to gather plastics and offer them to the plastic gods. I volunteered to be a drop-off place and ended up pulling a bike trailer… Continue reading Plastic Fantastic