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Wednesday, December 31, 2008
2009
From my - ahem - astute observations, it appears that we don't automatically change just because the year on the calendar does. Events in 2009 will most likely be the result of what we put into motion in 2008 and previous years. So, I'm not holding my breath, believing that in 2009 I'll be smarter, kinder, younger, more fit or anything else. I'm not expecting world peace, either. But I do know that there is much love and joy in the world this year and I bet it will continue into the new year, also.
I choose to end this year, and begin 2009, with appreciation and love for life. These 50+ years have been a fascinating trip and I'm thankful for the whole thing.
I'm so lucky to have friends and family near and far who are kind, generous and loving. I love them and I am loved. (Didn't someone say that love is what makes the world go 'round?)
This year, I've been able to reconnect with friends and family that I haven't seen for 30 and 40 years. That has been such a gift!
And speaking of gifts...
Thank you, Dancing in the U.K.
Even though I have met very few of my fellow bloggers in person, you are all in my heart.
As much as I love the humans in my life, my furred, feathered, leafed, and vegetabled friends are every bit as valuable. This year, I had a great garden and I got to watch baby owls and baby hawks grow up. AND I've hiked many miles with the Buddha dog and tended to many scratches from Ms Kitty.
I'm thankful for people who are working to make this a better world. There are so many...
I'm grateful for the fact that I have everything I need.
I could go on and on. Just this morning, I SO appreciated my good night's sleep - after blowin' in the wind the night before.
What has brought you the most joy this year? Whatever it is, whether you continue to have it in 2009 or not, may the joy of it carry you through the coming year.
I choose to end this year, and begin 2009, with appreciation and love for life. These 50+ years have been a fascinating trip and I'm thankful for the whole thing.
I'm so lucky to have friends and family near and far who are kind, generous and loving. I love them and I am loved. (Didn't someone say that love is what makes the world go 'round?)
Wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving. - Kahlil Gibran
This year, I've been able to reconnect with friends and family that I haven't seen for 30 and 40 years. That has been such a gift!
And speaking of gifts...
Thank you, Dancing in the U.K.
As much as I love the humans in my life, my furred, feathered, leafed, and vegetabled friends are every bit as valuable. This year, I had a great garden and I got to watch baby owls and baby hawks grow up. AND I've hiked many miles with the Buddha dog and tended to many scratches from Ms Kitty.
I'm thankful for people who are working to make this a better world. There are so many...
I'm grateful for the fact that I have everything I need.
I could go on and on. Just this morning, I SO appreciated my good night's sleep - after blowin' in the wind the night before.
What has brought you the most joy this year? Whatever it is, whether you continue to have it in 2009 or not, may the joy of it carry you through the coming year.
People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child - our own two eyes. All is a miracle. - Thich Nhat Hanh
Labels: New Year's
posted by Carol at 9:11 AM
12 comments
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Blowing in the Wind
and Not Finding "The Answer". Yet.
Last night, winds pounded us. My sleep was restless and fitful. For a generally calm type of place, we can get winds this time of year that want to blow our socks off.
I get pretty nervous about our 50-foot cottonwoods - the majestic trees who stand alongside our property and who, if they ever decide to topple, will most likely land on our roof. Or through it. (In fact, in a suburb north of here, a cottonwood did topple last night, but, fortunately, it landed on a truck - with no one in it - instead of a home.)
But I wasn't worrying about the trees in the night. I was just tossing and turning and trying to sleep. I think the wind stirred things up and created mayhem in my sleep patterns.
When I finally got out of bed this morning, I worried about how I would get through my day after such a crappy night. Then I thought of people all over the world who, for various reasons, continually live in less-than-safe sleeping conditions. What does that do to one's nervous system?
I'm not trying to make excuses for anyone's behavior, but nerve-wracking nights do tend to leave us feeling raw and on edge. Today I am experiencing a lot of empathy for those who go over that edge.
We came out relatively unscathed. This is our fence, broken in last night's wind. Don't worry, Mr. Carol For Peace, it's only four panels of the fence. And the Elm is holding it up!
Did I ever mention that I really don't like wind?
Last night, winds pounded us. My sleep was restless and fitful. For a generally calm type of place, we can get winds this time of year that want to blow our socks off.
I get pretty nervous about our 50-foot cottonwoods - the majestic trees who stand alongside our property and who, if they ever decide to topple, will most likely land on our roof. Or through it. (In fact, in a suburb north of here, a cottonwood did topple last night, but, fortunately, it landed on a truck - with no one in it - instead of a home.)
But I wasn't worrying about the trees in the night. I was just tossing and turning and trying to sleep. I think the wind stirred things up and created mayhem in my sleep patterns.
When I finally got out of bed this morning, I worried about how I would get through my day after such a crappy night. Then I thought of people all over the world who, for various reasons, continually live in less-than-safe sleeping conditions. What does that do to one's nervous system?
I'm not trying to make excuses for anyone's behavior, but nerve-wracking nights do tend to leave us feeling raw and on edge. Today I am experiencing a lot of empathy for those who go over that edge.
We came out relatively unscathed. This is our fence, broken in last night's wind. Don't worry, Mr. Carol For Peace, it's only four panels of the fence. And the Elm is holding it up!Did I ever mention that I really don't like wind?
Labels: wind
posted by Carol at 2:48 PM
8 comments
Monday, December 29, 2008
A Hundred Eyes For An Eye
There are human-created atrocities going on all over the world at this moment. Even in a relatively peaceful place like Denver, Colorado, murder, abuse and destruction happen daily. Has it always been this way? Will it always be?
Israel's inhumane blockading of food and supplies to Gaza has been weighing on me. Now, the all-out carnage over there is breaking my heart.
I'm not the brightest star in the sky, but I do know that when I do the same thing over and over again, I usually get the same results over and over again. Maybe, just maybe, the parties involved over there might want to choose to do something different in order to get their needs met.
Or maybe they really like the results they've been getting for a very long time.
When will this insanity stop?
I stole the title for my post from Norman Solomon's article, A Hundred Eyes For An Eye. In the article, he writes about the fact that one Israeli has been killed by Palestinian-fired rockets in the last year while Israel has now, in a short time, killed 270 Palestinians [Update: deaths reported now: 350] and injured at least 1,000. These figures don't include people who have not yet been found under the rubble. The Israelis continue to issue collective punishment against the Palestinians in Gaza and that is just plain wrong. Where is our disgust?
I have been reading Lirun's blog, East Med Sea Peace. His writing helps me to connect with the human experience in Israel. I am not a person who is anti-Israeli in favor of the Palestinians. I care about LIFE. All of it. As I hope that the world doesn't think that I support the actions of our president as he chose to destroy Iraq, I know that not every Israeli supports the killings in Gaza. And not all Palestinians are terrorists.
My heart goes out to all who are living over there. Just as I worry about the future of the children in Iraq who only know war, I also care about the effects on the Israeli and Palestinian children. May the young people be wiser than their elders and learn from this, saying NO MORE WAR.
"I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent." - Mahatma Gandhi
May Peace Abide in All.
Update:
Vigils against these attacks are occurring around the U.S. If you live in Colorado, here's info on one that will take place tomorrow, December 30th:
Emergency Peace Vigil
"Stop the Attack on Gaza!"
Please come express your solidarity with the people of Gaza
Join with groups across the county on this national day of action
Tuesday, December 30, 5:00 pm
Capitol Building, West Steps, Denver
Bring signs and flashlights
Your presence to express your opinion is vitally important
Please help spread the word - pass this announcement on to your contacts
Co-sponsored by: Friends of Sabeel-Colorado,
Colorado Progressive Jewish News,
Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center
and other groups
Israel's inhumane blockading of food and supplies to Gaza has been weighing on me. Now, the all-out carnage over there is breaking my heart.
I'm not the brightest star in the sky, but I do know that when I do the same thing over and over again, I usually get the same results over and over again. Maybe, just maybe, the parties involved over there might want to choose to do something different in order to get their needs met.
Or maybe they really like the results they've been getting for a very long time.
When will this insanity stop?
I stole the title for my post from Norman Solomon's article, A Hundred Eyes For An Eye. In the article, he writes about the fact that one Israeli has been killed by Palestinian-fired rockets in the last year while Israel has now, in a short time, killed 270 Palestinians [Update: deaths reported now: 350] and injured at least 1,000. These figures don't include people who have not yet been found under the rubble. The Israelis continue to issue collective punishment against the Palestinians in Gaza and that is just plain wrong. Where is our disgust?
I have been reading Lirun's blog, East Med Sea Peace. His writing helps me to connect with the human experience in Israel. I am not a person who is anti-Israeli in favor of the Palestinians. I care about LIFE. All of it. As I hope that the world doesn't think that I support the actions of our president as he chose to destroy Iraq, I know that not every Israeli supports the killings in Gaza. And not all Palestinians are terrorists.
My heart goes out to all who are living over there. Just as I worry about the future of the children in Iraq who only know war, I also care about the effects on the Israeli and Palestinian children. May the young people be wiser than their elders and learn from this, saying NO MORE WAR.
"I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent." - Mahatma Gandhi
May Peace Abide in All.
Update:
Vigils against these attacks are occurring around the U.S. If you live in Colorado, here's info on one that will take place tomorrow, December 30th:
Emergency Peace Vigil
"Stop the Attack on Gaza!"
Please come express your solidarity with the people of Gaza
Join with groups across the county on this national day of action
Tuesday, December 30, 5:00 pm
Capitol Building, West Steps, Denver
Bring signs and flashlights
Your presence to express your opinion is vitally important
Please help spread the word - pass this announcement on to your contacts
Co-sponsored by: Friends of Sabeel-Colorado,
Colorado Progressive Jewish News,
Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center
and other groups
Labels: Israel
posted by Carol at 9:16 AM
10 comments
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Muddy Feet
When I woke up yesterday, the thermometer said it was 40 degrees (4 degrees C) - warmer than it's been for what seems like a very long time. Because most people were still off of work for the holiday, our brown cloud was absent and the bluest of blue Colorado skies held the earth like a blanket.
It was time for a hike with the Buddha (both the dog and any other type of Buddha that wanted to come along).
Because of the wonderful, heart-warming, smile-producing warmth of the day, the snow was melting and the trails were MUD. I walked through many shades of that water-logged dirt: the kind of mud that almost sucked the boots right off my feet; semi-frozen mud; mud that is really more like a wading pool; and the kind of mud that has lots of gravel in it, making each step feel like I was walking in thick, thick carpet.
Animal sightings: One human, one dog, two red-tailed hawks, many geese honking overhead, an unknown number of magpies, sparrows and other assorted small birds.
Walking with my wise Buddha dog who doesn't need to have conversation, I sunk deep into the joy of being among the trees, hearing only the crunch or slosh of my footsteps in whatever kind of mud they happened to be in at the time. The sounds of brittle leaves rattling against each other in the trees above my head gave a lovely background harmony.
At one point, two red-tailed hawks circled above me low enough that I didn't need my binoculars in order to see the details of their beauty. One of them cried out - over and over - in his raspy hawk cry. That sound hits me at my core. It reaches something primal in me and wakes up a part of me that gets lost when I spend too much time indoors.
Ask Mr. Carol For Peace about the importance of regular Carol For Peace hikes. I am a nicer person to be around if I hike enough. I have to visit my friends that don't need clothing or computers. I have to escape words and allow in human-less sounds. My nervous system can't take the constant battering of human invention.
Maybe this is true for everyone, but many of us have forgotten. We have become familiar with living a life removed from our connection to the earth and we think that we like this new, easier life better - just like we have grown to think that food should taste like the packaged stuff we get in the store, forgetting the taste and feel of straight-from-the-earth vegetables.
And I wonder... would there be less war and less greed if our political and financial "leaders" were required to walk in the woods once a week and partake in a vision quest at least twice a year? Would they, like me, be nicer people for it?
It was time for a hike with the Buddha (both the dog and any other type of Buddha that wanted to come along).
Because of the wonderful, heart-warming, smile-producing warmth of the day, the snow was melting and the trails were MUD. I walked through many shades of that water-logged dirt: the kind of mud that almost sucked the boots right off my feet; semi-frozen mud; mud that is really more like a wading pool; and the kind of mud that has lots of gravel in it, making each step feel like I was walking in thick, thick carpet.
Animal sightings: One human, one dog, two red-tailed hawks, many geese honking overhead, an unknown number of magpies, sparrows and other assorted small birds.
Walking with my wise Buddha dog who doesn't need to have conversation, I sunk deep into the joy of being among the trees, hearing only the crunch or slosh of my footsteps in whatever kind of mud they happened to be in at the time. The sounds of brittle leaves rattling against each other in the trees above my head gave a lovely background harmony.
At one point, two red-tailed hawks circled above me low enough that I didn't need my binoculars in order to see the details of their beauty. One of them cried out - over and over - in his raspy hawk cry. That sound hits me at my core. It reaches something primal in me and wakes up a part of me that gets lost when I spend too much time indoors.
Ask Mr. Carol For Peace about the importance of regular Carol For Peace hikes. I am a nicer person to be around if I hike enough. I have to visit my friends that don't need clothing or computers. I have to escape words and allow in human-less sounds. My nervous system can't take the constant battering of human invention.
Maybe this is true for everyone, but many of us have forgotten. We have become familiar with living a life removed from our connection to the earth and we think that we like this new, easier life better - just like we have grown to think that food should taste like the packaged stuff we get in the store, forgetting the taste and feel of straight-from-the-earth vegetables.
And I wonder... would there be less war and less greed if our political and financial "leaders" were required to walk in the woods once a week and partake in a vision quest at least twice a year? Would they, like me, be nicer people for it?
Labels: hiking
posted by Carol at 8:45 AM
10 comments
Friday, December 26, 2008
Save The Land!
Tim DeChristopher did the right thing and now he needs support. Oil and gas leases went to auction last week, opening beautiful Utah land next to Arches and Canyonlands national parks for drilling. Twenty-seven-year-old Tim DeChristopher won bids of about $1.7 million in an effort to stop the destruction of the land. Read more by clicking here or here.
The U.S. Attorney's office is contemplating charges against DeChristopher since he doesn't have $1.7 million dollars to pay for his auction items.
Donate to his legal defense or to help pay for the land here.
I love the Utah desert, so I'm sending some money for this cause that is dear to my heart.
"If I am not willing to take a stand for my generation, then who will? This year I have come to terms with the idea that I might be my own best hope to defend my future. Hopefully all of us will realize that we are the ones we have been waiting for." - Tim DeChristopher
Bravo, Tim!
The U.S. Attorney's office is contemplating charges against DeChristopher since he doesn't have $1.7 million dollars to pay for his auction items.
Donate to his legal defense or to help pay for the land here.
I love the Utah desert, so I'm sending some money for this cause that is dear to my heart.
"If I am not willing to take a stand for my generation, then who will? This year I have come to terms with the idea that I might be my own best hope to defend my future. Hopefully all of us will realize that we are the ones we have been waiting for." - Tim DeChristopher
Bravo, Tim!
Labels: desert
posted by Carol at 1:45 PM
12 comments
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Have Yourself a Merry One
Tomorrow night - Christmas Eve - I'll be fixing dinner for my family and extended family. The older I get, the harder it is for me to make Christmas into a day more meaningful than any other. I'm not trying to minimize Christmas at all. It's just that every day is getting more and more meaningful as my life unfolds. Each day is a miracle worthy of celebration.
But I'm willing to play along with the rest of the gang. Neither decorating nor getting together for a special feast will do any harm.
So, last night, Mr. Carol For Peace and I brought out the decorations and spruced up this place a bit. I was going to show you the lights on our Norfolk Island Pine, but I had a little camera problem. First, my lens quit working. Big bummer. Then I tried Mr. Carol For Peace's lens but I didn't use a tripod, so this is what I got:
I kind of like it.
Incidentally, the pine we decorate is one that we bought for our first Christmas together. It was about this big (she says as she holds her hand about 10 inches above the desk). Now it's about 5 feet tall.
We hung stockings. Here's the Buddha dog's:
(I hope that Santa finds his way down our chimney, because I haven't been to the doggie goodie store and have nothing to put in this big toed stocking!)
But I'm willing to play along with the rest of the gang. Neither decorating nor getting together for a special feast will do any harm.
In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukkah' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukkah!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall!' -Dave Barry, "Christmas Shopping: A Survivor's Guide"
So, last night, Mr. Carol For Peace and I brought out the decorations and spruced up this place a bit. I was going to show you the lights on our Norfolk Island Pine, but I had a little camera problem. First, my lens quit working. Big bummer. Then I tried Mr. Carol For Peace's lens but I didn't use a tripod, so this is what I got:
I kind of like it.Incidentally, the pine we decorate is one that we bought for our first Christmas together. It was about this big (she says as she holds her hand about 10 inches above the desk). Now it's about 5 feet tall.
We hung stockings. Here's the Buddha dog's:
(I hope that Santa finds his way down our chimney, because I haven't been to the doggie goodie store and have nothing to put in this big toed stocking!)When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs? -G.K. Chesterton
Friends, Family, Anonymous Visitors, and Spidering Robots,
I'm calling to say that no matter what holiday is special to you at this time - or even if you celebrate no holiday at all - may today, and all of your days, be filled with laughter, peace and joy. Thank you for taking the time out of your life to visit me and my little blog. You mean a lot to me!
Peace.
Look out for the wall!
Peace.
Look out for the wall!
Labels: Christmas
posted by Carol at 9:00 PM
8 comments
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Milk
Last night, we saw the movie, Milk. I'm not a movie reviewer. All I can say is Sean Penn is an acting god. I learned a lot that I didn't know about Harvey Milk and about that era. I was captivated.
"Milk is that rare biographical movie that makes you believe you've met the man yourself. At the very least, the movie makes you wish Harvey Milk were still around, fighting the good fight." - Sean Means, Salt Lake Tribune
GO SEE IT!
"Milk is that rare biographical movie that makes you believe you've met the man yourself. At the very least, the movie makes you wish Harvey Milk were still around, fighting the good fight." - Sean Means, Salt Lake Tribune
Labels: movies
posted by Carol at 12:11 PM
10 comments
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Present Presents
A few years ago, I said something rather "un-artful" to a friend. It was the truth. I knew it and she knew it. But it didn't need to be said, and it especially didn't need to be said the way I said it. It just erupted out of my mouth like a volcano - exploding after a long time of below-the-surface rumbling and ruminating. I made my big mistake right as we brought our plates from the Indian food buffet to our table. My friend let it be known, in no uncertain terms, that she didn't appreciate what I had said. We both lost our appetites and left the restaurant with untouched food - and broken hearts.
We tried to work through the damage with tearful phone calls, but nothing worked, except a lot of time away from each other. A LOT of time. Years.
My friend works in an office with other mutual friends. At some point, I ran into her and we awkwardly talked a little. She told me about a concert that would be taking place near my home. For a reason I'll never understand, we agreed to go together. Since then, we have slowly worked our way - just a little - into each other's lives.
Yesterday, we took a walk together. At the end, she told me she had a Christmas present for me in her car. I opened it and saw that it was a beautiful pair of pierced earrings. I can't wear pierced earrings, because I'm so allergic to metal in my ears that earrings not only create lumps in my lobes, but they also cause me searing pain.
The Carol I used to know would have taken them, thanked my friend, and brought the earrings home, wondering what I'd do with them. The Carol that was present yesterday told her friend that I can't wear earrings, but I loved those that she gave me.
I told my friend about how a few weeks ago, Terry Tempest Williams' publisher, after seeing that I had blogged about Terry's latest book, emailed me to find out if I wanted to speak with Terry for my blog. If I could choose only one writer in the world to speak with, it would be Terry Tempest Williams. I bathe in her books. They bring me back to myself. Yes! Yes!
But there was no follow-up from Terry or her publisher and I have not spoken to my favorite author. And that's OK. I was asked, and that's enough. I just loved that I was asked. I don't have to have every experience I want in order to be happy. I was asked! THAT was a gift.
I let my friend know that the earrings are beautiful. She had given me this present - this symbol that I was thought of and cherished. THAT'S the gift. I thanked her for the gift.
The fact that I felt safe to be honest with this woman was another gift. I HOPE that I expressed it artfully. I feel free, knowing that I won't have to dance around why I never wear the earrings. And I feel closer than ever to this forgiving woman.
Life is so rich and generous.
We tried to work through the damage with tearful phone calls, but nothing worked, except a lot of time away from each other. A LOT of time. Years.
My friend works in an office with other mutual friends. At some point, I ran into her and we awkwardly talked a little. She told me about a concert that would be taking place near my home. For a reason I'll never understand, we agreed to go together. Since then, we have slowly worked our way - just a little - into each other's lives.
Yesterday, we took a walk together. At the end, she told me she had a Christmas present for me in her car. I opened it and saw that it was a beautiful pair of pierced earrings. I can't wear pierced earrings, because I'm so allergic to metal in my ears that earrings not only create lumps in my lobes, but they also cause me searing pain.
The Carol I used to know would have taken them, thanked my friend, and brought the earrings home, wondering what I'd do with them. The Carol that was present yesterday told her friend that I can't wear earrings, but I loved those that she gave me.
I told my friend about how a few weeks ago, Terry Tempest Williams' publisher, after seeing that I had blogged about Terry's latest book, emailed me to find out if I wanted to speak with Terry for my blog. If I could choose only one writer in the world to speak with, it would be Terry Tempest Williams. I bathe in her books. They bring me back to myself. Yes! Yes!
But there was no follow-up from Terry or her publisher and I have not spoken to my favorite author. And that's OK. I was asked, and that's enough. I just loved that I was asked. I don't have to have every experience I want in order to be happy. I was asked! THAT was a gift.
I let my friend know that the earrings are beautiful. She had given me this present - this symbol that I was thought of and cherished. THAT'S the gift. I thanked her for the gift.
The fact that I felt safe to be honest with this woman was another gift. I HOPE that I expressed it artfully. I feel free, knowing that I won't have to dance around why I never wear the earrings. And I feel closer than ever to this forgiving woman.
Life is so rich and generous.
Labels: Christmas
posted by Carol at 8:51 AM
7 comments
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Young Eyes
When he walked into the library and saw so many boots and shoes spread across the floor, the little boy who could not have been older than 4, asked, "Do we need to take off our shoes?" The innocence and awareness in those eyes...
He was standing amidst a collection of boots representing the soldiers from Colorado that have died in this occupation of Iraq. He was looking at hundreds of shoes that represent the hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Iraqis who have died because of our presence in their country.
He is a precious little boy who I hope will never have to see what the people who were represented in that room have seen.
Last night I worked my first exhibit as coordinator of the Colorado Eyes Wide Open. It was held at the Jefferson County Open School, which is the most human and the most whole school I've ever known. As their site says, the world truly is their classroom. I want to go back to school and be a student there. I'm willing to start at first grade again, because I know that I would learn life skills and valuable life lessons that I don't have yet as an adult.
I watched the 16 year old organizer work magic as she and her crew made the whole thing happen - from set-up, through hosting the site for 3 hours, to take-down. I spoke extensively with three 15-year-olds - some of the most interesting people I've spoken with in a long time - and I came away with a sense of hope. The students at that school are incredible beings that exhibit maturity, confidence, refined group skills, and polished conflict resolution skills. They are already contributing for the betterment of this world with a sense of themselves and a way of being in the world that a majority of adults have not yet attained.
These people were probably not born with anything that we all don't have. But they have grown in an environment where they have been supported and nourished in ways that most public schools are not willing to do.
Last night was the school's annual Peace Night. This event began after the events of 9/11. The entire school participates in a phenomenal collage of events, displays and fundraisers. Unfortunately, I didn't take the opportunity to explore all that was going on, because I wanted to stay with the Eyes Wide Open exhibit.
I did go to the school theater, though, to listen to speakers Greg Johnson and David Bacon of Playing For Change. You may have seen Bill Moyers' show about this organization that is creating peace through music. They bring street musicians from around the world together through technology. Not only do they create peace through the universal language of music, but also through their non-profit organization that builds schools in South Africa and Nepal. Great men doing great work.
I'm always touched by my experiences with this exhibit. Even though its point is to show the human cost of war, thus it focuses on death, it has a life of its own. As I heard more than once last night: you can hear about the exhibit, but until you have witnessed it and felt the impact made by rows and rows of empty shoes and boots, each carrying a name and age which make real the humanity that once gave them life, you won't really feel the impact of the exhibit.
I hope that through acknowledging the death of our soldiers and those Iraqis whose lives have been lost, we will decide that we are not willing to tolerate war anymore.
Setting up the boots.
And the shoes.
***
He was standing amidst a collection of boots representing the soldiers from Colorado that have died in this occupation of Iraq. He was looking at hundreds of shoes that represent the hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Iraqis who have died because of our presence in their country.
He is a precious little boy who I hope will never have to see what the people who were represented in that room have seen.
***
Last night I worked my first exhibit as coordinator of the Colorado Eyes Wide Open. It was held at the Jefferson County Open School, which is the most human and the most whole school I've ever known. As their site says, the world truly is their classroom. I want to go back to school and be a student there. I'm willing to start at first grade again, because I know that I would learn life skills and valuable life lessons that I don't have yet as an adult.
I watched the 16 year old organizer work magic as she and her crew made the whole thing happen - from set-up, through hosting the site for 3 hours, to take-down. I spoke extensively with three 15-year-olds - some of the most interesting people I've spoken with in a long time - and I came away with a sense of hope. The students at that school are incredible beings that exhibit maturity, confidence, refined group skills, and polished conflict resolution skills. They are already contributing for the betterment of this world with a sense of themselves and a way of being in the world that a majority of adults have not yet attained.
These people were probably not born with anything that we all don't have. But they have grown in an environment where they have been supported and nourished in ways that most public schools are not willing to do.
Last night was the school's annual Peace Night. This event began after the events of 9/11. The entire school participates in a phenomenal collage of events, displays and fundraisers. Unfortunately, I didn't take the opportunity to explore all that was going on, because I wanted to stay with the Eyes Wide Open exhibit.
I did go to the school theater, though, to listen to speakers Greg Johnson and David Bacon of Playing For Change. You may have seen Bill Moyers' show about this organization that is creating peace through music. They bring street musicians from around the world together through technology. Not only do they create peace through the universal language of music, but also through their non-profit organization that builds schools in South Africa and Nepal. Great men doing great work.
I'm always touched by my experiences with this exhibit. Even though its point is to show the human cost of war, thus it focuses on death, it has a life of its own. As I heard more than once last night: you can hear about the exhibit, but until you have witnessed it and felt the impact made by rows and rows of empty shoes and boots, each carrying a name and age which make real the humanity that once gave them life, you won't really feel the impact of the exhibit.
I hope that through acknowledging the death of our soldiers and those Iraqis whose lives have been lost, we will decide that we are not willing to tolerate war anymore.
Setting up the boots.
And the shoes.***
As she walked among the shoes, the young girl of maybe 6 or 7 called out the ages written on the attached tags. Mostly she called out the ages of those younger than her - 11 months, 2 years. I never saw her look at the boots. She was fascinated by the shoes - especially the children's shoes. She was so fascinated that as her mother left the room, she lagged behind. As she looked at the last group of shoes and read the ages, she turned to leave and said (to whom, I don't know... the air? the world? God?), "This is just wrong!"
Labels: Eyes Wide Open, photography
posted by Carol at 9:02 AM
12 comments
Monday, December 15, 2008
My Grandkitty
A week and a half ago, we were in California to visit my daughter and to attend the wedding reception of some friends. My daughter has a brand new house. This is a photo of her brand new house and her brand new Christmas tree - and my new grandkitty.My daughter is a teacher. One of the best. No, THE best. Just ask me. Or ask her students - or their parents. My daughter does an amazing job and her students are very lucky.
But this post is mostly about my grandkitty. I met my grandkitty for the first time during this trip. I almost put her in my suitcase to bring her home with me. She's a little love.
My kitty - Ms Kitty - is almost 20 and she spends her time eating, sleeping or meowing (with her old kitty bad breath) for me to pick her up and put her on my lap. Oh yeah, and she walks around the house yowling loudly. A lot. Especially in the middle of the night or when I'm concentrating on work. Ms Kitty is an elder that we love, respect and care for.
My grandkitty, on the other hand, is a character who climbs up into the middle of the Christmas tree and throws ornaments out all over the floor. She's excellent at playing hide and seek. Best of all, she also allows us humanoids to hold her and love her endlessly. She's a beautiful little thing that I can't resist.
I don't know if I'll ever be a grandmother. I really don't seem to have the "grandmother" gene. If neither of my offspring have offspring, I'm fine with that. And if a grandchild would come into the picture, I'd love it with all of my heart - and more.
But right now, I'm truly, truly in love with with a beautiful little black kitty in California.
"I put down my book, The Meaning of Zen, and see the cat smiling into her fur as she delicately combs it with her rough pink tongue.
Cat, I would lend you this book to study but it appears you have already read it.
She looks up and gives me her full gaze.
Don't be ridiculous, she purrs, I wrote it.
- from "Miao" by Dilys Laing
Cat, I would lend you this book to study but it appears you have already read it.
She looks up and gives me her full gaze.
Don't be ridiculous, she purrs, I wrote it.
- from "Miao" by Dilys Laing
Labels: kitty, photography
posted by Carol at 9:31 PM
14 comments
Sunday, December 14, 2008
To Passionately Open in Love
I make the effort
to maintain a ground of oceanic silence
out of which arises the multitude
of phenomena of daily life.
I make the effort
to see and to passionately open in love
to the spirit that infuses all things.
I make the effort
to see the Beloved in everyone
and to serve the Beloved through everyone
(including the earth).
I often fail in these aspirations
because I lose the balance
between separateness and unity,
get lost in my separateness,
and feel afraid.
But I make the effort.
- Ram Dass
from the book, Life Prayers, by Elizabeth Roberts & Elias Amidon (my teachers)
Today I will make the effort.
Labels: Elias, photography, Rabia, Ram Dass
posted by Carol at 9:22 AM
6 comments
Friday, December 12, 2008
Wonder
If I had influence with the good fairy who is supposed to preside over the christening of all children, I should ask that her gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life. - Rachel Carlson
(I posted that quote about a year ago at this time. It's worthy of repeating.)
May your day... no, may your LIFE always be full of wonder.
Labels: photography
posted by Carol at 8:51 PM
8 comments
Humility
My 27 year-old son sent me the song below because he knew that I would like the lyrics and the music. I LOVE the lyrics. The music is alright. Well, more than alright.
Behold the beauty that surrounds us. No matter what, it's always here.
Humility by Covenant
behold the beauty that surrounds us
see the wonders we take for granted
roam the world in all her glory
sail the seas and climb the mountains
discover things you never knew
be happy that you're alive
so many reasons to remain
so many people to embrace
so many stories to be told
so many errors to correct
turn your gaze towards the moon
even further if you dare
turn your face towards the sun
and be grateful that it's there
behold the beauty we have made us
all the wonders that we created
see the cities of the ancients
in the deserts and the jungles
see the truth you always knew
be happy that you're alive
so many reasons to remain
so many people to embrace
so many questions to be asked
so many answers to be found
Behold the beauty that surrounds us. No matter what, it's always here.
Humility by Covenant
behold the beauty that surrounds us
see the wonders we take for granted
roam the world in all her glory
sail the seas and climb the mountains
discover things you never knew
be happy that you're alive
so many reasons to remain
so many people to embrace
so many stories to be told
so many errors to correct
turn your gaze towards the moon
even further if you dare
turn your face towards the sun
and be grateful that it's there
behold the beauty we have made us
all the wonders that we created
see the cities of the ancients
in the deserts and the jungles
see the truth you always knew
be happy that you're alive
so many reasons to remain
so many people to embrace
so many questions to be asked
so many answers to be found
Labels: humility, photography
posted by Carol at 12:01 AM
8 comments
Thursday, December 11, 2008
It's Gotta Suck To Spend Christmas In A Cell
If you have a few moments, some extra cards and empathy for those who refuse to kill in your name, you might want to send some Christmas cards to those who will be spending Christmas in prison for refusing to fight an unjust war.
From Courage to Resist:
From Courage to Resist:
The holidays are a difficult time for many folks, especially when separated from family and friends. Now imagine you're a war resister imprisoned for refusing to fight in Iraq.
Please take a few moments this holiday season to write a letter of support to a imprisoned objector. Better yet, organize your social club to collectively write letters to these brave men with the courage to resist.
Tony Anderson, Robin Long, and Daniel Sandate are currently jailed and are not expecting release until well into 2009. Benji Lewis, Blake Ivey and Andre Shepherd are publicly taking bold stands against war that may result in their eventual courts martial.
Anthony Michael Anderson
PO Box 305
Fort Sill OK 73503-5305
Robin Long
PO Box 452136
San Diego CA 92145-2136
Andre Shepherd
c/o Military Counseling Network (MCN)
Hauptstrasse 1, D-69245 Bammental
Germany
($.94 USPS postage req. for this overseas address)
Benji Lewis,
Blake Ivey, and
Daniel Sandate
c/o Courage to Resist
484 Lake Park Ave #41
Oakland CA 94610
For more information about each individual, follow the link from their name.
posted by Carol at 8:10 AM
8 comments
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Home
A smooth white blanket covers our yard and it's 23 degrees outside. Last night, the nearly full moon lit the sky and illumined the snowy whiteness around here. I love that. It brings back memories of sleeping alone under the desert stars with a moon so bright that I never felt alone. It reminds me of hiking in the mountains at night, able to see my way, but feeling a little jumpy because moon shadows make unknown creatures appear where really there are none.
I'm glad to be home right now. I love my bed almost as much as I love my husband. Kidding! A little...
We are back from the west coast where we visited my daughter and her husband. We also attended a beautiful wedding reception where we ate THE BEST Indian food I've ever had. Oh my god - the spices were otherworldly.
Normally, I would blog while on vacation. I would take photos of my experience and post them. This time, I took a vacation from all of that. The only photos I took were of the rooms of my daughter's new home - and I won't be posting those here.
Much of our vacation time was spent in FOG. To me, fog = sleepy. Fog = nap. I just never feel energized and quite awake when there is no sun. It feels like part of me is missing. I admire people that can function normally under those conditions day in and day out.
I may write more about my trip as time goes by. I may write about my talented daughter and my experience in Berkeley.
But now, I want to write about another Home.
When we looked through our mail yesterday, I found a letter from Women For Women International. I had been expecting this. I knew that my latest sister had graduated from the program and I would soon be introduced to my newest sister. My latest sister lives in Nigeria. Her home has no running water and no electricity. For the year that I sponsored her, my adopted sister learned about her rights, was educated about health and hygiene, and developed skills in order to help support her family. I'm so happy to know that she is now aware of her rights as a person and better equipped to care for her family.
My new sister lives in Bosnia and Herzegovina. From 1992 to 1995, war ravaged her country, leaving more than 200,000 dead, another 200,000 severely injured, and millions of people deported or forced to flee their homes. An estimated 20,000 to 50,000 Bosnian Muslim women were raped by Bosnian Serb soldiers. Sixty percent of all houses in Bosnia, half of the schools and a third of the hospitals were damaged or destroyed. My newly adopted sister has had at least one family member killed in war, as is the case with all of the women that I've sponsored over the years.
I may support my sisters with money that allows them to learn skills. I may support them with letters that encourage and connect. But the sisters that I've sponsored over the years have helped me to realize a certain strength that we humans carry within us. I have even more gratitude for my big nest of a bed and the safety that I experience today. Still, my sisters help me to know that I can go on even without these things.
I'm glad to be home right now. I love my bed almost as much as I love my husband. Kidding! A little...
We are back from the west coast where we visited my daughter and her husband. We also attended a beautiful wedding reception where we ate THE BEST Indian food I've ever had. Oh my god - the spices were otherworldly.
Normally, I would blog while on vacation. I would take photos of my experience and post them. This time, I took a vacation from all of that. The only photos I took were of the rooms of my daughter's new home - and I won't be posting those here.
Much of our vacation time was spent in FOG. To me, fog = sleepy. Fog = nap. I just never feel energized and quite awake when there is no sun. It feels like part of me is missing. I admire people that can function normally under those conditions day in and day out.
I may write more about my trip as time goes by. I may write about my talented daughter and my experience in Berkeley.
But now, I want to write about another Home.
When we looked through our mail yesterday, I found a letter from Women For Women International. I had been expecting this. I knew that my latest sister had graduated from the program and I would soon be introduced to my newest sister. My latest sister lives in Nigeria. Her home has no running water and no electricity. For the year that I sponsored her, my adopted sister learned about her rights, was educated about health and hygiene, and developed skills in order to help support her family. I'm so happy to know that she is now aware of her rights as a person and better equipped to care for her family.
My new sister lives in Bosnia and Herzegovina. From 1992 to 1995, war ravaged her country, leaving more than 200,000 dead, another 200,000 severely injured, and millions of people deported or forced to flee their homes. An estimated 20,000 to 50,000 Bosnian Muslim women were raped by Bosnian Serb soldiers. Sixty percent of all houses in Bosnia, half of the schools and a third of the hospitals were damaged or destroyed. My newly adopted sister has had at least one family member killed in war, as is the case with all of the women that I've sponsored over the years.
I may support my sisters with money that allows them to learn skills. I may support them with letters that encourage and connect. But the sisters that I've sponsored over the years have helped me to realize a certain strength that we humans carry within us. I have even more gratitude for my big nest of a bed and the safety that I experience today. Still, my sisters help me to know that I can go on even without these things.
Labels: Home, Women for Women
posted by Carol at 9:26 AM
12 comments
Thursday, December 04, 2008
A Keystone Holds It All Together
Wikipedia: "A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionate effect on its environment relative to its abundance. Such species affect many other organisms in an ecosystem and help to determine the types and numbers of various others species in a community."
PrairieDogs.org: "A keystone species is a species whose very presence contributes to a diversity of life and whose extinction would consequently lead to the extinction of other forms of life. Keystone species help to support the ecosystem (entire community of life) of which they are a part."
I took this photo looking down into the little creek-ette that formed due to the beaver's work in one of our hiking areas. Beavers aren't just big-toothed creatures and keystone species. They're also artists.
I've written recently about Prairie Dogs and Beavers. Both are keystone species. There might be good news for the prairie dogs (or prayer dogs, as Terry Tempest Williams sometimes calls them - mostly because they stand in a posture that looks like they're in prayer). An article in the Tuesday Rocky Mountain News says that these creatures are getting closer to being declared an endangered species. This will allow them more protection. I'm sad that their population has reached this point, but I'm hopeful that this status will help them a little.
Sometimes I read a few comments on articles. I don't enjoy it, but I learn a lot about people that way. Just reading the first comment on the article above, I understand why the prayer dogs' population is so threatened. Some people...
Peace and light to you this 18 degree (F) day. I hope you have much warmth where you are.
PrairieDogs.org: "A keystone species is a species whose very presence contributes to a diversity of life and whose extinction would consequently lead to the extinction of other forms of life. Keystone species help to support the ecosystem (entire community of life) of which they are a part."
I took this photo looking down into the little creek-ette that formed due to the beaver's work in one of our hiking areas. Beavers aren't just big-toothed creatures and keystone species. They're also artists.I've written recently about Prairie Dogs and Beavers. Both are keystone species. There might be good news for the prairie dogs (or prayer dogs, as Terry Tempest Williams sometimes calls them - mostly because they stand in a posture that looks like they're in prayer). An article in the Tuesday Rocky Mountain News says that these creatures are getting closer to being declared an endangered species. This will allow them more protection. I'm sad that their population has reached this point, but I'm hopeful that this status will help them a little.
Sometimes I read a few comments on articles. I don't enjoy it, but I learn a lot about people that way. Just reading the first comment on the article above, I understand why the prayer dogs' population is so threatened. Some people...
Peace and light to you this 18 degree (F) day. I hope you have much warmth where you are.
Labels: beavers, photography, prairie dogs
posted by Carol at 4:04 PM
15 comments
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Singing Through the Hard Time
I really need to be doing other things right now. I'd love to write more, but THINGS ARE HAPPENING. Opportunities to display the Eyes Wide Open exhibit are falling into my lap. I'm getting ready for a trip (stay tuned). I have fruits and veggies to freeze before I go, cleaning to do, etc., etc.
Aaaaahhhhhhh.....
But tonight was the AFSC holiday party and I couldn't miss it. I wrote last year, after a holiday party with activist friends, about how much I love being around these people. I am not a party person, but I will make time to be with wonderful people who use their lives to make the world a better place. I'm just honored that they allow me to be there, also! ;-)
Tonight we sang a song together and I leave the words with you:
Singing Through the Hard Time
- Utah Phillips
We are singing through the hard time,
singing through the hard time
Working for the good times to come
We are singing through the hard time,
singing through the hard time
Working for the good time to come.
Some times our living gets so dark and lonely
It seems like there's nothing we can do
So we reach out to each other, and raise a song together
And let our voices carry us through.
When the war clouds gather it's so easy to get angry
And just as hard not to be afraid
But you know in your own heart no matter what happens
You just can't turn your back and walk away
Hand in hand together we help each other carry
The light of peace within us every day
And if we can learn to give it, to walk and talk and live it
That world of peace won't be so far away.
Peace to you this cold December evening. Sing a song. Our voices will carry us through.
Aaaaahhhhhhh.....
But tonight was the AFSC holiday party and I couldn't miss it. I wrote last year, after a holiday party with activist friends, about how much I love being around these people. I am not a party person, but I will make time to be with wonderful people who use their lives to make the world a better place. I'm just honored that they allow me to be there, also! ;-)
Tonight we sang a song together and I leave the words with you:
Singing Through the Hard Time
- Utah Phillips
We are singing through the hard time,
singing through the hard time
Working for the good times to come
We are singing through the hard time,
singing through the hard time
Working for the good time to come.
Some times our living gets so dark and lonely
It seems like there's nothing we can do
So we reach out to each other, and raise a song together
And let our voices carry us through.
When the war clouds gather it's so easy to get angry
And just as hard not to be afraid
But you know in your own heart no matter what happens
You just can't turn your back and walk away
Hand in hand together we help each other carry
The light of peace within us every day
And if we can learn to give it, to walk and talk and live it
That world of peace won't be so far away.
Peace to you this cold December evening. Sing a song. Our voices will carry us through.
Labels: AFSC, Christmas, Eyes Wide Open
posted by Carol at 7:46 PM
8 comments