Eerie

Eerie light during the Solar Eclipse.

5.20.12

Peace Walk

 A non-denominational, non-political peace walk

 very well attended,

not in small part I imagine

due to announcement by our local public radio.

 I so appreciate our progressive, multi-cultural community.

 Lovely Ladies Walk for Peace.

 And cute kids walk too.

 Rasta, the little rescue enjoyed the walk especially.

 I so appreciate the Work of Amnesty International.

Michael is about to enter the Cathedral 

wishing Peace to Islam and the World.

 NO WAR ON IRAN!

The resolution passed the City Council unanimously, hooray,

thanks to these dedicated folks.

Photo by Lyric Kalie

Christmas In May!

My universe thinks it is Christmas! I just brought home a glass vase filled with fresh, deep red roses found abandoned at a nearby parking lot (a suitor's unwelcome advances?) Unthinkable to discard such beauty. Within these last 24 hours, I was gifted, out of the blue, with a neighbor's somewhat bulky treasures he desperately wanted to re-home so as to create space for his new acquisitions. He brought me an almost new single black futon base with a white cotton futon, down duvet with two matching sheets and  pillow covers, all in very good condition. This bedding had not been used in 10 years and only rarely before by occasional yoga students of his that would stay over for an intensive.

Furthermore, I became the happy recipient of a Le Creuset Dutch Oven (or melting pot) those red enamel, heavy kinda pots from which my dear European friend would produce the most delicious casseroles. Gratins made from potatoes and fennel smothered in a rich sauce of cream, cheese, and likely white wine. I have wondered for a while about coming up with a heart healthier version of the above. Now I have no more excuses with my almost new, only lightly used Creuset. The experimenting will have to begin. I had been entertaining the idea of cooking another whole chicken like I did for the Occupiers last winter, it was such a hit with them and so much fun for me - and my pups. Mind you, I have been a vegetarian cook ever since I left my parent's home as a teen,  since decades. While I have been eating occasional white meat I avoided having to look at, touch, or mess with raw meat. That was until I brought my first dog, my Isabella-girl home. Dogs are not vegetarian, I got a bit more used to the idea, the looks and the smells and the handling of meat since. Gifted with two more fairly large, high-quality pans for grilling or baking fish or meat may mean I will have to invite company to help polish of such quantities of food, although my pups are doing a pretty good job by themselves.

Last, but not least an earthen ware carafe now graces my outdoor living room area. There always seems to be a shortage of water containers so this is a welcome addition to my household utensils.




Now with so much goodness coming my way, I wonder if I should consider this man that called to inquire about my VW van a good omen? He inquired if I might have an interest in selling my beloved "Schneggehuus". Of course, he has no idea how attached I am to the darn thing, the money guzzling contraption that has served me as a second, to boot mobile home for extended periods at a time. There isn't a more comfortable vehicle to travel in then a VW vanagon, except maybe an RV. But the van is nimble has a great turning ratio, good traction, can get up in speed and will make life easy and enjoyable on any road. 

If I sell, I am afraid I will never ever drive again. I will not be able to afford another vehicle, most certainly not another VW vanagon. But I really can not afford the fixing, much less the maintenance of that monster. Not even 3000 miles on the new/old engine after 3 attempts  of replacement were followed by two explosions for no discernible reasons. The mechanic's estimate was $800, no doubt the costs would have run higher than, 1 1/2 years ago, but most certainly now. Well, I will sit with it a bit longer, contemplate all my options while I try to entertain the idea that no matter the decision, I will be o.k. since my universe believes in Christmas during the month of May.

2 days later all items found a new spot, but in the process I discovered that the bottom drawer of my stove can actually be pulled out. This had never ever occurred to me. So what I found must have been a quarter century old dust balls! I am comforted by the knowledge that my German mother had a very similar experience when moving out of a home she had occupied for 40 years. She too discovered places she did not know existed and this despite her germanic love of cleanliness. The roses still look pretty, except for the center one that I brought to the memorial of one of our community leaders.

May Day Santa Fe Style

Occupy Santa Fe organized an event at our Railyard park for noon on May 1. followed by a General Assembly beginning at 2 p.m. May 1. a day without the 99%, a day of no work, no shopping, no school, no banking and no chores. Bring your family, friends, bring a picnic or share in food offered at this community building event.

Tania, our dedicated activist, rehabilitation facilitator and mother of a computer wiz kid had gotten there a bit early, all organized and ready for a serious picnic that included cheese and meat, with a brand new role of paper towels in easy reach. Later she would be facilitating the General Assembly seated in one of those little chairs. The woman brings such grace and enthusiasm to our community of activists.

 Occupy The Moment

Santa Fe, The City Different, in The Land of Enchantment, home of various mediation groups that have attempted to raise our awareness toward oneness and away from duality, which includes the 99% versus 1%, with some calling on the 100%. Mats invited folks to join in a meditative approach to activism.

NO WAR ON IRAN

During Occupy Santa Fe General Assembly our civil rights lawyer shared on one working group's initiative to urge our City Council with petitions and presentations to pledge a stance against a war in Iran. The raised hands signal support and agreement from GA participants.

NO WAR

WeArePeopleHere! has endorsed the Tuesday May 1 People's General Strike. We encourage you to join the strike in protest against a government and an economy that unjustly favors the super wealthy and big business at the expense of the American people. We are joining the strike to build solidarity for a national movement against the corruption of the worldwide marketplace, which has led to illegal foreclosures, mass unemployment, low wages and government policies that support the plutocracy.

 Passionate Performer

Captivated Audience

Cuddle Companions

Cop

Blessed with smiling cops, 

Occupy Santa Fe has enjoyed leniency from our public servants.

Only one cop checked in on our May Day event.

The day passed without any incident.

No violence.

Non-Violent Training 

for free

was on the agenda the very next day. 

unify

clarify

intensify

simplify

amplify

fortify

magnify

identify

beautify

sanctify

occupy

(Tania's T-Shirt)