Smoke

Smoke fills the air and may be responsible for my extreme tiredness today. A fire from a careless camp ground user about 50 miles away caused these low dark lying clouds a few days ago. Since, 3 more fires have broken out, no doubt due in part to the lack of monsoon rains and in larger part carelessness. The lack of oxygen feels real oppressive. My doors and windows are shut despite the need for cooling down during the night  as tomorrow's temperatures will rise in to the nineties, but will feel even hotter.

Currently one fire encompasses 700 acres and another 9200 acres. Is there a limit to human carelessness?

Funny and True

True story that took place yesterday at one woman's annual check up:

Feet in stir ups, metal speculum up, you know where.
Woman says: "I do not enjoy this."
Doctor says: "You are not supposed to."
Burst of laughter from both.

One-Minute Writer; In 5 Years

Prompt:
How might we feel about frustrating aspects of life in 5 years?

On a societal level what frustrates me is the excessive powers and greed of corporations. Only earlier this year the Supreme Court awarded corporations same status as individuals. In 5 years this means that corporations will have bought important laws and regulations in their favor. The people will suffer more, the president will be blamed, the Democrats will have lost their strong hold and society will have slid back in to a morass of right wing stances, oppose science, health care and humanity, but be for profit at any price and the further rape of the environment.

Not One, but Two Minute Writing Prompt

Which Professions can we do without?

Institutionalized executioners have no role to play in a modern, enlightened society. Away already with the death penalty! Away with outdated, unsophisticated, inhumane ways of treating an offender, no matter how bad, how damaged, how dangerous, how horrendous. When we inflict our rage upon another and act less then with any human's best interest in mind, we damage not just the other, but ourselves and our society and fail to grow psychologically.

Along with executioners, let's do away with soldiers. War's can no longer be won the way they used to. Boundaries no longer exist the way they used to. Psychological growth demands from all of us sophisticated, non-violent methods of processing conflict. Nuclear exchanges can not be an option. Us versus them is an outdated concept. Remember Buffy Saint Marie: The Universal Soldier he really is to blame ....

Un-lady-like Bugs

Mentor

I was introduced to Dwuno on a cobble stone street in old town Zuerich. Her silvery hair hung over her back, her cheeks pronounced, her eyes dark, deep, large and full of mischief, her clothes seemingly home made, a tunic of sorts hung of her voluptious body, her feet stuck in sandals she had painted with sacred designs of her own pleasure. I was 19, Dwuno could have been my Mom, but then she could not. Dwuno gathered us in to "under-intellectual" Sunday gatherings. It was the seventies, meaning the sixties for us in Switzerland. Dwuno introduced me to an aspect of my self I did not know existed. A state of being, a state of bliss, a state of wholeness and movement with no intent. Dwuno, exotic, dramatic, stunningly beautiful was my very first mentor. I owe her, the world, a gift in kind.

Money

Das Geld, das aus den Fenstern fliegt,
wer weiss, wohin’s geraet!
Das Geld, das auf der Strasse liegt,
ist ziemlich duenn gesaet.

Erich Kaestner

Shocking Numbers

By the end of June and these first 6 months of 2010, 

I will have driven my van around town for about 800 miles 

which will have cost me about $800!

For gasoline about $200 (fluctuating prices around $3.50/gallon but so far under $4.)

Basic Liability Insurance: $184 in one lump sum for 6 months, more if payed in installments.

(I chosen Progressive at the time because they also insured my scooter, while Farmers did not)

Of course liability only is not good enough, not considering our state's proneness to drunk driving.

AAA Plus renewal due later this month will set me back about $55/1 year ($27.50 for half) a must.

Repairs for this first half year only, limited to the most necessary ones, come to a total of about $300.

Stuck window pulled up 1 hour $95 + (I can not afford to fix the mechanism for now) 

Oil change and battery charge (too little driving!) $140 +

New air filter (way overdue I now realize) about $50 +

Projected Repairs total about $1000
Not included in this accounting are windshield wipe fluids, anti-freeeze, or oil.

And this after only $7000 miles over 3 1/2 years on a replaced engine! Back then I was assured that my van was sound and could run for a long time yet with another engine. It took 3 attempts to set one in. Twice the engine placed by two different mechanics in different shops exploded after just about 1000 miles of driving. Nobody could explain why.  These days I only drive around town, mainly to the dog park and nearby shopping for items too heavy or bulky to carry back home by bike or on foot

I love my van, my snail house (Schneggehuus) my second, mobile home. It  provides me with the most comfortable way of traveling that I know of. Traveling in my well organized  mobile home offers  me and my pups so much freedom and comfort on the road, both very important to us.  

Can I afford to keep on driving my van though?

A Star Is Born

Sparkle on Bubble

Ingenuity

My Ingenuity!

I brought my Begonia that had been sheltered indoors from potentially freezing temperatures out only this past, last day of May. 2 weeks later then our normal frost free date, May 15th. The winds had been real strong, not just for the month of March but all through out May. 

As I wondered how to protect this Begonia from the literally burning, intense sun light of our arid, high altitude desert climate, I had a bright idea. I remembered my Mom's parapluie stored in my closet since her passing, now almost a decade ago. I am very pleased with the result and even more so with connecting the dots, and coming up with a new and workable solution. Something that had not crossed my mind in prior years when this Begonia suffered blistering burns.

My 'Goddess with an Attitude' of course does not mind in the least all the exposure to those to some so damaging sun rays. Rather she reminds me to swoon in the little pleasures that life offers, again and again.

So I wonder what other solutions we might be ignoring right now? What other resources might be lying there in reach, waiting for us, me and you, to remember?

The oil spill comes to mind and our dependence on fossil fuels. Where there is a will there is a way, my Mom used to say. Where is our collective will to get off the merry-go-round and get truly serious about green, renewable power. I suspect that collectively we are right now ignoring solutions that are lying in wait, eager to be employed and experimented with. Solar - and wind energy are so under utilized, it makes no sense at all. 


President Obama was elected on a notion of change and a collective excitement on all that might be possible with a right set of mind frame. We are in dire need of change. Enough of this war mongering already! Let's get to work and use what Americans are so good at, the freedom to go ahead and change what needs changing and create  what needs creating, and be once again at the scientific, technological, philosophical, modern forefront!

Understated Elegance

Priorities

Not sure I got my priorities straight. It is clear though that the 2000 ladybugs had no problem knowing theirs. I had released all of them exactly according to instructions on the base of my ailing Honeysuckle bush at dusk, not before. I held high hopes for these natural predators of Aphids which have plagued my bush now for the 3. blooming season. What should be pretty blossoms attracting the Hummingbirds devolved again in to a shriveled mess, like a fist that will not let go and open up. These pests have a devastating effect. Usually I do not like calling a living creature a pest as it seems to deny it's right of existence and seems to give it value or lack of it only in terms of human needs and wants. But he world is a lot larger and more varied. Things do not  exist simply for our pleasure and convenience. Yet the devastation to my lovely blooms makes the term pest seem appropriate here to me.

In search of natural non-toxic means I resorted to thousands of Ladybugs, which really is only a small bag full. Odd to have live creatures in my refrigerator, if only for a few hours. Well, the bugs, not the cat, were out of the bag to spend a cool night, too cool to venture far I hoped,  down at the bottom of my  dear Honeysuckle in need of rescue.

Next morning I had great expectations to see a lively swarm of bugs feasting on those pests, but as I said the ladybugs know their priorities. Sex first - feast maybe later! Maybe about 20 of the 2000 bugs seemed in active pursuit of mating, hanging out anywhere but on the Honeysuckle bush. Now all is not lost, their off spring may be the ones that will appreciate a feast of Aphids in roughly 2 weeks, we will see. 

Meanwhile I wonder about those 2000 bugs in a semi state of consciousness,  maybe in my refrigerator, cool and more dormant then awake, unable yet to move about, but maybe sensing those 1999 potential mates. I imagine them sniffing each other out silently and still immobile, trying to get a sneak peak, making preliminary choices as regards attractiveness in potential mates. Oh, the anticipation of an orgy to unfold. Life wants to procreate itself, no ifs and no buts.

But I digressed, my curiosity got peaked with the idea of priorities clearly noticeable in those ladybugs but also in me. Mine of a different nature these days when I time my activities so that more often then not I am out and about walking my pups at sunset, because each and every single one is different and awesome. Yes, the beauty of changing hues fills me with awe, makes me smile, sometimes drop my mouth in wonder and excitement. 

Today, after an overcast late afternoon with heavy winds and a bit of rain, we were blessed not just with one but two rainbows, a double rainbow. While on the other end of the spectrum, the side of the setting sun out west, the sky glowed in a most fantastic silvery shimmery hue that would turn yellowish before slowly dispersing and revealing a bright delicate gray sky with white outlined cloud formations.

Despite mounting bills, today was a day for paying those due and a few overdue, my focus these days is on beauty and that which pleases me. Not sure these priorities of mine are proper, but they do keep me going.

Happy Full Moon, once again!

... give us our daily bike ride

... and give us our daily bike ride, morning and night.

I took this morning for myself, rare,  as usually I do not see the point of going out and about without my two pups in tow. But this morning it was only me on my bike with my Nikon. My favorite shot from this hunt for images is the one I got because without pups in tow, it was easier to get up some steps in order to discover some new vistas of familiar places. This one is of the Pink Adobe Restaurant an infamous, illustrious hang out spot for maybe centuries and a favorite of legislators during legislative sessions held at our nearby Round House, the seat of our New Mexico government.

Notice the faralitos, these pretty lights are no longer limited to Christmas season but these days appreciated all year long. I imagine putting these electric versions on and off high places could be a real pain.

You can also notice on the upper right a tattered ladder, an important symbol in the Native traditions and frequent adornment to homes in our neck of the woods.

This property is for sale, I imagine not cheap either. What I never noticed is the battered wagon wheel on top, like a remnant of the not too distant Wild West.

This picturesque home is a great example of the traditional adobe Pueblo style architecture our town decided to make a name for itself with it! Yep, it was decided to create an intentional style of architecture that echoes Anaszi culture to attract tourists, and it worked. 

These rounded earthen forms seduced my eyes, but in our climate they are also very practical, as the thick walls keep the heat in or out as desired.

... and give us our daily bike ride

Isabella is giving me a look of excited anticipation as we pass the familiar red entry where a kind lady treated her extravagantly with not one but several Chicken Jerky treats - years ago! The sweet scent of Wisterias in full bloom lingers in my nostrils. It is my intention to try and capture this lovely, romantic overhang of purple goodness this late afternoon while the rays of sun light are low and soft, but are not too low to leave too much in the shade.

The pale moon near the cross made me stop, offer the pups some water, pull out my Nikon and capture one more image of this most popular photogenic Mission San Miguel, the oldest church in the US.

Me on my bike, my pups running along side it very nicely, we pass by pretty pastels that can look drab and dreary in harsher light.

Having navigated cars and tourists on a narrow street we are taking a well deserved rest and later tumble on the lush green grass that grows in these fancier neighborhoods. My Kona Africa bike serves me well. I am getting used to the back peddling breaks and riding with one gear only. It's not too hard.

Turning to head back home, we stop at the river where we check out our miniscule, but still appreciated waterfall, then follow a long and narrow trail until we eventually get to the plaza. To my surprise new overflowing, lush and varied hanging flower baskets dangle from street lamps for our delight. The city worker had told me that this year he had time to plan the beautification of our city. And I will have to congratulate him to a job very well done. I learned that he used to be the main manager at the Ore  House restaurant right on the plaza. After decades he was let go off due to the economic downturn. Turns out he is happy with his new occupation, the beautification of our City Different, that leaves him busy with plants rather then people and has him working outdoors rather then inside. (In fact the very next day, an early Sunday morning he was there watering the baskets, that qualifies as dedication and a good work ethic in my book, something not be taken for granted, not with any city workers in the world and certainly not our own City Different.)

Meanwhile I am happy with my pups that behave very well running along side my bike. They are not getting distracted and are not endangering my or their lives. They deserve a treat. While I feel blessed to be living in such a picturesque place where a walk or bike ride becomes a feast for the eyes and nourishment for the soul.

Rhythm

HCG

Today another, a bit younger woman told me that her big C, cancer is gone. She credits a drastic change in her life style with a diet, limited to 500 calories/day for 6 weeks of cleansing and releasing toxins stored in fat with the help of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) used according to Dr. A.T.W. Simeons guidelines.

I am not a fan of fad diets, but I do believe in the importance of cleansing and releasing. My friend did not just lose pounds but also cleaned house, literally and emotionally. She let go of most all relationships that no longer served her, maybe had toxic elements in them. I must say the woman looked radiant today.

Romance at any age.

Today a 70 year old woman told me about her romance with a 10 year older man, now in it's 4th year. They travel places together,  have fun and the sex is supposedly great. This inspires me and I hope you.

Que Sera Sera

Pet Peeves

Shocking to hear of the vehemence with which some object to the presence of pets. My furry friends are my family. While they are not human, they are beings, they are organisms, they have feelings, they have needs and they have desires and they thrive on the love and attention we give. I am not one for humanizing animals, making them in to extensions of our selves, embedding in them feelings and motivations that are ours rather then theirs. My furry companions are not my children and I am nobody's mom!

While most do not wish to harm another, least through our furry companions, my heart goes out to all those so inconvenienced by an overwrought immune system that living a normal life becomes the greatest of challenges. I do wonder what the world has come to when the simple peaceful presence of an animal becomes a threat to life. I am no expert on allergies and knock on wood, I am not plagued by any to my knowledge, even though many suffer from pollen and so much more here in the Southwest.  Could the American life style have anything to do with these hyper reactive systems more seem to suffer from here in the US then say in Europe?


I am writing in response to this New York Times article that ends with the suggestion of leaving our pets home with their predictable routine rather then putting them through the stress of taking them along on our trips. And I am writing in response to the long discussion that ensued. Many seem to think that to leave our pet behind like an object (rather then a dependent, bonded, dear buddy with the brain of maybe a 2 year old child) should be the obvious thing to do. But who in their right mind cherishes to leave their 2 year old behind? No longer living in extended families, we are to depend on the kindness of strangers (pet sitters, professional boarding places, all to be had for whooping amount of dollares.) Would you entrust your baby to strangers?

From my own experience I am one to believe that small children are best off near their mom. I have limited trust in today's emphasis on early schooling. Maybe for those, probably way too many, whose parents have to work and have to be away from home and for those whose parents have a very limited ability to focus and provide for their kids, an early source of attention outside the home may be beneficial. Piaget and Steiner, both from the last century, stressed the importance of stages in the developing brain and the importance of non-linear, magical thinking in the early years.

My dogs are not kids, but I know they prefer to be by my side most of the time. In 3 years my little guy, Sumo, indicated only twice his preference to stay home, and so he did. If I walk my dogs twice a day for 3 years, it comes to more then 2000 outings, which means maybe 1 in 1000 times my dog might prefer separation and that for a short time only! If I am indoors they want to come in and if I am out in the yard they want to be there too. Dogs belong to packs, I am their pack leader, I am the one they are focused on, I am the one they want to be with, and so it should be.

I would not want to abandon a 2 year old kid and I would not want to abandon my dogs. They are my only family these days. And look how many abandoned pets thrown away like garbage, can be found at our shelters. We should celebrate those that take it on themselves to provide a good home and rescue those discarded, sometimes badly abused pets. Can we ad insult to injury by traumatizing an abused pet over again? Travel may be a luxury for leisure and fun, or may be a necessity. Why penalize pet owners with excessive charges? Enough already of canine discrimination!

Somehow these creatures of God-dess made it in to this world and we have a humanitarian responsibility to treat them with respect, care and consideration, also during times of travel, by choice or necessity. We live in a complex, and more and more crowded world and we have to find ways to get along. Denying other then to the human species the right to normal modern activities, like traveling by train, or plane, or bus is wrong!

Create special sections that serve special needs, like we have smoke free sections, we can assign  allergen free areas in a plane it could be something like a 0 class rather then a 1. or 2. class. And there could be a pet section that would accommodate a rapidly growing number of pet lovers. We could pay for an extra seat for a larger pet and other passengers would have the time of their life getting free entertainment from the canine passengers they chose to sit near by. Maybe coats could be invented to keep offending dander to a minimum. Maybe diapers could be employed on long trips to spare fellow travelers unpleasant accidents. Where there is a will there is a way. Please let us gather our collective will to honor all species and find ways to coexist rather then for one to dominate another and to deny it's right to exist.

P.S.: I never attempted to smuggle my pets in to an airplane, have no intention to fly, with or without my  furry companions and I am very grateful for my VW Vanagon that is still going strong after more then 200,000 miles and serves as a very comfortable 2. home. Even the kitty calmed down as we all headed in the van to the vet last week.

Hoop-la

A different kind of hoop dancer, not in the Hopi tradition, but on the Santa Fe plaza, from Australia via New York, one late Spring morning.

She got in to a good rhythm. I enjoyed her graceful, extemporaneous moves. I imagined myself in her place, absorbed in rhythm and play created moment by moment, unconcerned about the rest of the world. It could have been me - a few decades ago.