I'm in the editing phase of my new book. I ordered three proof copies and sent two out to my "first readers" for comments and suggestions. I've done my own copy and updated the file. The cover was messed up so I had to re-do that, as well. Not surprising. A new essay was also included.
I'm working on the next in the series. I figured out what I wanted to say and how to organize it, which has been an issue for this project. It looks like four books in a series I call "The Patriarchy Series" which begins with questioning everything I've been taught as a woman. The second book is in the first draft phase, and will be about "Deconstructing Patriarchy" - looking at the laws and components that make up patriarchy. I'll be referring to the first work, or I may move one of the essays from there to the second book. Not sure on all of it yet. I need to finish the draft of all four volumes to be concrete with how things lay out and where things are included.
At least I'm writing again. Once I put the components on paper, writing became much easier. I had direction and a framework. All my "essay generator" lists started to fall into place and form.
I'm thinking about a glossary, too. There are terms that would be helpful to the reader.
Eventually, I'd like to publish this all in one volume. At that point it would be the wonderful reader for Women's Studies programs and law schools around the country. Perhaps even around the world. It depends on how much I can put into it and where things fit.
--------------------------------------
Kitty and I are still learning each other, and she's begun to trust me a little more. We've established a routine. She comes sometimes when I call her over for cuddles. She chooses my lap for a perch at least once each day. She still doesn't like having her belly rubbed, but her bites are more warning than hurtful. She also kitty-bites with kisses.... Nice when that happens. She purrs a lot more than she did when she came home with me. Her claws are just now grown out from being trimmed so far back in December. I bet that hurt. She even lets me brush her a bit. She still eats more wet food than is good for her and has to be pushed to eat her dry food. And she is highly motivated by meals. If this continues much longer, her weight will drive me to consult the vet about her hunger. It's almost like she has worms, but there is no bloating. She IS putting on weight, which is to be expected. I've taken several photos and posted them on Facebook.
My health issues are getting defined so that I will be able to get the help I need to do what I want to do with my twilight years - write a lot more.... It turns out that when I hit the windshield when I was 9 years old, it was a lot more severe than anyone knew. With no medical care at the time, (I was told nothing and given analgesics), so that when the damage started showing up a few years later, nobody knew or understood what was going on - least of all myself. Well, now I know, and I'm seeking diagnosis and assistance - over 50 years later. Hey! Don't judge! Seatbelts were a luxury item on only some cars, and mom was in the middle of her divorce. I don't blame her for not realizing how serious the injury was - so why should you? There was no blood....
And I'm finally losing some weight. Not because of the mental issues and emotional eating disorder control, but because of some physical issues. I had another colonoscopy because of my back pain when I'm constipated. Turns out they can help me with a nasty and grainy drink that fixes a lot of the issues I've been having. So, because of strict eating schedules to accommodate the new meds, my weight is reducing. I'm still grabbing the salty snacks, but not as often. And my cholesterol is going down as a side effect. So far, there's no decision on the back pain, though.
Alanon is a blessing. A strange blessing, to be sure, but a blessing. Who knew all the damage that living with an alcoholic could do? The changes in behaviors and character in those who live (or have lived) with an alcoholic are immense. Much more than I ever suspected. Growth in this area is freeing, if difficult to do in the moment.
Politics? I'm on three committees with the TNDP and I will be doing their website - eventually - when the new logo is available. Meanwhile, I look forward to working on a float for the parades around here, participating in picnics and fund raising activities, and tracking issues in the local government bodies. That last one is boring, but really helpful, since I want to see the states (all 50 of 'em) pass laws about political donations and retirement benefits of past elected officials. I think if the states pass laws to fix some of the things that the federal government is refusing to address, we can effect change from the bottom-up. I will NOT be running for office. It turns out that my insides won't go there. Panic attacks and such. However, I regularly contact all my elected officials and write letters to the editor of our local paper (none published so far).
Friday, April 28, 2017
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Growing Back Into Myself
I had a great session with my therapist yesterday, clearing out a lot
of garbage from my childhood. Not a lot of insight, but a lot of
clearing the air. I told some secrets, and allowed him to get to know
me. We talked about my growing up in Los Angeles and why I have the
insights I do into the area and industries of Los Angeles. We talked a
little about my schooling, and where I hung out as a kid.
That work cleared the way for a lot of stuff today. I want to be the person I was meant to be, instead of the person I was expected to be by all those folks who "knew me when." That means I need to go within.
I also want to be more in touch with my spirit. So, I'm taking today to re-connect with myself.
We talked a little about Deepak Chopra. He was on PBS over the weekend, and it was kind of like a powerpoint presentation - slides with words on them, narrated by Deepak Chopra. Interesting, and I yelled at the TV a couple of times. He gets it almost, but not quite, right.
I don't know where it comes from, exactly, but perhaps my training: Instead of being so worried about and interested in "how the world affects one," take a look instead at "how one affects the world."
Thoughts are physical things. A person with enough mental and emotional energy can effect a deep change in the world. That's why I listen when the Dalai Lama speaks. He has that energy. What he says makes a change in the ether of the unverse.
The Catholic Pope may want to be that effective, but each Pope is imbued with only his human spirit, and while he may want to be larger and have a deeper effect, the Dalai Lama seems to have the energy and the Pope does not.
While the Pope is supposed to be the re-embodiment of Peter, it doesn't always work that way. He's supposed to be touched by the Holy Spirit (whether I believe it or not, my thought isn't where it counts). I think the Catholic Church lost something along the way.
So, getting away from that debate, let's look at the individual.
When a person, individual person, has a deep desire for something, the way a person thinks about that desire is important, but the desire itself has energy. The way a person thinks about the desire (lack or attraction) will effect the universe in such a way to repel or attract. Thinking "lack" produces more lack. Thinking "attraction" produces more attraction. So thoughts are physical and have a physical manifestation in the ether of the universe, which then becomes material in the material universe.
Deep shit, right? But it's true, too.
So, I decided to look at what I want to see my world reflect back to me. No, I don't like what I see today. But I know that my thoughts put this stuff into action. It's one of the laws of creation. So, my fear, brought about by my concentrating on what I feared, manifested that thing, bringing about today's world. Everybody can do this. It isn't rocket science. Let me see if I can simplify this....
If I fear being broke (lack of funds), I worry about being without and concentrate on my lack. By concentrating on my lack of funds I bring about more lack because I can't let go and share my meager purse, which might allow more to come in. It becomes worse because I cannot invest in the future or even the present. Eventually, I stagnate with nothing.
It's a self-defeating and self-creating circle. It feeds on itself and grows bigger....
Let's turn it around....
I desire abundance, and I notice the abundance coming into my life and express gratitude. I share my abundance and I feel gratitude that I have abundance I can share so my abundance multiplies. This abundance might be funds, food, shelter, clothes or anything else.
This is how I grow in a different direction. In no way do I even notice lack in the second example....
The universe fills a void. It rushes into the vacuum. Where we concentrate, that is the vacuum. So, what vacuum do I want filled?
Today, I am looking at who I want to be in the world I want to see around me. That's another spiritual law, to "act as if" something was already manifest....
IF my world had no Donald Trump in it;
IF my world had a Congress that worked for the people;
IF my world provided a decent living for all it's citizens;
IF universal, cradle-to-grave healthcare were a reality for all persons;
IF my world had a beautiful environment that included clear skies and clean water;
IF my world were truly a loving, safe, and benevolent place;
IF war did not exist;
IF there were no people trying to hurt other people;
IF women, men, and LGBTQ persons were all equal in the sight of law and religion;
IF race and ancestry was ignored by all;
IF money had never been invented;
IF (fill in your blank);
I would be. _______________________
This is my task today. To become more of that unknown quantity....
That work cleared the way for a lot of stuff today. I want to be the person I was meant to be, instead of the person I was expected to be by all those folks who "knew me when." That means I need to go within.
I also want to be more in touch with my spirit. So, I'm taking today to re-connect with myself.
We talked a little about Deepak Chopra. He was on PBS over the weekend, and it was kind of like a powerpoint presentation - slides with words on them, narrated by Deepak Chopra. Interesting, and I yelled at the TV a couple of times. He gets it almost, but not quite, right.
I don't know where it comes from, exactly, but perhaps my training: Instead of being so worried about and interested in "how the world affects one," take a look instead at "how one affects the world."
Thoughts are physical things. A person with enough mental and emotional energy can effect a deep change in the world. That's why I listen when the Dalai Lama speaks. He has that energy. What he says makes a change in the ether of the unverse.
The Catholic Pope may want to be that effective, but each Pope is imbued with only his human spirit, and while he may want to be larger and have a deeper effect, the Dalai Lama seems to have the energy and the Pope does not.
While the Pope is supposed to be the re-embodiment of Peter, it doesn't always work that way. He's supposed to be touched by the Holy Spirit (whether I believe it or not, my thought isn't where it counts). I think the Catholic Church lost something along the way.
So, getting away from that debate, let's look at the individual.
When a person, individual person, has a deep desire for something, the way a person thinks about that desire is important, but the desire itself has energy. The way a person thinks about the desire (lack or attraction) will effect the universe in such a way to repel or attract. Thinking "lack" produces more lack. Thinking "attraction" produces more attraction. So thoughts are physical and have a physical manifestation in the ether of the universe, which then becomes material in the material universe.
Deep shit, right? But it's true, too.
So, I decided to look at what I want to see my world reflect back to me. No, I don't like what I see today. But I know that my thoughts put this stuff into action. It's one of the laws of creation. So, my fear, brought about by my concentrating on what I feared, manifested that thing, bringing about today's world. Everybody can do this. It isn't rocket science. Let me see if I can simplify this....
If I fear being broke (lack of funds), I worry about being without and concentrate on my lack. By concentrating on my lack of funds I bring about more lack because I can't let go and share my meager purse, which might allow more to come in. It becomes worse because I cannot invest in the future or even the present. Eventually, I stagnate with nothing.
It's a self-defeating and self-creating circle. It feeds on itself and grows bigger....
Let's turn it around....
I desire abundance, and I notice the abundance coming into my life and express gratitude. I share my abundance and I feel gratitude that I have abundance I can share so my abundance multiplies. This abundance might be funds, food, shelter, clothes or anything else.
This is how I grow in a different direction. In no way do I even notice lack in the second example....
The universe fills a void. It rushes into the vacuum. Where we concentrate, that is the vacuum. So, what vacuum do I want filled?
Today, I am looking at who I want to be in the world I want to see around me. That's another spiritual law, to "act as if" something was already manifest....
IF my world had no Donald Trump in it;
IF my world had a Congress that worked for the people;
IF my world provided a decent living for all it's citizens;
IF universal, cradle-to-grave healthcare were a reality for all persons;
IF my world had a beautiful environment that included clear skies and clean water;
IF my world were truly a loving, safe, and benevolent place;
IF war did not exist;
IF there were no people trying to hurt other people;
IF women, men, and LGBTQ persons were all equal in the sight of law and religion;
IF race and ancestry was ignored by all;
IF money had never been invented;
IF (fill in your blank);
I would be. _______________________
This is my task today. To become more of that unknown quantity....
Sunday, February 26, 2017
The Case for Special Elections
Our Representatives have decided that they no longer represent us. Instead, they represent the corporations who made them rich. Our government is no longer a Republic, instead it is now a Corporatocracy. By refusing to meet with us in Town Halls across the country, they made it clear that they don't want to be told what to do or how to vote. That was a mistake. We voted them in and we can vote them out.
Just because it is the custom of the land to hold elections at a certain time, doesn't mean that we must hold elections only at that time. We can call for special elections anytime we deem it necessary. We don't have to accept appointed persons to offices - we can insist that an election be held and that our voices be heard.
Other countries around the world exercise the right of special elections when they lose confidence in their government. I say that we should call for a special election in the USA. Now, today. Call for an election for federal representatives because they are no longer listening to the people who sent them to Washington. The government does not tell the people what to do - instead the people tell the government what to do.
If this is revolution, then so be it. I'm sure that all across the United States, there are people unhappy enough with their representatives that this could take hold. We already march and attend town halls and call our representatives. Why not hold an election. The persons we send do not have to step up and volunteer to run. They don't need to be rich or famous. The only requirement is that they swear to uphold the laws of the country and represent us, carrying our voice to Washington. We would hope that they are willing and honest.
We don't need government representatives to call an election. We can recall who we send to Washington at any time. We have that right. We the people can send out paper ballots to every person through printed media and collect those ballots to be counted at every courthouse across the nation. We don't need government to run our elections.
I call on every citizen of this country to call for an election in their town. If the representatives we sent won't uphold the law and represent us, then they will be replaced.
As for the farce in the White House, I say lock the doors and unplug the phones. If white supremacy is what they want, and Russian interference is what they insist upon, send them to Moscow. We don't want them on our soil.
Just because it is the custom of the land to hold elections at a certain time, doesn't mean that we must hold elections only at that time. We can call for special elections anytime we deem it necessary. We don't have to accept appointed persons to offices - we can insist that an election be held and that our voices be heard.
Other countries around the world exercise the right of special elections when they lose confidence in their government. I say that we should call for a special election in the USA. Now, today. Call for an election for federal representatives because they are no longer listening to the people who sent them to Washington. The government does not tell the people what to do - instead the people tell the government what to do.
If this is revolution, then so be it. I'm sure that all across the United States, there are people unhappy enough with their representatives that this could take hold. We already march and attend town halls and call our representatives. Why not hold an election. The persons we send do not have to step up and volunteer to run. They don't need to be rich or famous. The only requirement is that they swear to uphold the laws of the country and represent us, carrying our voice to Washington. We would hope that they are willing and honest.
We don't need government representatives to call an election. We can recall who we send to Washington at any time. We have that right. We the people can send out paper ballots to every person through printed media and collect those ballots to be counted at every courthouse across the nation. We don't need government to run our elections.
I call on every citizen of this country to call for an election in their town. If the representatives we sent won't uphold the law and represent us, then they will be replaced.
As for the farce in the White House, I say lock the doors and unplug the phones. If white supremacy is what they want, and Russian interference is what they insist upon, send them to Moscow. We don't want them on our soil.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Resistance Resources
I haven't posted in a while. I've been garnering resources, hitting the senators on the phone, and calling, calling, calling....
Here are some websites that you may find helpful...
govtrack.us
indivisible.com
The book "Grassroots" by Baumgartner and Richards, ISBN: 978-0374528652
Call every single day. Make your call about ONE issue only. You may have to call more than once. If the phones are busy, keep trying. After 3 attempts, email through the contact form on their websites. If you still don't feel like you are being heard, call the congressional switchboard and go to their local offices. Sit there until you are seen and heard and your concerns are addressed. Be respectful to the office staff, and don't become abusive. Just take up space. Over and over again if needed. You will be heard. You will be treated respectfully, or they lose their jobs. If you are arrested, record everything you can until your phone is taken away. Be sure you have an automatic upload of all recordings and pictures for your phone, so even if your phone is destroyed, you can publicize things.
If your city has an office for the party you support, make yourself known and get involved. Attend meetings and gather information for yourself.
Speaker Paul Ryan's home address:
PAUL RYAN
700 ST. LAWRENCE AVE.
JANESVILLE, WI 53545
He took his phones off the hook when his office was flooded with calls. You can still call him at his office.
202-225-0600
Congressional switchboard phone number:
202-224-3121
Program this into your phone. It's always useful. If the offices are flooded with calls, flood the switchboard with calls.
If you don't know who your representatives are, check here by zip code:
http://www.house.gov/htbin/findrep
I'm in Tennessee, so here is my list...
BOB CORKER
Special Committee on Aging
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Committee on the Budget
Committee on Foreign Relations
DC 202-224-3344
FAX 202-228-0566
Chattanooga 423-756-2757 (main office)
DC Office -- 425 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C., 20510
Tri-Cities Office -- 1105 East Jackson Boulevard Suite 4
Jonesborough, TN 37659
Main: 423-753-2263
Fax: 423-753-3679
LAMAR ALEXANDER
Committee on Appropriations
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Committee on Rules and Administration
Washington Office
455 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-4944
Fax: (202) 228-3398
TTY: (202) 224-1546
Tri-Cities Office
Tri-Cities Regional Airport
2525 Highway 75
Suite 101
Blountville, TN 37617
Phone: (423) 325-6240
Fax: (423) 325-6236
PHIL ROE
Veterans affairs committee
Washington DC Office:
336 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-6356
fax: (202) 225-5714
Kingsport Office:
205 Revere Street
Kingsport, TN 37660
Phone: (423) 247-8161
fax: (423) 247-0119
As you see, I've listed the committees they are on so I can keep abreast of what they are working on. Once you figure out when the committees meet (there is a set schedule), you can pester your representative to vote the way you want on the bills in committee. Be sure to express not only your opinion but ask questions you want to be answered on any bills in committee. That's what committees are for - investigating the long-term effects and costs of all bills presented for consideration and vote.
Here are some websites that you may find helpful...
govtrack.us
indivisible.com
The book "Grassroots" by Baumgartner and Richards, ISBN: 978-0374528652
Call every single day. Make your call about ONE issue only. You may have to call more than once. If the phones are busy, keep trying. After 3 attempts, email through the contact form on their websites. If you still don't feel like you are being heard, call the congressional switchboard and go to their local offices. Sit there until you are seen and heard and your concerns are addressed. Be respectful to the office staff, and don't become abusive. Just take up space. Over and over again if needed. You will be heard. You will be treated respectfully, or they lose their jobs. If you are arrested, record everything you can until your phone is taken away. Be sure you have an automatic upload of all recordings and pictures for your phone, so even if your phone is destroyed, you can publicize things.
If your city has an office for the party you support, make yourself known and get involved. Attend meetings and gather information for yourself.
Speaker Paul Ryan's home address:
PAUL RYAN
700 ST. LAWRENCE AVE.
JANESVILLE, WI 53545
He took his phones off the hook when his office was flooded with calls. You can still call him at his office.
202-225-0600
Congressional switchboard phone number:
202-224-3121
Program this into your phone. It's always useful. If the offices are flooded with calls, flood the switchboard with calls.
If you don't know who your representatives are, check here by zip code:
http://www.house.gov/htbin/findrep
I'm in Tennessee, so here is my list...
BOB CORKER
Special Committee on Aging
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Committee on the Budget
Committee on Foreign Relations
DC 202-224-3344
FAX 202-228-0566
Chattanooga 423-756-2757 (main office)
DC Office -- 425 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C., 20510
Tri-Cities Office -- 1105 East Jackson Boulevard Suite 4
Jonesborough, TN 37659
Main: 423-753-2263
Fax: 423-753-3679
LAMAR ALEXANDER
Committee on Appropriations
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Committee on Rules and Administration
Washington Office
455 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-4944
Fax: (202) 228-3398
TTY: (202) 224-1546
Tri-Cities Office
Tri-Cities Regional Airport
2525 Highway 75
Suite 101
Blountville, TN 37617
Phone: (423) 325-6240
Fax: (423) 325-6236
PHIL ROE
Veterans affairs committee
Washington DC Office:
336 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-6356
fax: (202) 225-5714
Kingsport Office:
205 Revere Street
Kingsport, TN 37660
Phone: (423) 247-8161
fax: (423) 247-0119
As you see, I've listed the committees they are on so I can keep abreast of what they are working on. Once you figure out when the committees meet (there is a set schedule), you can pester your representative to vote the way you want on the bills in committee. Be sure to express not only your opinion but ask questions you want to be answered on any bills in committee. That's what committees are for - investigating the long-term effects and costs of all bills presented for consideration and vote.
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Why I Blog Against Trump
I was thinking about why I do this in the face of relative anonymity while putting myself in harm's way....
It's a moral imperative. "The Only Thing Necessary for the Triumph of Evil is that Good Men Do Nothing."
Whether first stated by Edmund Burke, Charles Aked or John F. Kennedy, the quote is how I feel. I need to speak up and point out inconsistencies, illegalities, and manipulation. It's what I was educated to do.
I took Women's Studies. It is misnamed because the study is really about developing a social and political conscience. It makes me pay attention and have an informed opinion about things. It taught me to research the assumptions, not swallow them whole. It taught me to think for myself. That's always dangerous to people in power.
If one doesn't remember history, one is doomed to repeat it.Nazi Germany didn't come out of nowhere. It was an economic reality caused by the treaty of Versailles after WWI, combined with a seeming lack of power by the populace. That sounds very familiar today. Instead of blaming the bankers and 1%, we, the other 99%, have been deflected to Muslims. "Divide and conquer" is an old strategy. It works. We've been divided and are looking for scapegoats, instead of paying attention to the real causes of our distress.
I'm also a minister in an obscure religious sect. That gives me a certain leeway to express my opinions. I don't have a "church" or "congregation" because I don't care to follow that path. I counsel and educate. That's my ministry.
My tax status is that of an ordinary person. I have no tax breaks or special deductions. I file my tax paperwork every year just like the majority of citizens do, and make sure it's in by April 15th. If I owe anything, I pay. I generally get a small refund.
I hope to build a local business this coming year. That's all I will say on it at the moment since it's in the planning stages. My vocal response to Trump may cause that to remain an unrealized dream.
So, speaking out is what I feel I need to do. It's important that I do not remain silent. No race or creed is responsible for this situation. No one group of people caused this mess. We all did. I will point out when we need to correct our course. That's what I feel called to do.
It's a moral imperative. "The Only Thing Necessary for the Triumph of Evil is that Good Men Do Nothing."
Whether first stated by Edmund Burke, Charles Aked or John F. Kennedy, the quote is how I feel. I need to speak up and point out inconsistencies, illegalities, and manipulation. It's what I was educated to do.
I took Women's Studies. It is misnamed because the study is really about developing a social and political conscience. It makes me pay attention and have an informed opinion about things. It taught me to research the assumptions, not swallow them whole. It taught me to think for myself. That's always dangerous to people in power.
If one doesn't remember history, one is doomed to repeat it.Nazi Germany didn't come out of nowhere. It was an economic reality caused by the treaty of Versailles after WWI, combined with a seeming lack of power by the populace. That sounds very familiar today. Instead of blaming the bankers and 1%, we, the other 99%, have been deflected to Muslims. "Divide and conquer" is an old strategy. It works. We've been divided and are looking for scapegoats, instead of paying attention to the real causes of our distress.
I'm also a minister in an obscure religious sect. That gives me a certain leeway to express my opinions. I don't have a "church" or "congregation" because I don't care to follow that path. I counsel and educate. That's my ministry.
My tax status is that of an ordinary person. I have no tax breaks or special deductions. I file my tax paperwork every year just like the majority of citizens do, and make sure it's in by April 15th. If I owe anything, I pay. I generally get a small refund.
I hope to build a local business this coming year. That's all I will say on it at the moment since it's in the planning stages. My vocal response to Trump may cause that to remain an unrealized dream.
So, speaking out is what I feel I need to do. It's important that I do not remain silent. No race or creed is responsible for this situation. No one group of people caused this mess. We all did. I will point out when we need to correct our course. That's what I feel called to do.
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