The HOLIDAYS are here

Wow it has been awhile since I've connected here- I'm not really sure why I haven't had much to say, but I have decided to start New Year's resoluteness early- I will write in my blog once a week..I will... we'll see.

Anyway, it is December and it is snowing and it is lovely, really lovely, to be living in upstate New York today. This is not true everyday, but it is true today and I am really enjoying it. I have not done my Christmas shopping, which is not unusual for me, but I do have some ideas and that is good. I want to shop downtown, but most of the stores there do not have the "wish list" items, so they get shopped for stocking items, and surprise gifts. I will head down there today and hopefully start marking folks off the list.

I am still unemployed and that is stressful. I keep thinking today will be the day, but then I get caught up in doing "things" and suddenly it is night time and very little has been accomplished. I wonder about making money online and really don't know if that is possible. I see lots of scams and that makes me stop from exploring it more. I want to sell stuff on eBay, I even got a sellers account, but I haven't gone beyond that... scared I'll do it wrong or sell something for nothing that is worth a lot, which I don't know and can't figure out how to find out... too many variables to move forward. But again, maybe today is the day.

Been decorating the house- which is always fun and it is very easy to feel joy putting the Santa's around... tree is up with lights, will let the kids put on the ornaments, so hopefully that will be done soon. Have decided to have a holiday party- first one in years- feel a need for some cheer and really want to thank all those who have had us over, been our friends, etc. Need to get started on the food ideas and that will give me something to focus on other then money.

But Money is always the issue. Why is that? Why is there not enough when there is so much everywhere? What my family needs to relatively little to be happy... but it is always a struggle to get that in and now with the unemployment, it is really difficult. The phone rings constantly from creditors and I find it hard to cope. Why is there no money? I am smart, my husband is smart, we work hard and don't buy extravagant things, but still there isn't enough...

I know I need to solve the money issue, because I know I am Middle America which means everyone else is struggling with this, and if I can find a way, they can too. I will explore these other sources of money and let you know how it goes... I will find ways to make enough soon, I feel it, and then my family will have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah, and so will everyone else.

Is 2009 over YET?!?!

OH, , it has been a rough year- in my own world I have seen my aging parents really decline, helped move them and discovered how bad things really were... Have seen my husband's health decline- lots of things wrong but nothing life threatening so we aren't doing anything about it...ugh! Men! I have seen my place of work close- after 9+ years of working to grow it, a group from the outside brought it down... very hard to even drive by there these days...

So, A new phase has begun... cleaning out the years of stuff in my folks house, finding places for my office stuff that accumulated over 10 years in my house, applying for unemployment for the first time ever, and realizing I'm not alone with that, oh and filing for bankruptcy because we can't pay the credit cards who have jumped their interest rates this year enormously! It has been a tough year- so that is where we are at...

Good side to 2009- my kids are great! the dogs and cats are hanging in there and we have great neighbors and friends who are helping in all kinds of ways... The weather has been tremendous since my layoff so that has been nice. And all told, this bankruptcy thing might work out for the best. No more trying to deal with it... a fresh start is nice. If all goes well we can keep our house and cars and move on with our lives... just wish it would happen soon...

The downside to this of course, is if I am doing this, lots of folks in America are doing this and that hasn't hit the economic gurus yet... the depression is going nowhere but down... they just don't know it yet....

So, I am making soup, looking at ways to make money besides unemployment- although I'm looking forward to getting my first check! and cleaning- not my favorite thing but it can be rewarding- found a dollar yesterday! Whoopee!

Who cares? is where we are at...

Ok I started out wanting this to be kind of a "hey here's what Middle America thinks"- because I really am that, but I find it hard to get up the gumption to write much these days about that- or anything- And I finally decided that that really is what middle America is going through right now.

New products and services are being created and I really don't care. I can barely keep my head above water and that is all I really care about, so I think that is true of everyone out there...

On that depressing note I have heard some interesting news that I think will shift things in a new direction- and I'm glad of it.

There was a piece on NPR about aging Americans in upscale assisted living complexes who are getting Marijuana to help them with MS and other debilitating long term illnesses, basically saying I'm 72 years old, what are they going to do arrest me? And that made me realize if everyone who is in the "mainstream" like these people, just started using it and openly use it to help their health issues, this could be the tipping point for some basic change. Not just legalizing it for Drs to prescribe, but major shift to legalizing it.. The public- old guard are finding it helpful, they will demand it, and won't go to prison and that is the key to change...

So, if there is just a shift to making it available for senior citizens that will be for the good of everyone- no more war on pot would save lots of money and time and resources beyond that, for more important things like global warming, etc.
We'll see.

July?

Ok, I know that global warming takes a hit every time someone says its too cold to be ___(fill in the month) but really? It has been like fall for 6 weeks and I am wearing a sweater on July 6th- not April 6th! What the ----???! My veggie garden is just sitting there- too cold to add leaves, or flower, it is so sad... I'm thinking of just making a rock garden there- really, just rocks...

Anyway, what to do about the rain and cold- I've decided to see something positive in it:

•I have had only 1 mosquito bite so far- Hoorah! and I think that was in the house... need to get those screens up...
•We have had some great campfires, where everyone stayed around because it was too cold to move way- lots of fun..
•Although I can barely get the mowing done because it keeps raining, when I do it is very satisfying because the lawn has grown so tall you really notice it cut!
•It is not too warm to turn on the oven
•Haven't bought any sunscreen yet... may make it through the summer with the remains of last years tubes!
•I don't feel fat wearing my shorts because I haven't worn them... or those little tank tops!
• The animals aren't just laying around panting and drooling on everything- although they are still shedding...
•No one is cranky because of the heat- although lots of people are cranky about the rain/cold- actually a very similar crank...

So that is the list I have come up with of good things about the sumer of 2009- Maybe it will improve for a big finish in August.

Actually, I'm hoping for a great week next week- we'll be camping at Indian lake in the Adirondacks and, although the years we have the worst weather are the ones we all remember, it still would be nice to have an unmemorable warm sunny week- I think this year we would really remember that!

All home

June has come and all my kids are home- adjustment for everyone who now has to confine themselves to even less space...Sara home from college has put much of her stuff in the attic but still have tons of clothes- finally admitted she might have too many... hmmm..... Rachel comes home from Chile after a 10 month exchange- still two suitcases but I have not idea how she got all those La Ligua sweaters in with all her other stuff. Beautiful sweaters for sure, but where to put them now? Mich is home from school- summer vaca, tends to spread projects out from her room into all rooms, can't really be doing that now... Papa and I trying to keep up with laundry and dishes and piles of stuff everywhere- this is too much!

Need a simpler way.... Want to have less stuff, want to need less stuff. Maybe moving to a warm climate- no sweaters, no shoes, or boots, just shorts, T's and flip flops... hmmm.

Mothers Day

This is a good time to reflect on Motherhood, yes? I have so enjoyed being a mom- which is really interesting to me because I never really thought of myself as wanting kids- I wasn't against it, but not really sure I would be into being a mom. Why? I don't really relate to other people's kids well- they usually come up and sneeze on me, first thing, and then think I'm weird I guess, because I'm not sitting and talking to the other adults, I'm hanging with the kids, or the dogs or looking at stuff, so they kind of steered clear of me most of my life...

I was really wrong about not being excited about being a mom- because being a mom is great- it certainly has a lot to do with the kids and your spouse on how good an experience it is, but for me, it has been just a joy... ALMOST all the time. Really.

It gave me a freedom to create- each day I could create my kids childhoods. What they would take with them into their lives outside of the family...

We explored, we cooked,we painted, we traveled, we built stuff, we took stuff apart, we vacationed at special spots again and again to create memories that they will have for their lives. How much fun was it? It was super and I'd do it again in a second.

So if you are thinking about having kids, think about whether you like to create, because it is a constant process the whole time... you are creating the family experiences for all.

I love my kids, my husband, my folks and my brothers and their families- they are all part of the ride.

Turmoil

Boy, there is a word, "turmoil"- we seem to all be in turmoil right now- no outward peace, all chaos.

So, we need to look to inner peace, to the real knowing that exists. We all can touch it and live there if we work at it, we can all connect with the inner peace which is Oneness, God, whatever name you give it.

The way to connect is to stop , sit quietly, (and you can do this on a crowded subway car -only you need to be silent), and just go inside yourself. Hear your own breath, listen to the calm within.

That is Oneness whispering to you.

Enjoy the inner calm, lose the turmoil of the outside world. Then when you are ready, step back into the turmoil- it won't seem so overwhelming.

neighbors and sharing

The Depression- just watched a piece on NY times video about a 92 year old man who was talking about the first depression and how everyone helped everyone else/ black and white...and it made me realize that in our neighborhood, that has always gone on.

I don't own a lawn mower- I borrow the one from my neighbor- always have- since we reduced our grass down to a small area- the front is all flowers and myrtle- no grass at all: the side is garden and so in the back- where we haven't put raised beds or trees or a small pond, I have some pitiful grass.

So, when our mower died I asked if I put gas in his, could I use it, and he said yes! this was years ago.. He borrows tools from my husband- who has almost every tool imaginable, and advice is given freely over the fence about home repair, recipes, etc. They have lots of dogs so when we got one, then two, they give helpful advise and stuff when I have questions ...

Our neighbors, are more then people who live next door, or down the block, they are allies, at the least and friends more than likely. I would feel comfortable going to anyone on our block and asking for help, or offering help.

I know that in times of trouble people will reach out and help in any way they can- not just in our neighborhood, but everywhere- and that is how we will all pull through. Because the resources to "get by" are all around us- we just need to borrow, exchange, reach out to each other.

the iphone revolution

Wow it is hard to write something everyday! I am shooting for a few times a week.

A product I know I want is the Iphone... although I hate the thought of having to have a certain provider for the service- yikes, and the cost, but it is so sleek and cool.

I can see how that is the wave- all connections with people from now on will be that touch screen and the Iphone being the first is the standard. All things, the computer, the TV, the internet, and of course the phone are all wrapped up in one device- you can carry in your pocket... It will be what everyone has... and we will lose so much of the cumbersome stuff - the computers and gadgets that you need to run various things, will all eventually go away. I don't see it replacing TV- although I do see people using the tv function on the iphone all the time- it is still a singular experience, and people like to watch things in groups.. so the "family" will want a tv.

But the personal computer might eventually go- if you can carry it all in your pocket and the data is stored in a cloud somewhere, why have something bigger? Although, I would want a keyboard to type term papers, reports, etc., but why not a wireless connection to any keyboard? With airport tech to wirelessly send a document to a printer- there could be keyboards and printing terminals at cafes that you just stop in and print something on the road...people do that now at airports, hotels, etc. why not everywhere- libraries should offer this, maybe they already do...

Anyway, 1 place to keep everything is very appealing- especially since we have gotten so loaded down with phones, and calculators, and laptop computers, and all the peripherals that go with that stuff...

Obviously this is not new, but I see it morphing into a whole new way of communicating , reaching out to everyone instantly with one tiny device. The one HUGE issue is security for the info- but again, this isn't new and I know they are working on it...

losing

wow- life is hard- and a high school basketball game exemplifies the whole gamut of hard... the whole town shows up, everyone is happy and cheering and then you lose- and the whole town has to deal with the loss-

but wait, that is the answer-

the whole town carries the burden so it is lighter on you- the fire truck still shows up to escort you back into town- because no matter what, you are heroes,- you made it where few get to go- you challenged yourself- you played your hearts out.

the people who saw you lose also saw how hard you tried, how close you came, how it could have gone either way-

and you see they were proud of you no matter what. and that is the lesson. Try your hardest, put yourself out there because it is important for everyone. AND if you win- great, but if you lose you are still wonderful because you showed up and tried.

Digital photography

I have a very techno savy husband, but I am a photography major from "back in the day"- so to me a camera has to feel like a camera, have lenses you can change and not fit in your pocket... so when we started having kids I gave up using my trusty Canon F-1- not enough hands at that point- and let my husband become the shooter- with his new fangled gadget camera, which kept getting smaller and smaller.
I appreciated the digital change- no cost to the bad shots, and even thought the quality of the lenses were good, but the pocket size, and the tons of menus you could scroll through to get some effect, was just too much. So I just operated them in the point and shoot mode, and was completely unsatisfied creatively.

However, this past Christmas we got a digital SLR Canon camera- the EOS and it has made me want to shoot photos again! It is great- you still don't have to worry about the bad shots- and you can do all kinds of effects , but you can use it like my old F-1- setting the shutter , or the aperture, being in control: and the photos are fabulous!

So, I am exploring the world behind the camera again- and it is really a freeing experience. I think the little pocket digital camera will continue to sell, but the Canon EOS digital camera is so fabulous- I bet this is or will be, the number one camera in the world soon.

Everyone can Change- NOW

The current depression- which is what this is, is a huge opportunity for change... We are fortunate to finally have a smart guy in the white house to help steer the blundering corporations through- and blunder they will continue to do, because they are very slow to change. But, we, the people can change quickly. We can change in a snap and we have already and will continue to.

•People habit changes:
•No more stupid buying just to shop... wouldn't that be nice!
I never completely understood that idea, "Lets go shopping" as a recreation- no, you shop when you need something. I do think the American people will get that-it is starting already. Some are addicted to shopping and will have a tough time, but most will be able to just shop when in need. How refreshing.

•Reusing stuff- like clothes- at thrift shops-spend $3 for an American Eagle skirt instead of $40- the addicts can go to the thrift shops!
When my Husband and I went to Hawaii a few years ago- our first stop was a thrift shop which, of course, had tons of Hawaiian shirts- we bought about a doz. and wore them the whole time- they are great and each cost about $2... many were the expensive ones in the boutiques down the street... So, when on a trip to someplace unique- shop their thrift stores...

•Reuse your water bottle- hello? we don't need more plastic in the landfills AND water should be free- buy a sturdy (they are getting harder to find- some are so thin I'm afraid they will gush out all over the place- the Chinese markets have a green heavy duty bottle tea comes in- buy one, drink the tea and rinse- they don't keep the flavor of the tea in the plastic- yeah- how come?) Anyway, fill it up over and over again... I have one I use in my gym bag- it is still fine after several months...! this is a win-win- less money spent, less junk.

• When you have to shop go to BJ's, Cosco- get it in bulk- things like cereal is sooooo much cheaper! I know these places are popular- but they should be packed all the time- you will save time and money.

• I have always been drawn to classic styling- don't buy trendy clothes- buy classic designs they never go out of style- really-

•fix what is broken- When I was a kid there was a vacuum repair shop, a bike repair shop and small appliance repairs all in one little town- All of them are gone because most of what is made today isn't fixable- plastic breaks- wears down and it can't be fixed, computer components fail and that is it... But, if you do have something that is broken that is fixable- either try yourself, what harm can you do, it already is broken! - or find someone who will fix it... pay them- they are part of the change and the solution ...

Success- Watch a TED a day...

I think everyone should watch a TED video every day- it will open your eyes, and brain in ways that will surprise you. This one is very brief about how to succeed- post it everywhere and look at it often- you can follow it and find your way to success.

Free Range Veggie thoughts

Day Two of my blog

I have doubled my followers- I was the first, Raph is the second- Whoopee! I am unclear if I can do this without having it rule my life- Facebook has become an addiction- Now this might translate into another time waster... hope not!

I am really here to run the experiment I mentioned- post things that I find compelling, good products, neat ideas, etc. and see if the rest of America joins in thereafter...

I have noticed a sense of hope the past 24 hours- much less doom and gloom- I do not watch the news so it is not coming from there- just general vibes seem more positive- wonder if that is based on anything...

We, as a family, tend to buy organic as often as possible- unless it is outrageously more then the "regular" stuff- but our joining a local food co-op farm didn't really work out- I didn't like Brussels sprouts and Kale and they produced a lot of that, and the drive was a ridiculous 1 hour away- 2 hours round trip- but that was not their fault... I felt good doing this, but the inconvenience was too much... especially since there was so much that I really didn't like, again not their fault- although I like most veggies-

I do think there will be a trend towards buying MUCH more local produce-directly from the farmer- farmers markets are already strong- but usually only on Saturdays...I think these will expand, and you'll see small markets carrying more local organic stuff- this focus will help the local farmers grow more variety by demanding local products.

For example: There is a small independent mom and pop grocery around the corner from where I live that sells bread, meats, chips, etc. and he offers free range eggs, some produce (that I don't think is local) and products like maple syrup,

OH! and glass milk bottles that you return the next time you come in... THIS is a great trend- LOVE IT! THINK WE WILL SEE MORE OF THIS... And more small shops specializing in the local stuff... everywhere.

That's all for now!

What does being middle America mean?

I am in my mid fifties and live in a small upstate NY town. I have found over the years that the things I like, America soon likes: things I don't care for, seem to fall out of favor. If I discover a new product, suddenly I see it everywhere and everyone is talking about it. Usually this process takes about 2 weeks to a month from when I find something really cool.

For instance, I decided to dig a pond ( small) in my backyard... I spent a summer digging and getting the liner, and filling it and lining the edges with found rocks, etc. I added a waterfall and purchased the pump at the only place I could find with the pond supplies... Within a year all gardening magazines, books, etc,. had how to's on back yard ponds...
Another example: when Nokia first came out with their cell phone I fell in love with it and soon it was the most popular phone out there... I didn't even own one, just appreciated it.

I know this sounds absurd, but I have seen it happen so many times that I am now used to it and kind of expect this to happen. I have lately noticed, that it is even more connected then that. I have noticed that when I'm happy and feeling good, the US seems to respond with an upturn in the Dow, and good news about something, and when I am not feeling uplifted, or if I feel worried or depressed, I find the economy is tanking and all hell is breaking loose everywhere. Now given the current economy that could just be a coincidence, but maybe not.

What if, I AM Middle America? What if I truly do represent, to the core, the feelings, the moods, etc. of the US and so that what I feel is what happens? !!!

Kind of a big responsibility, and very scary.

So, I have decided to write a blog to post my thoughts- they will be random and it will be interesting to see what comes out.

So, to start, I usually can spot a new product or improvement to a product that I find is really good, and then everyone else discovers it. I have to admit I haven't really been shopping lately- like I did very little Christmas shopping, and I guess no one else did either, so anyway, I haven't seen anything really great out there to report on.

One change in my life was I got an email from the local animal shelter that they had lots of animals, and although we already had 2 cats and a dog, I thought we could take another dog to help out... We got Samantha on the day after Christmas, and when we were there, lots of people came in to get dogs and cats, so I'm hoping that that was a nationwide trend...

So anyway, as I see new things- or as I do new things, I will post them here and see if they become a trend...