Never forget that you are loved

One often hears that everyone deserves love. I don't think that this is true. We are loved by nature of our own existence, whether it is deserved or not.We were created when two people got together to achieve the desired result.Otherwise, nature or nurture cannot be served. Love's resistance only brings people together.The phrase, "God is love" also will conjure up a notion that two nebulous ideas formulate a similar outcome.There are a lot of things people may not like. It can even be said that one can not like "Love", but Love conquers all. Love is all.Just like energy, it cannot be created or destroyed.It just is.

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All Praise be to God, to whom all praise is due

These days, I've adopted a monkish life. My day starts as anyone's would. A shower, a shave, a made bed and eventually a morning cup of coffee. Then the thought of prayer comes. When will my knees hit the floor? When will the morning prayer app on my iPhone provide me with routine words of reflection? When will The routine provide an impetus for creativity to flow? Usually, by 7:45am the keys, wallet, and assorted necessary accouterments are pocketed as the door closes behind me. Will the bike ride be taken today, or will my Ford be driven? Hmm... decisions, decisions.The mass begins at 8:00am and Fr.Angelito is usually there Wednesday and Thursday.Fridays are his day off.The Celebration of the Mass grounds me. Christ is present in the Eucharist, and in my life.

I am thankful for what has been given me, what has been taken from me, and for what has been left me. As I am before my maker, this is all that I am. Nothing more... nothing less.May I do the will of my higher power, always. Thy will, not mine, be done. I am reminded of a prayer my younger sister Nancy used to pray. "Be thee to whom, one mind, compassion, OM. All praise be to God, to whom all praise is due." This prayer is beautiful, not only because it takes my mind off of myself, but it reminds me why I am here on earth. To give praise to a God that loves me.

My Sister Mary Ann is shown below. This was taken in the summer of 2016, which is the last time I saw her alive.She is with God now.She left us this past summer, shortly before her 80th birthday. She will be remembered fondly by her family, community, and friends.She is someone who put everything aside in her personal life to follow Jesus Christ.She is a beautiful soul whose Spirit will live on.Her presence is felt,even as I write.

No cause for the blues.

I'm listening to The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, which has been an acquired taste over the years. I first heard them back in College and was surprised to hear that many of these Chicago Blues men went on to play with many of my favorite musicians in and around the Bay Area. Today I understand Blues as being a style, a way of life for some and perhaps an attitude for others. It does not have to mean something depressive though. This rich creative tradition has been born out of tough times...and we have all had tough times.The trouble is that it is easy to get stuck there.As the saying goes, "If you don't dig the blues, you better check your shoes, you might have a hole in your sole."Why there is a pack of smiling dogs beneath this post, I haven't a clue. But hey, dogs live the blues.

Later, Gator !

This is a rock I found, that is actually a piece of petrified wood that I decorated with glow in the dark paint and florescent paint. It so resembled a gator that it had to be transformed and placed in this poster advertising the Louisiana Bayou country. I sometimes find that it is easier to find art in nature than to find the nature of art (if that makes any sense )

The White light of the Holy Spirit

This image has been modified in Photoshop. The original is of a glow in the dark, crochet design made by my good friend, Veda Florez ( see exhibit B ). She is a very creative,resourceful and inventive person. She has re-imaged herself many times over the course of her life.This motif is held above my window sill where it can be observed both day and night. It attracts sunlight during the day, and moonlight at night. This is the same light which surrounds us all. This light is known as the White light of the Holy Spirit,which will guide and direct us in life.

Energy Drop

Today, my energy level plummeted to a low level. My back has been painful too, as I am recovering from lifting lots of boxes yesterday at the Food Distribution program.The usual daily communion service I attend at O.L.P.H. ( Our Lady of Perpetual Help ) has been put on hold because my ass is dragging.Could it be food poisoning? Could it be the Melatonin I ingested last night to bring about sleep? Could it be that my body just said, "Stop?"

We shall see if my health is restored to its regular vibrancy tomorrow. If not, a visit to the doctor may be in order.Below is me at my usual, overamped energy level.Even if I look like a cat being electrocuted, the image is fitting...well, maybe a bit exaggerated.In any case, I will survive.Incidentally, a new stove arrived at my apartment yesterday and I no longer have to be concerned about being electrocuted while I prepare dishes.Stay tuned.

Interdependence day

This year's Fourth of July celebration hs given me pause.Wouldn't be nice if we as a nation could extend ourselves to those who may need us? Who need our resources and skills? Wouldn't it be nice if we could learn from the simplicity and free spirit of a less developed nation, like parts of Africa for instance? Interdependence perhaps, because our Independence has been overextended. Now it is more like,"We've got ours and don't need you... so leave us alone or we will hurt you." Is that what our Independence is supposed to look like? I don't think so.

What would it be like if these impoverished nations had what we needed? Would we continue to be a bully to the less fortunate to make sure we stay empowered beyond necessity? This very notion is atrocious, and yet is seems entirely plausible given the current state of the nation...and dare I say, "The World?"

Information is the watchword because the message travels faster than ever, usually, at the expense of its validity, authenticity and most importantly, it's effectiveness. Welcome to the Tower of Babel and what some call "Fake News", which by all accounts is what the Internet really is dishing up.When and if the meek shall inherit the earth, it will be a wonderment what the planet will look like then... and the meek may have no use for it.

Catching Up

I am happy today. Even if don’t know if my loving Higher Power would worry about the world’s problems, or my problems. I sense that my loving Higher Power would feel compassion instead. I feel encouraged by this loving compassion, and it helps me to tackle my problems as best as I can … while being aided by the courage my loving Higher Power has granted me through the Serenity Prayer.

"God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

The work I do is blessed by my attempt to connect to this Power which I choose to call"God". I do my best to honor my intuition and the gentle leanings of my conscience.My God conscience dictates my behavior in many instances.

This brings into question: What am I holding onto? or more accurately,What am I willing to let go? The strings to my wallet are pretty tight.Even if I am not my money, my money is directly connected to my survival.This usually brings me into focus.Although I would like to think that I am not squeezing each nickel presently, I have learned to save and plan for the future, not just my bills. So, I guess you could say that I am still "Catching Up".

Beware of the do-gooders

Some people don't mature until late in life.They are not at fault.Taking responsibility for oneself can be very nuanced and challenging...Innocence befriends those who carry their childish ways into adulthood.This perceived innocence justifies their every thought and action. Social awareness is not the same as social responsibility as is explained here. Social awareness is when we are cognizant of our surroundings and the people inhabiting our space.Behavior resulting from this awareness can demonstrate our intentions which, in a social setting is in many instances, performed for the benefit of others. These forms of expression can manifest as grandiosity,self-righteousness or a multitude of other actions which ultimately appear either selfish or altruistic.

When the justification of our actions capture the observation of another,a problem can occur.People read intent,which can be mistaken. Arguments may ensue,and although they are meant to render a proposal, will not always reach an amiable conclusion. When someone has silenced another by "Winning and argument", it does not mean that they have converted that person.A return to reason will not direct an unruly child to correct action. A cry for help can be messy, and it's response requires an exactitude of timing, action and empathy. This is the behavior of an adult.

Appearing altruistic at times can mask smug pride in attempting to garner the favor of others. Anyone standing in the way of this desired approval, will usually be rendered unworthy by those observers standing in judgement of such behavior.

Sketching and painting

These days that is all I do during the day, draw and paint...except hit the refrigerator now and then. I listen to my Amazon Prime songs and have a few cups of coffee in the morning to get started.The rock supply has been low lately because their is a large creek/river I would have to cross to get to the beach at Russian Gulch.This means that would have to go by a landscaping place to pick a bag of rocks. Usually Mexican Pebbles which are smooth and especially suited for the work I do. My paint supply and printer are all in working order, and since the days a short and wet... I tend to get things done. Today I am gearing up for Valentine's day which should be a good sales day at the markets this weekend.

Nothing to fear, but fear itself

The second big storm of the season has arrived and it looks to be just as bad as the first, which was a doozy. Here I am in my one-bedroom apartment, hoping that the roof doesn't leak and that we all can hang in there as this one passes ( fingers crossed ). I've been invited to attend the Men's club meeting tonight at six, and I don't want to go out in this mess. Speaking of messes... the parking situation here in my complex has gotten even more complex.

I sent an email to the property manager and tried to work out a compromise as to who can occupy open ( non-designated ) parking spaces without causing blockages.His strategy was to send letters to all tenants, making me the one who is complaining and therefore the scapegoat if this issue escalates, which it might. My suggestion was to have a sign that reads "No visitor parking". That is sure to raise some hackles. Even if it would read "Tenant parking only", one can be assured that would undoubtedly be ignored.

I am the only tenant with one vehicle. I am respected because I have lived here the longest, but I am also the designated gringo in the hood, which feels kind of weird.I love my neighbors and have respect for each family, but I don't think that they all get along with each other as well as I seem to get along with them.The last thing I would want is for anyone to turn against each other, or most especially... me !

Right now, I just intend to stay warm and not project on how this situation may unfold. I seek only the highest good for all concerned and am ready to make compromises if necessary.

Big Storm coming this weekend

Today it is Thursday and it is sunny and beautiful...no matter how cold. Tonight I will probably have my space heater on, along with my long-johns and down comforter to keep me warm. The only problem with this is that it gets quite stuffy with my bedroom door closed and the window left open just a crack. Okay, don't worry... I won't die from carbon monoxide poisoning because I have an alarm for that. I also have a smoke detector that would protect me if it doesn't go off every time I cook an omelet or have the shower running.Life in a one-bedroom apartment requires constant vigilance.You just can't take off without checking to see if you've left the oven on,etc.

It's quiet today,even if the kids are off from school. They must all be inside so I don't have to listen to the screaming and yelling. Hey, it's better than living in a retirement community. Here, you will know that life is happening around you, whether you like it or not.My friend Eric texted me from Oregon where he is surrounded by four feet of snow. He too, is staying inside doing some woodworking.It's probably muffled and quiet there except for maybe his power saw whirring along.I'm painting a batch of rocks even though I suspect that the Farmer's Market may be cancelled this weekend. We shall see. It's no fun in the rain, but I show up with my canopy nonetheless.The vendors who tough it out during these periods are my pals.