Resolution or Revolution 2012

While reflecting upon the year 2011, I have to say it was "interesting" to say the least.

My home state of Wisconsin has been robbed and pillaged by our Governor, leading us into the worst unemployment history in more than two decades. Some of those "God fearing" right wing radicals decry the assault on his character and portray him as the martyr who was willing to be hated by the few to save the masses. Boy, did that backfire!

I do believe the recall vote has shown this to be quite the opposite. Let me also share my viewpoint on the tea party. First of all, I don't quite get the analogy...Nary of one of these citizens have ever so much as offered me a cup of tea. I also do not think I like their party or believe their truths to be quite "true". Can we just get normal people in office who do not have radical "all or nothing" viewpoints and represent all who reside in their jurisdiction? Why does the cost of living continue to skyrocket, while wages for most of us remain stagnate or for some, have plummeted? Health care should be affordable to all who need it. Isn't it cheaper for us to be healthy?

I have noticed that people who need the most public assistance, also seem to have the most children. I do not believe that anyone has the right to tell someone how many children they should have but if you can't support them...just some common sense here. Oh, and we bail out banks but no one can get a loan to buy a home. Rentals rates are soaring and landlords get richer, yet house after house sits and awaits an owner to give it TLC. Wouldn't the banks be better off renting or offering a rent to own policy rather than letting these homes sit making no one any money...just sayin.

Who else is tired of being taxed to death? For those of us who pay in every year while some receive thousands in payment, I ask you, does this make any sense? Get rid of the IRS and find a better and less confusing means of taxation. No single entity except for the big "G' should have that much power!

War! Yes, I support those who serve but I do not always support the amount of time we spend trying to assist countries (anywhere in the middle east) which have been in battle since before Jesus and unless a nuclear warhead lands on them, this will not change once our troops leave. Want to send a message, quit supporting their economy...worldwide!

As for the 2012 doomsday prophecy, I see change a comin and in the wise words of Karen Walker (or sometimes Anastasia Beaverhousen) we better hunker down, grab a bottle and pray for daylight! Unless of course we join those who are sick and tired of our government screwing things up and overspending our money (yes Republicans, you are just as guilty) keeping some of us impoverished while some keep spinning gold from the looms of corporate greed.

My wish for 2012 is forward thinking leadership, a sound economy, healthcare and a boom in the housing market and no more attacks on citizens who just want to do their job to the best of their ability and be able to support themselves and their families without being attacked by those who should be representing them (hear me Mr. Walker?) and last but not least...Let's treat each other a little better people. Respecting others is respecting yourself.

Happy 2012. It will be a better year if we make it that way.

Splendor at Dusk

I do so love Autumn and often sit outside on my deck in the wee hours of the morning or just as the sun takes her leave and evening beckons. I wrap myself in a blanket or don a jacket, as I savor the beauty of nature and cannot bear the thought of a time when it becomes far too cold and unbearable to do so. I savor my coffee or tea in which a swirling steam emanates from my cup.There is such peace and tranquility in these moments.

The only sounds are the symphony of birds and the rustling of leaves just before they shed their autumn finery. The crispness in the air sends a shiver within me, yet I savor the coolness upon my face as I bundle closer within the welcoming warmth of my covering, as if an angel has wrapped its arms around me to shield me from that which is not of nature but that which keeps me from appreciating its beauty.

To me, this is the most beautiful of seasons and my favorite time of day is dusk. There is nothing I relish more than the sight of the sun setting behind the trees. It is almost as if it is trying to sneak away before I can catch a glimpse of it. Sometimes, I hold my breath as I gaze upon the sight before me. For me, this is a spiritual experience and I pause to thank the powers that be for this special time that I share with nature.

The colors are so magnificent and while there is such peacefulness, a radiant energy engulfs me. I find myself wondering if those I love are capturing this special time of day and feeling as I do. I hope so.

For those of you who have not taken the opportunity to marvel at this glorious sight, not because you have never seen it before but because you have never really seen it as I do. I advise all who walk upon this earth to sit outside, bundle up, perhaps take a cup of coffee or tea with you, and prepare to be inspired by the beauty that is before you. The Splendor at Dusk.

The Ascention of the Purple Dragon

There are those among us who can never be forgotten. We may only know these special souls for a short time here on earth and it seems as though we have known them for a lifetime.
A young man named Cameron is one of those souls. How many thirteen year olds love Mel Brooks movies, never disrespect their parents, can easily converse with anyone of any age and has the ability to discuss a variety of topics with adept humor and clarity? It is difficult not to be under the spell of this marvelous creature with his infectious laugh and angelic face.

It is hard to understand why the fates would decide to cast a spell upon this dear one and inflict upon his youthful body this negative entity called cancer. Unless you are the parent of a child with this diagnosis, you will never understand the devastation it leaves upon your heart and soul. Throughout the entire process of surgery, treatment and medications as well as various forms of healing, this courageous young man remained hopeful and was an example of strength and endurance. His loving Papa, Henry, never gave up on his healing and tirelessly and lovingly cared for his beloved son. Family and friends lent support and a thousand origami cranes were proof of friendship and dedication from a lovely flower named Lily.

An amethyst dragon pendant to symbolize love and healing was a gift of love and was always worn by Cameron as a reminder of the support of those who loved him. Try though he did with his ever present Papa and the blessings from family, friends and even a few strangers, his earth bound body could no longer fight the battle any longer and this amazing spirit made his peaceful exit to a world which beckoned from beyond.

On September 14, 2008, the light of this world became a little darker but every now and then a cardinal will appear, or a thought which only he could provide will be a gentle reminder of the existence of his presence and the light of his memory which will never be extinguished.

As the Phoenix rose from the ashes, so too did the purple dragon and as it arose the color turned to the brightest white as a symbol of the highest form of healing, for as he made his way to a place where love is always, he became a white dragon, watching over those who love him still.

With loving dedication to Cameron David Allen
and his amazing Papa Henry

A Tiny Tribute to September

Teegan Ryan Kase

The last days of summer are quickly fading away and the cool crispness that announces fall's arrival are a reminder of the days ahead. I have always loved autumn and the beauty of it's fiery reds, bright gold and burnt orange hues. I always feel exhilarated as I walk along the pathways surrounded by colorful foliage and the crunching of fallen leaves beneath my footsteps. I never mourn the end of summer as I realize that season's must change, as people must change with the passage of time.

This September marks the beginning of yet another transition within our family with the early arrival of our greatest pre autumn gift. My beautiful grandson, Teegan, entered the hearts and souls of his mother, father, grandparents, aunts and uncles and all else who will learn to know and love him, on the eve of September 3, 2011. There are those who look upon this month with sadness and loss. Yes, a terrible event occured on 9/11 2001, yet I can't help but think the birth of this wonderful child is meant to be a light in the darkness on what is soon to be the tenth anniversary of this tragic event. For every evil there is good, for every sorrow there is joy.

In the months and years ahead, I will celebrate my grandson's birthday with happiness and gratitude. I will respectfully pay tribute to those whose lives were needlessly snuffed out by vengeance and hatred, on yet another anniversary of 9/11. There is another date I will softly mourn on September 14, when another gentle spirit passed beyond the veil of earth to become an angelic spirit. I also rejoice in the honor it was to have known this courageous 13 year old boy. On the eve of the autumn equinox, I will celebrate the coming season with reverance and gratitute for my many blessings.

Appreciate those in your life whom you dearly love and make the most of your time here on earth. Life is among the greatest of texbooks in which we must always strive to learn. Celebrate the coming season and enjoy all of it's offerings. I send love and healing to those who have suffered loss in the month of September as I rejoice in the birthdate of my grandson.

I dedicate these heartfelt words to my grandson Teegan, the victims of 9/11 and their
family's and my guardian angel, Cameron David Allen and his dear father Henry.

The Universal Love Jones

Just when I think the world is becoming a place I have all but given up hope on, something wonderful and unexpected will occur to change my surly outlook. A bad day can be turned around by a simple gesture of kindness or a beautiful sunrise, or sunset. A visit from an estranged friend you haven't seen in ages but have been thinking about, suddenly enters your life and uplifts your spirit. I am always inspired by the kindness and generosity of others and am implored to "pay it forward" to enrich not only the lives of those I may touch in a positive way but to enhance mine as well. Enjoying an evening of solitude and reflection is often a gift to myself.

Today was a day of healing and enlightenment and now darkness has fallen and soon I will sit outside on this end of summer's eve and enjoy the serenity of the night. I love the sounds of all the creatures which create a symphony of music to entertain me as I look up and marvel at the beauty of the sky. There are no stars tonight but the clouds create shapes and patterns as if some heavenly creature is crafting artful sculptures from these billowy formations. There is so much more beyond the plane of our existence. Why can we not appreciate more, the simple gifts that we have been given? I fear materialism has made us less enamored of all the wonders of the universe.

How many great literary works were inspired by all of the above? How many colors inspired by the earth's hues? As my intuitive nature and spiritual awareness strengthen, I have become more appreciative of that which cannot be bought, or which no war could ever conquer and we cannot destroy, though sometimes it seems the inhabitants of this world are trying to do just that. It is time now for me to draw my attention to that which is most important at this moment and that is to just...be.

I have no great romantic love as such no longer interests me, instead I will save my affections for that which surrounds me as I enjoy the beckoning night and the "universal love jones."

Here and After

We all ponder our mortality at certain times in our lives. Children wonder what death really is and find it hard to believe it will ever touch them. There are also times when it does and we all wonder, why? Terminal illness lends it's own version of the art of passing from one world into the next. What would it be like to "know" this awaits you in the near future? Elderly citizens have the weight of impending death upon their shoulders. Some are ready and some are not.

If you do not believe in the realm of spirituality, you may believe that the end is just that. You live, you die and you are nevermore. For those who believe in a higher power, they strive to live as if they are preparing themselves for the next world, a better and more loving world. Do we, or do we not have what is referred to as a "soul"?

I cannot answer that question for anyone else but for me the answer is an absolute "YES"! I have never been one to try to force others to believe as I do and I respect their rights to believe as they wish, as I expect them to respect mine. I do not raise the Bible and make passive quotes and tell people whose lifestyles I may not agree with they will be forever damned, nor will I ever ask them if they have a "close personal relationship with Jesus Christ". Frankly, I don't think that is my, or anyone else's business. Do I believe in a higher power? Yes I do. I believe there are many entities who reside over us. I think spirituality has some gray areas.

I have had my share of saying goodbye (if I am lucky) to those I have loved in this life. We all have, or will, experience this difficult time. The longer we live, the more we lose. Some suffer more loss than others and some of us deal with it better. Whatever path the fates have chosen for me, I resign myself to. I cannot believe anything can be worse than the destruction and devastation of wars, the loss of a child or close family member, the hatred and hostility of humanity and the ravages of grave illness. I will appreciate the beauty of a moonlit night and beautiful sunrise and sunset. I am in awe of the vastness of the oceans and mountains. Nothing is more beautiful than the serenity of nature and the flight of birds.

For all the ugliness that sometimes surrounds us, we can still appreciate the joys of living.There are times when I have no hope for earth's inhabitants but then the unexpected happens and I believe in our purpose all over again. The least bit of kindness and giving, even in small doses could bring about a smile from whatever great power we believe in. For those of you who believe in nothing, I hope you find something to hold on to...for that is the foundation of our strength when we need it most. I guess, I wish for you and everyone, the gift of hope.

Living on the corner of Peace and Tranquility

A home should be our refuge from some of the unpleasantness of life. For some, this is not so but wouldn't it be bliss? The minute we step out the door we must deal with traffic, jobs, car pools, school and sometimes, inclement weather. There are days when I want to curl up and read a good book, watch a favorite movie, or, more often than not...write some thought provoking verbiage. I am not anti social, quite the contrary but I do not always feel like dealing with people, places or things in the world outside my peaceful sanctuary.

In the later years of my half century plus on this earth, I have come to appreciate the sheer pleasure of solitude and looking inward, which is very enlightening and comforting. I love my family and friends dearly and I enjoy their presence when I am with them. There are those who need the buzz of constant activity and interraction. I am not one for large crowds, much preferring a small gathering at my home ( or someone else's). Holiday celebrations are best when there is little fuss and lots of love and laughter.

The day will soon come, when a welcome addition to the family will appear and I will cherish the increased social stimulation that will follow the birth of my first grandchild. There is nothing quite like the sound of a laughing child and yes, sometimes there will be tears to wipe away. I am willing to happily relinquish some of my days as a hermit for some quality time with my growing family.

May our homes be a place where we feel safe and secure as if the very walls breathe a sigh of relief when we walk in the door as if to say"Welcome Home!" Of course it is always nice to extend the courtesy to those we are closest to and invite a new friend or two over for an occasional dinner party. When they ask where I live, perhaps I will direct them to the corner of peace and tranquility, near the intersection of serenity boulevard.