Nixing the Prius

We have been in the market for a car. We gave mine to our son-in-law last fall so that he could do his job, which requires quite a bit of travel. In the meantime, I decided to go with a hybrid. We had pretty much decided on the new 2010 Prius because the batteries are designed to last the life of the car. (A car we will have for a very long time.)

As I mentioned in my last post - my Achilles heel is children and animals. And one of the animals that I love the most is the elephant. After watching this 60-Minutes segment, my husband and I have decided NOT to buy the new Prius we were going to buy this summer. In fact, we are going to do our very best not to buy anything from Japan and China due to their importation of tons and tons of ivory, causing the subsequent slaughter of elephants in Africa (up 45% this year alone). Japan continues to hunt whales, another subject I feel deeply about. Since we are not really buying much more than food these days, this shouldn't be too difficult.

At some point we need to make a stand for the creatures on our earth that cannot speak for themselves. And, for me, this is mine.

In no way do I feel negatively toward the Chinese or Japanese people (for whom I have the utmost respect and affection). It is their government's policies on these issues that I disagree with. And the only power I have is with my wallet (a constrained one at that). So, lets take a look at that new Ford Fusion hybrid...

Courage

I spent all of yesterday, in between loads of vacation laundry, to catch up on all of your blogs. What I found was a phenomenal number of blogs that are exhibiting courage right now. Courage in a variety of ways. We have an over-worked and stressed mother reaching out for a small baby in a bad home environment. It will mean taking on a family member. We all know how easy that is! We have a young woman reaching out, and actually doing something, for a young mother and her three tiny children who found themselves homeless and on the streets. A young girl in India showing up to tutor children who's only school is a dusty yard in front of a shackled building. The list goes on and on. People overcoming anxiety and other devastating illnesses to get better, and in so doing, are inspiring others to do the same.

One of those people inspired to show some courage is myself. Let me preface this by saying, my Achilles heel is children and animals. I spent years in school with the idea of becoming a family counselor. But I always knew, and my husband reinforced, that there was no way I could be objective when it came to children. A very important and necessary trait of a good therapist. So, instead I decided to take a job offer at a hospital where I was doing my internship. I worked in a wellness division and really enjoyed supervising a variety of programs. But it wasn't what I was trained to do, nor was it following the path I was meant to tread.

All the while, since working, and moving from state to state, I have had the intention of getting back to volunteer work. Specifically with needy families and children. But I kept putting it off. And I continue to put it off. 

Until last night. I had an epiphany and the light turned on. 

What I realized, is that I am protecting myself from the hurt that will come from working with children and families that are struggling. There will be those tiny faces, so at the mercy of the adults in their lives, that I will be limited in helping. And I will worry and stress and bring it home with me. I will be uncomfortable. I will be sad at times, furious in others. In other words, it's going to take courage. But if all of you can be courageous - why can't I? You have inspired me to go out tomorrow afternoon to our local Children's Cabinet and roll up my sleeves. There has never been a time that our world needed courageous, loving people, more than now. It's time, as Pema Chodron suggests "to lean into the points". Face our fears head-on, and, in the process feel the pain, but also reap the rewards.

Thank you peeps, you are the greatest!

Light, Love & Blogs

A couple of blogs I read recently are feeling the "change" that I am also feeling, in terms of a shift in energy. I learn something from all of your blogs, and I try to give back when I can. But sometimes a really good blog comes up that is especially good at lifting us up. You might want to visit Being Gemel, if you want a little spiritual lift. Beautiful blog, with lots of inspirational quotes and pictures. A love for animals. Nice things.

If any of you come across exceptionally positive blogs, I would love to know about them. Sometimes we need to focus on the positive to slog through personal stuff in our lives. It's important to draw positive energy to us, don't you think?

With that being said, I also enjoy all the other blogs out there that can be funny, sad, hopeful, irreverent, silly, and informative. That, to me, is the beauty of the blog world. And now that I'm back, I look forward to catching up...

P.S. - All those lovely spring pictures we have all been enjoying - this is what our neck of the woods looks like today. The little stream is full, though!

Nothing Like Your Own Loo

After two weeks of traveling through Bend, Portland, the Oregon coastline, and California coastline, with an overnight at my brothers' in Sacramento, we are once again in the mountains. It smells sweet and fresh, and we count our blessings. We have managed to sleep in six different beds. And for the life of me, I cannot help myself from wondering just how many people have slept in that bed, and more importantly, used that bathroom. I know it's obsessive. I'm aware it is not healthy. But I wonder anyway.

My husband calls me the "princess and the pea" because I am kind of fussy about my bed. My girls both know that they had better have fresh sheets when I visit, because I can tell. So, all in all, I loved traveling and seeing all that beautiful scenery. But there really is no place like home.

Earth Day Contemplation

My thoughts today are revolving around Earth Day. And materialism. There was something I read the other day in Pema Chodron's book "When Things Fall Apart", that just might be applicable today. She was discussing the times when we are "nailed by life" and all defenses are not working.

"Most of us do not take these situations as teachings. We automatically hate them. We run like crazy. We use all kinds of ways to escape - all addictions stem from this moment when we meet our edge and we just can't stand it. We feel we have to soften it, pad it with something, and we become addicted to whatever it is that seems to ease the pain. In fact, the rampant materialism that we see in the world stems from this moment."

Today I intend to think about how I pad these moments, because I certainly do. What about you? How do you "pad" your moments? 

Sea Ranch

For those blogging friends from California, I'm sure you know about Sea Ranch. But for those of you unfamiliar with the California coast, Sea Ranch is a planned development between Fort Bragg and Bodega Bay. It was designed to have homes that would not take away from the beauty which surrounds them. It has about 9 miles of trail all along the ocean front, but many more miles of trails up into the forested areas across Hwy One, which is also part of the development. It is a marine reserve, so the tide pools are always full of life. And you have your choice of several beaches, often with no one on them. A more beautiful spot would be hard to find.

We have brought our family here for many years, especially when our children were young. We would pack up the car with kids, food, dogs, kites and toys and head to Sea Ranch for a week of sun, beach, walking, napping, and just being together. Our lives were hectic in those days. Kids going one way, me another, and my husband always working. This week, every other year, was our time to spend quietly, communing with some of the most beautiful nature in the world. We would rent a different house each time. Some better than others - but that was part of the adventure! Everyone had a good book, and play was encouraged. Friends were not allowed to come on this trip - only family. That way we had them all to ourselves!

They're grown now, but the memories linger. We look forward to introducing our new grandson and son-in-law to Sea Ranch someday. If you have a chance, take a few days and stay at the lodge or rent one of the hundreds of homes that rent for several days, or weeks, and treat yourself to some exercise "Sea Ranch style".

Heading Out - Looking for Adventure (and whatever comes our way!)

There has been several posts about people heading out and coming back. I guess spring is the time to flap our wings a bit, and see what's out there. Here are a couple of snapshots of the beautiful Redwood Forest in Northern California, and of course, the magnificent Pacific Ocean. Hope you are enjoying spring wherever you happen to be.