Monday, July 4, 2011

GRANNY'S GOODIES, GRIPES AND GROANS: FREEDOM--WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU?

GRANNY'S GOODIES, GRIPES AND GROANS: FREEDOM--WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU?: "TODAY IS INDEPENDENCE DAY: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both signed the Declaration of Independence on July 2, 1776. the National Holi..."

FREEDOM--WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU?

TODAY IS INDEPENDENCE DAY:


John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both signed the Declaration of Independence on July 2, 1776. the National Holiday was declared on July 4, 1776.


Ironically 50 years later both of these "founding fathers" died on the same day just hours apart on July 4, 1826.


Today we celebrate our breaking away from British rule.  This is only one kind of freedom.


I once read a story of a man who was shackled in a dark pit in Haifa, Israel.  His name was Baha'u'llah.  In Arabic his name means, "The Glory of God."  Jesus the Christ told us in the Book of Revelations that He would send us a "comforter", and on Him He would write a NEW NAME.  He said that the name would mean, "The Glory of the Lord."  Baha'u'llah is that "comforter".


He spent most of His life being scourged, beaten, imprisoned and exiled from country to country  and spent many years in "The Most Great Prison" in Akka where there were no windows, no running water and no facilities.  This Holy man was forced to live among thieves and murderers. He did so without complaint, and His spirit soared because His "freedom" came from God.


It was while in this prison that He was visited by an angel who told  Him that He was the new chosen divine messenger of God.  


Baha'u'llah after being released from the "pit" was always under "house arrest" and was constantly scorned and had to suffer indignities and disbelief--much like Jesus the Christ.  However, since God had manifested His Spirit into this human soul, Baha'u'llah had the power to withstand every kind of humiliation and degradation that the Clerics of that day as well as the Islamic Government could heap upon Him.  He was constantly ridiculed and cursed at.  In spite of this He had many staunch followers.  He was most beloved by these brave souls who were putting their own lives at risk to be wherever He was, and to openly worship Him. 


Baha'u'llah and the founder of the Babi Faith known as the Bab ( meaning "the Gate" in Arabic) were known as the "twin prophets".  Bab declared his mission in 1844 and was much like Johm the Baptist who was the forerunner to Jesus the Christ.  He came to tell the Jewish people that God had sent a new messenger. Many did not believe Him  and He too was treated with indignities, tortured and finally killed. 


However unlike John the Baptist, the Bab was a divine prophet himself and brought new laws and a new book called the Bayan.  He died a martyrs death,  but not before He had firmly implanted the teachings of His book into the hearts of His followers.  He also commanded that after His death they were to follow the new Messiah known as "The Glory of God".  Baha'u'llah declared Himself to be the one that mankind had been waiting for. He let it be known in 1863 that he indeed was the "Promised One" of all ages.


Baha'u'llah was sent to bring about love and peace through His teachings.  He wrote over 100 epistles and books in His own hand, or those that he dictated to His secretary.  Two of my favorite books are "The Kitabi-Aqdas ( The Book of Laws), and the Hidden Words (words from God). I also highly recommend a book called. "Baha'u'llah: King of Glory" by H. M. Balyuzi, you can find it on Amazon.com/


If you are interested in learning more about this most recent prophet, and His wonderful Baha'i Faith, go to www.bahai.org/


Yes--I am a Baha'i, and have been for over 40 years.  As Baha'is we do not proselytize, but we do invite you to investigate for yourself.


That's what "freedom" means to me--the right to share with anyone what I believe--no strings attached.


Following are some of the principles of the Baha;i Faith:


  1.   ALL HUMANITY IS ONE FAMILY
  2.   WOMEN AND MEN ARE EQUAL
  3.   INVESTIGATION OF TRUTH WITHOUT PRECONCEPTIONS
  4.   SCIENCE AND RELIGION WORK HAND IN HAND
  5.   ECONOMIC PROBLEMS ARE LINKED TO SPIRITUAL PROBLEMS
  6.   FAMILY UNITY IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE
  7.   ALL MAJOR RELIGIONS COME FROM GOD
  8.   THERE IS ONE GOD
  9.   THE NEED FOR AN AUXILIARY LANGUAGE
10.   MANDATORY EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN
11.   THERE IS NO CLERGY--WE ARE THE TEACHERS
12.   WORLD PEACE IS THE UTMOST NEED OF OUR TIME


The following are questions often asked about the Baha;i Faith:


   1.   WHO IS BAHA'U'LLAH?
   2.   WHAT IS THE VISION FOR THE FUTURE?
   3.   HOW DO BAHA'IS RELATE TO POLITICS?
   4.   HOW DO THE BAHA'IS VIEW THE ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS?
   5.   HOW DO BAHA'IS SPREAD THEIR BELIEFS?
   6.   WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME FROM FOR ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS?
   7.   WHERE DO THEY WORSHIP?
   8.   WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF LIFE?
   9.   DO BAHA'IS BELIEVE IN HEAVEN AND HELL?
 10.   WHAT IS YOUR VIEW ON MARRIAGE?
 11.   HOW CAN I BECOME INVOLVED?


What Baha'u'llah has to say about freedom:


          "If the learned and worldly-wise men of this age were to allow mankind to inhale the fragrance of fellowship and love, every understanding heart would apprehend the meaning of liberty, and discover the secret of undisturbed peace and absolute composure."--Baha'u'llah


Have a very Happy 4th of July, and please be safe.


GOD BLESS!!   SEE YOU NEXT TIME!!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

GRANNY'S GOODIES, GRIPES AND GROANS: SOME OF GRANNY'S POETRY

GRANNY'S GOODIES, GRIPES AND GROANS: SOME OF GRANNY'S POETRY: "I ran across this piece of poetry that I had written a couple of years ago when I lived in Canyon County near Santa Clarita. It sort of te..."

SOME OF GRANNY'S POETRY

I ran across this piece of poetry that I had written  a couple of years ago when I lived in Canyon County near Santa Clarita.  It sort of tells a story about what I was feeling at the time:


THERE'S A BIRCH TREE OUTSIDE MY WINDOW


There's a Birch Tree outside my window,
It's white arms patchy where gnarly knots grow.
It does not stand like a sentinel all stately and stiffety,
It sort of slouches rather mindless of any security,
As it gently sways its patchy arms in various places, 
Perhaps waiting to witness one of its Makers infinite graces.


Inside--my window is covered with vertical plastic bars,
Slightly open to send shafts of light streaming down on faded floors,
Like cells, reminding me of the prison of pain I've come to know.
Makes me wonder, "When will this life let me go?"
If only God would lift this burden from my being,
Before it's my, "Day of Reckoning."


However, I keep finding reasons to keep me here,
Another story to write, another soul to comfort, so dear.
I see loved ones drowning in their own self-made prison.
I tell myself that is the only reason.
My soul has not repaired unto the realm above,
It senses my heart still yearns with love.


BUT--I am NOT God!
How dare I think that I can do His job!
I guess I looked around and thought He needed my help,
So all these mistakes I made that I took upon myself,
I failed to see my fault and upon others placed the blame.
GOD did just fine without me--before I ever came.


I'm old now, and have learned a thing or two.
I only want to do what He wants me to do.
I LOVE this faltering world in its misguided glory,
Perhaps I'm still here to write another story.
Could it be to research the way to end pollution?
How about that God?  Is there a just solution?


OR--perhaps an article or two on how to give,
In order that some other souls may live.
How about a care package to one fighting overseas?
Say a prayer for them and listen to their pleas.
OR--help that homeless, hungry child that cries,
Give that starving soul sustenance and love--lest it dies.


I have been reading, "Baha'u'llah: King of Glory".
It is truly quite an awesome story,
About God's Messenger for this day
Who has been sent to show us the way,
To learn how to live with LOVE for man,
And to help bring PEACE upon this land.


EVIL does heinous things in "The name of GOD."
IN THE NAME OF GOD?  That seems rather odd.
Where is it written that it's okay to smite another?
What I read is, "Love thy neighbor as thy brother."
An eye for an eye leaves everyone blind.
LOVE IS THE ANSWER--try to be kind.


I want to learn more about Baha'u'llah's plan,
To bring about PEACE upon this land, 
To help teach mankind about who GOD is,
To show others how we can do all this,
Then my life will have some worth,
Before I leave this moldering earth.


I'm just an old lady of eighty plus years,
Dying is really the least of my fears.
Being of use to somebody, somehow,
Is mostly what I think about now.
I have been a caregiver  nearly all of my life,
I've had up days, down days and days filled with strife.


At times, sitting here alone, in this cold lonely room,
Sort of gives me the feeling of impending doom.
I try with all of my might to think positively,
I cry a lot--and my nose gets all snively.
I swear to God up above--I am NOT depresssed,
As a matter of fact--I feel quite blessed!


I guess my theory is--when you're a kid, you want to be grown,
Then, when you're grown, you want to be on your own.
Soon with luck and some help from above,
You find that right someone and fall in love. 
Hopefully you have children to fill your life,
Along with the growing pains and strife.


SUDDENLY--a mid-life crisis occurs.
Was it his fault or was it hers?
Often, and in due course,
We hear that dreaded word--DIVORCE.
Then there is therapy, and let it be said,
Most women would go, men would not be caught dead.


Our children suffer the most I'm afraid,
When they are not aware of the plans that are made.
The judge says, "Six months with one parent, six with the other."
OR--"You'll visit your father, you'll live with your mother."
So, parents then tend to go on their own way,
While the kids, still unaware simply have no say.


Put your EGO on hold if you can,
Try to listen to the other man.
What does it gain to always be right,
If a soul is lost because he's not right in your sight?
Try the "Let go, and let GOD" thing,
What you learn may make your heart sing.


Now lately I've stated that, "LOVE IS THE ANSWER",
I'll not sit it out, I will be a dancer.
If our life gets to that, "Point of no Return",
There  must still be something that we need to learn.
If your life is in upheaval, and you're feeling odd,
Call Him whatever you want, but turn to YOUR GOD.


You don't have to listen to me--I'm just an old crone,
With not much to do but compute, and sit by the phone.
You may not believe it--but with age comes wisdom,
When I was younger I too thought that dumb.
But, the older I grew, the more I knew,
The adage I thought dumb, was wise and true.


All this writing is really for me,
It's the way I get my feelings out you see.
However, if my rantings have lifted your spirit,
OR--made you laugh, OR cry--I'm glad to hear it.
It means this old crone's mind is still in tact,
And that my dears is a matter of fact.


There is a Birch Tree outside my window,
With white patchy arms where gnarly knots grow,
I've opened the plastic slats to let in the morn.
That's odd, the faded carpet no longer seems worn.
I've written my feelings down, both glad and sad,
Meditated, prayed and heard GOD say, "Now see, it isn't so bad!"


SINCE I WROTE THIS I HAVE MOVED AND I HAVE TO ADD AN ADDENDUM.


Just before I moved, they cut down my beloved Birch Tree, and I felt so sad. But here I have a huge tall Christmas (Spruce) Tree outside my window, and now I don't feel so bad.


I hope I haven't taken up too much of your time.  Just thought that if anyone out there is feeling down, this might cheer you up, because everyone feels low sometimes.


GOD BLESS!!  SEE YOU NEXT TIME!!

I HAVE SINCE MOVED AGAIN.

Because of my health I had to move to an area where the air is clearer. I now live in beautiful downtown Santa Monica, seven blocks from the ocean. It's not Hawaii, but it's not bad!  Now  the view out my window is of Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Monica, Bel Air, Brentwood, Hollywood Hills, Angeles Crest
Mountains, San Gabriel Mountains, East as far as the eye can see,  Century City, Mid City, East Los angeles, Los Angeles, South Los Angeles, Saint John's Hospital, Playa vista, and points south.  Right across the street is Reed's Park. The view is breathtaking on a clear day, and sparkling at night with all of the lights. I live on the 14th floor of a Senior Apartment Building. I am an acri-phobic, but I'm dealing with it.  I lived on the 14th floor in Hawaii too, and I dealt with it there.  One simply does what one has to do...right?

GOD BLESS!!  SEE YOU NEXT TIME!!



Saturday, April 30, 2011

STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT IN OUR MATURITY

MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY


When I was a child--I yearned to know the answers to everything.
When I was a teen-ager--I thought I knew the answers to everything.
When I was a young adult--I knew, I knew the answers to everything.
When I was a mother--I went back to yearning to know the answers to everything.
When my children grew up--I went back to thinking that I knew the answers to everything.
Now that I am really old--I know very little about anything.

God Bless!  See you next time!!

Thursday, March 31, 2011

GRANNY'S GOODIES, GRIPES AND GROANS: THE PAIN GOES ON

GRANNY'S GOODIES, GRIPES AND GROANS: THE PAIN GOES ON: "This may seem a rather negative essay for this blog--however, it is meant only as a deterrent to anyone who may be in a depressed and ..."

GRANNY'S GOODIES, GRIPES AND GROANS: THE PAIN GOES ON

GRANNY'S GOODIES, GRIPES AND GROANS: THE PAIN GOES ON: "This may seem a rather negative essay for this blog--however, it is meant only as a deterrent to anyone who may be in a depressed and negative mood. Depression can be deadly, we must not fall victim to it, but rise above whatever it is that troubles us. It isn't easy, but if we have faith in a higher power He will bring us through if we but ask Him too.

THE PAIN GOES ON

This may seem a rather negative essay for this blog--however, it is meant only as a deterrent to anyone who may be in a depressed  and /or helpless state of mind.  I know few who have not at one time or another in life experienced this particular vulnerability.  I myself have been on both sides of this fence, therefore am able to have empathy for both.  I have suffered through the pain of loss, guilt, what if's, anger, self-loathing, and all of the degrading epithets we place upon ourselves and the loved ones who were unable to withstand whatever illnesses, obstacles, or seemingly impossible onuses life deemed to have placed upon them.


Not long ago I was tuned into the Oprah Show.  I watched as a saddened Marie Osmond related the story of her son Michaels death by his own hand.  I was reminded of a piece of poetry I wrote on this subject several years ago after the death of a loved one's relative.  Every stroke of my pen brought back the horrific feelings that I had to endure upon hearing that my mother had taken her life at the young age of forty-five.  I am a survivor--she was not.  I will not go into why she was not, because that is her story.  Suffice it to say I'm not so sure I could have survived it either.  However, I will say that because of my own grief it kept me from ever doing anything to cause that same grief to my own family no matter how tough the going became.


For anyone out there having a difficult time, know that tomorrow is another day, and help is simply a prayer away.     


The name of my poetry is:  THE PAIN GOES ON--because it does!


                                THE PAIN GOES ON


Suicide is devastating! It tears asunder 
the heart, and rips it until nothing is left except fragments, that continue to haunt like bits and pieces of abstract painting on an artist's canvas.


Explosions of color signifying anger, guilt,
resentment and pain brush across stark white 
void, writhing in wild configurations until--
frustration totally spent--the brush of memory
moves on.


When motion ceases, words appear.
"Why did you leave me?"  
"You didn't love me."
"You're selfish."  


The brush of memory having temporarily purged the pain and frustration, creates new words on yet another stark white canvas.


"I'm sorry!"
"forgive me?"
"I forgive you."
"I'll always love you!"


These fragments are tucked away, and brought out only rarely.  As time goes by, love has replaced anger and resentment--however, 
THE PAIN GOES ON!
                             
  

Sunday, March 27, 2011

GRANNY'S GOODIES, GRIPES AND GROANS: R.I.P. DAME ELIZABETH

GRANNY'S GOODIES, GRIPES AND GROANS: R.I.P. DAME ELIZABETH: "I grew up with her movies. I am not an idol worshiper, but I came close with Elizabeth, because my mother looked like her, and I lost ..."

R.I.P. DAME ELIZABETH

I grew up with her movies.  I am not an idol worshiper, but I came close with Elizabeth, because my mother looked like her, and I lost my mother when she was only forty-five.


Just the following memorial from me--short and sweet.


Good night sweet princess--may flights of angels speed thee to thy rest.


I had a little help from Mr. Shakespeare.


God Bless!  See you next time!!



Wednesday, March 23, 2011

MARCEL? YOU HEAR ME?

WHO IN THE HECK IS MARCEL?


The TV has been bombarded of late with ads shouting, "Do you hear me Marcel?"  Even one of our news reporters here in Kern county chants it.  I would like to know who this person is.


I looked up famous Marcels, and the only ones that I thought worth writing about are:


Marcel Marceau--a famous French actor and mime.  His most famous character was called, "Bip the Clown."   Mssr. Marceau was born on March 22, 1923, and died on September 22, 2007.


Marcel Cerdan--a French boxer who was supposedly a peace-loving man, not easily ruffled or given to emotional display.  He was born in 1916--no date of death is given, so perhaps he is still alive.   He would be in his nineties.


Marcel Proust--French Novelist.  He was born in 1871, died in 1922.  He also gave us some famous quotes as follows:


1.   Everything great in the world comes from neurotics.  They alone have founded our religions and composed our master pieces.


2.  Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.


3.   A change in the weather is sufficient to recreate the world and ourselves.


I wonder if he knew something we didn't about global warming, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and tsunami's?


God Bless!  See you next time!!


Monday, March 21, 2011

DID YOU KNOW?

OVERHEARD ON THE STREET


1.    "Vegetarian   is an old Indian word meaning 'lousy hunter'."


2.   "Did you know that it costs forty-thousand dollars a year to house  each prisoner?  Jeez, for forty-thousand bucks apiece, I'll take a few prisoners into my home.  I live in Los Angeles, so I already have bars on the windows."


3.   "I don't think we should give free room and board to criminals. I think they should have to run twelve hours a day on a treadmill and generate electricity.  If they don't want to run, they can rest in the chair that's hooked up to the generator."


4.   "My wife uses fabric softener. I never knew what that stuff was for until I noticed women coming up to me, sniffing, then saying under their breath, 'Married!' and then walk away.


5.   "Fabric softeners are how our wives mark their territory.  We can take off the ring, but it's hard to get that April fresh scent out of your clothes."


6.   "Men and women are different in the morning.  We men wake up aroused in the morning.  We can't help it.  We just wake up and want you.  And the women are thinking, 'How can he want me the way I look in the morning?' --It's because we can't see you.  We have no blood anywhere near our optic nerve."


7.   "You know those shows where people call in and vote on different issues?  Did you ever notice there's always like 18% that say 'I don't know.'  It costs 90 cents to call up and vote they're voting 'I don't know'.  He says, 'Honey, I feel very strongly about this.  Give me the phone. (Says into the phone) 'I DON'T KNOW!' (Hangs up looking proud.) Tells his wife, 'Sometimes you have to stand up for what you believe you're not sure about.'  This guy  probably calls up phone sex girls for $2.95 to say, 'I'm not in the mood'."


8.   "My grandmother has a bumper sticker on her car that says, 'Sexy Senior Citizen.'  You don't want to think of your grandmother that way, do you?  Out entering wet shawl contests. Makes you wonder where she got that dollar she gave you for your birthday."


9.   "Did you ever hear one of those corny, positive phone messages on someone's answering machine? You have two new messages: Beep: 'Hi, it's a great day and I'm enjoying it right now.  I hope you are too.  The thought for the day is: 'Share the love.'  Beep:  'Uh, yeah...this is the VD clinic calling...Speaking of being positive, your test results are back.  Stop sharing the love'."


10.  "Because over the past few years, more money has been spent on breast implants and Viagra than is spent on Alzheimer's Disease  research, it is believed that by the year 2030 there will be a large number of people wandering around with huge breasts and erections who can't remember what to do with them.


Hmmm...I guess we'd better find another street to listen in on!


God Bless!  See you next time!!
.   

GRANNY'S GOODIES, GRIPES AND GROANS: GRANNY'S GOODIES, GRIPES & GROANS: A JOKE EVERY DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY!!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

GRANNY'S GOODIES, GRIPES & GROANS: A JOKE EVERY DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY!!

GRANNY'S GOODIES, GRIPES & GROANS: A JOKE EVERY DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY!!: "There are three kinds of people in this world: Those who can count and those who can't! Man: Doctor, I have a serious problem. &nbsp..."

A JOKE EVERY DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY!!

There are three kinds of people in this world: Those who can count and those who can't!


Man:  Doctor, I have a serious problem.  I can never remember what I just said.
Doctor:  When did you first notice this problem?
Man:  What problem?


FUNNY QUESTIONS:


1.   If it's true that we are here to help others--then what exactly are the others here for?


2.   Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called "rush hour".


3.   Why do they lock gas station bathrooms?  Are they afraid someone will clean them?


4.   If you can still  move your lips--why do they call it lipstick?


5.   The teenager said, "Why is it so HARD to listen to EASY listening music?"


6.   If people with multiple personalities threaten to kill themselves--is it considered a hostage situation?


7.   You can't have everything--where would you put it?


8.   What do they use to ship Styrofoam?


9.   Is it true that cannibals don't eat clowns--because they taste funny?


10.  Do cemetery workers prefer the--graveyard shift?


11.  If Fed Ex and UPS were to merge, would they call it--Fed UP?


12.  Can vegetarians eat--animal crackers?


13.  Why do the people who know the least--know it the loudest?


14.  What does "cheese" say when it gets its picture taken?


15.  Why do they call the man who invests all of your money  a "broker"?


16.  If people from Poland are called Poles, why aren't Hollanders called Holes?


17.  Why is bottled lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dish washing liquid is made from real lemons?


18.  Why are they called "hemorrhoids" instead of "asteroids"?


19.  Where do forest rangers go to "get away from it all"?


20.  George said, "My wife's from the Midwest, very nice people there--very wholesome.  But, I keep wondering why they use words like 'cripes' as in, 'for Cripe's sake.'  Who would that be--Jesus Cripes? The son of 'Gosh' of the church of 'Holy Moly'?  Please, I'm not making fun here.  You think I wanna burn in 'Heck'?"


More funny stuff tomorrow or the next day!!


God Bless! See you next time!!

Monday, March 14, 2011

GRANNY'S GOODIES, GRIPES & GROANS: GOOD GLOBAL WARMING

GRANNY'S  GOODIES, GRIPES & GROANS: GOOD GLOBAL WARMING: "My dearest brothers & sisters: I started this on February 27, but had to put it on hold for a couple of weeks. This is actually being w..."

GOOD GLOBAL WARMING

My dearest brothers & sisters:

I started this on February 27, but had to put it on hold for a couple of weeks. This is actually being written at 4:00am on Monday morning, March 14, 2011.

Granny hasn't been writing for the past couple of weeks because she is in a groaning mood.  It is so difficult to write about positive stuff, when there is so much negative stuff going on.

Some of it has been up close and personal--like severe illness and ultimate death in the family.  That leaves me with a heavy heart for the loved ones who are trying to cope with it. All I can do is cry and say prayers, and let them know that I am there for them, and to help in any way that I can.  That is how I show them that I love them--I also tell them that I love them--constantly.  Grieving folks need all the support they can get. I could use a little myself--I'm about cried out.  


On top of everything else, along comes a tsunami and just about wipes out Japan.  I have been glued to the television, while my heart is still breaking for my loved ones, now it is breaking for a nation that is reeling from such horrible devastation that it leaves one wondering, "What next?"

However, the political winds that are blowing in this country and around the world, is also placing more weight on my already weakened heart(don't panic, emotionally--not physically).  I keep promising myself I will not watch the news anymore--but then--how will I keep up with what is going on around the globe, as well as here at home?  It's a big "catch 22" for me right now.

Is it not enough, that all of those wonderful human beings who are fighting for their "freedom" in the "middle east", have been  beaten, jailed and even killed, to gain what our wonderful human beings here in this country fought for--forever, and still haven't totally gained?  Is that not enough, to convince the crazy egoistic creatures, who claim that they know what is good for their country-men, to back down and say, "Okay, we'll change--we'll give you freedom?"  Or at least "man-up" and step down if they can't or won't give the people what they want and deserve
These so-called leaders seem more like narcissitic controlling dictators.  They are--sick-sick-sick individuals. I say God help them. 

But first, with your help O LORD, mustn't we make an effort to help these poor people to the best of our ability?  They are our God relatives, our brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles, sons and daughters.  They just come from another country that He created. We're not just America, or North America, or Africa, or Asia, or Europe anymore. It's a "small world after all"  doesn't only apply to a small area of land called, "Disneyland". Human beings live in every corner of this earth, and possibly creatures of many kinds live on other planets (keep an open mind) you never know. 


I believe that we Americans are a compassionate and caring people.  We prove it whenever their is a disaster of great magnitude, such as 911, Katrina, Indonesia, Haiti or the present Japanese devastation.  We immediately do what we can to help those suffering souls. 


The unfortunate beings who happen to live in a country where they are controlled by narcissistic madmen should be given the chance to choose whom they want to govern their country, and if the person they choose fails them, then they should be able to vote them out of office.  Any country should allow their people to have the freedom to do this.  It is time for all men and women to be free to pursue their dreams, choose whatever religion they believe in, and to live a healthy and fulfilling way of life.

I find that most folks today believe that there is only "one God", and that He can do whatever He wants. The majority of people seem to be quite "spiritual". Even those who have no obvious religious affiliations, appear to believe in a "higher power". I chose to become a Baha'i, meaning a follower of the prophet Baha'u'llah who we believe is the Manifestation of God for this day. His name means, "The Glory of God." I found my way there after many years of searching, seeking, praying and falling on my face a few times.  I seemed to have my own path, and it had many detours along the way.  Every now and then, I would get curious and take one of them--only to run speedily back to the main path. Why? Because I got my butt kicked. Did I learn from my experience? You betcha! However, that didn't keep me from being curious and taking another detour that looked inviting. Guess what happened?  I got my butt kicked again. Now, you would think that after enough butt kickings I would know better.  It took quite a few--but I think I have finally gotten the message. My therapist told me I should write a book(perhaps I will one day)right now I am writing a book, but it is a historical novel.

I have digressed to the extreme--forgive me. Meanwhile--back to the environment and the meanings of words that really aren't as ugly as some ugly people make them.

Anyway, the people in the middle east, and other parts of the world are normal human beings--who simply want to live a peaceful, comfortable life--with clean water, fresh air, an ample supply of healthy food, a safe environment with sturdy buildings to live in, and adequate medical help available when they are ill, and above all--shouldn't they have a fair and just government?

Mustn't we also try to help stop the enlarging of the "hole in the O-zone",as well as doing what is necessary for the "greening" of America and the rest of the world.  Mustn't we somehow convince "ego centrists" to put an abrupt stop to their "eco centric behavior", and all the other atrocity's that contribute to the problem of bad global warming. There is a method whereby we can obtain good global warming.  Please read on.

The words, "communism" and "socialism" have been bandied around since I can remember. I grew up under the "Franklin Delano Roosevelt Administration". I've been a spectator through the raising up of this country from one of the worst financial disasters of our time. 


I watched while my dad joined the Maritime Service, my twin brothers joined the Navy and were stationed on the, "U.S.S. Curtis". Those boys saw more action than most of us see in a lifetime.  It was WORLD WAR II , and they were hit by Kamakazi Fighters on a regular basis. Their buddies died in their arms. When they returned home, they were no longer the "boys" that left us. They weren't men either.  They were shells of what was left of the sweet young men they once had been. One of my brothers got married eventually, after he had healed somewhat, but he was really never a happy person. The other twin was all ready married before he left, and his wife was unable to understand the change in him, and they were divorced. I remember walking down the street with him one day, and an airplane flew ovehead--he dove for the bushes, but there were none, we were on the sidewalk. That was only one of my early "heartbreaks". He had a son while he was gone, and they went back together to try to save the marriage--they had a daughter, but it just didn't work--the emotional damage had been done. 


My stepmother had joined the WAAC's, and she and my dad had been together for over 22 years and had three children, but even their marriage ended in divorce.

My own husband was in the Seabeas when I met him, he was in the Second Batallion and stationed in Oxnard, California.  He was sent overseas to New Caledonia.  He would write me the most beautiful letters, and he wrote every day. Then one day I got the most wonderful news. They were sending him home on a medical leave. He was one of the "lucky" ones--his unit was shipped to Saipan where they were (God Bless them) all wiped out by the enemy. I'm sad to say that our marriage didn't last either.  I was only sixteen and he was twenty-one. I was too young to understand , and he had turned into a very selfish individual with little compassion for anyone else. There was a son involved, and it nearly destroyed him when his mother and father separated. I too went back and tried again for several years, but it simply didn't work out. Unfortunately he died last year from a stroke, and there was hardly anyone at his funeral--how sad. 


I also lost a cousin in the Korean War, He was only sixteen, but his mother signed for him to go into the Army because she thought it would straighten him out--he was killed. Mr. Winston Churchill said it best--WAR IS HELL!

I said all that to say this. We had better start straightening ourselves up, or else we may be flattened out! 2012 is just around the corner--not tryin' to scare ya--just givin' ya a heads up.

Now back to the meaning of the words:

"Propaganda" is a common "war-time strategy", and now it's being used as a "political" strategy.

I am in no way condoning the attitudes on communism that the Russians, Chinese, Marxists, Rightists, Leftists, or any other ists, or countries subscribe to that subjugate their people. It's vicious and only leads to destruction and death. 

All of us have a right to voice our opinions, and I'm sure that they are varied--and entitled. However, what I would like to do here is show what the words really mean (according to the experts) and give  a positive connotation to them. I don't understand what  all the "hullabaloo" is about.  The so-called Communists and Socialists have been at one another's throats since the year one--it's sort of like the "right", the conservative republicans, and the "left" , the liberal democrats. Somewhat like families who have to have something to fight about. I think they get bored easily and simply have to pick on someone--each other. Unfortunately their sibling rivalry spills over into the rest of society. 


Of course it's not really that simple.  It involves the "have" and the "have-nots", money, oil, big corporations, freedom, and the underground that have quietly moved above ground, and have become "legal", (wink-wink), oh--and capitalism.  There's another ism for you.  Put an "ism" on the end of any word, and voila, suddenly it becomes a dirty word. None of these are bad in and of themselves--it's what and who makes them "bad".


Communism comes from the word community. The dictionary terms for the following words: According to Websters Standard Thesaurus and Webster's New Dictionary, and Wikipedia:

community--n. public, people, village, hamlet, state; body of people with something in common, e.g., district of residence, religion; joint ownership.


commune--n. small administrative district; organization where property and responsibilities are shared in common. 


Well, well--sounds a lot like a family doesn't it? Think about it! Let's say I have a husband, children, grand-children, the grandparents and a few uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews all living in one big house, and we all share the responsibilities. 


According to the dictionary--we are living in a commune, which is communal living, which makes us communists. Is that bad? NO! It becomes bad when someone in the family decides to be the "boss" and  tells everyone else what to do and if they don't he/she whips them or perpetrates some other horribly degrading act upon them. Now it becomes "bad".

comrade--n. mate,companion, friend.


My husband then becomes my comrade, hopefully my friend, and my companion--my mate. What's wrong with that? Would that more families could be like that. There are far too many divorces today, and not enough marriages--everyone is living together. I'm sure that doesn't make the Father very happy. I'm not talking about the one in the home, although I'm sure he's not too happy either.:):)


Now we come to the word socialism: See--we tack on that "ism" and all of a sudden it becomes a dirty, scary word--to some people who don't understand what it means to be "social". Let's start with the word social:


so'cial--a.  living in communties; relating to society; sociable. -so'cially--adv.  -so'ciable--a.  inclined to be friendly, of ready companionship. -so'ciabil'ity--n.  -so'ciably--adv.  -soci'ety--n.  companionship; living associated with others; those so living; fashionable people collectively; association or club. -sociol'ogy--n.  social science. -so'cialism--n.  policy aiming at ownership of means of production and transport,etc., by the community.  -so'cialist--n.  socialis'tic--a.    (Websters New Dictionary)


social--a.  genial, pleasant. polite, civil. society: (organization) fellowship, association, brotherhood, fraternity, club. (culture)  community, civilization, people, nation. (Websters Standard Thesaurus).


In my opinion, and I am not alone in what I feel, that unfortunately there are those who aren't interested in being sociable, they are mainly interested in making money and maintaining their power structure. This autocratic thinking makes them dangerous, and motivates them to do whatever it takes to destroy whoever and whatever gets in their way. They are very clever and make it perfectly clear that it is only in our best interests that they do what they do or say (what they want us to hear). 


These entities have us fighting against each other because we, like fools think it's the government that gives the orders, so we choose up sides and believe that whatever party we belong to are the good guys. In order to win we have to resort to name calling, and lies about the other party.  I don't think that the "founding fathers" meant for this to happen when they created the two-party system.  


The government itself is not the monster here. The President is not in charge, he is only a puppet--any man that runs for the office is living in a dream if he believes that he can really make a difference. There are those of us who believe that corrupt organizations are running this country, and that they have, or at least think that they have pulled the proverbial wool over society's eyes. There are many of us who are not fooled, we simply don't have the numbers to fight them.  


We the people need to stand up and be counted and let them know that we will not let our country be sold down the river--so to speak. Our jobs are going elsewhere, rents are ridiculous, food is high, gas prices are unbelievable, and it's not just in this country--it's everywhere.


Most of us tend to buy into the propaganda put out by these inane persons who come along and try to convince us that their words are "gospel". Then there are the religious zealots who absolutely know that their way is the right way--usually the very far right way where the money and the power lay.


I believe that each one of us as individuals must say, "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me."  Also, "Love is the answer." should be in our hearts.  Until and unless we change our trifling ways and try to build a world that is at peace the outcome will be far more devastating than any tsunami, hurricane, tornado, famine, or earthquake we have ever witnessed.


The good global warming that I spoke of above is the "peace on earth good will toward man" kind of global warming that we should be aiming for.  If we can accomplish that then perhaps the bad global warming will cease to exist.


I wish to add here that I am no expert on anything. I am merely an individual who loves my fellow man/woman/child.  I wish to do whatever is in my limited power to help mankind grow in love and spirit, and to "pay it forward".


God Bless!  See you next time!!










Wednesday, February 9, 2011

ARE YOU A HAPPY CAMPER?

SSHHH--MORE SECRETS TO A HAPPY RELATIONSHIP

What does it take for a happy well-adjusted relationship?  How about happiness?  Most likely everyone has their own opinions as to what makes a person happy.  As the old saying goes, "What's one man's meat is another man's poison."  Sounds somewhat medieval, but often true.
Folks appear to find happiness in different places and by various methods.


As John Gray said, "Men are from Mars; Women are from Venus."    Of course  if the relationship is bi-sexual, that may not apply.  However, human nature is human nature.  Hardly anyone wants to be without a mate--the tricky part is, hanging on to one.


As I stated in my previous blog on relationships--I have no expertise in this area of my life. Experiences--yes!  Expertise--no!  However, being happy (most of the time) I have no problem with.


FOLLOWING ARE A FEW SECRETS TO FINDING HAPPINESS IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS:


1.    HONING IN ON HAPPINESS!


Instead of focusing on your partners mistakes, or trying to explain away flaws in your own character--zero in on the good attributes that you both possess.  


According to Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener, Ph.D., "Honing your strengths taps your emotional energy and boosts your sense of control and your self-esteem."  Thereby lifting your "happy" level!


2.    HAPPY TALK!


If you are a couple who is coasting along, seemingly happy enough, but have a problem communicating anything other than inconsequential chatter--make an effort to try talking things out.  It is important to have meaningful conversations in order to lift your spirits.


Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D., Author of, "The How of Happiness," relates:  We are happier when we feel connected to people, and discussing topics you care about--whether it's your kids, diet or spiritual views--brings you closer than just chitchatting about the weather."


So--be consequential--start talking, laugh a lot, and stop the chit-chat!


3.    PEOPLE PLEASERS--SUCK!


Another happiness booster is letting go of being a perfectionist.  A study has shown that people who are cool, calm and less stressed from trying too hard to be "people pleasers" are a great deal happier than those who constantly have to do their ultimate best.


Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener, co-author of, "Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth" says, "Given that perfection doesn't exist, shooting for it is stressful and exhausting because you're never done."


The saying, "Perfect practice makes perfect" should only apply to those who are active in the  Arts, such as ballet, music painting, etc..


Couples need to lighten up and expect less from each other.  As Bobby McFerrin explained through his music years ago, "Don't Worry--Be Happy!"


4.    FRAME IT!


Pictures are fun!  Keep framed portraits of family members on your walls and in albums.  If your loved ones live far away, then at least you have reminders of them close by.  


What joy and gladness whenever your relatives come to visit and are able to share memories with you.


Since genealogy is a big thing right now--finding family roots can be exciting.  There is a new show on television called, "Who Do You Think You Are?"  It stars celebrity's looking for their kin.  Very interesting program.  Finding a Kunta Kinte or a George Washington in your family may be something you can do together as a couple.


You can incorporate letters into your albums as well.  These mementos are a legacy to your children who can carry on the tradition.  


Make happy history!


GOD BLESS!  SEE YOU NEXT TIME!!