I Swore I'd NEVER post a restaurant food photo (but I guess I lied, lol)

With every ounce of truth in my being 

I SWEAR and promise:

This is exactly the way the 'fish sandwich' arrived!

FABoooo portion and very very yummy

But the best part was the visual, omg roflmao!

Who knew Fish could be SO FUNNY!?!

A Person Is....

 

 A person isn't who they are during the last conversation you had with them

They're who they've been throughout your whole relationship

Rainer Maria Rilke

Sentimental Sunday 1

Monday - Saturday way into the night are (mostly)  madly busy (sometimes) insane-paced. I try to pause for a minute or two every Sunday before the week begins anew, before the month relinquishes another quarter of itself to stop, to think, to consider something close to my heart, something of joy.....  It may be a picture. A quote. A story. It may be old, or new or repeat from time to time  - but it's what will be my heartsong come Monday morning.

The bills, the commitments, the 'lists', the goals each demand every day. And while progress is a wonderful thing, there needs to be a moment (or two) of joy - because without it what IS the point? 

Here's this weeks (and my first shared) Sentimental Sunday

I've always thought of windows that view the green

as a joint endeavor of nature and man. She creates the ever changing beauty

and we create the portals to (at any time we like) enjoy her work...

Issy 8/2015

What's your joy for the week?

If you are not near retirement/older now, one day you (hopefully!) will be!

As you know, I studiously avoid politics and inflammatory events here 99% of the time.  But there are issues that I believe so strongly have a need to be shared I set that avoidance aside.  Any strong opinion shared on the internet runs the risk of disagreement and discussion - which I honestly welcome ~ I learn much from listening to others. In the quest to share and shine a light on an issue that is (IMHO) of great import and in the spirit of open, calm discussion, read on!

There is a continually informative, interesting, honest blog I read by a woman Ronni Bennett that is a wealth of information regarding the journey of aging in these United States. She is a serious and factually backed writer with a career background in news production. She is direct about her opinions (something I like, personally) but is clear to note in her postings what is opinion and what is fact.
*There's also a solid bit of fun each Saturday*

I mention all this because I've followed Ms. Bennett and her writings for years and found much to ponder, to be aware of which has led me to contact (and log my opinion with) my congressional representatives. In particular in relation to issues that initially impacted my parents,will impact me eventually and will impact everyone who grows to 'senior age ' in this country.

I am exceedingly concerned, watching the Republican trend towards the elders of this country. Programs that each of them (and each of us have/do pay into for our future) have contributed (involuntarily I must note)  thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars for the time when work was no longer a viable path to pay the bills, heat the rooms, meet the property taxes and perhaps have a pet for company/comfort and a meal out now and then. All of the average means retired Soc Sec/Medicare elders I have ever known or met are not living the high life by any means. 

If you are older the emerging Republican trend alarms you (or IMHO it should). If you are younger it may seem unrelated to you - but consider the truth that it will impact you also (if you love your grandparents and parents) long before you need Soc Sec yourself. If some of these cuts are made you will have to watch your grandparents/parents be worried,be fearful, try to find jobs and perhaps even begin to do without essentials. A horrible prospect as an observer.  And a true financial hardship if you try your best (as you struggle to make ends meet in your life) if you love and worry about them and therefore do what you can to assist them. If you are younger and building a life hat's not something that you should have to do because of harsh Soc Sec (or Medicare) changes.

Some say words such as mine, and those of Ms. Bennett, are reactionary. I disagree. There are many many areas to review for 'savings' (such as removing the soc sec/medicare tax ceiling and various other loopholes). But please don't take anyone's opinion as the truth. Carve out some time to form  your own opinion. Research on your own. Read, and  truly grasp what is at stake prior to the elections which are not far off.

Here is the link to the blog post and some currently declared opinions from Republicans on Soc Sec

     Talk to others younger and older about this issue ~ discuss it as tho it matters ~ because it does.

Like the slowest zebra in the herd when the lions come to call I fear for not only those 

who are now elder but for each and every one of us

Because everyone has someone right now that is older, that 

they care enough about  to worry over and try to help.

They say,  no one gets out alive ~

What they don't say is that almost no one alive escapes without growing old first.

 Thanks for reading and considering my thoughts shared here - you know I appreciate it....

Monday muse day, shall we?

How long has it been since I (since we!) have done a **Monday muse day? 

I can't even pretend to remember....

Shall we again? 

Yes, I think (and hope) we will!

Starting now right now......

One random picture

from the homestead, picked today

Does it whisper something to you?

Will you share what it has to say?!

~~~

**Monday Muse-Day is really just
a bit of wool gathering, a bit of fun :-)

If you'd like to join in, share a single word

(the first that comes to mind or otherwise)

that you think of when you see this picture ....

Just One word (or more if you prefer)!!!

Perhaps a single word from a book or poem title?

Or one word snipped from a memory, or an impression, or emotion.

Easy Peasy - Just One Single Word.

I hope you'll join in and leave your "word" in the comments

on this, the newest Monday Muse-day !

(PS Subscribe to comments to see everyones word, including mine

which I leave later in the week so as not to influence anyones first impression)



Gates Of Change

photo by author 

copyright 2015

No one can persuade another to change. 

Each of us guards a gate of change 

that can only be opened from the inside. 

We cannot open the gate of another, 

either by argument or by emotional appeal.

author unknown - how I wish I knew the identity of the wise person who uttered these words....

Jon Katz ~ Seeing for Himself ~ West Wind Acres Farm

Jon Katz shares his visit to West Wind Acres Farm

If you have not read any the books written by Jon Katz (sold by his very local bookstore) I would say you should.  If you have never visited his blog, I would say please do.

He is someone I respect. He is open and honest. He suffers no fools yet remains welcoming to the thoughts and words of all who understand (and respect) the line between disagreement and intolerance.

He shares the story of his life, his farm, his animals, the beautiful creations by his artist wife Maria. He shares photographs, snippets of life, the reality of small farm life. His thoughts,images and insights far more often than not ring true in my mind. As a  published writer and past journalist he weaves words, tells stories. He windows the events that speak to him as they unfold.

Above all, he forms his own opinions.  With that said, I would like to share a link to his post that details his recent visit with Joshua Rockwood  at West Wind Acres Farm (with appreciation, thanks and full credit to Mr Katz).

After you've read the linked post about his visit to West Wind spend some time at the other pages of his blog Bedlam Farm. I'm betting you won't be disappointed, in fact I suspect you'll return to visit his words again (and again).

Farm Animals All Animals And The Law

I'm at a juncture in life right now that is  (mostly) comprised of one foot in front of another.I am (if you know me - and I am, even if  you don't know me) not a person to be political or stir the pot for the sake of drama. But am one who will speak my heart.....

This event is about farm animals, VERY small farms, good and bad people, situations and freedoms.

There are so very many people who love animals. All animals. There are established farmers. There are new and learning farmers - small animal and/or planters. There are people who honestly don't know what farm animals need because they are unfamiliar with them. There are people who are cruel to animals. There are people who are learning to take good/better care of animals (it's a bit like being a mother I think - you don't know the best ways to do it all at once - you grow proficient with time, with experience). There are people who think things should be done their way because they know "what is best" based on what information they have. There are those who don't believe in consuming meat. There are those who know 'food' only from a parking lot big box store. There are people who are inclined to react on emotion only, before facts are found, before questions are asked. There are people who don't think things all the way thru before they take action.  There are people who act upon misinformation.  There are people who seem to be, simply, bent on being destructive. All are part of the story.

There are people and animals who have lives that hang in the balance related to the mindset of all these various kinds of people.

I respect all opinions aside from those that don't consider vetted (no pun) opinions, circumstances. Such as winter, history, animal condition. Emotion is human, but decisions must be driven by fact, freedom, open discussion. I believe the one bringing complaint should be held as responsible to bring proof, to be as accountable for unsubstantiated claim as those he claims are deficient if found to be wrong.

Inquiry should be open handed - not as tho guilt is a given. Punishment should not be enacted prior to investigation.  The animals, the humans, the community all need to be considered and heard.

It's horrific and unacceptable to me that animals are EVER mistreated. It's equally horrific that good people behaving honorably could be destroyed by misinformation, misunderstanding or worse the possibility of malice. The current systems of inquiry in this country need some very very very serious evaluation....

All that being said, here is the link to the Westwind Farms story.
No matter what you may feel is right or wrong in action and outcome, I hope you will consider the truth that any farmer (or person) deserves the opportunity to defend themselves without the potential loss of their farm due to legal fees and loss of income costs. If you agree, here is the link to help.

And if you see fit, please share this story.  I fear dogs, cats, parakeets may be next...

More later.....

It's been such a very long time

It's been a very (very, very) long time since I was last here.

The kingdom has suffered loss that made my world a 

Painful place to be - not withstanding the decades of love shared - before the loss...

I confess to significant avoidance and perhaps outright hiding

Whilst seeking comfort wherever it could be found

I admit I've missed SO much in each of your worlds

  I hope to return to reading & commenting with each of you

And writing again here

Soon(?)

(or soon-ish-ly)

Till then, don't give up on me 

(at least not totally).....