Here and Now...What's Happening?

[PurpleLama]

Posted by norman (here)
It's hard to find a laugh right now, but . . . I nearly broke my chair with this one.

Thanks to Richter for finding this:

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=_RHKmOovMfM

What this video illustrates....

Is extremely dangerous to our democracy.

[Stephanie]

Posted by Melinda (here)
Recently realised it’s been 8 years since I joined the forum. What a worthwhile journey.

I’ve learned so much. The community here is much like a real family – in that some people feel like they find long-lost friends, some act like they wish they weren’t related at all, and some show their face only on special occasions.

But we are connected by what we have in common, which, apart from a few potential trolls now and then, is a search for truth. And a place to feel supported in navigating that journey.

Thought I’d celebrate by making a little donation (thanks for keeping this place going Bill), and... also... supplying vegan carrot cake.

Don’t be dismayed by the picture. I made enough for everyone, and placed it in a cosy log cabin in the dream realm - which to the best of my knowledge is not on lockdown. Accessible by password, which may be brought to you by a benign, furry spirit animal at your deepest level of sleeping. Possibly a wide-eyed loris wrapped in moonlight.

Blessings (and cake) for everyone




And for anyone with the lockdown blues, here’s some Reese, Harlow, and Indiana.

Much love

Dearest Melinda,
Oh how wonderful!....a celebration!

An inviting, cozy log cabin, carrot vegan cake, loving animal company
and all your beautiful guests.....I wouldn’t miss it for the world!

If I may add some pure, cool water from my well and delicious chocolates,
only the best....to this kind gathering.

This is going to be fun!

[araucaria]

Posted by PurpleLama (here)

Posted by norman (here)
It's hard to find a laugh right now, but . . . I nearly broke my chair with this one.

Thanks to Richter for finding this:

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=_RHKmOovMfM

What this video illustrates....

Is extremely dangerous to our democracy.

Hello my friend.
What this video illustrates is,,,
perhaps extremely dangerous to the alternative community. See this post.

[Melinda]

Posted by Stephanie (here)
Dearest Melinda,
Oh how wonderful!....a celebration!

An inviting, cozy log cabin, carrot vegan cake, loving animal company
and all your beautiful guests.....I wouldn’t miss it for the world!

If I may add some pure, cool water from my well and delicious chocolates,
only the best....to this kind gathering.

This is going to be fun!

Thank you Stephanie

I think you’d make a lovely neighbour. If I had my own garden I’d grow deep pink roses, and juicy rows of broccoli. Strawberries and bluebells. You would, of course, be welcome to bring a basket and pluck your own selection of goodies.

I love that you picked that photo of the 3 woofers from the batch in my post. Think it’s my favourite. You can find those guys at https://harlowandsage.com/

Your beverage and chocolates are much appreciated. So I’ve gathered you some wild (internet) flowers, and made you a little card. Added some furry friends... (below.)

Spending enough time ‘in lockdown’ contemplating the same political heaviness that I’ve had one eye on for decades - so it’s nice to recall and to tend the beautiful things in life.






Meanwhile (just in case anyone feels my dog post needs balancing with some feline energies) :

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=xBeMnQl-vq0

[Stephanie]

Posted by Melinda (here)

Oh Melinda what a welcoming card, little friends and the most beautiful bouquet of flowers,
they smell of Spring sunshine! Thank you!

I would love to join you....I will bring a basket, not to collect anything, but because it’s
full of nature’s gifts for you... and everyone.
Not only are there ripe, juicy oranges, sun blessed
lemons, various healing herbs, but honey to sweeten every day....and I’d best not forget.....
star sparkles to sprinkle on all our dreams.....

Blessings to you and all.

[meeradas]

do you telegram?
Have a look (scroll down a little on the first page)...

[justntime2learn]

I never met a girl could make me feel the way that you do
(You're all right)
Whenever I'm asked what makes a my dreams real
I tell 'em you do
(You're outta sight)
Well tweedle dee, tweedle dum
Look out baby now here I come
I'm bringin' you a love that's true yeah, get ready (get ready, get ready)
I'll stop makin' love to you, get ready (get ready, get ready)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (I said I'm on my way)
Get ready, 'cause here I come
If you wanna play hide and seek with love, let me remind ya
(You're all right)
The lovin' you're gonna miss, and the time it takes to find ya
(You're outta sight)
Well tweedle dee, tweedle dum
Look out baby now here I come
I'm bringin' you a love that's true yeah, get ready (get ready, get ready)
I'll stop makin' love to you, get ready (get ready, get ready)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (I said I'm on my way)
Get ready, 'cause here I come
If all of my friends shouldn't want me to, I think I'll understand
(You're alright)
I hope I get to you before they do 'cause, that's how I planned it
(You're outta sight)
Well fee-fi fo-fo-fum, look out baby, said here I come
I'm bringin' you a love that's true yeah, get ready (get ready, get ready)
I'll stop makin' love to you, get ready (get ready, get ready)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (I said I'm on my way now)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (oh)
If you wanna play hide and seek with love, let me remind ya
(You're all right)
The lovin' you're gonna miss, and the time it takes to find ya
(You're outta sight)
Well tweedle dee, tweedle dum
Look out baby now here I come
I'm bringin' you a love that's true yeah, get ready (get ready, get ready)
I'll stop makin' love to you, get ready (get ready, get ready)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (I said I'm on my way now)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (oh)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (hey, get ready, baby)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (you gotta get ready, ready)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (baby here I come)

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=ykRfgqhqsV8

[Rosemarie]

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=HOIzRdDo_3I

Feel like writing a long story here, but then I think.... it is not about me and keep quiet. Having said that , today I heard a version of this song I have love since my teens , so here it goes.

[Tracie (Bodhicee)]

It occurs to me

that possibly the real reason I've joined Avalon
is so I can use all those groovy emoticons. ....

[RunningDeer]

Face Masks, Grocery Shopping and Big Box Store

As the weeks pass, the shelves get barer and barer. Out of curiosity I went down a few aisles: picked over pickle jars and only the unpopular can vegetables were available. This week even the can lima beans found new homes. I didn’t bother to check the toilet paper aisle.

There’s a scant choice of potatoes in steamy plastic with holes just big enough to catch a whiff of mold and bags of greens stamped with soon to be expired dates. There were plenty of big old, gourds from last fall’s harvest and expensive exotic fruits and vegetables that were too close to their sell-by-date. All torturous territory for allergy sensitives, wheezers and EpiPen users.

There’s an airy quiet. Customers have withdrawn into themselves. The masks add another layer of non-communication. Lost smiles. People caught off guard if you send a head-nod-hello. Some instinctively look away. Others reciprocate with a few muffled words. I pretend I hear them and send an affirming nod their way.

This morning at the local box store, I surprised myself when I belted out through the face mask an exaggerated, “Have a good weekend,” to a young lady greeter as I walked out the store. She laughed. She understood. That priceless, impromptu encounter still lingers.

♡

[Tracie (Bodhicee)]

Posted by justntime2learn (here)

I never met a girl could make me feel the way that you do
(You're all right)
Whenever I'm asked what makes a my dreams real
I tell 'em you do
(You're outta sight)
Well tweedle dee, tweedle dum
Look out baby now here I come
I'm bringin' you a love that's true yeah, get ready (get ready, get ready)
I'll stop makin' love to you, get ready (get ready, get ready)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (I said I'm on my way)
Get ready, 'cause here I come
If you wanna play hide and seek with love, let me remind ya
(You're all right)
The lovin' you're gonna miss, and the time it takes to find ya
(You're outta sight)
Well tweedle dee, tweedle dum
Look out baby now here I come
I'm bringin' you a love that's true yeah, get ready (get ready, get ready)
I'll stop makin' love to you, get ready (get ready, get ready)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (I said I'm on my way)
Get ready, 'cause here I come
If all of my friends shouldn't want me to, I think I'll understand
(You're alright)
I hope I get to you before they do 'cause, that's how I planned it
(You're outta sight)
Well fee-fi fo-fo-fum, look out baby, said here I come
I'm bringin' you a love that's true yeah, get ready (get ready, get ready)
I'll stop makin' love to you, get ready (get ready, get ready)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (I said I'm on my way now)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (oh)
If you wanna play hide and seek with love, let me remind ya
(You're all right)
The lovin' you're gonna miss, and the time it takes to find ya
(You're outta sight)
Well tweedle dee, tweedle dum
Look out baby now here I come
I'm bringin' you a love that's true yeah, get ready (get ready, get ready)
I'll stop makin' love to you, get ready (get ready, get ready)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (I said I'm on my way now)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (oh)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (hey, get ready, baby)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (you gotta get ready, ready)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (baby here I come)

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=ykRfgqhqsV8

Justintime... Thanks so much for posting this - both the song and the visuals (and lyrics too) .

This song and version holds a special place in my heart: to me it bodes well, a good future.. exhorting us to be ready... for life! for love!

The passion and skill of the musicians to me, in my limited knowledge of music, seems breathtaking. So sexy, so earthed, so real.... A powerful expression, I feel, of what was activated by that first big incoming Aquarian wave in the late '60s, expressed well into the 70's.

I do feel that the second very major wave (birth pulse) is upon us now....!

The pause of this current crisis, the eclipse of what was firmly entrenched, has created a crack which is allowing unprecedented Light to pour in upon the planet, bringing the gifts, stimulation, upheaval and temporary chaos that higher vibrational energy brings.

"Get Ready" because love is coming to get you.... and, the skies light up for the joy of the giving and receiving of that and we all stand gazing up, jaws dropped, marvelling at the beauty and scope of what is unfolding before our very eyes.......

Thanks again!!!

[Kryztian]

I think our situation in densely populated Northern New Jersey is a little less bleak than yours Running Dear.

The shelves, for the most part, are still well stocked although some cleaning products, hand sanitizer and most famously, toilet paper is NEVER to be had? Did the manufacturers stop making it? Just over a year ago, the Marcal Paper Products factory burned downed in Elmwood Park. I live up on a hill and had a good view of the spectacular blaze from several miles away. I joked "there's going go be toilet paper shortage." Little did I know how correct that would be. I gave toilet paper to three different people and now one of them is calling me for more. I am beginning to feel like a black market dealer.

Since the quarantine, I've twice been at Wegman's, an upscale innovative supermarket. They seem to implement policies in response to COVID-19 long before others do. There first time I went there and bought 30 cans of cat food (I usually buy this amount) and the check out clerk had to check if there was a limit. When I went back last minute, lots of products had signs with a limit of how many you could buy (usually 1 or 2).

The Supermarket I went to yesterday had a sign "No Mask No Service." It feel lifeless and sterile without seeing facial expression, as if we were all wandering around in Burkas.

I live in an apartment building and and approximately one third of the residents have Spanish as their first language. When the quarantine started, they were, in general, the most lax about wearing masks, wiping down surfaces, etc. Now, suddenly, they seem the most paranoid, covering their hair when walking in the halls and lunging back into their apartments if they see anyone else. I guess they get their news from different media which is on a different timeline when it comes to creating fear and paranoia.

The governor of our state closed county and state parks and advised going to local parks (which is completely counter-intuitive, since local parks are more crowded and people go there more to socialize than exercise.) I decided to go to New York state to hike, only to find a county park closed. Fortunately, there was a state park. As I passed on hiker, I asked from a distance "how are you doing" and they replied "MUCH BETTER, now that I am here." It felt amazing not just to see so much beautiful nature, completely unaware that the world was in Lockdown, and to have a few short conversations with strangers.

I was really hoping to go to some of the botanical gardens in the area as Springs moves in. Crossing my fingers that they will be open.

[Tracie (Bodhicee)]

Here in the northern NSW area of Australia life seems to be going on, almost as normal. I understand only about 50? cases of covid have been found in the Byron/Tweed shires, with perhaps only 1 person in hospital, despite a dedicated covid clinic having been set up last week. (I don't watch the news so my figures are a little loose). Life is different compared to before because almost every Australian state made the dramatic decision to close its borders to any interstate visitor and so here where I live in my small town we need a permit (easily done) in order to drive to Queensland, 30km away.

I understand the whole country is in 'lockdown'. We're each meant to only go out for essentials, to have no visitors at home etc... Big fines $11,000 etc but police seem to have little interest in policing at that level. In the whole of Australia, maybe 10 fines have been issued. Australians are taking this seriously and are doing their part.
Personally I've felt only a little inconvenienced and in truth if i want something there's generally a way to get it.

Most shops, apart from essential ones, and a few rogue ones, are shuttered. Yet there's still plenty of people getting around, albeit far fewer than i'ver ever witnessed before. I notice as the days pass - we're into week 4 - that that hushed, almost fearful type silence has abated.. Now the days are feeling more like cruisey Saturdays rather than deep Sundays.

I'm acutely aware of how lucky I am to have been born here in this wide, spacious, wealthy country. Within days at the start the Federal Government released massive amounts of money to support people who were suddenly without work and income. The unemployed receive $500 au a week to live on; landlord power to evict etc has been frozen. Businesses receiving free loans and subsidies to keep employees on even as they are not working.

Food wise, the local big supermarket continues to have noticeably bare sections of shelves - flour, canned goods, yes toilet paper etc, rice, pasta.. little stock of these but if you shop early you can get some, albeit at a limit of 2 per person.
Coles and Woolies (the principal large food stores of this country) early on instigated a special shopping hour from 7-8am twice a week for the frail and elderly of the community. These ones don't have to fight to get what they need. It was an admirable, sensible, compassionate move.
But food wise here we have an abundant supply with flourishing local farmers' markets which are still continuing, more popular than ever before.

The mood on the street..? To me a tremendous sense of both respect and compassion is prevailing. People are super kind and thoughtful, making eye contact, moving aside to maintain the 1.5m recommended social distance margin, saying hello, neighbours saying "are you okay?" etc. The moving aside... I'm not sensing fear there but rather, the desire to not alarm or scare or impose.
I'm not being trite when i say that to me it feels like we are remembering how important we are to each other, how welcomed any form of social contact is.
Few are wearing masks but more are than before as that debate continues to be played out prominently.

Here in Australia I recognise we are not faced with what so many other places are facing. To me there's no doubt something unprecedented is occurring, on all levels. There is great opportunity present. For some this is the gravest crisis and tragedy. My heart goes out to the ones that have had to pass over all alone, the children and women stuck trapped in unsafe homes, the ones going out of their minds with worry about how to survive, even to where to get their next meal from.
I know that the only solution, to me, is for me to stay very focussed on .... the sun behind the clouds.
I feel like divine intervention is occurring... there is much assistance streaming down upon this planet.
Fear, anxiety, worry stops ones ability to feel this uplift...
More than ever nature and meditation and spiritual practice is imperative.

In truth, i do feel this is the time we've long felt was coming and have prepared for. Interesting tho', that no-one predicted that THIS would be the form it comes in!

Thank you Bill for Avalon and your dedicated, caring steering of this big ship. At risk of over mixing my metaphors: Avalon is truly a still port in the storm and I think we are doing magnificently. I'm so glad to be a member, thank you.

[RunningDeer]

Posted by Kryztian (here)
The shelves, for the most part, are still well stocked although some cleaning products, hand sanitizer and most famously, toilet paper is NEVER to be had? Did the manufacturers stop making it? Just over a year ago, the Marcal Paper Products factory burned downed in Elmwood Park. I live up on a hill and had a good view of the spectacular blaze from several miles away. I joked "there's going go be toilet paper shortage." Little did I know how correct that would be. I gave toilet paper to three different people and now one of them is calling me for more. I am beginning to feel like a black market dealer.

Black market toilet paper dealer. That's funny, Kryztian.

I’ve been working off my year old toilet paper stash. About a month ago, I went to replenish it only to discover both the grocery store and Target (a big box store) were out of stock. My reserves are fine for now but if it looks like the shortage will go on longer than a half year, then now is the time to consider alternative methods such as baby wipes AND cloth toilet paper.

About six weeks ago, I discovered a lot of my on-line staples were either back ordered, out of stock, or no longer available. What was available had increased in many instance by 20% across the web. Last week, one item doubled and other stores were out. No doubt, this will be the norm for awhile. Orders that typically take 3-4 days, took 3 weeks to arrive.

Cloth Toilet Paper (6:30 minutes)

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=B04f_KKBfzw

♡

[justntime2learn]

Thank you Bodhicee

It's always a blessing hearing when I've touched someone.

Get Ready!

Posted by Bodhicee (here)

Posted by justntime2learn (here)

I never met a girl could make me feel the way that you do
(You're all right)
Whenever I'm asked what makes a my dreams real
I tell 'em you do
(You're outta sight)
Well tweedle dee, tweedle dum
Look out baby now here I come
I'm bringin' you a love that's true yeah, get ready (get ready, get ready)
I'll stop makin' love to you, get ready (get ready, get ready)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (I said I'm on my way)
Get ready, 'cause here I come
If you wanna play hide and seek with love, let me remind ya
(You're all right)
The lovin' you're gonna miss, and the time it takes to find ya
(You're outta sight)
Well tweedle dee, tweedle dum
Look out baby now here I come
I'm bringin' you a love that's true yeah, get ready (get ready, get ready)
I'll stop makin' love to you, get ready (get ready, get ready)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (I said I'm on my way)
Get ready, 'cause here I come
If all of my friends shouldn't want me to, I think I'll understand
(You're alright)
I hope I get to you before they do 'cause, that's how I planned it
(You're outta sight)
Well fee-fi fo-fo-fum, look out baby, said here I come
I'm bringin' you a love that's true yeah, get ready (get ready, get ready)
I'll stop makin' love to you, get ready (get ready, get ready)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (I said I'm on my way now)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (oh)
If you wanna play hide and seek with love, let me remind ya
(You're all right)
The lovin' you're gonna miss, and the time it takes to find ya
(You're outta sight)
Well tweedle dee, tweedle dum
Look out baby now here I come
I'm bringin' you a love that's true yeah, get ready (get ready, get ready)
I'll stop makin' love to you, get ready (get ready, get ready)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (I said I'm on my way now)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (oh)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (hey, get ready, baby)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (you gotta get ready, ready)
Get ready, 'cause here I come (baby here I come)

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=ykRfgqhqsV8

Justintime... Thanks so much for posting this - both the song and the visuals (and lyrics too) .

This song and version holds a special place in my heart: to me it bodes well, a good future.. exhorting us to be ready... for life! for love!

The passion and skill of the musicians to me, in my limited knowledge of music, seems breathtaking. So sexy, so earthed, so real.... A powerful expression, I feel, of what was activated by that first big incoming Aquarian wave in the late '60s, expressed well into the 70's.

I do feel that the second very major wave (birth pulse) is upon us now....!

The pause of this current crisis, the eclipse of what was firmly entrenched, has created a crack which is allowing unprecedented Light to pour in upon the planet, bringing the gifts, stimulation, upheaval and temporary chaos that higher vibrational energy brings.

"Get Ready" because love is coming to get you.... and, the skies light up for the joy of the giving and receiving of that and we all stand gazing up, jaws dropped, marvelling at the beauty and scope of what is unfolding before our very eyes.......

Thanks again!!!

[Ernie Nemeth]

While I have the forum for a minute and am not blocked out, I would just like to say how much Avalon has meant to me and how much I owe to this place.

Thank you Bill, mods, members, and all our guests.

I love you all.
stay safe, stay strong

[Tracie (Bodhicee)]

Some beautiful pics posted to my fb page just now, taken by a friend...A lens flare or?

[Anka]

A picture from my garden, towards one of the hills, in which a kind of colorful big flying turtle appears
whatever it is, I like it

[Sophocles]

What’s happening right now is that I seem to be the only member online…

Though I usually enjoy my own company it feels a bit weird to be ‘alone’ in this digital space right now.

But don't worry I'll hold the fort

See you all soon



Valkyrien Allstars - Tenker på deg ( = Thinking About You)

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=aa14OSMa3w4

[Sadieblue]

I feel so blessed today, I have Spring flowers blooming all around me, I have
a big yard, and it was such a beautiful sunny day, with a beautiful blue sky, I spent the whole
day outside, working in my yard, watching the blue birds feeding their babies.

Even repaired a couple of bird houses for the nesting birds today, will put a fresh coat
of paint on them tomorrow. Had a while left to clean up my garden shed, and found
scraps of word, limbs that had blown from the trees a few days before, so I had myself
a little bonfire in my homemade fire pit....it was a good day.