Here and Now...What's Happening?

[carryattune]

Such a huge loss, Arak. I have no words. Perhaps this poem will give some solace.

[ulli]

Watching this:

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=8dgosa7wkfY

[chocolate]

I am really off to bed, but stopped to share this:
Edward Snowden speaks at TED2014 about surveillance and Internet freedom
http://www.ted.com/talks/edward_snow...&utm_campaign=

Will come back tomorrow to say the thank you's
I hope all are well, inspired, and no health problems anywhere to be noticed.

Goodnight.

[Mikelodium]

Hello villagers,

It's been a while since I last visited Avalon forums. Wow, now that I think about it, my last login was in 2013 so, first of all: I wish you all a happy 2014!

A lot of things happened since then, in the outside and inside me. I was in Japan spending Christmas holidays. What a wonderful trip! And I made a decision that involves a tough contact with nature and a deep understanding of my physical and mental limits: I'll try to climb MontBlanc in 2015, so this winter I've been training in Spanish mountains, taking mountaineering and rock climbing lessons, minor winter (snow+ice) climbs...

On the inside I've been through dark time. Reading a lot about sociopaths and psychopaths in search of some answers, finding that psychopathic traits surround us every day, even finding some of this traits emerging from my darkest side.

However, I've been thinking of you often. Specially when I feel fine, connected with mother Gaia, under some trees, surrounded by snow or enjoying the company of wild life.

Peace

[ulli]

Did anyone ever see the above movie?
When it came out in 1972, it looked at the time
as if the end of the ruling class was near.

I remember it well, living in England at the time....
how it stirred conversations
just like the ones we see happening on this forum.
And then what happened?

They just burrowed deeper,
and now the sales of royalty tabloids are bigger than ever.
You should see the magazine rack at the supermarket here in Barbados.

[ulli]

Posted by Mikelodium (here)
Hello villagers,

It's been a while since I last visited Avalon forums. Wow, now that I think about it, my last login was in 2013 so, first of all: I wish you all a happy 2014!

A lot of things happened since then, in the outside and inside me. I was in Japan spending Christmas holidays. What a wonderful trip! And I made a decision that involves a tough contact with nature and a deep understanding of my physical and mental limits: I'll try to climb MontBlanc in 2015, so this winter I've been training in Spanish mountains, taking mountaineering and rock climbing lessons, minor winter (snow+ice) climbs...

On the inside I've been through dark time. Reading a lot about sociopaths and psychopaths in search of some answers, finding that psychopathic traits surround us every day, even finding some of this traits emerging from my darkest side.

However, I've been thinking of you often. Specially when I feel fine, connected with mother Gaia, under some trees, surrounded by snow or enjoying the company of wild life.

Peace

Trip to Japan? How did you like it?
Since you are my son's astrological twin, I'm seeing parallel lives.
He went to Japan as well, six years ago. And both of you live on a small tourist island.

He has as yet to discover mountain climbing, but perhaps it is just a matter of time.

Anyway, I'm glad to know you have not forgotten us.
I was wondering what happened to you. Here, have a Welcome Back hug.

[araucaria]

happy 2014 Mikelodium! I'm still in 2013 myself, trying to catch up on my accounts and just at the end of June - not a very good time, much better right now.

Ulli, I'll try and watch that film, but maybe not until September - of last year that is I missed it back in 72.

[chocolate]

*
My thoughts go to Arak!, Playdo!, Carry!, Ulli (always thinking of Ulli), Wind, Christine, .... .... , and everyone who is in need of some extra bit of extra love and care.
*

Here and Now outside the spring is in full swing.
There are lots of bees. And the sun is very warm.
And I am sneezing. Sometimes.


*
I am watching today what Edward Snowden had to say. (Yesterday I was preoccupied.)
I felt like smiling looking at his remotely controlled 'avatar'. Kind of reminds me of our human bodies and the relationship with our 'gods'.
I also noticed the way he referred to the internet and the 'ideology' we need to be incorporating in its core. ...

It's kind of funny, and amusing, and overall feels great, at least to me.

*

*

I wanted to write this Here (Now):

From The Sorrows of Young Werther
by J. W. von Goethe

May 22

That the life of man is but a dream, many a man has surmised heretofore; and I, too, am everywhere pursued by this feeling. When I consider the narrow limits within which our active and inquiring faculties are confined; when I see how all our energies are wasted in providing for mere necessities, which again have no further end than to prolong a wretched existence; and then that all our satisfaction concerning certain subjects of investigation ends in nothing better than a passive resignation, whilst we amuse ourselves painting our prison-walls with bright figures and brilliant landscapes, — when I consider all this, Wilhelm, I am silent. I examine my own being, and find there a world, but a world rather of imagination and dim desires, than of distinctness and living power. Then everything swims before my senses, and I smile and dream while pursuing my way through the world.

All learned professors and doctors are agreed that children do not comprehend the cause of their desires; but that the grown-up should wander about this earth like children, without knowing whence they come, or whither they go, influenced as little by fixed motives, but guided like them by biscuits, sugar-plums, and the rod, — this is what nobody is willing to acknowledge; and yet I think it is palpable.

I know what you will say in reply; for I am ready to admit that they are happiest, who, like children, amuse themselves with their playthings, dress and undress their dolls, and attentively watch the cupboard, where mamma has locked up her sweet things, and, when at last they get a delicious morsel, eat it greedily, and exclaim, “More!” These are certainly happy beings; but others also are objects of envy, who dignify their paltry employments, and sometimes even their passions, with pompous titles, representing them to mankind as gigantic achievements performed for their welfare and glory. But the man who humbly acknowledges the vanity of all this, who observes with what pleasure the thriving citizen converts his little garden into a paradise, and how patiently even the poor man pursues his weary way under his burden, and how all wish equally to behold the light of the sun a little longer, — yes, such a man is at peace, and creates his own world within himself; and he is also happy, because he is a man. And then, however limited his sphere, he still preserves in his bosom the sweet feeling of liberty, and knows that he can quit his prison whenever he likes.

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=eW_MAQj0aIA

*

Love...
and chocolate

[ulli]

It took me a while to find the Here and Now thread this morning...page 5,
just as I'm having a hard time finding the present moment.
The recent shifts have left me feeling bewildered.
Getting used to being alone again,
although husband sends me Whatsapp messages about his here and now
whenever he gets a chance.
Only when I'm making my necklaces and bracelets do I feel connected.
The noises are mostly bird song, wood doves, warblers, rustling tree branches.
This is a world unlike any other in that it has typical island softness, and at this moment, perfect weather.
Will be going out in a while to buy a new bulb for my work light.

[carryattune]

Hi Ulie, are you still in Barbados?
Good that you have your jewelry to focus on. I am sure you are creating some lovely pieces. I saw the picture you posted of some of your things it reminded me of a treasure. Very beautiful. I have boxed and boxed of jewelry making supplies. Only, I just sit and look at it. I am not so good at design. If you can design. You have it made. (Pun intended.) btw what time zone are you i?

Good morning to all. Pray for peace.

[1inMany]

I'm a little off too, ulli. Here and Now, it is chilly outside but promises to be beautiful, weather-wise. Thursday is my day in the city, quite a lot of driving for me. Not a day I enjoy, taking M to her therapist. But necessary. What makes it difficult is when I have a night like last night, couldn't sleep til close to midnight. Then the puppy woke me up around 5. Not enough awake to get up and let her outside, but enough awake to know I was not getting any more sleep. Em finally took her out, but it seems just when I got back to sleep the alarm went off. It doesn't help that I was having dreams to remind me of the part of marital bliss I no longer enjoy. I had set the timer on the coffee so I could roll out of bed and have a hot cup. But I must have set it for pm instead of am. Oy. Hoping to stay awake all day. Of course I will, just hoping I don't have to pump up on coffee all day.

[araucaria]

Yesterday I went out for a few groceries. Saw some honeydew melons from Costa Rica, but bought some apples instead (buy local and in season my daughter keeps telling us, although she makes an exception for things like coffee and bananas). At least those melons made their journey safely, unlike some Malaysian mangosteens. Maybe that plane was confiscated by some environmental lobbyist?

[ulli]

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Posted by araucaria (here)
Yesterday I went out for a few groceries. Saw some honeydew melons from Costa Rica, but bought some apples instead (buy local and in season my daughter keeps telling us, although she makes an exception for things like coffee and bananas). At least those melons made their journey safely, unlike some Malaysian mangosteens. Maybe that plane was confiscated by some environmental lobbyist?

Most apples in Barbados and Costa Rica are GMO crap. I miss real apples.
Now everyone is debating if the local Pawpaw is already GMO as well...

you have to go to the street vendors and ask them if it comes from their backyard.

[Marianne]

Here and now, thinking of you all.

Ulli, I am wearing one of the necklaces you designed for me. The one with green stones.

Carry, re jewelry design ... try it, just begin. Do you have a bead board? You can try a design there before you string anything. Do what pleases you.

Ulli inspires me, and before I got sick, I had put up a design on the board which I still haven't strung but will. It's freshwater pearls (white) with peridot tiny flat beads and crystal chips in between every third pearl. Turned out very pretty. The gemstones inspire me too. Colors and textures in joyful arrangements.

I cooked last night -- made quiche with a bought crust, sweet onion and portabella mushrooms, chopped fresh spinach. An all in one meal, veggies inside.

Today is the Vernal Equinox, 12:57 P.M. Eastern time. It's my custom to stop at the moment of the equinoxes and solstices, and connect with nature spirits, and ask them to bring me what's next in my evolution. It's a moment of trust because sometimes what I get is a challenge. But that's life, isn't it?

[ulli]

Posted by carryattune (here)
Hi Ulie, are you still in Barbados?
Good that you have your jewelry to focus on. I am sure you are creating some lovely pieces. I saw the picture you posted of some of your things it reminded me of a treasure. Very beautiful. I have boxed and boxed of jewelry making supplies. Only, I just sit and look at it. I am not so good at design. If you can design. You have it made. (Pun intended.) btw what time zone are you i?

Good morning to all. Pray for peace.

I'm at -4 GMT. One hour ahead of Eastern.

Made some bracelets and a necklace yesterday.
Gold, coral and aqua theme....
this is the glamor that Barbados is about and which also moulded Rihanna.
Women here love to dress up in fantasy clothes.

[carryattune]

How beautiful. Very cheery and colorful. I may get my stuff out today. Beading is like meditating. Keeps your mind busy.
It's gloomy here today. So a gazillions beads on my table would be good. Thanks Marianne and Ulli. Is today the first day of Spring? I think it took a slight detour.

[araucaria]

Posted by Marianne (here)

Rivetting.
The Here & Now is bursting its rivetting - doesn't like being boxed in

[1inMany]

I sure am glad y'all are keeping me company. I just picked up M, now sitting in the parking lot while she does her thing. Boy, Dallas is a dangerous place to drive, haha. From time to time I think about encouraging her to drive herself. After that wreck she had that totalled her car she is scared of driving. No doubt she will not be ready to try Dallas driving for years.

To be honest, the drive isn't what makes this day difficult. It is pulling up in front of my house, and knowing it isn't mine. My yard, that I used to water every evening, my willow tree that I used to sit under...all brown and dead. My flower beds that this time of year I would be filling with pretty colors...brown and dead. I don't go in any more, I call M to tell her I am waiting so I don't have to face that.

Today though, I brought her goodies. Yogurt from the dairy farm to counteract the antibiotics for strep, and some eggs from Susan's house. So I had to go in. Five months into this process and I haven't yet cleaned my stuff out completely. The pictures on the walls that I hand picked, the colorful rugs to match the paint I chose and applied with the utmost care and love.

Cripey.

Well, just another day. It all blends together to make the soup of this here and now.

[Marianne]

Sitting there with you, One, with an arm around your shoulder.

[PurpleLama]

Posted by Marianne (here)
Sitting there with you, One, with an arm around your shoulder.