There Are So Many Things

If you could un-invent something, what would it be?

There are so many things I would un-invent, if I could. But I choose to err on the side of caution, in order to prevent being blackballed by “bots”.

So there, you have, item number one.

I am part of the generation of “control-apple-reset”, AOL, yahoo e-mail and mySPACE. If I could . . . I absolutely would!

The internet used to be a way to connect with family and friends with whom we could not afford to visit. But do you remember when we only had land lines and had to pay for “long-distance”? Not only did it cost us to visit those who were not our neighbors, there was a price tag for voice-to-voice connection. It was cheaper to write a letter, mail a photograph or make the decision that it either wasn’t that important what we were having for supper, or it could wait until we called to “catch up”.

So there, you have, item number two.

In the world we live in, progress is a double-edged sword. And I wholeheartedly believe that this adage can be applied to literally —

Every. Single. Thing.

For every GOOD thing, there is an equal and opposite BAD thing.

Think about that for a minute. Basic needs, first, of course —

Food: Sustenance turned into illness.

Clothing: Decency turned into social stigma.

Shelter: Protection turned into a competition [we used to call it “keeping up with the Jones’s”].

Believe it or not:

• doctors used to come to us,

• we did not have phones in our cars,

• we used to actually go to a store when we needed something, and

• holidays were family gatherings, not gift exchanges measured in value by a dollar sign!

If I could un-invent anything, it would be convenience and progress!

ENOUGH with the digital drama!

Where can you reduce clutter in your life?

WARNING: Absolutely filled with contradictions. . .

Sooo . . . I have seen a lot of content on Reddit [social media] lately where people are being banned, deleted or suspended from other popular social media platforms. Guess which ones?

I removed myself from one VERY POPULAR platform lately, because, quite frankly I no longer see the value in it. I can TALK in my own home WITHOUT the app open, and whatever my discussion is about will be advertised the next time I open it. So why ARE folks being banned, when they are literally the reason such platforms exist? Hmmmm?

Sorry, not my cup of tea. AND, I’d rather NOT have that kind of “clutter” in my life.

Unfortunately, the internet is here to stay . . .

[I type as I think to myself, “I am on the web writing this”.]

Do yourselves a favor . . .

Invest in some stamps, delectable stationary, fancy pens, and write a letter to those whom you usually connect with via social media . . . Be RADICAL!

Send some “snail mail”, and drink a cup of tea!

But . . . There are so many!

What is your favorite animal?

I would have a very difficult time choosing my favorite animal! I grew up on a hobby farm, before they were known as such . . . And way before they gained popularity in recent times.

I’ve worked at an exotic animal sanctuary and I have worked as a farm hand. I have cared for animals at rescues and do volunteer work with local animal shelters. ALL the animals are my favorites!

The Creator loves the animals he made, called them good, and made humanity his emissaries on earth to care for them.

J. Aaron Gruben, A Theology of Beasts: Christians and Veterinary Medicine

I dare say, I much prefer the company of animals to people, for if they become aggressors, they behave so by their instinctual nature or in response to how a human has behaved toward them. Humans, on the other hand, act in such ways of their own conscious choosing.

My Creative Portal: Painting in the Moment

Do you play in your daily life? What says “playtime” to you?

I keep an easel standing in my space – paints set up, brushes waiting. It’s my creative portal. Sometimes I walk by, dip a brush, and let whatever’s in me flow. Other times it sits quietly, but knowing it’s there sparks something.

I’ve found that having this constant invitation to play changes things:

  • In the moment: A color catches me, I paint
  • In the flow: No plan, just expression
  • In the joy: It’s always a gift

Some days it’s a splash of whimsy, others a deep dive into mystery. I’ve painted mystical forests full of creatures, animals dancing in fields, or just swirls of color that felt like emotions.

The easel’s like a silent partner in this dance. Ready when I am. It’s become a ritual – I walk by, and sometimes I gift myself a moment of play. Other times I just glance and smile, knowing the option’s there.

Why It Works for Me

  • No pressure: It’s set up, so I can’t “not”
  • Spontaneous: Captures the vibe of the moment
  • Nourishing: Feeds my soul like nothing else

I’ve given away most of what I’ve painted – friends, strangers, even furry friends. Each piece carried a bit of that moment with it. And people respond. They’d say, “This speaks to me” or “I feel like I’m in a dream”.

What’s Yours?

If you’re curious about tapping into your creative flow, start small:

  • Set up a space that invites you
  • Leave it “unfinished” so you can jump in
  • Play without a plan

What’s your creative portal? 😊

Being AwkWEIRD

What are your biggest challenges?

Being awkward, and weird . . .

It makes simply BEing ME quite difficult whenever I am in social situations — with communication and understanding. For me to make lasting friendships where we share commonalities, is a rarely. And I’d rather be in the company of animals than people!

I am an artist and writer, a Reiki Master and crystal collector, in a region where the community does not readily accept alternative thinking folks like me. I often find myself navigating a world that doesn’t quite understand me. Being awkward and weird can make social situations feel like a chore, especially when it seems like everyone around me speaks a different language.

Growing up, I struggled to fit in, feeling like an outsider in a community that values conformity. But it wasn’t until I found alternative paths to healing – like Reiki, crystals, and nature – that I began to see my uniqueness as a strength.

I often feel quite misunderstood, because I sought alternative ways to address my own challenges with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I found solace in seeing into the natural world of God’s creation, with different eyes. Living with PTSD, I’ve learned to lean into my quirks and find solace in the natural world.

If you’re an empath or healer struggling to find your tribe, know that you’re not alone. Your weirdness is your superpower. Embrace it, and you’ll attract those who appreciate your unique energy.

What are some ways you celebrate your individuality? Share with me in the comments!

I AM Apolitical

How have your political views changed over time?

I am distinctly uninterested in politics at the moment. I used to believe that the right vote could make a difference . . . Especially on a local level.

I have since come to believe this is simply untrue. I live in a region where local politics has been drowning in corruption for a very long time. Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that I am quite strongly apolitical.

I can make a greater difference by helping the community myself. I prefer to refrain from voting in an election for people who are corrupt. Quite frankly, I prefer animals to people these days . . . at least locally.

It’s in God’s Hands now.

Amen. So be it.

My Books Are Where the Wild Things Are

You get to build your perfect space for reading and writing. What’s it like?

I have been an avid reader my whole life. I started forming my library in my teenage years. I have a forty-year book collection, yet I cannot have it.

I left an abusive relationship two years ago. I have been fighting for my freedom ever since the day I walked out. The judge awarded my abuser half of my book collection and he doesn’t even like to read.

I left with only a suitcase. He has a court order forcing him to give me my belongings, yet he continues to believe he can bully me. I still cannot have my books. He refuses to follow the court order. I have to fight him still.

My ideal library would contain all of my beloved books . . . My friends found within the pages, my comfort and my peace. Yet, I do not have them. I left in a hurry. He lied. He cheated. He is an abuser, and he is above the law.

My battle rages on. And my books remain in the possession of the man who took everything from me . . . My clothing, my books, my artwork, and my identity.

I only wish for my books . . . And as long as they come home to me, my favorite place to read would be wherever my books are safe and shelved.