Tracks

Once upon a time, pollution became a concern. "Give a hoot, don't pollute... never be a dirty bird..."

Then it was 'environmental awareness'. And 'Earth day'. Then came 'global warming'. Then 'climate change' .

All buzz words and catch phrases morphing along with the media's spin for public consumption. Meanwhile, humankind's impact on the planet has been hurtling forward with every decade, oblivious to our perceptions. 

Yes- climate and Earth changes are also natural. There have been cycles throughout the life of the planet, some favorable to human life and some not. 

It reminds me of something interesting I learned a long time ago from a professional tracker. I took a 2 week class with a school  that is mostly known for wilderness survival, but goes way beyond that. The founder of the school was taught by a Native American elder, and so the philosophies and other skills were also passed on there. This particular class was in two parts. One was specifically tracking  and the following week was advanced standard which included survival and awareness in nature skills. During the first tracking venture, the teacher took us out to the woods and we were told to look at specific animal tracks he had found. They got harder as we went along, and when we got back he told us to find some animal tracks of our own ( we were in softer soil so it was much easier). To my amazement, I found tracks EVERYWHERE. Tracks I never would have noticed if my eye hadn't been focusing for the last hour or so. Then someone asked, "but how do we know if it's a track?" You see, many of the harder tracks were found simply by finding broken dry grass, or broken sticks. He replied, "Mother earth does not simply reach up and dimple herself. Natural change happens slowly. If you see something broken, or an imprint in the soil or sand, something or someone else has affected it. It is a track of some kind, someone has been there."

He went on to describe how it's our job to find out who was there by other signs, such as hairs, scat, etc. But that lesson really stuck with me, especially since I see signs in nature everywhere now. It also got me thinking about the current changes taking place on our planet. 

There are LOTS of freshly broken signs. Glaciers, rogue icebergs, dried up river beds, flooding, drought, crazy storms. These are not natural. Acidified ocean water is not natural! We

are leaving destructive human tracks in our wake in the form of fracking, tar sands, leaking pipelines, overfishing, over hunting species into extinction, clear cutting and burning forests, plastic infiltrating every micro corner of the planet, destruction of wildlife habitats, the acidification of ocean water and bleaching of coral reefs and the burning of fossil fuels. I won't even get into Fukushima. 

We are leaving large, destructive, careless tracks on this earth, all for short term energy and profit. 

WE are causing these disasters, NOT the planet. The planet naturally cycles through ice ages and El Niño's, tornado and hurricane seasons, monsoons and even forest fires. Mother Earth can be destructive, but not without recovering though rebirth... the way after a forest fire comes new growth. Humans on the other hand, destroy with permanence. We don't seem to care if we kill the last animal on earth. We are allowing numerous toxins into the water that cannot t be filtered out. WE are creating massive plastic islands in the ocean. WE are now consuming plastic micro contaminants as they have gotten into our fish. WE are disrupting the natural cycle, yet our current 'leaders' claim it's not man made. 

Whatever buzz word or catch phrase one prefers, it doesn't matter. It won't matter to the victims of the next superstorm, the next community that is forced to move inland due to permanent flooding, the next family to find so many chemicals in their water they are able to set it on fire. 

If we wake up too late it won't matter at all, we will only wish that we had done something about it. 

I grant you that wish now. YOU can do something about it, and then you can teach others that they can too. 

No more plastic. No more fossil fuels. No more palm oil. No more bottled water. No more GMOs. No more fast food ( cheap beef is one of the number one contributors to carbon emissions ) Boycott ALL companies contributing/investing in these issues. Nestle one of the worst, but almost all major corporations are guilty. There is an app call Buycott- get it . It's free. Educate yourself on everything you buy from toothpaste to chocolate to furniture to your mortgage. You won't be able to tackle everything, but you WILL make a difference. 

Thanks for listening. ✊️

*Thinking About Free Thinking.*

So much is going on and the time flies by. Before you know it, spring arrives and one hasn't posted in their blog for 4 months!  I even forgot how to sign in.

Well. This was on my mind last night: Non-conformity. Lately I've been having to make a lot of decisions, mostly about our house. Aesthetics, mainly. Very permanent, expensive decisions about the place we will live. Decisions that involve builders, architects, lead abatement workers, insurance adjusters. As an artist, an environmentalist, and lover of nature I have some very strong ideas about what I want, as does my partner in life. They don't always jive with the "norm", and yesterday I ended up butting heads a few times with our architect - again. Fortunately he's a nice guy and it ended up being all good, but it really got me thinking. Why is it so hard? Is it just me?  It made me reflect on the first few moments in life I experienced this as a kid.  

When I was in first grade, I took a test. It was on that crispy mimeograph paper and the print was a bright purple. I answered all the questions and then, in order to make the paper more beautiful, I used a sky blue crayon and drew some figures in the     margins. I knew not to write on my answers so as not to impede on them... these  were just a bonus for my teacher. I thought she'd appreciate how the blue and purple looked on the stark white page. It was prettier. You can imagine my surprise when she scolded me. We are not supposed to draw on tests!! Why? I couldn't see the problem. Don't do it again, please. I was never given a reason. Just that I wasn't 'supposed to'. That was the first time I can remember making the realization that I was never going to do things just because that's the way they are supposed to be done. 

In fourth grade I had a book report due. I read a book about a cocker spaniel, I believe it was called Champion Dog Prince Tom. I loved the visuals that the author provided and so, when I made the actual report, I cut the paper into the shape of a cocker spaniel and drew his features into the cover. It looked AWESOME. One catch, though. I'm a lefty, and somehow I stapled the book so it opened backward- from right to left. The teacher did not acknowledge my creative input, but instead 

scribbled in red felt tip marker 'opens WRONG!!'   She gave me a D. My report was thorough and accurate. But she was so mortified by my attempt to make it better  than what was the 'norm' she sounded downright angry. I mean, what is the point of book reports anyway? It's not to encourage criticism- its only about summarizing 
what you've already read. Is the teacher grading you on your comprehension on a book? Or maybe it's proof you read the book. How does that help one learn? 

It dawned on me that maybe it doesn't. Maybe it's more about conformity that learning. I may be going out on a limb, here. But school has seemed more to me about learning how to survive in our society and less about learning, thinking for   oneself, creative thinking, etc. I did not thrive in school. I did well on tests, I could   answer questions about what we'd learned. But sitting still, attentively listening  without daydreaming, getting up on a cold winter morning before I was done sleeping to sit in a hard chair and desk, these tasks never came easily. Later on even attending class became hard. I wanted to be in nature, I wanted to draw. My mom moved us to a different town in 10th grade that had a performing arts program. I did much better, mostly at the SPA, but the problems with the required classes remained . I asked 'why' way too much. I lost interest. I felt, even then, that history was propaganda, and the math I was learning was useless. I enjoyed English language enough. But something always bothered me about watching students trudge from class to class, a loud bell signaling that it was ok to get up and walk and stretch their legs. It felt like jail. 

People used to tell me I was a rebel. After I became an adult I was dubbed a non-conformist. 

I didn't feel akin to either of these titles as it mostly describes what I am not. 

What I AM is an independent thinker. As I have moved through life, I have naturally gravitated toward and surrounded myself with other independent thinkers, creatives, artists, etc. Chances are, if you are reading this blog, you are as well. Perhaps you didn't have the same difficulties in school as I did, but your challenges have been different. I would love to hear them!

On self education and life experience.

As an adult I was lucky enough to travel quite a bit through my work as an actor. I toured Europe when I was 20, and not always the vacationy Europe most Americans experience. ( that's right I said vacationy) I got to temporarily live in small medieval towns, eat their food, speak their language, use their money, learn their customs, make some lasting friendships. I toured the US five times ( still need to see  Alaska though) and was amazed at the vast difference in culture right within my own country. 
I also got to see Australia, New Zealand and India though my husband's touring adventures ( and I have decided that yes indeed, the earth IS round, lol)
Being immersed in other cultures has been enormously valuable and mind expanding. It gives one a perspective that cannot be experienced from the internet or pamphlets. One trip in particular was to East Berlin. When I returned to the USA and went to an American diner for the first time in 14 months I realized just how fortunate - and wasteful- we are as a country. The continual experience of traveling outside my cultural comfort zone opened my eyes and has changed me forever.

I also became deeply involved in the Tracker School as a young adult, and it's teachings of the appreciation for our earth and to not only survive but thrive in the wilderness had a deep affect on me. My skills may be rusty but the philosophy has become a permanent part of my life views. There is truly a butterfly effect in this world ( known as the concentric rings at the Tracker school) . Everything affects everything. The article about the wolves in Yellowstone changing the rivers that went around on Facebook is a perfect example. Coming from each class at the school back into society was always such a shock at how much we really don't need to live. All our technological advances seem to enslave us more than help us.  I have a smart phone  just like everyone else. I like to have my music, my photos, the connectivity. But really the smart phone is the duct tape that connects us back together. Before we became pulled apart, before we had to live 60 miles from where we work or go to school, or see loved ones. Don't get me wrong, the concept is awesome. But shouldn't it be the  exception? To use it for those few people we are far away from? The people we met  
in lands far away? Now we cannot live easily without it. Not that I want to go back to living in the trees ( well- that might be fun😁) but perhaps we need to stop grabbing for the next new thing. Some of the best experiences of my twenties were spent in front of a campfire in the woods. Sometimes with Tracker kin, sometimes actors and  craftspeople. I don't mean to be preachy. I have just as much tech as the rest of us. I just mean to communicate that this part of my life taught me happiness without it. I  can walk through a city park and take note of where there are animal dens, where there are edibles, etc. It was truly rewarding to have learned this sort of awareness.To be a part of the Earth instead of an outside observer.

I have also tried to self educate myself on history that we have not been taught in school. An example would be Thomas Edison. We were all taught he was the father of the electric lightbulb, but what do you know of his rivalry with Nikola Tesla ? Of his lobbying against Tesla's goal of FREE ENERGY to the masses, that lead to the destruction of the Tesla Tower that provide power without wires utilizing electricity within the ground? What do you know of Edison's torturous animal experiments? You can easily find Edison's demonstration of electricity by electrocuting an elephant on YouTube. It isn't a secret or theory. He did this publicly without remorse- school just left it out.
On true math and its role in music and art ( more challenging but super fascinating): There is a book that was recommended to me called A Beginners Guide to Constructing the Universe by Michael Schneider. If you or anyone you know finds math boring, get this book. Math ( and music) is the language of the universe. Suddenly math is beyond finding a sum, but the reason the Mona Lisa is beautiful, or why octagons and spirals are continually found in nature. Do yourself a favor if you haven't already: look up Cymatics. Find a video, there are several online. Once you have enjoyed that, do a search for "Rosslyn Chapel stone musical cubes." Is there a connection? What did those carvers intend? The universe is mysterious indeed! Lol.

I try to keep my mind open when listening to people, the news, conspiracy theories. Sometimes it's difficult not to judge, but I'm ALWAYS up for exploring a theory or idea. Sometimes the even most insane YouTube video will have a sliver of information. Most UFO videos online are fabricated, but I still believe aliens have been and may still be here. I'm also open to the fact that I might be wrong. Or partially wrong. The idea of mining for gold comes to mind. Scoop up all the silt, rocks and mud you can and then sift for nuggets. Nuggets not found in traditional schoolbooks.

These and other experiences have had a profound effect on what I believe.

 I do believe in a higher force than us,mainly because of a strong gut feeling, and additionally because of other personal experiences I have had. 

I reject organized religion for myself, as it requires faith. Faith requires a blind acceptance. To me, blind acceptance is to believe in what you want to be true, or what someone or a book tells one to be true. If I do not KNOW something to be true, whether in my heart or brain, then how can I accept it? I cannot lie to myself. I can believe things to be a strong possibility, but know and accept the possibility that I might be wrong.
What bothers me the MOST about religion, however, is the use of it for war and control. I appreciate the joy religion brings to many, and have no problem with those who worship as they so choose so long as they bring no harm. The problem is that someone will always argue about god's teachings, or the interpretation of god, or whose god is right. There is always a group in any given sect who becomes extremist and sets out to enforce the word of their god to others who worship in a different way. Belief tends to stray far away from their chosen peaceful messiah's teachings and become violent. 

What is it about peaceful messiahs that attract religious extremists?? 

I'm digressing, and perhaps irritating whomever is reading this ( if anyone is, lol) 

But I cannot help feeling this way. If we, as children, were encouraged to think independently, to nurture our gifts as well as learn societal ways, to think outside of the box, to be closer to nature- would we be better off? Would strong, free minds be less angry, less apt to grasp on to a group mentality where they are told how to think? How to do things? 

This train of thought is seemingly rambling but it's pulling into the station I promise! 

I offer this advice- take it or leave it- as independent thinker to independent thinker: start to observe the common denominators. ( yes I actually retained this from 6th grade fraction math lol )

What is the root of the problems in this world at the moment, and do they reflect theresistance in your own life? I may find out it's just me, lol, and that I am just a weirdo, a rebel.

But it seems to me we are on the edge as a society, that something has got to give. We will either implode, or we will evolve. To quote Whitney, I believe the children are the future. If we keep teaching them to go on living the way we have for the past century, because it's the norm, things will surely collapse . But if we teach them to think for themselves, to believe they can make a difference , we have a chance.

 As adults in this world we are the present. We can make choices everyday to buy products that are ethically sound, to think outside the box, and to resist the norm. The hard part isn't teaching children, its teaching adults that we interact with every day. To create instead of being the  good drone society wants us to be.

Hard, but doable and sometimes even rewarding.

The architect now understands our reason for  wanting solar panels on the house, for not wanting a gas ( fracked) fireplace, for wanting to reuse the original bricks chimney to face the fireplace. Our builders understand that our soil will need to be clean enough after construction to plant organic vegetables to eat and not just flowers. The landscapers now know that the holly in front and the burning bush tree in the back can be pruned, but not cut down as they are both habitats for birds year round for food and nesting. 

Some things were met with less resistance than others, but the overall message has been clear: we know what we want and why. We realize that we aren't the norm, but are hoping that one day it will be. Until then, independent thinker, keep teaching yourself, informing yourself , and good luck to you and your path. Try to find the root of the resistance between your creative self and the status quo and try to find the bridge. For me it's been an endless search, I hope for you it has and will be easier. 

Even now as I write this I have concern that it's way too 'out there' or that  it will never be read, but I had to write it down. I hope my story will help someone out there. 💙

Sunflowers

A field of Sunflowers at Ft Tryon Park, NYC

The Field of Sunflowers

A simple guide for living on the Earth, with Earth.

Not only breathtakingly beautiful, sunflowers contain seeds that attract all kinds of creatures including humans. They are healthy sources of food and and very easy to collect. Sunflowers are native to the U.S. and are hardy, growing in almost any soil. They start blooming in July and I even saw one fighting to grow on my street in November (Here pictured on my birthday a few years ago) Engineers are now discovering that sunflower oil may be a valuable source for use in biofuels (alternative fuel for heating homes and powering engines) They are also one of my favorite flowers, along with the Forget-Me-Not.

The Tracker School

The Tracker School is where I originally took wilderness classes. They have added so many since then, its hard to keep up. If you can't afford the time or the money to take class, there are also books. You can read the stories of Tom Brown Jr's life, or the survival guide series. Tom Brown Jr. is a NJ native who grew up near the Pine Barrens in South Jersey. His story is that he and his childhood friend practiced the teachings of a Native American elder named Stalking Wolf (his friend's grandfather). They learned to live with nature the Native Amercian way- respecting the land. TB Jr became a famous tracker and survivalist and started a school in the same area. If you have never been to the Pine Barrens, I suggest you visit. Most people think of NJ as industrial wasteland, but there is a reason it was named the Garden State. There are still some beautiful wild places left. The Pine Barrens is like a fairy forest; the pines and other trees are shorter than average and grow near the seashore, so at night during the full moon the sky is widely visible and the sand reflects the white moonlight. My grandmother lived near there, so as I child I used to play in one area of the forest. I loved it as it was so different from the north jersey city we lived in!   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pine_Barrens_(New_Jersey) 

The tracker school link has all kinds of great information. http://www.trackerschool.com/   This is where I learned the Sacred Order: (Shelter, Water, Fire, Food) and two enormously helpful and simple skills: Awareness and Attitude. I learned and practiced tracking, survival and awareness skills (which branch off in numerous directions), and participated in sweat lodges and various meditations. I encourage all who read this to expand your knowledge and even practice it.  Just BE SAFE!! I suggest starting out slowly, especially in wilderness situations, and give yourself a safety net. The first class I took we brought tents and learned skills on the farm. The number one reason people who venture out into the wild do not survive is EXPOSURE to the elements.  Many of these skills can be practiced in your backyard, in a park ( As long as you arent damaging parkland) or on a campground. There will be suggestions especially for my city dwelling peeps too.

Luna moth

This is for passing on the knowledge I have of living with the earth - something we all once knew how to do long ago. Im still learning too... especially about other parts of the world.  I hope you enjoy following this topic my blog. Its one of my favorites.

Pansies

Pansies are one of the few annuals I plant in early spring. They can stand the cold and can decorate a salad (as they're edible) They'll be a food source for the bees when nothing else is blooming yet. Plus, theyre pretty! To keep them flowering into July, deadhead the blossoms (meaning-- as soon as a flower starts to shrivel, pinch it off. Sounds harsh.... but it will keep them from getting leggy and going to seed too soon. I advise NOT buying pansies from big box stores like Home depot or Lowes, as they spray all their plants with pesticides (yes, even the pollinator plants. it's ridiculous.) Go to a nursery and find out what their policies are on pesticides. Even if you hose down your plant, the poisons will seep into your soil.
More interesting trivia regarding the pansy:

From William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream:

The "juice of the heartsease" is a love potion and "on sleeping eyelids laid, will make a man or woman madly dote upon the next live creature that it sees." (II.1)

Because its name means "thought", the pansy was chosen as a symbol of Freethought^[18] and has been used in the literature of the American Secular Union. Humanists use it too, as the pansy's current appearance was developed from the heartsease by two centuries of intentional crossbreeding of wild plant hybrids. The specific colors of the flower – purple, yellow, and white – are meant to symbolize memories, loving thoughts and souvenirs, respectively.^[9] The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) uses the pansy symbol extensively in its lapel pins and literature. The flower has long been associated with human manner, as one man cleverly stated: “Nature sports as much with the colours of this little flower as she does with the features of the human countenance.”^[17]

Lots more information here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pansy#Traditions_and_uses

and here:

http://hubpages.com/food/pansy-recipes

Vincent_van_Gogh_-_Mand_met_viooltjes_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg