Having an out of money experience?

I am so broke I can't pay attention!
At least I'm not the only one. Looks like the whole world is strapped for cash. Iceland was going to declare bankruptcy. A whole, freaking country!
Lets pause and try to wrap out heads around that little nugget.

Now, lets think about what we, as simple people can do about this global, financial crash.

BARTER!
We all have goods and services to trade, right? Who came up with the stupid money idea in the first place? I could go on about governments and how they use "legal" tender as a way to control and manipulate their citizens...

Yeah, man! They make money that you work a crap job to get to buy things you need and then they brainwash you with television, magazines and music videos to want to buy more things that you DON'T need and then you start buying on credit because your crap job doesn't pay you enough to live the lifestyle your forced to see other people living and you start choking on envy and going deeper and deeper into debt trying to impress douche bags who don't matter and...The whole world blows up!

Sorry about that. Evil twin got out of her cage again. She's been frothing at the mouth and I've had to cut her CNN off.
Where was I? Oh, yeah, Barter! No money required.
I sat and had tea with a friend the other day. We chatted about life and how broke we both were but still needed things to live. She wants to raise chickens in the urban jungle and use the eggs as barter. Then we started to talk about other people who might have things to trade/invest in building her coop. We got to talking about creating a small, local, barter co-op.
There are many barter sites on the internet for those eager to expand their world.

http://www.barter.net/

This is a great place to start but don't discount the power of a small group of well intentioned people who live close to you. network people. It's an ancient skill that deserves to be cultivated.
I have friends who are growing small gardens with the intent of sharing and swapping. I have my own green things growing too. I also love to bake. I can't sew but I know people who do.
Can you fix things? I'm a massage therapist. I LOVE to do trades. If you ask around I'm sure you'll find someone who has something or a skill you need. Like my dad always told me. "It never hurts to ask. The worst anyone can do is say, no."
So ask and ask with a smile. You'll get better results.

Now that the world is running out of money. We're going to have to get creative with commerce.

How will YOU be of value in the near future? There can only be so many blow hard, political pundits and financial advisers. I can't wait to see THEM begging for spare change.

Now, the way things are going. We're all hurting but there is always someone worse off than you.
PLEASE, don't let hard times stop you from giving to charity or even donating your time.
Your local food bank is always a good bet. Just a few extra items in your shopping cart to put in the bin. Most stores have them in plane sight this time of year.
The Salvation Army is another I always find an extra dollar or two to spare.
Karma is an account I always try to invest in. It doesn't take much and it never looses value.

Be well and know you have skills and things other people want. Even if your cash flow is little more than a trickle.

Sustaining ourselves and our bright future.

Into your life some rain must fall. I can handle a little rain but lately, I've been considering building an arc. My luck has been so bad it might be funny if I were a cartoon character. But I'm not.
After some intense meditation I've stopped feeling sorry for myself. Instead, I've decided to see this rash of minor disasters as a learning experience.
1. Don't feel the victim. The Universe gives us all a swift kick in the ass every once in a while.
2. Accept help of any kind graciously.
3. Take care of yourself.
4. Keep a sense of humor. It's a lifesaver.
5. Reevaluate your purpose. Have you lost your way? The Universe can dish out some harsh lessons. But it's tough love.

Now, my poor, poor me rant is over. I want to get people to stop and think deep thoughts.
There is definitely a shift in the way the world is or isn't working.
Everything I look into to seek clarity in my life seems to point me to ONENESS. It has different names and you can call it whatever you like. It all boils down to connectedness and harmony.
http://www.phoenixregenetics.org/index.html
This is an interesting site. Love the concepts.
http://www.experiencefestival.com/

I watch the news and wonder how we, as humans can behave like territorial animals. We've been to the moon, mars and can look into the depths of the universe. But there it is.. People killing their neighbors because they don't pray in the right direction. Being from a different tribe can be a death sentence. Heaven forbid if you're female. That just opens you up for all sorts of pain and humiliation. What is wrong with us?
Things have to change and I'm working on "For the better" change in the world.
How about you? Happy thoughts make happy people.
http://www.december212012.com/
Because it's coming sooner than you think!

Sustaining our inner primate

Watch primates and you'll see a lot of touching. It strengthens social bonds and lets face it. It feels good!
Being a massage therapist really opens one's eyes to how we, as modern primates. Have become touch phobic.
I have always been a touchy, feely person. I loved cuddling with my parents and had no problem touching the animals on the farm.
It took being molested by a babysitter to change that. How sad.
It took me many years to get comfortable with touch again. Even then it wasn't without hesitation. I wondered what the other person wanted from me.
Then, I had my son and fell in love with touch again. I cuddled him before he was born. Hugging my belly and rocking myself and him while humming happily. Nursing was especially wonderful. Snuggling my baby as he suckled. Rocking in the chair as I dozed. It was so peaceful.

Recently, I started hosting a touch therapy circle. It's been small so far but I hope for more people. It's so wonderful sitting, touching other people and chatting. It's very intimate, safe and a great way to make friends and bond with old ones. Those silly monkeys have it right! We should have never come down from the trees!
Ok, maybe we should but look around you. Americans are weird about touch. Somehow it has to be sexualized or sanitized. Touch can't be just touch. A non verbal way of communication.

http://www.whitelotusryu.com/historyofmassage.htm

And for those who don't believe in the power of touch.
http://skepdic.com/tt.html

It's simple, intuitive and it feels good.. unless the touch is from someone who's intentions are NOT innocent and friendly. That's another subject.
I'm talking about people touching people as a way to reconnect, communicate and sooth each other.
Don't be afraid. Reach out and touch someone.. after you've asked permission first. Wounded people can be a bit skittish but they need touch so badly.
Compassionate, healing touch. We need more of this my brothers and sisters.

Hey.. how about a cuddle party!?
http://www.cuddleparty.com/

We are social animals and NEED touch. It's scientifically proven. Children who are touched a lot thrive more than those who are not.
So don't pass up an opportunity to hug someone or even to just lay a loving hand on someone's shoulder. People respond to touch. It's our first language.

Sustainable living

I've said it before and I'll say it again.
I LOVE THE INTERNET!
Researching this blog has given me a renewed hope. More and more people and companies are turning Green. Things are becoming economical that used to be out of reach for the average person. 2o years ago I was a poor, environmentally conscious person who dreamed of living off the grid, eating food I grew myself and living in harmony with my environment. I did what I could which wasn't as much as I wanted to. Why, you ask? Because all the cool, off grid gadgets were prohibitively expensive!
Now, people are putting wind turbines and solar panels on their houses. Tax incentives take the sting away but we need more. The technology of energy is becoming wildly futuristic. I read about photo voltaic paint! Can you imagine that? Your whole house can generate electricity. Groovy!
Wind turbines come in so may different styles and even become functional art.
http://peswiki.com/index.php/Main_Page
These links are only a few. I invite anyone reading this blog to research more.
http://www.earth4energy.com/?hop=makeasplas
I am amazed at humanity's inventiveness. We can do so many wonderful things.
http://www.jetsongreen.com/wind_energy/page/2/
And this is an old favorite.
http://www.realgoods.com/

Oh, dear.. my evil twin is having a fit..

Yeah, humanity is very inventive.. When it comes to ways of killing each other!
Most of the technological advances we have come to enjoy came from the military.
http://www.army-technology.com/
Just take a look and see what wonderful things await us.

Then, I want you to wrap your brain around this little bit of madness.
http://www.genocide.org/
Can you imagine the population problem if we weren't so efficient and enthusiastic in killing each other?
We're smart mammals. We should be able to balance things out.. if we could all agree on a few things. Like, sharing is good. Fundamentalism is bad and we all need a world, dance party once a year at least!
I'm not as evil as some people say I am. Just a blunt, harsh realist.

Channeling Betty Crocker

When the weather finally begins to cool off and the blanket gets put on the bed... It's time to fire up the oven and BAKE, STEW and ROAST!
Right now, I have a beef shank simmering in a pot with barley. Soon, carrots, onions, celery, cabbage and.. Oh, Damn! I need to get some dark beer. Not for me silly.. well, maybe a little. I like to flavor my stew with a little beer. It's delicious.
I'm teaching my son how to cook and bake. Skills that seem to be fading in this day and age.
I once knew a woman who was actually proud of the fact that she couldn't cook. As if it were beneath her to do something so... What is the word I'm looking for? I can't wrap my head around the concept of NOT enjoying the magic of creating edible delights. It's one of my favorite ways of showing affection and friendship.
Sit in my kitchen, have a drink and let me cook for you. We can also go out back and admire my budding garden and flourishing herbs. What do you think gives my food that extra special YUM?
I wish my camera wasn't broken in the car wreck. I'd love to post pictures of my little darlings.
*Sigh* Such is life. I survived but my camera didn't. Fair trade I'd say. No complaints from me.

Back to channeling Betty Crocker.. Tis the season my friends. Nothing says "I love you" quite like a batch of cookies or bread, cupcakes, fudge, even something canned like pickles or jam.

http://www.grouprecipes.com/flavor/wholesome

And for those who want to share in a broader sense.
http://feedingamerica.org/

Don't forget to donate to your local food bank. I've been the recipient of charity before and boy, was I grateful! It's simple enough to do. One of the places I shop has a collection bin right by the door. It doesn't take much to add a few extra things to my cart and share with those who need it.

Now, back to to the recipes!
I know there are those of you, who like me create a long list of goodies they plan on making for holiday gifts. As time passes, the list gets shorter. But never give up. I aim to overachieve every year! I collect recipes and plan to make something new every year.. Most of the time I make one new thing and stick to my tried and true yummies that are always appreciated.

http://allrecipes.com/

So get those ovens fired up, recipes out and the aprons on.
Don't forget. Always cook and bake with love.

Dumpster Diving at its best!

Researching the internet is so wonderful!
When I watch the news. I get discouraged. Then, I listen to http://www.democracynow.org/
Watch PBS or wade through the internet. I love how more and more people are taking things into their own hands and changing the world.
I dream that we're not too late.

Urban Mining! Wrap your head around that concept my friends. Then look into these sites and maybe more.
http://www.coolbusinessideas.com/archives/urban_mining.html

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/08/urban-mining-rare-metals.php

http://www.naddum.com/

Now, in some places dumpster diving is illegal. Liability is an issue. What is wrong with this country!?
I read about how an old landfill was opened up and they found whole newspapers from the fifties! Someone thought it would be good to mine landfills but what I read said these landfills are composting and the heat and lethal gases that would escape make mining too dangerous.
Eww! So what does that say about what is being leached into the ground?
Leave it to Humans to dig something out of the ground, process it, mix other natural materials and then transmute this blend into poison.
I hate gadgets. I do not apologize for being a low tech, barefoot, made from scratch, baking, writes on paper type person. I had to recycle two cell phones this year. If you research the politics of the materials that are in cell phones and computers you'd probably think twice about trading in your phone for a new one every six months.
http://www.thestandard.com/article/0,1902,26784,00.html

I wanted to write a blog that was positive and hopeful.
So lets get on that.
Meditating for world peace.. Dreaming a new reality, Dancing for global change.
ORGANIZE!
I doubt it matters to the Divine how the message is sent. We need to remember we are part of the Divine and reconnect with ourselves.
http://www.meditatepeace.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrukVaWn5ak

So, keep the faith and stay hopeful. I am.

Gifting for good! Sustaining the holiday spirit.

Oh, mercy me! It's coming.. Run, hide, swim down the river of denial but you can't escape it.

Holidaze!

You're wondering what I'm ranting about. Aren't you?
Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yule, Winter Solstice, Annual gift giving day..
Whatever you want to call it. However you want to celebrate it.
It's in our face and I'm sure most of us cringe at the thought of the coming, consumer frenzy.
This year, it's going to be interesting. The world's economy is spiraling down like a flushed turd. Ewwww! You have a better euphemism?

Winter holidays. Holy days to most. To the atheists out there.. I still love you and have a plate of goodies for you too.
I'll give recipes next blog.

But what about the gifting part!? You don't have the time, desire or skills to cook, bake or even concoct a home made liquor? No worries my friends. I have kindly solutions for the shopaholic with a conscience.

First.. A word from out non sponsors.
http://www.adbusters.org/

Alright, now that I have you good and scared. How about buying things for your loved ones that also benefits others? Does that sound like a win, win situation or what?
Not only that, these gifts are unique and thoughtful. I love the internet! We can do so much good and be slightly selfish, save fuel and shop in our underwear!
This site has some very cool stuff and it helps feed people. Pretty, basic need.
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Want more choices?

http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fifteen/charity-shopping-portals.htm

How about something for that person who has everything already?
http://www.oxfamamericaunwrapped.com/home.php?xid=abe99d41add169c7b4f38fa90487e094

http://www.heifer.org/

Are we having fun yet? I'm not a big fan of malls or fighting crowds for stuff no one wants anyway. I like to bake, have friends over for a cozy visit and make gifts. On occasion, I do find something that screams to be given to someone I know. Then, why wait for a "special occasion."
Every day is special and who doesn't like a spontaneous gift once in a while?
Alright, I know there are card carrying, shop till you drop people out there who see shopping as a sport. Try this site out and let me know how you like it.
http://worldofgood.ebay.com/home
My own dad is an ebay junky.

Alright America, lets get shopping and not just to stimulate the economy. Lets give gifts with heart, meaning and thoughtfulness.

Keep within your budget or I'm telling your mom!!