TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2022 - SPRING??

 TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2022 - SPRING??

We made it through January and February in 2022 so far - 2 months out of 12 (or 1/6th of the year completed - or 16.66%).

March used to be the first month of the year and thus October - which is our tenth month was really the eighth month - with the prefix OCT meaning eight; December - which is our twelfth month - back then was the tenth month - with the prefix DEC meaning ten.

Things I’ve learned watching the Weather Channel.  The astronomical calendar changes seasons on the basis of the four significant sun events.  The Winter Solstice is on December 21 or 22 - when the sun reaches its lowest point.  (And, of course, that starts astronomical winter in the northern hemisphere and summer in the southern hemisphere). Summer Solstice is on June 21 or 22 - when the sun reaches its highest point - starting summer in the northern hemisphere (or winter in the southern hemisphere.  The two dates where the sun’s rays cross the equator are the equinoxes - spring equinox and fall (or autumn) equinox.  

But, the concept of seasons (at least on the Weather Channel are December, January, and February for winter (in the northern hemisphere); March, April, and May for spring; June, July, and August for summer; and September, October, and November for fall months.  (Note that my voice means much, but I like this definition of seasons better).  

Of course, the sun is where it always is, it is because of that wonderful 23-degree tilt of the Earth’s axis that we do have seasons.  If the axis was 0, the sun would be over the equator every day and there would be no seasons - just boring days.  And, without seasons what would people have to complain about?  (And, face it, we love to talk about the weather - it is a nice “ice breaker” for conversation starters.)

There would be little growth over the equator as the sun would beat down on it every day.  There might be little changes in the weather too as the sun’s heating would be pretty uniform so no major weather fronts marching across the globe. 

The sun (approximately 93 million miles away - but the earth’s orbit is more of an ellipse than a perfect circle. “The Earth is closest to the Sun, at its perihelion, about two weeks after the December solstice and farthest from the Sun, or at its aphelion, about two weeks after the June solstice.”

So that tilt of the Earth’s axis makes it seem as if the sun is moving while it is really the Earth’s position is changing.  

*****

So March - with somewhat arbitrary planning has 31 days.  There are the thoughts that March can “come in like a lion and exit like a lamb”, or “come in like a lamb and exit like a lion”.  March starts the big change in seasons with cold (and snow) giving way to warmer temperatures.  With the rotation and heating and cooling of the planet we see cold fronts and warm fronts, we see tornado season starting (with more tornadoes over the south of the Great Plains more prevalent in earlier spring and then moving north.  Storm chasers will be in Oklahoma in March and April and move north to Kansas and Nebraska as the year moves on. 

There are discussions about global warming with the depletion of the ozone layer around the earth allowing the sun’s rays to be brighter (and hotter) and thus powering more dangerous storms and weather fronts.  Humans are like ants - and don’t see the big picture.  Our fuels are supposedly interfering with the environment and the ozone layer.  Likewise, our trash makes up the Great Pacific Plastic dump and other environmental troubles.  

My little plastic uses are insignificant to the overall picture.  My trash and plastic that will never break down in landfills is probably less than 0.0000000000001% of the problem.  But with billions of people using plastic, fossil fuels and loading up the landfills, it does add up.  Can we use more renewable energy?  Sure but at what cost?  Solar panels do cost to make and collect the sun’s energy.  Wind turbines do kill birds that fly into the blades.  Hydropower (water) dams do generate electricity but are costly to build.  

*****

I hate to say this, but sometimes I don’t care very much.  I’m 74 years old and I’m going to die in the next 40 years.  It’s not going to be my problem.   Let the next generation figure out how to replenish the ozone layer and how to be better users of Earth’s resources!!!  (But, that isn’t loving thinking - and LOVE WINS).

Will the Earth die someday?  Yes.  Will the sun burn out someday? Yes.  

And, some bigger questions - is there life on other planets?  Are there UFOs and aliens?  Who knows!!  (Just the Science Fiction writers seem to know this).

Will intelligent robots and artificial intelligence take over?  Who knows!! 

From the 1969 rock music hit, “In the year 2525” we have these (partial) lyrics:

In the year 2525, if man is still alive

If woman can survive, they may find

In the year 3535

Ain't gonna need to tell the truth, tell no lie

Everything you think, do and say

Is in the pill you took today

*****

So, March - with Ash Wednesday (tomorrow), the Ides of March (March 15), Pi Day (3.14), St. Patrick’s Day (March 17)’ and more (see my Sunday blogs about National Days).

May March 2022 be a fantastic month for you!!  May you love more, share more, smile more, laugh more, and be generous!!!

LOVE WINS!!

Karen 

March 1, 2022

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022, DNA

 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022 DNA

DNA - It was on February 28, 1953 (or 69 years ago), that  Cambridge University scientists James D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick announced that they had determined the double-helix structure of DNA, the molecule containing human genes. 

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, present in every living organism, is a biological instruction manual that contains all the information needed for your body’s development, reproduction, and survival. 

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Heart of today’s thoughts:

But this vital little molecule is under constant attack from radiation, air pollution, cigarette smoke, toxic compounds in food, even byproducts of the body’s normal metabolic processes. But you can save your DNA. Cells are able to repair much of this damage, especially when we’re younger; as we age, though, DNA damage accumulates and the cells become less proficient at making the necessary repairs. The result: a build-up of damaged DNA, accelerated aging, and an increase in the risk of cancer and other diseases. 

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I learned something from my research - DNA can mutate (I somehow thought it was unchangeable). 

You can’t stop aging—but you can prevent DNA damage from accumulating and even heal existing damage. Try these genius, science-backed ways to save your DNA:

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The only real option right now to fix genetic diseases is to use gene therapy. In gene therapy, the "good" version of a gene is introduced into a patient's DNA. The hope is that this healthy copy of the gene will overcome the problems of the disease version.

And, like so many of the health issues - the same remedies seem to work:

SLEEP

Our brains need plenty of shut-eye to keep DNA healthy. During slumber, chromosomes within DNA appear to be more active, healing DNA faster and more efficiently than during waking hours. Studies suggest lack of sleep is linked with diminished DNA repair and more breaks in DNA

EXERCISE

Regular physical exercise increases antioxidant capacity, protects DNA, and reduces the effects of age-related declines in DNA repair. In one study, 16 weeks of physical exercise dramatically increased antioxidant activity, decreased DNA strand breaks, and promoted DNA repair.

Regular physical exercise increases antioxidant capacity, protects DNA, and reduces the effects of age-related declines in DNA repair. In one study, 16 weeks of physical exercise dramatically increased antioxidant activity, decreased DNA strand breaks, and promoted DNA repair. And it happens fast; some effects were measurable even after a single 20-minute workout. What you do isn’t as important as how often you do it—so make it engaging.

NUTRITION

Slashing your daily calories (while still getting adequate nutrients) supports DNA repair and protects against age-related diseases.

Especially processed, cured or red meat; they contain or can generate compounds that make DNA more vulnerable. Diets high in red meat are linked with an increase in DNA damage, while vegetarian and vegan diets are associated with higher antioxidant levels and less harm to DNA.

Here’s what to include: apples, mango, orange juice, apricots, watermelon, papayas, mangos, and leafy greens are all high in nutrients shown to protect DNA. Blueberries are especially powerful; in one study, 10.5 ounces significantly lessened damage to DNA, in only an hour.  If you eat dairy, add Greek yogurt; research suggests it can reduce DNA damage in colon cells. 

Besides restricting calories, outright abstinence from food has a powerful impact on DNA repair and longevity. Periods of fasting, or intermittent fasting practices, reduce oxidative damage to DNA and promote the production of compounds associated with increased longevity. Even a few weeks of intermittent fasting can significantly save your DNA and reduce compounds that promote tumors. The easiest way to do it: skip breakfast and delay eating until 10 or 12, eat a normal (healthy) diet until 8 at night, and stop eating until the next day. 

The body’s production of DNA depends on the right nutrients

SUNSHINE / RADIATION

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is one of the most significant—and avoidable—threats to DNA. The sun’s UVA and UVB rays trigger various types of DNA damage and can lead to cell death, DNA mutations, premature aging, and skin cancer. The easiest way to protect your DNA: use sunscreen religiously, even on cloudy days.

GREEN TEA

One study found drinking four cups of green tea a day decreased DNA damage, even in heavy smokers. Or try mushroom “coffee” blends; some varieties, like reishi and Chaga, may protect DNA and promote repair. 

STRESS

Exposure to ongoing anxiety and the subsequent increase in stress hormones like cortisol trigger certain biological pathways that lead to DNA damage, including lowering levels of compounds that save your DNA.

Science-backed ways to lessen stress: take a walk in nature, listen to upbeat music, sniff lavender oil. Or try the 4-7-8 breathing method: inhale to the count of four, hold for seven and exhale for eight.

*****

SO - DNA can be broken, harmed, or mutated.  Good health habits can help keep DNA healthy.  (And, of course, good health habits can help avoid dementia, diabetes, and a lot of other ailments!!!)

(But, do I want to live to be 150 years old?  I’m not sure!!!)

LOVE WINS!!

Karen  - February 28, 2022

SUNDAY FUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2022

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2022

WARM-UP

It did warm up - into the 80s for two days - and now it's cold again!!!  

I have three plants that I put on my patio that has enjoyed a couple of days of spring that are now back inside.  I have a cherry tomato plant that I got last September that lost some branches but is still alive and Swiss Chard plants that I use for cuttings for salad.  The third is ivy.  I don’t have a green thumb (my thumb is just normal) - but I enjoy seeing things grow and flourish!!

I have a sliding glass door to my patio - and the recent sunshine pointed out that I hadn’t cleaned that window in over a year.  “Let the sunshine in!!”

*****

MEMORIES

My fifth-grade teacher was Mr. Quimby. (Later I learned it was Bill Quimby, but you never called a teacher anything other than Mr.. Mrs,. or Miss)

I was already the tallest and biggest student in fifth grade.  On both sides of my family, there were tall people.  My Uncle Leo was about 6’5”.  

One day, Mr. Quimby called me to his desk during a quiet study time and had an envelope with a student membership at the YMCA.  I didn’t really know what to do with it and (of course) took it home to my parents.  The local YMCA in Cedar Rapids was just past downtown and farther than I would go on my bike and my parents were too busy to take me.

I did go once.  There was a desk to sign in - but nobody told me what to do and where to go.  (This was in those days before the abundance of fitness places).  I wandered into the weight room not knowing what to do, tried a few things, and wasn’t too excited about exercise.  

There was a pool, but YMCA pools (or at least this YMCA pool) banned swimming suits.  I did go swimming in the nude, and didn’t like that - and got dressed and waited for my dad to pick me up and didn’t go again.

Later I learned that Bill Quimby was a referee in the National Football League. I rationalize that he saw a big kid that with some exercise and work could be an athlete - and I blew it off.  Oh well, my loss. 

***

HUMOR:

One of my wife’s third-graders was wearing a Fitbit watch, which prompted my wife to ask, “Are you tracking your steps?” “No,” said the little girl. “I wear this for Mommy so she can show Daddy when he gets home.” 

(Are you coming to the concert next Saturday, March 5th at Georgetown High School - starts at 7:30?  Fun music from movies - Star Wars, James Bond, and more)

***** 

PUZZLER:  (From Car Talk)

A hiker climbed Guadalupe Mountain (the highest peak in Texas).  He started at 7:00 am on a Monday, with his backpack, bedroll, and all his supplies.  He reached the top at 7:00 pm.  On Tuesday, he started down at 7:00 a.m. and reached the bottom at 7:00 pm.  There is one path (and he didn’t divert himself from that path).  

Is there any time that he was exactly at the same spot on Monday and Tuesday at the same time? 

(Answer at bottom)

MUSIC MEMORIES

What were you doing in 1959?  Here are the top tunes of this week in 1959

STAGGER LEE –•– Lloyd Price (ABC-Paramount)

16 CANDLES –•– The Crests (Coed)

DONNA –•– Ritchie Valens (Del-Fi)

SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES –•– The Platters (Mercury)

THE ALL AMERICAN BOY –•– Bill Parsons (Bobby Bare) (Fraternity)

MY HAPPINESS –•– Connie Francis (MGM)

LONELY TEARDROPS –•– Jackie Wilson (Brunswick)

*****

How about the top tunes of this week in 1964

I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND –•– The Beatles (Capitol)

SHE LOVES YOU –•– The Beatles (Swan)

DAWN (Go Away) –•– The Four Seasons (Philips)

YOU DON’T OWN ME –•– Lesley Gore (Mercury)

JAVA –•– Al Hirt (RCA Victor)

UM, UM, UM, UM, UM, UM –•– Major Lance (Okeh)

I don’t remember Um, Um, Um …

****

And, in 1969:

EVERYDAY PEOPLE –•– Sly and the Family Stone (Epic)

CRIMSON AND CLOVER –•– Tommy James and the Shondells (Roulette)

BUILD ME UP BUTTERCUP –•– The Foundations (Uni)

TOUCH ME –•– The Doors (Elektra)

CAN I CHANGE MY MIND –•– Tyrone Davis (Dakar)

****

And, finally in 1974:

THE WAY WE WERE –•– Barbra Streisand (Columbia)

SEASONS IN THE SUN –•– Terry Jacks (Bell)

UNTIL YOU COME BACK TO ME –•– Aretha Franklin (Atlantic)

SPIDERS & SNAKES –•– Jim Stafford (MGM)

LOVE’S THEME –•– The Love Unlimited Orchestra (20th Century)

*****

What’s happening this week:

NATIONAL CHILI DAY - February 24, 2022 - National Today

How do you like your chili?  With beans, with ground beef, hot and spicy, mild?

Chili is a great meal for our cooler days!!!  

NATIONAL CLAM CHOWDER DAY - February 25, 2022 - National Today

And 

NATIONAL NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER DAY - February 25, 2022 - National Today

Do you like Clam Chowder (Dennis and Avis - do you have a favorite)? There are different varieties - New England and Manhattan are maybe the two best known.

LETTER TO AN ELDER DAY - February 26, 2022 - National Today

I’ve been working with seniors at Wesleyan Homes. Many would love to get a letter (even if you barely know them or even if you don’t).

(This is going to be longer - but worth the read:)

“A single handwritten letter has the power to change someone’s day, week, month, or even life. It’s a powerful way to communicate and build relationships. Everyone deserves to feel loved, and Letter to an Elder Day was first celebrated by Love For Our Elders’ volunteers in 2020 to encourage letter writing and intergenerational connections after the holiday season, which can be particularly lonely for elders.

Love For Our Elders began with a young boy and his grandpa. When Jacob Cramer lost his grandfather, he began to volunteer at a local senior living community as a way of honoring his memory. He was lovingly referred to as “Bingo Boy” because of his entertaining and lively way of calling the community’s bingo game (a much-heated affair he’s sure to tell you). During his time volunteering, he discovered that many of the residents rarely received messages or visitors from family and friends and that loneliness was a chronic and ever-present problem.

So he decided to start writing letters of love to senior communities; quickly, his moniker changed from Bingo Boy to Letter Boy. He found grace and love in his relationships with his friends in the senior community and eventually decided that he could take his letter-writing efforts nationally. Jacob created a nonprofit that urged people to write letters to elders (or anyone else in need who are older than they are) and facilitated the delivery to seniors around the world.

*****

So, maybe you can send handwritten letters to your elderly relatives, former neighbors, friends of the family, or even just to strangers to share your love with them!!!

*****

NO BRAINER DAY - February 27, 2022 - National Today

No Brainer Day is celebrated annually on February 27. Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith is believed to have founded the holiday in the U.S. to encourage people to keep things simple and resolve situations calmly without stress. The holiday, also known as International No Brainer Day, is the day for you to do all those “no brainer” tasks and activities. If a project requires thinking, study, or analysis of any kind, then it is not a chore to do today. Leave that for another day. It’s a no-brainer!

NATIONAL PUBLIC SLEEPING DAY - February 28, 2022 - National Today

Okay - even if you have to sleep in public - find a quiet comfortable place and relax!!!  There are places where I have slept (like trains and planes) that aren’t very comfortable but I needed to sleep!!!

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And, I’ll throw in another day - I have a friend, Sandy, who is NOT celebrating her 17th birthday this week.  Her next birthday will be on February 29, 2024 (yes, her official birthday is on “Leap Day” - so her physical age is 68 (really 70) but technically she has only had 17 birthdays!!.  Do you know of others who have a birthday on February 29?  Wish them a happy birthday next Monday.

*****

WRAP-UP

This is the last Sunday in February - the two months of 2022 are almost over.  March is coming - spring is coming!!!

Enjoy life, share love because “Love Wins”!!!

Karen
February 24, 2022

PUZZLER ANSWER

YES

We don’t know anything about speed, breaks, lunch, etc.  But, let’s think of it this way.  

A hiker starts at the bottom at 7:00 a.m. at the same time a hiker starts at the top at 7:00 a.m.  They both reach the other endpoint at 7:00 that evening.  If there is only one path, at some point during that day, the person going up would meet the person coming down. 

SATURDAY STORY, FEBRUARY 26, 2022 - ADVENTURE IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK.

 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2022, SATURDAY STORY

This is a work of fiction (aimed at juvenile readers)

*****

Emmalee panted as she reached the narrow hanging rope bridge across the chasm at Glacier National Park.  The wolf was close behind her and gaining with every step.  Turning and facing back at the beast, it stopped about 50 yards away and stared back at her.  At least it wasn’t moving for a few seconds and she caught her breath.  

She feared for her life.  She was guessing that Penny had been caught by the wolves and she shuttered thinking about the probable outcome of that.  Penny was her friend and fellow adventurer.   

She and Penny had crossed this rickety bridge two days ago on their way to St. Mary Falls.  They had talked about what it would take to build a bridge like this in the wilderness, carrying the materials at least two miles. And then getting a crew on both sides of the chasm to put it all together. But, they also thought that must have been years ago and the bridge looked like it could collapse at any time.  

Faced between crossing the bridge and staying where she wasn’t a choice.  A wolf 50 yards away could probably cover that distance in a few seconds.  She backed slowly onto the bridge - still facing the wolf.  Maybe the wolf didn’t like the bridge.  Maybe the wolf wouldn’t come onto the bridge.  

Emmalee grabbed the handrail ropes and wrapped her hands around the ropes - just in case the bridge broke she would not fall into the North Fork of the Saint Mary River. Even though it was early August, the water temperature would barely be above freezing since it came from snowmelt.  

The bridge swayed with her weight.  As she stepped backward, a board underneath her right foot cracked.  She worried if the board would hold her as she moved her right foot to another board.  That board seemed to hold her.  Looking at the wolf, he had come to the edge of the bridge - that gap was now only about 10 yards.  He was snarling and his yellow eyes seemed focused on her.  She inched a few more steps backward.

And, then the wolf sprang onto the bridge.  Emmalee knew it would be over quickly and still clutching the hand ropes closed her eyes and prayed.  

*****

Penny had been separated from Emmalees by a trio of wolves.  Penny had scrambled down some rocks to get some awesome shots of St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls.  Emmalee had been looking at Argillite rocks which have some interesting colors.  Emmalee had been on the main trail and thus headed towards the suspended rope bridge over the chasm, but Penny was on the shore of St. Mary River.  Two of the wolves headed down the river bank towards Penny.  Penny climbed up about 12 feet of the rock wall - just enough to be out of the reach of the wolves.  Her position wasn’t the best but she was safe as the wolves jumped and howled below her.  Both of the women were in great shape but Penny’s calves were starting to ache from standing on the unsteady rocks.

She tried to go higher but wasn’t finding any good cracks and crevices for handholds.  Maybe if she could move laterally just a few feet there might be a way to get higher.  

Moving her left foot she thought she had a way to move but on the second move when she placed her foot on a tiny ledge, the ledge collapsed and only her arm strength kept her from being lunch for the wolves.

She was stuck where she was until the wolves got tired of waiting and moved on - or the rocks gave way and she fell.

*****

The wolf knocked Emmalee down on the bridge and tried to take a bite out of her arm.  But as quickly as it happened, two eagles shot down from the azure blue sky and attacked the wolf.  Their talons clinched on the wolf’s nose and face and both surprised and hurt, the wolf backed off the bridge and out of sight with the eagles chasing him.  

Emmalee’s arm was bleeding but the bite hadn’t gotten too deep.  Weakened from the morning’s hike and from the chase she lay on the bridge for a minute before struggling to her feet.  The bridge groaned as Emmalee fought to find to stand up.  

But, as she stood, maybe the strangest sight of the day stood at the end of the bridge.  It was an old man with a gray beard and hair down his back.  He was dressed in some kind of skin - maybe elk or deerskin.  But his brown eyes were sparkling. 

Emmalee called out “Hello”.

“Be careful”, he called out in a slow deep voice.

Emmalee’s hope expanded as she saw the man.  Holding her arm she slowly tottered off the bridge.  

She reached the man in five minutes half-walking, half-crawling, holding onto the bridge ropes.  She thought the bridge was even more fragile and might fall any second.  

“Hi”, she gasped as she got to the man, “Thank you for saving me.  I’m Emmalee”.

“I’ve been watching you and your partner for the past three days.” said the man.  

That answer shook her - he had been watching them.

“I’m Tobit from the Nez Perce tribe”, he said. “I am part of a small band that lives in these mountains.  

*****

Penny’s strength was ebbing away.  The two wolves at the bottom were sapping her mental health too. “Am I going to be lunch for these two wolves?”.

She was startled by a rope that cascaded just to her left.  Her first irrational thought was “The wolves have learned to climb ropes”.  She did have to laugh at herself for that, but then got serious - how did a rope just appear.  

And, as quietly as the rope and even more shocking was when a man came down the rope.

“Grab hold”, he said.

Was this some headhunter or creepy climber who preys on lost women in Glacier Park?  But, he reached out his arm and grabbed her, and she clutched him and slowly they went up the cliff.  The man kept his feet out to bounce off the rock wall, but he wasn’t climbing - it seemed as if they were being pulled up - and they were.  

Ten long minutes later, Penny stood with three men at the top of the cliff.  The man who had come down introduced himself. “I’m Raptoe from the Nez Perce tribe.  It looks like we just arrived in time.”

The other two men were Ned and Whitten.  And standing behind the men was a beautiful Indian lady with beads in her long flowing black hair.

She stepped forward and said “I am Tawanta of the Nez Perce.  We are happy to rescue you and welcome you to Glacier Park.  Another one of our tribe, Tobit, is helping your friend.  We shall meet up shortly.”

Not knowing what to do, Penny bowed low and said “Thank you for rescuing me”.  

*****

The group of Emmalee and Tobit, and Penny, Ned, Whitten, and Tawanta met up about half an hour later in a glade overlooking Saint Mary Lake.  This seemed like a place that got used frequently as rocks that were just right for sitting were in a semicircle overlooking the lake.  Tawanta, Ned, and Whitten had backpacks that they opened with a variety of foods - venison, lake trout, watercress, and crystal clear water to drink. 

Tobit seemed to be the leader and talked in a halting manner.  The Nez Perce had been a peaceful native tribe but the United States kept moving them away into less desirable areas.  The great tribal leader, Joseph, led the last major Indian conflict in the United States. (Tobit indicated that Joseph was his grandfather).  In the 1960s an agreement between the Department of the Interior and the Nez Perce was that the tribe could occupy land in northern Montana and into Idaho.  Many of the tribe went to college and were well educated and occupied responsible positions.  But others, like this group, retained their traditional ways.  Tobit and this group were actually park rangers and since this was their territory made much better park rangers than those hired from other areas.  When Tobit had indicated to Emmalee that they had been watching them, it was as officials of this beautiful national park.  They also watched the animals and knew that the wolves were close to the two women.  

For the next week, Ned and Tobit became Emmalee and Penny’s personal guides to some of the most remote parts of the United States and Glacier National Park.

And, to Emmalee and Penny’s greatest surprise, their guides led them to a very secluded valley where several families of Bigfoot still lived.  The guides convinced the women not to bring cameras otherwise hordes of adventure seekers would descend on the area in search of Bigfoot.  

On their last day in the park, Tobit and Ned took Emmalee and Penny to meet the leader of the bigfoot group.  It was an awesome time for the women.  

*****

End of story.  I wanted to go farther but have spent too long getting this far.  Maybe this can become a juvenile book someday with more excitement and features.

Pollyanna Karen says “LOVE WINS”

February 26, 2022

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022 - FOLLOWING A RADICAL

 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022, FOLLOWING A RADICAL

On Fridays, I write about spiritual things.  Today I’m writing about a radical.
*****

Over the centuries there have been real radicals.  My philosophy follows a first-century Jewish Radical Rabbi.

***

Statement:  If somebody hits you - you:

**

Conventional wisdom says to hit them back. Throw a left jab to their nose.  Kick them in the groin.   If they are bigger than you are (like  a bully), you even out the odds by using a gun

**

Radical wisdom says “If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also.  

What foolishness that is. Get them back - you know “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth”.

Basically, they hit you once, give them a chance to hit you again.  Even encourage them to hit you again - on the other side(Huh?)

*****

Statement: If somebody takes your coat - you:

**
Conventional wisdom says - grab it back, grab their coat, take anything of theirs you can get
**
Radical wisdom says “ If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them.”

Huh - they just TOOK your coat and now you are giving them your shirt?  Are you going to give them your pants and shoes too?

*****

Statement: If somebody asks you for money - you:
**
Conventional wisdom says - don’t give them anything.  After all, you (we) had to work hard for where we are at.  We have bills, taxes, mortgage and car payments, and much more.  We’ve learned how to say ‘no’ in a graceful manner.
**
Radical wisdom goes on: “ Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.

*****

Karen has to interject on this one.  I get asked for money (aka “help”/”support”) daily.  My church expects me to give them money (they might even call it a tithe - or 10%).  My government expects me to give them money (they call it ‘taxes’). My colleges ask for money.  My favorite charities ask for money - and even my less favorite charities ask for money.  Political groups ask me for money.  Panhandlers on street corners asking for money.  

And, there are those who don’t ask for money - that I know need money.  I should give to the homeless, the destitute, the shut-ins, those stuck in poverty.  If I gave money to everybody who asks for it, I’d be broke.  

But generosity does not come at the risk of future poverty. On the contrary, generosity is the route to PREVENT future deprivation. “God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of every­thing, you may share abundantly in every good work” (2 Cor. 9:8)

*****

Statement: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you

Conventional wisdom.  (Excuse me, I’m doubling up in laughter - love my enemies?  What a joke!!  Do good to those that hate you?  Your first-century Jewish rabbi is not a radical, he is a moran.  Sorry - I’m going to love those that love me, and I’m still going to hate those who hate me).

Radical Wisdom:  Hey love wins.  If you want to stop the hate in the world, you need to be a lover - and a great place to start is by loving your enemies - that is love those that you don’t want to love.  If you win them over to being a friend, that’s great, and if they still hate you after you love them - that’s their problem, not yours!!!

*****

Statement: Do to others as you would have them do to you.
**
Conventional wisdom.  Ignore them and they will ignore you.  

How about quid pro quo? Quid pro quo is a Latin phrase used in English to mean an exchange of goods or services, in which one transfer is contingent upon the other; "a favor for a favor". So, if I give you a present (or even if I am nice to you), I can expect you to give me a present (or be nice to me). 
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Radical Wisdom:  Hold it - you are doing this without any real expectation of getting anything back.  Be nice to others - regardless of whether they are nice to you or not.  Don’t expect anything in return!!!   (This radical Jewish rabbi of the first century seems to suggest that the more you give away the more God will bless you!!!)

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The final statement for today:  Forgive others, don’t judge others
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Conventional Wisdom:  Hold grudges - don’t forgive until the other person apologizes.  Slap labels on people - white, black, Asian, Indian, etc.  Slap more labels - liberal, conservative, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and more.  Labels, judging, and refusing to forgive are parts of modern society.
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Radical Wisdom:  Forgive others - and you will be forgiven.  Forgiving frequently means I’m let out of a prison that I built!!!  

Who am I to judge?  I’m surely not perfect!!  So, can I call the President a moron?  Can I call my governor stupid?  Can I think my neighbor is an idiot?  No - judging is a sign of hating - and I am to LOVE EVERYBODY - and in particular in today’s blog - I am to love my enemies!!!

Oh, this is based on Luke Chapter 6:

27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 

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LOVE WINS!!

Karen
February 25, 2022