tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.comments2024-03-15T22:08:13.642-03:00Not Buying AnythingGregg Koephttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09349453216733070775noreply@blogger.comBlogger9064125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-40712045210806657892024-03-15T22:08:04.608-03:002024-03-15T22:08:04.608-03:00Thank you for sharing your experience on this topi...Thank you for sharing your experience on this topic. It is often painted as a black and white issue, while as you point out, there are also shades of grey. Glad that things worked out for you. Everyone needs some help from time to time, and that can take different forms.<br /><br />- GreggAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-63447465347993028322024-03-15T22:04:51.084-03:002024-03-15T22:04:51.084-03:00The vibe is definitely off... way off. Thank you f...The vibe is definitely off... way off. Thank you for leaving us a comment. We appreciate it very much.<br /><br />- GreggAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-89736709345032031142024-03-15T22:01:55.262-03:002024-03-15T22:01:55.262-03:00That is an amazing story. What a guy. Thanks for s...That is an amazing story. What a guy. Thanks for sharing it here.<br /><br />- GreggAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-23229676100793585252024-03-15T22:00:51.008-03:002024-03-15T22:00:51.008-03:00It is hard to imagine what you, your family, and y...It is hard to imagine what you, your family, and your people are going through right now. Normalizing genocide is a disturbing trend, to say the least. I wish I knew how to stop it.<br /><br />We have been let down terribly by those in power that allow the continuation of such rank inhumanity and evil, and do things to make it thrive and spread. <br /><br />It is important to be prepared. Having supplies and a plan does provide some comfort in an increasingly insecure world. <br /><br />Let's hope that those in charge gain some sanity soon, and cause peace to break out all over the planet. Wouldn't that be wonderful? <br /><br />Take care. We love you.<br /><br />- GreggAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-16708712027956886412024-03-15T18:59:42.750-03:002024-03-15T18:59:42.750-03:00In today's world what you imagine is revolutio...In today's world what you imagine is revolutionary thinking. We need more of it, thank you very much. And we can create such a beautiful existence!<br /><br />Together we will build a parallel system that is exactly as you described, and leave the wasteful, corrupted mainstream system behind, only to whither away from our voluntary non-participation. The sooner we start on this project, the better it will be for all of us.<br /><br />Let's do it, each small community of creators beginning where we are at, with what we have got. A better, more peaceful world awaits.<br /><br />- GreggAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-11588232057010335142024-03-15T16:09:33.652-03:002024-03-15T16:09:33.652-03:00I'm a terrible person to buy for. I don't ...I'm a terrible person to buy for. I don't want anything. Or, at least the things I want can't be bought at a store. No envy here, no FOMO. Just a good contented everyday dose of GIMO lol :) Can you imagine how different our world would be if people just wanted what they truly needed and things we 'needed' were built to actually last? Karennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-69201534342237338882024-03-15T13:15:25.305-03:002024-03-15T13:15:25.305-03:00I grew up in the town in New Jersey where Dr. Eins...I grew up in the town in New Jersey where Dr. Einstein lived. He used to play the violin with construction workers who were also musical all over town, on their lunch time! He played music with our immediate neighbors who were Irish, then Panamanian, then New Jerseyans . These neighbors were also very musical!<br />He wasn't a snob in a university town.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-37823636158408008852024-03-14T20:46:19.892-03:002024-03-14T20:46:19.892-03:00My favorite blogger is a Steve Cutts fan!!!! Heck ...My favorite blogger is a Steve Cutts fan!!!! Heck yes! Also, I hum this song to myself on the random whenever the collective consciousness vibe seems "off", which is often, lately....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-31415287514085545772024-03-14T20:40:14.650-03:002024-03-14T20:40:14.650-03:00I love adbusters. That aside, I can tell you from ...I love adbusters. That aside, I can tell you from first hand experience that taking antidepressants is not always a forever-thing. My family has unresolved and unrecognized trauma, and what that does is pass it on to the younger generations, namely me, along with all the outdated and harmful narratives. Prozac is like windex for your mind in a way....in that it can clear out the grime of confusion, stress, anxiety and all those rotten mental states, so a person can see their situation for what it really is. With long standing issues that stem from childhood/teenage years, you can't simply will it all away by yourself.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-24721233246155392442024-03-14T19:37:12.667-03:002024-03-14T19:37:12.667-03:00One thing I have been contending with is “buying a...One thing I have been contending with is “buying a feeling of safety. I’m a long time reader and commenter (under the name anon:-)). Anyways, I’m Palestinian American with a lot of family in refugee camps and the last 6 months have sent me into a tailspin of feeling insecure at a deeply primal level. Our family has experienced death and folks are very hungry there. In response, I turn inward then start thinking- should I buy life straws for my family so we can always get clean water?…or should I pre pack a bag with important docs and thus need some new container or backpack to carry it all? I have a backpack already and frankly, if things get bad enough that I can’t get clean water- I doubt my lifestraw would be accessible too. Sigh. <br /><br />I won’t lie and say I have said no to buying needless stuff (my husband often just says, whatever makes you feel better) but I am self aware enough to realize I am trying to buy a sense of safety and autonomy in a really difficult world for people with my identity. Sigh. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-595419326899006102024-03-14T19:26:35.443-03:002024-03-14T19:26:35.443-03:00Same for me! It’s good to know I am not alone:-)Same for me! It’s good to know I am not alone:-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-17835165180692361122024-03-14T18:13:00.396-03:002024-03-14T18:13:00.396-03:00As long as what you want is what you need, ok.
- ...As long as what you want is what you need, ok.<br /><br />- GreggAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-78838943294269457102024-03-14T16:34:27.373-03:002024-03-14T16:34:27.373-03:00Hey there,
Just stumbled upon your post and wow, ...Hey there,<br /><br />Just stumbled upon your post and wow, it really made me think. I mean, we all get a bit green-eyed sometimes, right? But what if we flipped the script and used that envy as a kick in the pants to go after what we want? That's what I'm trying to do more of these days.<br /><br />Cheers for the brain food!<br /><br />Best,<br />Maria PositivaPositivahttps://frasespositivas.cc/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-51043404339585894662024-03-14T11:37:32.827-03:002024-03-14T11:37:32.827-03:00Ah, journals. We have a box of them in a closet. T...Ah, journals. We have a box of them in a closet. That box has not been opened since we moved here... ten years ago.<br /><br />We also have other bits of excess around the house - pictures and doodads that remind of us people we have connected with over the years.<br /><br />Part of the hard part of decluttering is overcoming the emotional attachment to things. Over the years we have become better at letting go, but it is an ongoing battle.<br /><br />I would love to burn the journals in my stuff pyre in the back yard, but I am not sure Linda is ready for that yet. <br /><br />My mantra is, "Let it go, let it go, let it go", and she has been great about that. The journals, though, are a lasting hold out. <br /><br />- GreggAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-15957298353002547892024-03-13T18:33:05.337-03:002024-03-13T18:33:05.337-03:00I really like the idea of maintaining a list of ou...I really like the idea of maintaining a list of our items to inspire deep reflection— and also a meditation on our impermanence. Even though my family of three lives a decluttered life…we have quite a bit of excess still. One thing I have clung to but am ambivalent about recycling are my old journals. Why do I cling to them? I don’t know! I feel embarrassed reading thoughts I had from a decade ago. Haha. Would I really want anyone to read them after I die? Well, not really. But I still feel reluctant to get rid of them. I wonder- what is your strategy with regard to old journals or similar items?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-18423854702588701022024-03-12T11:46:13.145-03:002024-03-12T11:46:13.145-03:00Nice postNice postAailyah Adebayohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00138871380391211435noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-30474368476119685412024-03-09T16:25:51.990-04:002024-03-09T16:25:51.990-04:00Animals are great for learning how to be. We can&#...Animals are great for learning how to be. We can't forget that we are animals, too, and have similar needs. Thanks for the link to Athena. Nice name, and an amazing bird.<br /><br /> I used to regularly visit a great horned owl in the wild when I lived on the prairies. She lived in a big, old cottonwood tree in the Old Man River valley that flows through my birthplace of Lethbridge, Alberta. They are fierce, though, and will defend their nests with lethal force. <br /><br />- GreggAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-77149678667983319462024-03-08T16:00:25.311-04:002024-03-08T16:00:25.311-04:00Your poem is quieting and soothing, thank you. I&#...Your poem is quieting and soothing, thank you. I've been reading about caring for yin energy and the spleen today (Traditional Chinese Medicine). I needed the reminder that it is not only good to stop, smell the roses, enjoy the rain, and do nothing on a daily basis — it is essential. <br /><br />I find myself needing to regain balance. Compared to a typical 21st century person, my life is pretty calm. But I know we were made to work some, then relax and play the rest of the time (not the other way around). I need less doing and more being. <br /><br />I've started watching a beautiful great horned owl named Athena and she's reminding me to simply be. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUT3nZJWn64<br /><br />Peace, ErinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-14765161621131413532024-03-07T14:02:36.527-04:002024-03-07T14:02:36.527-04:00Not to worry Gregg - I am indeed the first-born, v...Not to worry Gregg - I am indeed the first-born, voluntarily unmarried, daughter to my mother and sister to other siblings. Thank you for your kind words. I knew you would know and understand the caring way.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-73600784425277360642024-03-07T11:41:29.982-04:002024-03-07T11:41:29.982-04:00I apologize if I have misgendered you. You did not...I apologize if I have misgendered you. You did not identify gender in your comment, and I assumed you were a woman. I should not have done so. We have a good friend who lived with, and cared for, his mom during her final years of life. So, your mom may have a loving son, not daughter, caring for her. Either way, it is a great thing to do for a parent.<br /><br />- GreggAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-67385992831063898542024-03-06T17:39:05.741-04:002024-03-06T17:39:05.741-04:00You are a kind soul that reminds me of the followi...You are a kind soul that reminds me of the following quote:<br /><br />"Rest easy, spider<br /><br />My broom<br /><br />Does not sweep that far.<br /><br />- Issa KobayashiAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-76091057937111637952024-03-06T17:29:41.841-04:002024-03-06T17:29:41.841-04:00As I am the caregiver to Linda as she has graduall...As I am the caregiver to Linda as she has gradually lost her physical function over the years, we know of what you speak. It is a very difficult thing to do, and most people in a place like Canada, where I live, will not do it. It takes a special commitment and strength of character to take on such a task, and most are not up to it. Given the state of things in the failing West, I can hardly blame them. They have made it hard enough these days just to care for one's self.<br /><br />Good for you for taking on such a monumental task. Your mom must really appreciate what you are doing for her. <br /><br />We love you for doing it, and your story gives us hope, and the strength to carry on and see this thing through. <br /><br /> Hi to your lucky mom who has a valuable and worthy daughter. If we aren't all here to help one another, then what, exactly, is it all about?<br /><br />- Gregg and LindaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-10968972776650145832024-03-06T17:14:07.311-04:002024-03-06T17:14:07.311-04:0070 years! Something handmade like that becomes par...70 years! Something handmade like that becomes part of the family. It is not only a piece of the forest, but a piece of your father as well. Beautiful.<br /><br />- GreggAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-86795469245449522992024-03-06T16:27:32.122-04:002024-03-06T16:27:32.122-04:00Gregg and Linda,
I'm a long time reader, first...Gregg and Linda,<br />I'm a long time reader, first time to comment. I love, love the poem. It hit close to home since my life right now is anything but quiet and boring. I'm caring for an elderly and slowly declining mom, her big house and life, working full time, etc. Just the logistics of managing her life and work and what energy might be left to tend to my own (few) needs can be overwhelming and exhausting. The idea of a quiet and boring life is a tiny light glimmering at the end of the tunnel and it keeps me going when I'm in the thick of things on a daily basis and I pray at the end of each day for this "quiet and boring (peaceful, serene, sane)" life. Also - just wanted you to know that I find your posts in general to be thought-provoking and entertaining. I enjoy dropping in a couple times a week for a mental break to see what you are saying. Sometimes I get to think hard about what you say and sometimes I just get to smile or chuckle about what you say. Both are valuable to me. Thank you for doing what you do here on your blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4312736954468978064.post-39997280948032991552024-03-04T06:32:59.987-04:002024-03-04T06:32:59.987-04:00Oops. Thanks.
- GreggOops. Thanks.<br /><br />- GreggAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com