New Start

Today I was walking in the park with Abby when that little voice inside me decided to mention that I forgive myself for everything.

How's that for a new start?

We arbitrarily create certain "new starts" in our calendars. Jan. 1 and the Monday after Labour Day come to mind. The truth is we can create a new start any time we want. And the real truth is that every second and ever nano-second is an opportunity to start afresh. Life is always new. Every second is a brand new one - it has never existed before.

We can choose to forgive ourselves and move forward into the world with a fresh page. Everything I have done in this life that I am less than proud of had been the result of being stupid and just plain not thinking ahead. I remind myself of my yellow lab (no coincidence that I have a yellow lab). When she was a puppy she knocked me down and I sprained my ankle. Of course she didn't mean to do it. Nor does she mean to do other things that upset me - like running off and following some intriguing scent. She does it because - well, it seems like the right thing to do at the time.

My mistakes fall into the same category. I honestly don't know of a single time that my intention was to hurt another person.

I think most people are the same.

Forgiveness is liberating, healing and necessary.

Work

I just filed my last story, which is pretty good considering I had to take a two-hour break today to go to the eye doctor. There I had to have my eyes dilated. Do you have any idea how long it takes for your pupils to come back to normal?

Also - do you have any idea what it's like interviewing people on the phone and taking notes on WHITE paper with your eyes dilated? And then - to write the story on a blindingly white screen?

Gaaaa!

On to the good news: my eyes have not changed since my last visit. No cataract surgery! Next visit in a year. I am determined that my eyes will actually improve. Yes - they will.

More thoughts on communications

So there I was in bed this morning in that lovely place between sleeping and waking - it's a place I do a lot of my thinking - and some folks will say that certainly explains a lot.

My thoughts strayed from the Oscars (better this year than usual) to City Hall. Yes, I know, that's a pretty sad state of things - politics while not even officially awake. Okay - back to the communications manager.

Listen up City Hall - I have a revolutionary idea for you. Blog! Tweet!

There - isn't that simple. Come on folks, you did it during the election campaign. You can do it again. Let me give you a for instance. I followed quite a few would-be politicians on Twitter during the campaign - and I still follow them. But, whereas I would get say about a dozen tweets a day from Diane Brennen during the election - now it's more like one or two a week. And when she does tweet, it isn't terribly germane to issues that are "up." Haven't heard a word out of John Ruttan.

And that, people, is just plain poor communications. I follow Justin Trudeau, Liberal MP, and you could take a note from his book - frequent tweets, intelligent and up to the minute communication about what's going on in Parliament. The same can be said about many senators and congressmen in the US.

So why oh why can't our elected officials keep us informed? Start a blog, get on Facebook and set up a Twitter account. Let the media people in town know where to find your blog etc. and we're off to the races. It ain't rocket science.

Just do it!

Save $140,000.

Sheesh!

Oscar Fever

I know I should have a lovely red carpet shot here - a celebrity - George Clooney perhaps or (gasp) Ryan Gosling.

The beautiful Oregon Coast on a carpet of sand will have to do.

Let's see, it's almost 3 p.m. - and that means I'd better get Abby out for one last pee before I drive off to J and P's place to watch the show. My one television indulgence every year.

And so I leave you with my predictions: see if I'm right.

The Artist will have Hollywood Love smeared all over it and will take the top two: best director and best picture. The star (I forgot his name - sorry) will win best actor.

Viola Davis for best actress and her partner (forgot name again) will win best supporting.

Christopher Plummer for best supporting - and well deserved.

Rango for best animated.

And why on earth was Drive snubbed???

Awards for cinematography, editing, costumes, audio and so on will likely be divided between Hugo, War Horse and the other top two

The Iranian film will win for best foreign language.

And that's all I know.

More thoughts on communications

I have let thoughts about a communications manager at City Hall percolate for a while and have finally come to a definitive decision.

No.

Nope

Not

Not necessary and a complete waste of the taxpayers' money.

So - how then do we solve the issue of the communication gap between City Hall and the public?

1. Stop these stupid "in camera" meetings. It's our money. We deserve to know what's going on. Unless you
are discussing something about personnel that could damage a reputation, the public has a right to be there.

2. Talk to us. You know how to do that. You learned shortly before or after one year of age and you've been adding to that knowledge ever since. Today, more than ever, there are many, many ways to communicate effectively - use them! Here's a simple rule of thumb. Pretend you're married to us. So, if you really want to buy a new sports car, discuss it with us first. If you don't you'll either spend the night sleeping on the couch or we'll divorce you.

Treat us with respect.

Talk to us.

Simple. done.

I just saved you $140,000.

You're welcome.

City Politics - Communications

I've given some thought to the latest City Hall kerfluffle - hiring a communications officer at a cost of $140,000.

In fact, I've given it quite a bit of thought ever since I debated it with Jim Routledge yesterday and then read some reactions in the Nanaimo Daily News letters to the editor.

My initial reactions were two in number and pretty much diametrically opposed: "Great idea!" and "Huh?"

Let's start with "Great idea." It is if this person can act independently. I wouldn't even put him or her on staff. I'd simply hire a freelancer - contract him or her and make sure this is not a PR person. A retired reporter would be ideal. I could see someone like columnist Ron Bolin doing a great job. The position would work well if the person was organized - a file on everything the public needs to know about - and that starts with every single place their money is being spent. So - the public needs to know what's happening in every area of City Hall. This person could question. mayor, council and staff just like a reporter would and then write up the results (unbiased) and get this stuff out to the public. There should be a City Hall blog - press releases - Facebook page - all that good stuff. If the communications person can communicate honestly and openly without restrictions, great!

What a boon that would be!

But is that what will happen?

In my experience as a sometime reporter, dealing with communications people at VIHA, VIU etc., I find their main job is to stop communications - as well as to spin facts to put their organization in a good light. Instead of talking to the person I want to talk to I have to go through convoluted hoops to finally get to the person I want to talk to - this does not facilitate transparency and timely communication.

It's completely understandable that the public eyes communications officers with a good deal of suspicion. I know that when I want to talk to John Ruttan, which I do off and on when I am writing stories, I want to call him and talk to him - not go through some minion.

Yes to a communications person if that means simplified, clearer communication, timely communication, answers to questions and increased transparency. No if it's the same old, same old.

Another thought - we have some very high priced people working at City Hall. I would assume they know how to communicate. Why on earth can't they do that as part of their job?

And finally - $140,000????!!!! Really? Hell, I could do that at half the cost - so could anyone worth their salt. And really, don't put a person like that on staff. Someone on the outside with no fear of being fired, would do a far more honest job. I still think Ron Bolin would be perfect - or someone like him. Someone versed in politics, someone passionate about politics and someone dedicated to honesty.

But (I told you I was of two minds) in economic times like this, spending $140,000 on yet another staff position at City Hall is downright irresponsible. Scrap it folks. Draw on your illustrious educations and skills and learn how to communicate.

Quiet Day

A quiet day feels like just what I needed - after a pretty busy week. So this afternoon Abby will get a nice long walk. I just indulged one of my secret vices - watched American Idol - the final judgment. Not as good as The Voice earlier this week but between the two of them I've got some nice "time waster."

(and I don't care one bit)

I think I see an afternoon nap on the horizon as well.

Life is good.

HST and politics

What a terrific morning this has been!

I love this kind of reporting. I learn, I listen, I write - just fabulous. This morning's highlight was a lengthy chat with Scott Fraser NDP MLA Alberni-Pacific Rim. Subjects - wide ranging. Everything from the budget to the HST to the teacher's dispute.

Scott was articulate, intelligent and passionate about his work. He's the kind of man I could vote for so easily. In fact, if I lived in his riding, I'd volunteer to work for him - seeing how much I love politics and how much politics energizes me.

If we elect people like him, we really will get a case of "families first" - not "corporations first." You have to judge a government by its actions, not its slogans. The HST, as Scott said, was the biggest tax shift in the history of the province with 2 billion dollars going directly from our pockets into those of corporations - like forestry. And those corporations received that money as a gift - no obligation to create jobs. What did they do? They closed mills and exported trees to China. China is building mills.

Think about that.

At any rate, I can't write down here everything we talked about - I suspect I'd eventually run out or space. I can say that I love work like this. This is the sort of thing that feeds my soul. These are the stories that make a difference.

Oh - and yes - this is what retirement looks like.

The TC Trail - again

A couple of weeks ago the fabulous Kait Burgan and her (rather good) camera man came to Cedar to tape a segment on the Trans Canada Trail. Specifically, Laurie Gourlay and I talked about routing it through Cedar.

Now, for your entertainment and vast enjoyment - here is the link to the segment - in case you missed it - or if you saw it and simply want to appreciate it over and over again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxUrhTykmhQ&feature=youtu.be

Full Monday

I know I'm busy when I almost forget to blog.

But I like being busy. Not chaotically of course - I have a "sweet spot" of busy where it's just right. It's the kind of spot where, when things come my way, I can get them handled or scheduled quickly and efficiently. I can't bear loose ends at the end of the day.

So a good day - like today - is when I do the story I was scheduled to do first thing in the morning. Then manage to handle another unexpected one quickly before lunch time. Then two more that I am able to schedule for the next day with a bit of wiggle room for other things that might crop up.

Yup - that's a good day. Oh yes - what did I do this afternoon? I managed to edit two stories and handle the second half of a feature I had started on Friday. And I walked the dog.

This makes for a very good Monday.

Stop working and put my feet up in retirement? Who me? Nah - can't see it happening any time soon.

Extension Ridges

Even a bad day hiking is better than a good day doing just about anything else.

This morning, Abby and I hiked the Extension Ridges - a nice three-hour circle tour that gets us back home in time for lunch - a nap - and another shorter hike in the afternoon. Expecting M and his dog to show up soon - more fun in store.

I am acutely aware of how wonderful my life is. This morning as we were climbing up a slope I told Abby that as far as I was concerned we were both blessed - and I mentioned "I am grateful, which means I am full of grate...."

hmmm.

Back to hiking -

or not - M and C and baby R and the dog arrived early - Abby just had her second hike of the day. So did I - in other words, this has been a stellar day. The baby is totally gorgeous!!!

Where was I before I got so beautifully interrupted? Ah yes, hiking the Extension Ridges. I strongly recommend you go with someone who knows the lay of the land. Trails are not marked and there are lots of them. I almost got lost today because a new logging road had recently been cut totally obliterating my usual route. After the fourth turn I took that I hoped would get me back on track I realized that I likely would not be able to easily retrace my steps. So - I was committed to going forward, which, oddly enough, felt quite wonderful.

and now - a real highlight of the hike. Along one of the lesser known trails is a giant cedar - as larger or larger than any you will find in Cathedral Grove. This is beautiful giant of a tree - a tree to approach with reverence.

Shopping

I generally don't get excited about shopping - except for books of course but that goes without saying.

Today was an exception. Valhalla Pure started its week long winter sale. I was there lined up at the door waiting for it to open - yes - just as if I was lining up for tickets for a Bruce Springsteen concert.

How can you beat 40 percent off all clothing and 30 percent off just about everything else?

What a haul! I adore my new Osprey backpack - so lightweight and such a pretty shade of Granny Smith apple green (yes, of course colour is important). I'm also excited about my new Merrell hiking shoes, which I just tested out on a hike down at Cable Bay - ultimate comfort!

Speaking of comfort, anyone who knows me knows I am the poster child for Icebreaker - that fabulous New Zealand Merino. So of course I did a wee bit of stocking up: mittens, a new T-shirt and three sports bras. For the first time in my life I am wearing a bra that is so comfortable it feels like I'm not wearing one. I also bought socks - both Icebreaker and Smartwool and another pair of Lole pants.

I can't believe I've written a whole blog about shopping and in detail about the things I bought - but there you have it. My rules for shopping are simple: I have to really need it and I have to really want it. Then, I wait for the sale - which means that anticipation builds. Then, I finally do it and get it all on sale and - well, this is the kind of shopping I can embrace.

Next sale - August. I can wait.

Friday

Is it almost lunch time already?

How did that happen?

Here's what retirement looks like right now: three features with tight deadlines for one publication.

Another feature for publication number two with several more assignments to come in before the end of the day - all with deadlines.

Completing two assignments for a third publication.

Shelving working on my own project for a few days or weeks.

Folding the laundry, vacuuming - walking the dog.

Trying to catch up on American Idol and looking for time to spend on pinterest (my latest obsession - as if I needed any more)

There. You shoulda seen me when I was flat out working!

People Power

For years I felt helpless - as many people do in the face of big government and big corporations. What could one person (me) do?

Government raised taxes - nothing we could do. Government raised spending on the war machine - nothing we could do. Government gave tax breaks to oil company bajillionaires - nothing we could do.

And then a couple of years ago someone somewhere said "enough." I heard it and agreed. But what could I do? I did the only thing I could. I signed a petition. And - oh my gosh - something happened. We - the people - won. The HST was nixed. Then came the Occupy movement and there is every sign that Obama is listening. And now, the Tories are taking their Big Brother bill back to committee. Why? Because enough of us signed an online petition demanding it.

Yes - we have power. All we have to do is act. We don't even have to do something big. We don't have to pitch a tent in the square and brave the bitter cold for weeks on end. It took me less than 30 seconds to sign that last petition. But that little bit of time makes the difference between facism and democracy.

I have renewed hope and renewed faith - and a renewed commitment to be ever vigilant. We must never cease to be on guard for our country.

still busy

The hardest part of this gig with the AV Times is not the actual work - it is (as usual) tracking people down and getting them to call me back.

Thank goodness I'm persistent.

But all that is nothing compared to the stress of family right now. My mother is old (96) and living on her own in her own house. My bro and sis-in-law are close by but they get frustrated with looking after her, particularly since she is not easy to be around. I know they would like me to contribute more but I am in BC and they are in Ontario.

And so right now I have a low level of anxiety. It's not guilt - because I am very clear that I am selfish and don't go back east as often as I "should."

And still this anxiety. So - project for today - take time to soothe that nagging itch. Calling my mother again right now - might as will get it over with.

The Voice

It may be time to admit that I am addicted to The Voice.

I like it better than Idol - heck, I like it better than X Factor. I mean - I loooooove it!!!!

You have no idea how embarrassing it is to admit this. But, heck, I may as well be honest. And yes, I love it because I love seeing all the happy excited people who are chasing their dreams. But if I'm going to totally honest, I have to admit too that what I love best is the four person panel. They're funny! They're incredibly entertaining! Their interaction is better than a sitcom!

Burying my head in shame.

But feeling cleansed.

And now I really have to get back to work. People need to be interviewed, stories don't write themselves you know!

Busy

Feeling good - feeling indefatigably good.

Why? Well - sunshine. Yes, sunshine. And for several weeks now I have been monitoring the swamp willows with green buds swelling and tiny green leaves unfurling. Even a few tiny nettles have thrust their green heads through the forest's carpet of brown leaves.

Some might say this means that spring is here. Others might say, no - not until the birds begin to nest. I have a different yardstick. For me, spring doesn't truly arrive until I hear the chorus of frogs in the pond as I go to bed - a croaking lullaby. That's spring.

Meanwhile, I am gearing up to be very busy. Today I completed three magazine stories and committed to reporting for a VI newspaper for several weeks. Yup - that's what semi-retirement looks like. I admit that I like the rush of achieving and I doubt I will ever lose it. So long as it doesn't migrate from excitement to stress, it works.

Foggy Foothills

This morning I rescued Rufus - who is housebound while J & P are in Hawaii and took him and Abby to the Foothills.

If you haven't hiked the Lantzville Foothills, there's some pretty scenery to view and some good steep hills to get your heart rate elevated. However, you have to know where you're going. Trails are hard to find and poorly marked - especially on a foggy day with weather on the top of the peaks.

My favourite hike is to the top of what I think is called Lone Tree Hill.

You have to take the gravel road past several spur roads and all the way around the hill to find the trail on your right. And then keep your eyes peeled for intermittent flagging in various colours to get to the top. The top is a thing of beauty. It's as flat as mesa with a beautiful meadows and a hidden, fairy-tale pond.

We had two hours of a lovely walk. On a non-foggy day the views of the Winchelsea Islands from here are wonderful. However, the dogs didn't seem to mind the lack of view for one instant. They enjoyed a refreshing swim.

And Abby thought is was great fun to get in the way of the shot I was lining up.

Won't be like that

Sometimes I think that negative people are necessary in the world - if only to teach us what not to emulate.

Which brings me to my weekly telephone conversation with my mother. All the talks are the same. She tells me how awful her life is, how sick she is, how bad she feels, how no one cares about her and how everyone is out to do her harm.

She thinks that her "constant illness" is a recent condition. She doesn't believe me when I tell her that all my memories of her are the same and that I made a vow when I was very young: "I am never going to be like that."

And I'm not like that and never will be. If anything, when I'm her age, here's what I plan on:

I'm still going to be hiking with my dog. The hikes may not be quite as long or as steep but I'll still be doing them.

I'll be feisty. Maybe people will even call me a bitch. I plan to get more combative as I get older.

I will be ache and pain free. Oh sure, I may have the odd pulled muscle but when I do I won't complain about it.

I will be independent and loving it. I will have friends - lots of young people - and I'll spend time with them because they want to be around me, not out of a sense of duty.

I will continue to have adventures every single day. No barriers.

I will travel.

I will love life - every single minute of it.

I will still write - maybe not for money any more but I will still write.

I will not be afraid or sad or concerned about the future - because I will love and celebrate my life.

Happy Friday

Here is the random Rumi quote of the day:

There is a basket of fresh bread on your head,
yet you go door to door asking for crusts

Ain't it the truth? Everything we want - everything we need - is inside us. And we need so little to be happy. We don't need a flat screen TV or an iPad or the latest spring colour in a lancome lipstick. We need only ourselves - we need to be inside our hearts and inside our beauty.

Question - what is beauty? How do you define it?

I define it as a complete meeting of who we really are and the person we present to the world. When your soul shines through you are at your most beautiful. But what about things? Objects. I believe that the ones we hold as beautiful are the ones where the soul of the creator shines through.

I'm off to have a beautiful weekend.

Life

I read recently about a scientist who says that everything is life - not just you and I and animals and reptiles and amphibians; not just trees and flowers and grass; but also the dirt that grass grows in and the rocks and pebbles and the sand on the beach; also the stars in the sky and the moon and - well, everything.

It took no leap of faith for me to believe this. I have felt the life of mountains forever. I have spoken to trees and touched them with reverence.

But it's not just an intuitive feeling that makes me believe. I think it's common sense. We know that we are made of the same matter as the stars. We are star men and women.

And consider this: At one point - many many years ago, the first bit of what we call "life" emerged in the oceans. From what did that life come? From inorganic matter? Life had to come from something alive. A rock is alive - it may not move around a lot or got to the office every day (smart rock) but it is composed of the same molecules and atoms that I am. Ergo - the rock is alive.

Isn't that exciting?

Rumi

Finally - I'm ready for Rumi.

Why did it take so long? After all, I've been a poetry lover since I could read. As a teenager I was passionate about all the English classic poets like Wordsworth, Keats and Shelley. Then I discovered the women like Edna St. Vincent Millay. Then there was Haiku and Kenneth Rexroth's fantastic poetry.

Now, thanks to Roger Houdsen's book, "Saved by Beauty" I have finally picked up my Rumi and really begun to read it. My game is to open the book at random and to pick out a "verse for the day."

Here is today's:

Make peace with the universe.
Take joy in it. It will turn to gold.
Resurrection will be now. Every moment
a new beauty, and never any boredom.

Oh - this speaks to me. The book spoke to me as well. However, I believe there is a caveat here. Housden writes about "the other Iran" - the Iran of art and beauty and intellectuals and people who live and laugh and love - ordinary people and extraordinary people. At the end, however, he is detained by the secret police and almost doesn't get out of the country.

I would say to the author that if he had gone to Hitler's Germany before the war (and even during the early stages of the war) he would have found many artists and intellectuals speaking out against the regime. He would also have found many ordinary people living ordinary, happy lives. That's the way it is.

Perhaps a country needs to be judged by it's politics - people, for themselves.

All about trails

The last two days have largely been all about the Trans Canada Trail. I had a meeting at Harmac yesterday with Levi Sampson and Paul Sadler. After a further conversation this afternoon I feel optimistic about moving ahead with the next step.

This morning - which was a beautiful foggy morning with sun gradually cutting through - Laurie Gourlay, his wife Jackie Moade and I met with the fabulous Kait Burgan of Shaw TV with her super camera guy, Derek, and we spend about three hours filming a potential TC trail.

What I love about the idea of the trail is transportation that does not require the burning of fossil fuels. On top of that the trail will show off one of the prettiest areas of Vancouver Island.

If you look carefully you can spot Derek filming just behind Laurie - who is, of course, mugging for the camera.

Pretty isn't it?

Hello Monday!

This day has all the earmarks of a STAR day! A fabulous beginning to the week. And no, it's not just because the sun in shining.

I love serendipity. There I was, standing in the farm yard after a walk with Abby, just chatting to Paul when a VW van drove up - and there was Jackie with the maps I needed! I was prepared to pick them up this afternoon but she remembered that she had an idea of where I lived. The fact that I was standing right there pretty much confirmed that her suspicious were correct.

I am now fully armed for my meeting with Levi Sampson at Harmac today. I can plot out on an official RDN map where we want the TC trail to run. I go with full confidence that we can reach an agreement on his pipeline.

Other reasons to feel terrific today? Beauty - beauty all around me. Beauty - my new revised word for the year. The realization that life is in everything and all around me and that the mere fact of life is beautiful.

I live in beauty.

Westwood Ridges

Terrific morning hiking on the Westwood Ridges.

It's amazing how many times I've come up here - how many times I've hiked all the various trails - and I never tire of it. The seasons change; the light changes from day to day - and always there is a new beauty to discover.

Oh I know that hiking is good exercise and all that but I really do it because I am besotted - drunk with beauty. Beauty is sacred to me. Beauty brings me to my knees.

I remember being in Seattle when the Van Gogh exhibit came through and I stood in front of Starry Night and burst into tears. I remember walking into St. Paul's Cathedral in London and stopping dad in my tracks as I gazed up into the dome. I could have been converted right then and there - a worshipper of beauty.

The beauty of nature has moved me to song and to prayer. I will never take such beauty for granted. I will sing its praises and be happily enslaved to it forever.

Foggy Morning

It was a beautiful foggy day - perfect for a hike at Jack Point.

There's something lovely about being out in the fog. The world takes on a new perspective - all edges are softened, light filters through gently and disperses.

I've been to Jack Point many times but this morning was different - not just because of the shrouding mist. The ferries aren't running and I suddenly became aware of the absolute quiet. I had never even questioned the background white noise that the terminal produces. Always there are semis running their engines and usually a ferry at the dock also humming away. The car traffic is no more. All is quiet - just the odd foghorn howling mournfully out in the bay.

And so I heard the birds singing and the gentle lap of water at low tide.

It was a good walk. Full of peace.

Positive Focus

Today I am choosing to focus on politics in a positive way. It helps that it's Friday and that it's sunny and that with the arrival of February winter has done its worst (and it wasn't that bad).

I take heart from reading Justin Trudeau's tweets. The man has his head on right and seems to be very much in touch with the people. I would love to see him as leader of the Liberals.

I like that people everywhere are waking up and I see more and more evidence that we are making a difference. I honestly believe that we are going to win. When it comes to a battle between us and the corporations and corrupt politicians, we have the power. A general (could have been Patton) once said that it didn't matter who had the superior weapons, it was morale and the belief in a just cause that would determine the outcome.

I have faith. I see a bright, beautiful future. I plan to not only be a part of it but to help create it. My contribution may be small - I am only one person - but it is going to make all the difference because millions and billions of small contributions add up to an unstoppable force.

One of the most important things I can do to contribute is to live my life ethically and with due care for the environment - I can live with an open heart that cares for all living things. I can speak out when I witness injustice. I can reach out a helping hand. Most of all, I can control my attitude. I can always keep love, truth and justice in my heart and believe in my fellow human beings.

A Few Things

A few thoughts:

1. It's almost 5.30 and the sky is still light - in fact, if I were willing to take the time, I would photograph and post the beautiful pink clouds outside my window - but I won't because...

2. I have to catch up with American Idol on YouTube. Yup - it's a priority.

3. Good day today. Very busy. Lots of work and I like having busy days now and then.

4. Started reading American Dervish - think it's going to be a very good book.

5. Rodents are not meteorologists

6. Feeling excited about - well, I'm not sure what. Or maybe I'm just excited about the idea of being excited.

7. Life is good.

Focusing on Good News

I read a wonderful bit yesterday about the tragedy of overpopulation, especially in regard to transportation. It was a piece from the turn of the century when the horse was king of city streets. Along with horses came the worst kind of pollution: horse manure everywhere! Not to mention horse carcasses. It was getting to the point where the city no longer knew what to do with all that manure. On some empty lots it was piled 40 and 60 feet high. Then there was all that urine and all those flies!

No one back then could have predicted that the automobile would save the day.

I hope that exactly the same thing is happening right now. Human ingenuity is uncovering and discovering innovative ways - ways we can't yet imagine - to bring us out of our current oil crisis.

This kind of positive thinking is so important. I find myself getting bogged down sometimes (too often) by all the dire news in the world. And the fact is that the press relishes bad news. It comes at us from all directions. If the Law of Attraction is as accurate as it is purported to be (and I believe it is) then it's little wonder we are in dire straits - it's what we focus on.

My question is, how do I keep myself reasonably well informed and working toward the causes I care about, while remaining upbeat? I don't want to be in denial. I don't think being Pollyanna is the answer. It's about staying solution focused. It's about envisioning the outcome I want to achieve.

Staying positive in a negative world is a challenge. I'm working on meeting it.