Interesting, Varied Day Here

We've had the motor home up for sale and today we were flooded with calls about it. Had lowered the price the evening before and here we sit, a few dollars in our pockets and space in the driveway. The couple who bought it are homeless. Will live in it in a campground owned by his folks. Come winter I don't know what their plans are.

The doctor called today with my ultrasound results. Have a huge stone caught in my bile duct. Has caused inflamation of my liver and intestine. Meet with the surgeon next week unless he has an opening for a consult earlier.

We're under a tornado watch. Sirens have been going off for an hour, with hail to the north of us. The northern skies darken and the tree tops swirl. Then dead silence. Then it begins again. I'm not bothered by it much because what can I do? Crawl in a ditch? Hide in a shower? The school is supposed to be a shelter but a neighbor called and said the place is locked up solid. I figure if it's my time, so be it.

I do get a bit spooked when darkness falls. But, again, nothing we can do but wait it out.

I see Donald Trump's not happy about Charles Krauthammer comparing Trump to Al Sharpton. What's the problem? Their both showmen. Ones' just richer than the other. And both have silly hair.

Take care everyone. Treesong.

Health Update

Had blood work yesterday and ultrasound today. The technician sure has a firm hand and every time she pressed down I yelped. Doc had ordered ultrasound of gallbladder, liver, kidney, spleen in hopes of getting "an overall picture." I sure hope something is discovered because I feel like I'm bruised.

We planted 24 blue spruce yesterday because the rain had finally quit. Driveway's a mud hole again; no point in mopping floors and we're both aching from the dampness and cold.

Have our motor home up for sale. Several lookers and calls but no greenbacks have come our way yet. We were high bidder in an online repo auction and came home with 26 4x8 sheets of T-1-11 primed siding. There were six extra sheets in the two bundles so that's even more of a savings!

I should know by Wednesday what my ultrasound results are. In the meantime, I'm eating and drinking lots of apple juice. The pain has lessened but the bloating remains. Also discovered what gall stones look like but either there are more in me or something else is going on.

Oh well, one day at a time.

Have a nice weekend everyone and thanks for your suggestions and concern. Treesong

Life Ain't Peachy Right Now

I am one of millions of uninsured people in the U.S. and now find myself in need of gallbladder surgery.

It's been a rough week of being sick, no energy, not being able to eat anything other than herbal tea and trying to find a doctor who will then enlist a surgeon and put me on the operating table.

As my stools are now white, my skin developing a pale yellow color and my strength ebbing I may just arrive at ER and start screaming.

My diagnosis is actually based on a visit with a clinic PA who felt my abdomen, listened to bowel sounds, took my vitals and my medical history. "I'm 99.9% confident you need your gall bladder removed. However, we need blood work and an ultra sound to confirm this," he said.

I agreed and said, "Then let's get started."

"Well, I'll have to find you a doctor in the hospital willing to take your case and hook you up with another person who will help you figure out how to pay for this," he said.

That was this morning.

Meanwhile, the swelling continues, I'm weaker and the pain has lessened. No wonder! I don't have any nourishment in me!

Tomorrow I call the clinic to see where "we're at."

It's not a matter of not being able to pay for it. It's the fact that the monthly payments probably don't satisfy the hospital, etc. I understand that. I really do. So, I'll deteriorate a bit more until my liver and pancreas are affected.

Remodeling Lessons

After owning/remodeling eight homes, there are lessons I should have learned by now. My excuse is, hope springs eternal and I have a short memory!

A couple weeks ago we bought five more windows, the largest being 5' wide by 4' high. It took us two days to install and now we actually sit at our kitchen table and enjoy the view! That's progress - which also brings adjustments!

My visions of herb filled pots sitting on the windowsill hasn't materialized and Kitty Kitty protects the area as though she had kittens stashed nearby. Of the few objects I have on the windowsill, at least one is knocked over every morning.

We ran out of steam before finishing the interior wall but our dinner guests yesterday didn't mind and neither does Kitty Kitty.

As the photos show, the old small window gave little light, was in the wrong location thanks to our earlier remodeling, and blocked our view of the yard.

The lesson revisited from this experience is: every remodeling project reveals new challenges or requirements. Now we need either an awning, a roof over the deck or room darkening blinds. Temps broke a 71 year record here yesterday and were it not for the wind, we would have been cooked!

Oh well, we're still making progress!

The View From Here

At times I'm so disgusted with waste, ignorance, neglect and apathy that I want to scream from the mountain tops: "Wake Up! Wake Up! Look around you; inside you; beside you! Question. Contemplate. Dare to explore. For your sake; for every one's sake. Wake Up."

As if knocked over by a whisper, I'm reminded the majority of our world is led by the same action. Only the words are different.

Charlatans with quick solutions designed to coddle a captive audience and maintain the status quo provide all manner of options to attain their example of "the good life."

In reality their philosophy perpetuates waste, fraud, duplicity, poverty, ignorance and the wealth of a few at the expense of many.

The status quo's example is easily followed due to its prominence in every aspect of our lives. Access to its promises appears easily duplicated and its constant infusion of pseudo variety and options holds our attention.

Multi-media displays, flashy pronouncements and conspicuous consumption capture an audience dependent on increasing doses of the same.

Meanwhile, alternative lifestyles are demonized by the majority. Weirdo, survivalist, terrorist, outcast, reject, loner and other descriptions serve to repel inquiring minds while insuring the mainstream survival.

Those who've woke up enough to realize their lives are empty, their aspirations futile and their lives aren't truly their own, risk everything by changing. Therein lies the greatest threat.

Dare to abstain and you're denigrated, ignored, abandoned, excluded, ostracized.

Rejection from your peers is painful but so is ignoring your awakened conscience.

Personally, I think the status quo is so well ingrained in most of the world that there's little point in actively fighting it.

The better path is to step off the treadmill, create your own life - which you are wholly capable of - and influence people by your example.

On the rare occasion someone asks "how" or "why" of our lifestyle and principles, I provide simple, clear responses. Provide too many details and their eyes eventually glaze over. A calm, contented countenance eventually gets noticed. Those who've grown weary of incessant noise, distraction and racing on a treadmill to oblivion will find their way to your door.

When someone "gets it" my hope in humanity is rekindled.

Along this same vein, here are a few ways we "live" a rich, rewarding life.

1. Give of your time, talent and resources. It does come back to you.

2. Lead by example.

3. Accept others where they are instead of overtly trying to change or convert them.

4. Buying something new is seldom the solution to anything.

5. An abundance of most things complicates life.

6. Reuse, recycle and re-purpose your resources.

7. Learn new skills.

8. Vary routines and you'll discover what you've been missing.

9. Laugh and love every day.

10. Smile at strangers and enemies. All of you will be changed by this.

My tip for the day is...

Wash your hair in diluted baking soda. It's effective, allergy free and inexpensive.

Art Exhibit

Thought some of you would enjoy viewing some of the art work created in our art group.









The first two photos are a recent mini scrap quilt I did for my youngest granddaughter and the last oil painting I did in the late 90's.

I See It All Around Me

People struggling to hang on to a long dead American Dream; to an image they believe is safe and secure; and to adults shuffling bills in order to maintain an appearance of normalcy.

People ignore the obvious by burying their fears in alcohol, drugs, petty theft, domestic violence, chronic pain, depression and other forms of self abuse.

Their expectations - honed by years of consumptive conditioning - are far removed from the reality they continue to resist.

And corporate America is only too happy to oblige. The "deals" keep coming; the advertisements continue to entice and ignorant people believe they "need" frivolous imported junk as opposed to the basics: (real) food; (adequate) shelter; responsible, frugal use of utilities; dependable transportation - not motorized, multitasking wonder machines that cost a year's wage or more and are obsolete by the next model year.

If people can't cope with what's happening now, the future is indeed bleak.

Iced In & Doing Something With Nothing

Ice storm hit here overnight.
One inch or more over everything.

Ventured outside between power outages to check things. Large tree down on road south of us but someone had cleared part of it away. Lots of broken branches in the yard and our vehicles are impenetrable. The previous day I had shoveled openings in the muddy ruts so the water would flow downhill. That did the trick but two hours later - as we're waiting for things to dry a bit - the sleet and freezing rain began.

Heard from a friend about a electrical line that came down within four feet of her car as she was scraping ice. This was followed by a fireball and a nearby tree crashing to the ground between their home and her husband's vehicle. Neighbors called 911 reporting that they heard sounds like a cannon being shot.

Meanwhile, we've lazed around today. Took a nap, read a book, made a pineapple upside down cake and washed a quilt - how hung across an eight foot rod in our heated back shed.

I've been asked to speak to a home schooling co-op group in late April about recycling, cost saving strategies and my experiences in the early days of homeschooling 32 years ago. Ought to be interesting as these folks can't fathom being investigated by Social Services or threatened with loss of a job because I home schooled.

My art program that many thought would never among to anything is sailing along to the point where we're no longer accepting any more mural locations for this year and about to outgrow our meeting space at the library. The plan is to do murals on location whenever possible and otherwise meet in various parks, weather permitting.

And, of course, at a community meeting last night, before the ice storm, I was introduced as the newcomer who's "made an impact" on the community while having no building, no money, no bank account and no board of directors.

When asked how I managed to do that, I said: "By not letting anything hold me back."

New Wheels

We've had a good week and welcomed warmer weather by walking around our yard picking up sticks and giving Lady a little exercise.

Finally unloaded the last of Sweetie's stuff from the back of his truck today!!! Yesterday he removed the truck topper and tried to scrape the driveway muck. It's in better shape by the garage but a total loss near the road. Thankfully, we have parking space to the south of the driveway entrance. However, this means using the front entrance which has four steps up to the deck. A makeshift ramp on one side gave me and Lady easier access.

An email to local friends gained me a FREE nearly new Nova walker with four wheels, a seat, basket, brakes and a great paint job. At tomorrow's art class, while others make collages and paint, I'll jazz up my walker.

Once we got it home, I realized how much I've been sitting in order to avoid falling. Though I have another ancient walker, it was a two wheel model with no other features. I was always letting to of it to carry something and often the inevitable happened: down I went with broken stuff and/or fluid on the floor.

The MS flare ups have increased while my energy level has decreased. And, as much as I've resisted using a walker it's been a blessing to have SAFE mobility.

That's all for now folks.

Treesong

Progress On the Art Front

Wednesday we had a brainstorming session for the art group. Great group of dedicated people and fantastic moderator. By end of the thee hour session we had a new name, mission statement and agreement to meet 24 hours later to assign tasks and questions raised the previous day.

Today, at Drop In For Art, our free art class held at the library, three of our members were present so we discussed more ideas.

We've decided to remain non-hierarchical, have no officers or recorded minutes and not organize as a business or non-profit.

Our mission is to bring art to the people to enhance our communities. The five of us have gelled to the point where we open our emails to discover we've all had the same thoughts within a few seconds.

We're going to construct a series of community murals and already have our first location. A call for donations of acrylic exterior paints has gone out. We'll provide the 4x8 foot primed plywood surface and invite community members to help paint the mural. This method has the advantage of making the murals transportable and sitting one on saw horses makes them easy for all ages and abilities to paint on them. One perosn has volunteered his garage wall as mural material.

Two small festivals are held here each year and we're going to be a part of them too.

I've also been invited to attend a joint community meeting aimed at fostering community pride, business and recreational space for the communities.

Seems a few people have decided art may be an idea worth trying.

Two people have decided quiet publicly that my ideas are crazy. They've removed flyers, told people not to listen to the "nutty artist" and made a few crank phone calls. So be it.

I think there's been enough positive response, especially from the children, that their objections will be drowned out.

Preserving Our Sanity

Have you ever noticed how easily we're led off track; wound up by other people's actions or become involved when you should run in the opposite direction?

We've had our share of turds hitting the fan the last couple weeks: the roof and two new windows are leaking; the stove door fell off; the land contract holder didn't pay the insurance; the garage door hit me in the shoulder; crank calls at 3 a.m. and I slipped down three steps.

Things got worse when the "people problems" began. Sweetie's son made his usual choices and complains about the results. The library board had four openings and a small town mudslinging campaign added the spouses of two former board members and a child molester to the board. That ought to make for local fireworks! A neighbor drove home intoxicated and took out one tree and our mailbox. We fixed the box and last night he spun donuts, lost control and came to a stop in our lilac bush.

I should have realized some people never learn much while others, like us, have short memories. By yesterday we were so exhausted we slept most to the day, ate little and refused to answer the phone.

After showering at 6 p.m. and sat in our chairs staring into space. When the cat jumped on my lap I snapped to attention and called my father. He sounded great; said he had no need for a home health aide and insisted he's seldom left alone where he lives. Okay, I thought. No point in arguing. Just say goodbye and keep my peace.

Less than two hours later the phone rang. My sister-in-law said, "He's up to his old tricks again."

Now he's worried about managing his meds; claimed the house will be cold and said he is alone most of the time. This version is closer to the truth.

My sister-in-law said she'd stop by every other day to check his meds and arrange for a visiting aide. Before he could respond she said, "It's not too late for you to go to assisted living." (where he had previously applied until my ex changed the plans).

My father laughed uncontrollably; said she and I worry needlessly about him, and get others upset when there's "nothing to worry about."

The kicker was: "This has been fun watching you two go crazy! Gotchya!"

She hung up and I don't blame her.

Yes, he needed medical attention. Yes, we're concerned for his well being. But game playing and hurting people intentionally because he thinks it's funny is unacceptable. Once again, we'll forgive his bad behavior, but be on guard against future assaults on our peace and self worth.

Tonight he's home at my daughter's boyfriend's, snug in his bed, I assume. I don't even have the energy to be pissed, which is just as well. In a day or so I'll send him a card and that' that.

Meanwhile, every appliance we have can quit; more windows can leak and it can rain for 40 days and nights. None of it matters because we're of one mind, heart and soul and thankful to occupy our little corner of the world.

Sleep well people. You may very well need your energy!

Even The Troops Are Waking Up

I Was Not Informed

My sister-in-law, who is not supposed to associate with me, called our home today to tell us my father has been hospitalized with the flu and pneumonia.

She only knew because her husband emailed her - after being incognito for five weeks.

I called Dad at the hospital and talked to him awhile, then called the nurse's station and asked to have my name and phone number added to "the list" of family members to be notified of any changes in his condition, etc.

Two sisters, my three children and two teenage granddaughters are on "my list."

The first words out of Dad's lips when I called where: "I wondered if you would ever call me."

Frankly, certain people's well being is not threatened at this time because I'm 10-1/2 hours south of them. But, a day of reckoning will arrive and I pity their hind ends then.

BTW, he laid in bed for three days, coughing, refusing to eat or drink and none of them did a thing. It was an elderly neighbor friend who stopped by to play cribbage who brought him into ER.

Bastards.

FYI

Thanks to those of you who've commented on my efforts to bring the arts to our twin communities here in Lower Michigan.

To those of you who've asked: I have not taken up the church on their offer of space because the church actually meets in their annex for three services on Sunday, two church groups occupy it another two days and then all funerals, luncheons and some weddings are held there as well.

The actual sanctuary was built in the mid 1800's and has no plumbling.

I hesitate to plan activities at the annex and then have to cancel due to unforeseen events such as funerals. In the past two weeks there have been three in the annex followed by luncheons.


On March 9th we're holding a brainstorming session at the library and this week more flyers/posters will be distributed. I've asked the newspaper to do a story on our efforts so we'll see what develops.

Thanks, Treesong

A People Who Lack Vision...

are certain to wallow in self pity, depression, hopelessness and inertia.

Our twin communities here are a great example. When the Chrysler plant closed in the mid 70's the towns began to die. The high school shuttered its doors and was eventually demolished. The kids were bused to a arger town and subjected to slurs, judgments and being lost in a crowd. To this day they're often referred to as River Rats. It's a crying shame and it shows everywhere.

There are few people with vision or hope and enough domestic violence, alcoholism, drugs and robbery to cover every block in each village.

Thankfully, there are people who yearn for change and hope - though not necessarily Obama. There is talent here and dreams and, of course, critics.

I love the critics because they give me an opportunity to influence people.

For example, while posting a notice at the local restaurant about "Drop In For Art" (meets every Saturday at the library) an old timer said, "Why bother with art when the people need jobs?"

Of course he was mumbling under his breath the way most people with little vision and less courage do. Being me, I took his remark as an opportunity to introduce myself.

"Hello, I overheard your comment about art and wondered if you'd care to tell the kids at the library what you think. How about stopping by Saturday?"

He flustered, got a little antsy and turned a little red. "Well, what's putting scraps of garbage together going to teach them?"

"Not to throw out the useable with the rancid."

"Rancid" was a bit above his grasp of the English language so his buddy interpreted: "Rancid is the smelly, rotten stuff."

Then the critic says: "Well one or two paintings or pictures on a wall is enough. What's the point of the rest of it?"

I cut to the chase: "Broadly speaking, art is all around us, all the time. It's not limited to paintings or photographs. Art played a role in the car you drive, the style of house you live in, the clothes you wear, the furniture and and appliances you have." He chuckled a bit and I kept talking. "Art determined the choice of wall covering and booths and dinnerware right here in front of you. In fact, art played a role in why you choose to eat here and not next door." At this last remark four heads around the tabled nodded in agreement.

Mr. Critic considered for a moment and said, "Well..."

"Well," I said, "consider what I've said the next time you choose one color, style, model or material over another. And please, please, stop by the library where the next generation is making those same choices now - choices that may very well affect the kind of person they become."

I stood up, extended my hand and said, "Have a nice day."

Tomorrow I'm returning to that restaurant and ask the owner to display the kids' artwork and for permission to put a collection jar at the register.

Double Attendance

I'm exhausted. I'm excited. I'm encouraged. I'm thankful.

We had twice the attendance today at Drop In For Art at the library. An extra table had been set up so all the donated supplied that I brought today were placed there. Donations are going well but I have lots of duplicates and find I need some specifics. So I've put out a call for certain items.

The kids are asking for specific classes so I told them to go home and ask their friends and family to donate them. Next week I'll distribute more flyers and ask a few business owners to help me out for the sake of local kids.

Meanwhile three people have offered to teach an adult art class: dream catchers, silk scarf painting and wire wrapped jewelry.

Things are looking well but I know that within a month or less we'll need more space. Maybe someone will be inspired to provide a larger space. Miracles do happen.

Meanwhile, I'm going to curl up on the sofa and relax. Have a great weekend everyone.

We Had a Blast!

Three children and four adults met at the library Saturday to create collages from recyclables.

We ran out of time. We had way more donations than we needed. We had a blast talking and laughing and creating and inspiring.

And, we decided to continue this adventure. Actually, they decided. I was already determined to.

For the next five Saturdays we'll meet from noon to 3 p.m. (instead of 1 hour) at the library for "Drop In For Art." Still working with donated materials, we'll focus on the following themes: Crowns/Hats/Halos, Bag or Box It, Embellish It, Paper Mache and Anything Goes. I'll have an example at each class for inspiration but after that the sky's the limit.

An email is circulating now asking for more donations - including asking people to NOT donate to Goodwill but save it for a yard sale this summer to raise money for the group.

Sweetie says he'll clear a spot in the pole barn to accept donations. Our library has a huge green space where we can hold the sale and they'll publicize the yard sale and art classes too.

March 9th we have a 3-hour brain storming session at the library moderated by a friend who is CEO of a local non-profit.

Onward and upward. Thanks everyone for being such great listeners.

The Assessor Pays Us a Visit

Sweetie asked for a re-assessment of this place a couple weeks ago. The man showed up today. The former owner had paid no attention to rising assessments which was at $61,000. We paid a bit more than half that for the place.

We'll have the new figure in a week. Mentioned this at writing group today. NO ONE knew you could even request such a thing!!!

"Uninformed is dangerous," I said.

"I think that's kind of strong language," said a new participant.

"Not if you care how your money's spent." I said.

End of conversation.

And then, more news arrived. Our land contract holder is probably going to walk.
Right now I feel numb.

Life will get harder if this news comes to pass. Instead of $1107 a month we'll have $557. Back to living entirely on preps.

Spent three hours with a mentor discussing the art project. she's coordinating a brainstorming session and will act as moderator. Believe it or not, right now it's a bright spot for me.

Meanwhile, I hope more people wake up to what's ahead. Despite all this news I still feel fortunate.

Take care, Treesong

Attitude is Everything

As usual I've worked my you know what off promoting a community arts center for this little spot on the Michigan map. I've talked to anyone and everyone who will give me the time; attended a few meetings to share my plans for 5-10 minutes; received two sizable donations of supplies (wonderful, wonderful & thank you all around); and created a Facebook page where people post pictures of their work, encourage one another and share ideas.

Remember, I'm cash strapped and have no rich uncle nor lottery winnings. Add a lousy economy and the usual problems dragging people down and you know what you get - apathy.

But, I have determination, attitude, and talent. Right now those qualities count for a whole lot of people waiting to see me fail. As one wizard put it: "your idea will float down the river with the rest of the garbage." Thank you jackass, you've inspired a collage.

This Saturday I scheduled a FREE collage class at the local library for ages 8-14. Advertised that they either call or come into the library to register. One person called and asked why someone would do such a thing. One friend is bringing two grandkids - from a community 18 miles away. One friend is sending her daughter whose artistic talent knocks me over. Her home is four blocks from the library.

So I've prepared for 10 students and may have three. Maybe more and maybe less.

I've attracted enough attention and talk that a couple messages have been left on two fliers. Not nice ones.

I've been invited to join the library board from which four representatives have resigned in two months. The eight member library board has never had full membership. NEVER.

Yet anywhere one goes you hear the same refraim: "There's nothing to do here for the kids."

"There's no money." (while they hoist two 12 packs of Budweiser into their truck bed and stash a fifth of whiskey beneath the seat - I kid you not.

A local pastor offered space in the church annex to hold classes. I met him and toured the facility. It's fabulous. The youth group band has produced its own CD and financed its a trip to a competition/workshop out of state. Their 4 p.m. Sunday youth service attracts 60-70 kids. The church has 12 members!!!!!!!! So the impossible can happen here.

Is there a need for activity and role models in these twin communities? You bet. Do any of the locals exercise their gray matter and participate, plan or donate to any cause to change attitudes here? RARELY ever.

The pastor pointed out three projects/groups in the area: the Lions Club (all members from outside the villages except two people); VFW (ONE person put one brick in a Veterans Memorial while people from OUTSIDE the area paid for it, built it and commemorated it!). The church held a FREE spaghetti supper. NO ONE came!!!

I'd like to kick some ass and bash in a few heads.

But, I'll calm down, put a smile on my face and continue with my campaign. If half a dozen people (irregardless of age) join me in this journey then it will be worth it. And the rest of them? They're the losers.

Facebook Began a Revolution!!!

And a certain man in this household is watching with interest as Mubarak prepares to step down in Egypt. He is amazed at what has occurred in 17 days.

Meanwhile, yours truly has busied herself with creating the groundwork for an arts center in our twin communities of Lyons-Muir. To inspire and encourage all our artists - and those who think they're not artistic I created an art page on Facebook.

On February 19th I hold my first class, thanks to our librarian's offer of a meeting room. Eight through 14 year olds will do collages of found and donated materials. The library space isn't ideal but it's a beginning.

Though I'm by no means a great art has informed and adorned my life. I want people here, especially the children to have that opportunity. Art has the ability to transform lives and communities.

Already, people are posting their artwork on the site and encouraging one another.

Another example of a small revolution in our community, thanks to Facebook.

In the meantime, I'm dreaming big, collecting donated supplies and money and believing someone will step forward with a permanent location for the art gallery/studio.

In a world full of depression, suicide, domestic violence, alcoholism, drugs, unemployment and poverty, the opportunity to create art while building relationships can lead to other possibilities.

If you're interested in joining us in some fashion in this effort please email me at treesonggal@yahoo.com.

Have a great day folks. Treesong