Shades of Grey

As I get older, time is just time. It all blends together. The only thing that seems to matter to me is the weather forecast and when the sun sets. 

The worst for me was outliving not one but two personal computers and my techie soul mate. I did not see all three of these happening to me. The crystal ball is cloudy, and the world is upside-down.

Then one day, some neighbors actually threw me a life preserver and I grabbed ahold. I think a lot about time and use it slowly building myself back up, lifting my head above water. 

Blog Post: Peace & Happiness

Peace & Happiness

I will take the Gemini path, today. 
I am taking the time to re-focus.

Some follow the path of crisis.

This type of messaging is filled with mis-information.

Asking myself, Is Truth also at a tipping point?

I choose Peace & Happiness and will take Time to focus.

My burden basket is full.

Blog Post: Stuck!

Stuck! 

Do you ever just get stuck? Well, I sure do.
Here it is a brand new year and I am falling into the abyss. 

Winter keeps me busy. Getting ready for another winter storm in Northwest Arkansas.
Hopefully, I get my writing thoughts together while doing various survival tasks.
I read a tweet from Stephen King that said, just keep writing!

So, for today, step one is accomplished. 
If you click on any of the links in the header here OR my website then I HOPE to get unstuck.

Update editing March 9, 2023

Blog Post: Survival thinking

Survival thinking 

I survived the polar vortex. Had the foresight to get really good firewood for the winter and used it. Wasn't easy to stoke that fire every four hours for five days. Actually took some planning just to prepare to light the fire. Found a couple of videos on YouTube that were just what I wanted for starting a fire with a very cold stove pipe, wind and minus degree temps outside. Worked like a charm and never let that fire go out.

Turned the electric Heat & Air completely off and covered up the top of the outside heat pump with plastic topped with left-over kitchen counter linoleum and weighted that down with small stepping stones and rocks. Kept the snow and ice out of the unit, completely. Kicked it back-on when I was ready and the result: I stayed off the wait list for Heat & Air service plus, not singing the electric company billing blues.

Will there be another polar vortex? That is possible. I found and used what was on hand: heavy guage plastic to cover windows, with no storm windows, on the inside with pushpins. For the glass doors, I found on-hand the foam that is used when laying down wood floors. Cut that to fit the in-and-out doors and secured with packing tape to the door frame itself. 

Did not have that old crafter snake for under the door draft but, I found some foam swimming noodles and cut them to fit and that kept out the door draft. Just taped the noodle to the bottom of the door and I could go in and out while all the items stayed in place. 

I feel rather good, knowing that I could do all this on my own. Darling husband finally admitted that he was a pack-rat and I went hunting for what I thought would work since I am all into upcycle.

Also not in denial regarding the changing climate. Been involved in that thinking since the 70s. 

As I empty out 38-years of stuff, "Day After Tomorrow" reminded me that books are burnable trees and don't let the fire go out!

rls

Update editing March 8, 2023

Editorial Opinion: Consider the Options

Condider the Options

Filling a day with positive thoughts and achievements recquires effort these days. 

With a global pandemic, political unrest from the bottom (local) and all the way up (federal), plus holidays; simple is no longer simple.

So, what is the simple? For today, it began with coffee. 

A few necessary business moments, such as what bills to pay?

Remembered that I had another global account with LinkedIn.

Looked around, fixed a few items and then another Now What to consider.

Filled the birdfeeder with sunflower seeds. Opened the curtain so, I can watch the birds while typing.

Every now and then a newbie arrives and then I have something new to learn: Who are you?

The woodpecker population is increasing. The predators are soaring on the wind and keep the ground area under control. Even have two bald eagles that have appeared. 

Guess I need to get my cameras out of storage. 

Excitement here for yesterday. I heard something rustling in the leaves when walking out to the roadside mailbox. Staying focused on the sound and where was that sound? I saw it; An armadillo.

It had been at least twenty-years since an armadillo forged through here. 

Brought a smile to my face to see the young-one focused on its forging with no concern for my presence.

rls

Update editing March 8, 2023

Blog Post: Sept. 18, 2018

Global Brand Marketing 

Working today with codes and links.

Not much else to put on this page while setting up new links.

Be patient while I am getting everything I do under a secure socket.

All the names in the header point to their new home location.
Fancy This! ~ Another Time Line (Graphic Designer Rebecca Lea)

Littlemouse Vision Quest (Storyteller / Mentor Rebecca Lea)

Creekside News Journal (Journalist Rebecca L. Sherman)

Twitter and Pinterest accounts in the header, also.

Google Air Quality monitors to their Google Mapping vehicles. 

Climate information on a global level.

Well, this is enough for a test.

Thanks for stopping by.

Update editing March 8, 2023

Editorial Opinion: What?

What?

It is such a small word that is a question waiting for an answer.

When the Women's March took place this year, I appreciated the sign I saw that said, "I can't believe I am still doing this shit." She was referring to marching for women.

I relate.

Then to the mother in Charlottesville, Virginia; Nope, I wouldn't talk to that guy either.

Everyone seems so surprised but, this has been an erosion occurring for a rather long time.

Does not matter if it is about gender, race, demographics, wages, health, environment, faith, religion and a few more topics - you hopefully get the point.

To think that I thought I could enjoy doing what I am good at and succeed for myself, my family and my community but, the group that Wants What They Want When They Want It is a powerful group.

They break rules to get What They Want in order to prosper in the manner they vision for themselves.

When they do; WHAT is no longer a question.

WHAT is now the IT. The defining selfish moment that the group will undertake in order to survive in whatever that comfort zone is for them. People outside their group do not matter.

IT is dangerous.

Update editing March 8, 2023

Blog Post: Dec. 21, 2016

End of 2016

With all of the changes occurring across the world the one that is of greatest concern is the climate, which has been changing and now is at its tipping point.

There is a time to be silent.
A time to observe.

And now is my time to fix all the spots in this personal space and be ready to write.

Update editing March 8, 2023

Blog Post: Nov. 5, 2016

Writer's Block vs. Filling the White Space

### Always seems to become a new day, a new direction ...

Today, marks clearing the page to white space.

The tech is at work for the artist and writer.

Return later ...

Have a great day!

Update editing March 8, 2023

Blog News: Special Report: Kids and Chemicals

Special Report: Kids and Chemicals | BillMoyers.com: 

In this special report, Bill investigates if everyday chemicals are harming our kids.

Update editing March 9, 2023

Editorial Opinion: Take A Look and Read

Take A Look and Read

It is late on Thursday and sorting through all the information that my email accounts and social media accounts received today.

There is a storm coming and I still have some weather reports to check.

When this storm or any storm hits, I like to get the chatter directly from the stormchasers that I have in some social media groups. 

Twitter is good for this type of fast past news. I know there are other social media sites that allow this type of viral "breaking news" to take place.

Isn't it nice to be in the 21st Century. I really would not want to light the fire and send smoke signals. 

And who better than the stormchasers themselves to send the word forward.

They have a nice close knit communication network. The type that has each others back and the backs of all the people within their location. And then they have us who pass the info forward.

Be a part... all season.

Now headed back to my mail and will continue to utilize Share, to send items to my blogspot.

And if you haven't participated in the Net Neutrality issue, then read FreePress  and act quickly.

If you are here then there is a good chance you need Net Neutrality.

Editorial Opinion: The Climate Change

The Climate Change

It is rather peculiar to keep addressing this alarming change in weather. It is not a mystery ... the climate has and will continue changing.

I would say it was a beautiful weather day yesterday. No coats on this winter day. Outstanding!

I rather enjoyed sitting on the deck glancing over information on my laptop. The birds were excited. They actually got feed early. For me, I have deserved the ass-chewing from the local tree birds for not dutifully refilling their feeders.

But it is when the couple across the way exclaimed ... Look the forsythia is in bloom!

Now my little bush had some blooms but theirs is in full bloom. The forsythia is native to China. It does not bloom here in the U.S. until Spring.

So, this is when the beautiful weather day gets a little serious for thinking minds.

I decided that it was time to check on photos from the West Coast storm.

There was a tornado in L.A.  No mud slides ... those were rock slides!!! It is alarming to see rock deep enough to reach the eves of a house. It was explained that previous forest fires left no ground cover and as a result the rain streamed the ground rock downwards.

Around my home there have been endless signs of Climate Change. 

The rock is washing down the hillsides. Not like what happened there the last several days on the West Coast but none-the-less; it is happening.

I've noticed dragonflies that look like a mini drone. Armored little beasts. The delicacy of lacy wings are absent. Tiffany would have No inspiration. This is a Sci-Fi environment that has become reality.

Last night my location was under severe weather alerts.  No, it was not about snow or ice.

I have said for a long time now; give me a deck chair and a white umbrella so, I can enjoy when the dolphin jumps in the back yard.

The oceans are rising! There are plenty of photos online to verify this comment globally.

During the Mesoproterozoic Era, the Gulf of Mexico extended up into the flat lands West of Bella Vista, Arkansas, which is an area along the 540/ US 49. There is an enormous amount of geological history within the rocks.

Update editing March 8, 2023

Blog Post: Nov. 27, 2014

So I Was Thinking ...

This is a day to relax. 

No need to rush ... no big gathering of family or friends for some big meal.

So, just a day to relax and reflect.

Have a nice day everyone.

Update editing March 8, 2023

Blog post: Nov. 14, 2014

Idle Time Waiting

A cold Artic Blast evening waiting to see if any weather reports are correct for my area.

Dinner is in the oven since there is time to enjoy power.

Chili is in the crockpot in case I need it prepared for a heat up on the woodstove.

Good time to "Be Prepared."

And if the power stays on then all the more reports that can be written and uploaded.

Creekside News Journal™ has a new location.

Headed to LinkedIn next  and then Littlemouse Vision Quest.™ 

Guess I will utilize the stormchasers I watch on my Twitter account. If you have an account then check out my Weather List and keep an eye on those stormchasers. They are out there for more than just hurricanes and tornadoes.

White candle burning ~ be safe wherever you are,

Update editing March 8, 2023

Opinion: Great News

Great News ... and Now Comes Winter

I managed to get an editorial up at the Creekside News Journal™ in Remembrance for the 

Day of the Dead.

There should be plenty to expound upon after tomorrow's State election's. 

Then there are suppose to be storms rolling in so, will have to stay in touch with my list of Twitter storm Chasers. There are several lists so, just use the drop-down and find The Weather list.

After attending part of a local board of commissioner's meeting for the Holiday Island Suburban Improvement District, I will once again review the meeting happenings before altering the front page at Creekside News Journal™.

The Good News: The road department supervisor revealed that there was more chat available as well as some chemical solution that is utilized on the freezing roads.

Second part of good news; New snow removal blades have been ordered for the community trucks.

Update editing: March 8, 2023

Opinion: Spoons in the Persimmons

Spoons in the Persimmons

Today is a beautiful fall day yet, there are individuals calling and stopping by the house, telling me that there are nothing but big double spoons in the bumper crop of persimmons.

Now that is an old way of telling me there is a really bad winter filled with snow and ice coming soon.

As a journalist, I got the true answer I was looking for from my community crews: Less winter road supplies were ordered this year than last year.  Creekside News Journal™  HISID expense spread sheets put the truth out front.
 
It has been 12 years since the road department was allowed to order a new plow. This information came out of HISID commissioner's meeting last week.

In the State of Arkansas, we have a very good set of Opening Meeting Laws and a Freedom of Information Act to obtain those records but,

"it takes people in charge to get things done for the health and welfare of the community."

So, here I sit enjoying the weather but thinking about how to get out of "the holler" for emergencies.

Everything is great in this new world of technology that we all enjoy at our finger tips but there are some real downfalls.

For years I kept my old rotary dial analog phone so, when the electrical power went out I could call out for help and check on friends and neighbors.

Now those places that you need to call for help, all have digital recordings telling me to Press 1 or Press 2 and so forth. Now with a rotary phone you can not Press those numbers.

With NO electrical power, charging that cell phone does not work.

Guess I am looking for those DIY tutorials on building a solar battery to get that phone charged up.

Then again, I remember back in 2009, having an ice storm and needing to walk a quarter mile down the road on ice to get a signal that lasted less than two minutes. Reference: In my area, living in a "dead zone" is not about a person's age.

Time to get all survival gear in order and Be Prepared! 

rls
Update editing: March 8, 2023

Blog Entry: Oct. 9, 2014

New efforts begin

October is a good time to get my house in order.

This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I find it difficult to think that in these days and times anyone could be unaware but don't fret because there is a strong community that will lead in this awareness.

When anyone is utilizing this global space to connect to family, friends or customers then the loss of Net Neutrality in the United States should be of concern to each and everyone of us. Find your voice and Stomp on this debacle.

There is so much to be said about Water and the Air. We all need this to be clean.
Climate Change is Real. 

It is 83 degrees at my location today. Did I not mention it is October? Those hummingbirds around my home started their journey southward very early.

There is so much information available to those who strive to be "on point." The beauty about this Internet platform was how quick "Real Time" is for those who need information or products quickly.

My advice to those with a small business... get the customer service in order - Yesterday!

The vast numbers of people around the globe that are willing to participate in a "share" universe are the new heroes.

I enjoy a photo of a beautiful location in the woods, the seaside waves, the rising sun, the incredible moon, flowers and animals, downtown cities and urban venues. These are things I would like to see in person but how grateful I am that others post in a platform that allows me to enjoy and see what I would otherwise miss all together.

I am just in reflection mode and will start this new beginning of getting "my house in order" to say thank you to those who participate in the World Wide Web.

Blog Entry: May 26, 2014

Moving Forward

I am taking the time to check-in on the the present and consider what I might offer to those who are looking for information and even some mentoring in their own pursuits.

This is the highlight of experience and age... handing down to the young and sharing with others.

It is only fitting that I highlight the words of a very dear friend on this day ... The Wise Woman

So a note on blogging...

I am thinking about where to begin. 

I do know that for starters there will be no return comment section in order to minimize the spam links from getting in here.

Mark this date as a fresh new start.

Have a great day and night.

Update editing: March 8, 2023

Blog Entry: Nov. 20, 2011

I've been busy overhauling my web presence. Now it is time to fine tune. 

Come check out my new layout 

I really have been living the Max Ernst
"The Hat Makes the Man"

and as a clever creative woman I am pulling the the hats into a better ensemble. Isn't that typical? 

Update editing: March 8, 2023

Blog Entry: Sept. 6, 2010

Thank you very much

Well I am re-shuffling everything still.  It is just a lot of work and time consuming ideas to start new ideas, looks and studios plus keeping up with the home and all that goes on in a family especially now.

Even as I sit here typing this pitiful message; this is not what I was going to do today and it is after 4 p.m.

There went lunch, only 1 cup of coffee and I know I bought a soda to go along with my splurge of home popcorn and a movie. Gees, I haven't seen anything yet but this computer monitor.

Whew... got that out of my head. Thank you very much.

Watch the secondary tabs at the top of this layout as I try to get this blog up to date with all the things I have been doing. 

That's it for today, I have to get more done and I am sure I will be at it long into the night and early morn.

Update editing: March 8, 2023