tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75028485972870783132024-02-08T06:36:35.726-08:00Rolling Commentaries / Make a Difference"Rolling Commentaries / Make a Difference" is written by Linda S. Bowlby, M.D., a holistic psychiatrist. Through her writing and her practice, Dr. Bowlby desires to make a difference in planetary healing, one person at a time. For more information view lindabowlbymd.com This blog is updated on a regular basis. All blogs are copyrighted by Dr. Bowlby.Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-48673434042439160672012-02-06T19:04:00.000-08:002012-02-06T20:43:09.582-08:00SEXUAL MATURITYOn my 60th birthday, I plunged into mourning. I thought my sex life was over.<br /><br />As I contemplated my bleak future, I took heart from Ruth Turner, who was quoted in Joyce Tenneson's book, <em>Wise Women</em>. At 75, Turner said, " I just got married again. I answered an ad in the <em>New York Review of Books</em>. That's how I met Larry. I am his sexual fantasy." I decided if she could be some ones sexual fantasy, so could I.<br /><br />Further encouragement came while dining out one evening. As I prepared to order, I watched an elegant African-American couple of advanced years be seated next to me. She was somewhat frail, but he tenderly held her arm. I told her how lovely she looked.<br /><br />With a conspiring air, he came over to me and said they were newlyweds. He proudly announced he had married a younger woman.<br /><br />Patting him on the shoulder, I smiled and said, "Good for you."<br /><br />He chuckled and said, "I'm 92, and she is 88."<br /><br />As we ate, we chatted. As I was leaving, I bent over and whispered in her ear, "I just can't resist asking you. How is sex at 88?"<br /><br />With a knowing smile, she replied, "Very interesting."<br /><br />She promptly relayed my question to her husband, and we all had a good laugh.<br /><br />A friend once said, "Nobody wants to talk to old people about sex." However, as a psychiatrist, my job is to ask questions, including questions about sex.<br /><br />I once asked a depressed 78-year-old gentleman about his sex life with his wife of 50-plus years. He replied that it had always been wonderful until the preceding year. With a dejected look, he said that he was unable to have an erection because of his heart medications. He perked up when I suggested he talk with his cardiologist about oral and injectable treatments for erectile dysfunction.<br /><br />A 92-year-old woman once related that she was saddened by her partner of 45 years who refused to be physically intimate. She said, "Old people still feel things. Believe me, I know."<br /><br />Research has shown the need and desire for regular sexual activity does not significantly diminish with age. In fact, the ability for a man to achieve an erection and for both men and women to experience orgasm continues throughout their life spans. In additions, sexual activity, especially between loving partners, contributes to the physical and psychological health of the participants.<br /><br />As mature women, we often have reared children and/or had fulfilling careers. Usually, we have resolved many of our emotional and spiritual issues and found peace within ourselves. In our maturity, we become comfortable in our skins. In the sensual and sexual realms, these can be our most fulfilling years.<br /><br />So ladies, if you are having another birthday, put away your mourning shrouds. Enjoy your sexual maturity.Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-12529585437371226922012-02-05T11:02:00.000-08:002012-02-05T12:48:51.618-08:00HAPPINESSIndividuals often speak of happiness as something they can directly achieve. However, happiness is a byproduct of a life well lived. <br /><br />I recently attended a gathering of individuals of the Baha'i Faith. I have never been with a group who radiated so much love, acceptance, kindness and peace, the tenets of their faith.<br /><br />The Baha'i describe the attributes of God as All-Loving and All-Powerful. According to Baha'i teachings the human purpose is to learn to know and love God through prayer, reflection and being of service to humankind. <br /><br />Baha'i writings emphasize the equality of human beings and the abolition of prejudice. Humanity is seen as essentially one, though highly varied; its diversity of race and cultures are seen as worthy of appreciation and acceptance. Doctrines of racism, nationalism, caste, social class and gender-based hierarchy are seen as artificial impediments to unity.<br /><br />The principles of the Baha'i Faith include:<br />- independent search for truth, unfettered by superstition or tradition<br />- oneness of the entire human race<br />- unity of all religions<br />- condemnation of all forms of prejudice, whether religious, racial, class or national<br />- equality of men and women<br />- abolition of extremes of wealth and poverty<br />- exaltation of work performed in the spirit of service<br />- glorification of justice as the ruling principle of human society<br />- establishment of a permanent and universal peace as the supreme goal of all mankind<br /><br />(The information on the Baha'i Faith was taken from Wikipedia.)<br /><br />Daily practice of the above principles would constitute a life well lived. Contentment, happiness and peace are its byproducts.Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-1237442291472463062012-01-27T08:30:00.000-08:002012-01-27T09:45:40.716-08:00CONSCIOUS LIVINGLiving consciously means not only buying less and smaller but also recycling every component of the things we do buy and the containers in which they are packaged.<br /><br />Americans consume more than their share of the world's goods and contribute a lion's share of environmental pollution. In good conscience, how can we as individuals and a nation continue to perpetrate our selfish, greed-ridden lifestyle? <br /><br />One example of our behaviors is our quest for newer, faster gadgetry. Our choices have created a staggering amount of toxic, high-tech trash, including computers, televisions, cell phones and more. Dumped or inappropriately recycled e-waste is extremely hazardous. It contains arsenic, beryllium, lead - a neurotoxin and cadmium - a carcinogen that damages lungs and kidneys.<br /><br />In the United States, cell phones are often discarded after 12 months use. For many, their phones have become a "status symbol." The owners want this gadget to be an expression of their personalities. <br /><br />No object defines us. To live consciously, our choices must change. So recycle and buy smaller and less of everything. Tend your needs and not your wants.Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-85210091805477120842012-01-26T11:53:00.000-08:002012-01-26T12:53:16.326-08:00BUY SMALLER AND LESSWith alarms sounding, it is time to buy smaller and less. Like so much of the American dream, the "bigger is better" house, car, more-of-everything mentality, has become an environmental and social nightmare.<br /><br />We are a nation in which our wants far exceed our needs. Let our motto become "Less is More," or "Enough is Enough." For our children, grandchildren and future generations, our slumbering consciousness must awaken to this planetary emergency.<br /><br />Being a child of relative poverty, I believed the American illusion that happiness followed obtaining my material wants. I took my turn with big houses, fancy cars and furnishings galore, but there I found no peace.<br /><br />In Alex Wilson's book, <em>Your Green Home</em>, he discusses minimizing our environmental impact by building smaller, more space- and energy-efficient homes. He is right. We don't need large homes to store stuff we don't need. I grew tired of cleaning, heating and cooling mine.<br /><br />Weighing in at 900 square feet, I now live in a 1926 greenly remodeled home. My air conditioning is often open windows and ceiling fans. I drive a hybrid vehicle and am within a short walk of all my shopping needs. I deeply enjoy the simplicity of my life. I hope you discover that less is more.Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-56760376186826840382012-01-18T20:29:00.000-08:002012-01-18T23:53:46.392-08:00LINESStanding in lines, I often meet new friends. <br /><br />Today, at the Post Office, I was behind a well-dressed, elderly lady of African descent. <br /><br />We watched a loquacious boy talking to his mother. He had thick, straight, black hair and large, heavily-lashed, black-brown eyes. She wore a pink, head scarf, indicating her Muslim faith. Quietly and patiently, with humor in her countenance, she listened to her son's questions and observations and made inaudible comments. <br /><br />I soon engaged them in conversation. The six-year-old boy explained they were there to obtain his passport. His family was from Bangladesh, but the upcoming, three-month, summer vacation would be his first visit. With some embarrassment, he said he couldn't speak "Banglei." I assured him, after his trip, he would speak it fluently. His mother explained that she had not been home for nine years. Her other child, a fourteen-year-old daughter, had been to Bangladesh twice. Soon, she was joined by her husband, who had completed the transaction on behalf of his son.<br /><br />As we observed the child, the elderly lady spoke of how the boy reminded her of her daughter as a child. She said, "My daughter asked constant questions. She always wanted to know more, and I never said no to her." Obviously, the woman had encouraged her daughter inquisitiveness and was proud of her professional accomplishments.<br /><br />Farther down the line, I watched an African male and his Caucasian wife being loving and affectionate with one another. In an infant seat, he carried their infant daughter. She was also posing for her passport photograph. The child's mother was Canadian, and the couple planned to visit the mother's family.<br /><br />I was smiling on leaving the Post Office. I love our human family.Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-90784173881207795092012-01-17T23:59:00.000-08:002012-01-18T00:32:39.570-08:00THE CUPI saw a couple today whose college-age daughter will have her third cancer surgery tomorrow. Their pain was palpable. They pray, live one day at a time and wait for God's will to unfold. <br /><br />On later reflection, I was reminded of Mother Teresa's comment, "I know God never gives me more than I can handle, I just wish He wouldn't trust me so much."<br /><br />Then, I recalled Jesus saying something to the effect, "let this cup passeth from me." I went in search of the text, which is Luke 22:42. In one translation, on the Mount of Olives, Jesus said, "Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me, nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done."Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-18997455096348368662012-01-16T19:59:00.000-08:002012-01-16T21:43:16.304-08:00INVISIBLEAt sixty-five, I often feel invisible. <br /><br />I don't wear the current fashions or desire to expose my breasts, legs or gluteal muscles. I wear relaxed and comfortable, whatever their date.<br /><br />My hair is silver, and I use little makeup.<br /><br />Without advertising, I don't attract much male attention. Besides, the men my age are usually hustling younger women. <br /><br />I don't need or want center stage or even the peripheral limelight. I think this comes from being content with my life and comfortable in my own skin.<br /><br />I no longer compete with others or race anyone for first place. I yield the right-of-way. I'll take the turtle's pace. It's steady and sure.<br /><br />Actually, I am enjoying this time in my life. Invisibility removes the stess, and I can just be.Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-70417812620043173592012-01-15T14:19:00.000-08:002012-01-15T14:44:49.115-08:00UPDATEI have surfaced from ten days of relative silence and much painting.<br /><br />In the canine department, I discovered a mobile veterinarian, and Horace was relieved of his nuts. I don't believe he's missed them. Bodhi had his teeth cleaned and is minus a loose tooth. <br /><br />In addition, this is an equal opportunity household. All three dogs now sport bark collars. I am less stressed, and the neighbors are pleased.<br /><br />I sense 2012 will be a years of blessings, for myself and others. As I write this, I am aware that seemingly negative events may yield the highest good for all concerned. Therefore, I must work to suspend judgement about the positive or negative nature of the events in my life.Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-56869084527304041932012-01-05T09:01:00.000-08:002012-01-05T09:14:25.714-08:00MORNING MEDITATIONIn my morning meditation, I read portions of Stephen Mitchell's translation of the Tao Te Ching. I want to share with you the 81st reading.<br /><br />"True words aren't eloquent;<br />eloquent words aren't true.<br />Wise men do not need to prove their point;<br />men who need to prove their point aren't wise.<br /><br />The Master has no possessions.<br />The more he does for others,<br />the happier he is.<br />The more he gives to others,<br />the wealthier he is.<br /><br />The Tao nourishes by not forcing.<br />By not dominating, the Master leads."Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-30803191425028738872012-01-04T21:41:00.000-08:002012-01-05T00:20:44.166-08:00THE HEALING POWER OF GIVINGThe December 2011 issue of Ode, contains a series of articles on the healing power of giving.(odewire.com)<br /><br />Author, Diana Rico cites various world religions views on giving.<br /><br />"If you knew the power of generosity, you would not let a single meal go by without sharing it," the Buddha said ... Giving was advocated by the Buddha because it "both acknowledges the interdependence we have for each other and is the active practice of letting go, which is where freedom from suffering lies."<br /><br />Paul exhorts, in 2 Corinthians 9:7, "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."<br /><br />In Islam, the Qu'ran discusses the practice of giving alms. "It is intended not only to provide welfare for needy Muslims but to purify the spirit of the giver (who is cleaned of greediness and selfishness) and the receiver (who is saved from the humiliation of begging and envy)."<br /><br />The Torah commands its followers "to open your heart to the poor and to the needy kin in your land."<br /><br />Other authors discuss the body, mind, spirit and social healing powers of giving for both the giver and the recipient. <br /><br />Another family shared their abundance by selling their lavish home and giving half of their proceeds to charity. <br /><br />So goes the circle of life. Peace and happiness is the result of sharing, loving and letting go.Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-52221034038490469602012-01-03T20:43:00.000-08:002012-01-03T21:02:39.189-08:00HAND UPI enjoy asian food, and I look for wisdom within each fortune cookie. Recently, I received a true gem.<br /><br /> "He who climbs highest is the one who gives another a hand up."<br /><br />This thought is one of purity and truth. Carry it forth into this new year.Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-15922805896963834892011-12-24T19:29:00.000-08:002011-12-24T20:10:54.904-08:00GRANDMOTHERSMy Grandmother Ollie quilted. In the winter, she sat in her rocking chair located by the blazing, wood stove. There, she cut out or stitched many quilt blocks. I also have fond memories of her and her quilting bee meeting in the one-room school house that my father attended. For warmth, there was a pot-bellied wood stove burning brightly through its window. <br /><br />My Grandmother made me, as well as her other grandchildren, a beautiful quilt for my "hope chest."<br /><br />Today, I completed six lap-quilts for my grandchildren. I started the project last year. My quilts are not as detailed as my grandmother's, but they contain just as much love. <br /><br />I enjoyed making these personal gifts for my grandchildren. Tomorrow, I will enjoy their smiling faces.<br /><br />Merry Christmas & Many Blessings, L.B.Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-7973770488500211992011-12-21T10:21:00.000-08:002011-12-21T12:25:19.908-08:00STOP & WAITStop and/or wait are the most difficult actions for me. My motor runs on do, do, do or go, go, go. The last few days have been a refresher course in the former actions.<br /><br />In my ignoring those commands, I thought I had ruined two paintings. They are in no way complete, but they do have promise. <br /><br />Last night, I sat and looked at my walls, which display many completed pieces. As I gazed upon each one, I remembered their awkward beginnings or middles. With each canvas, I had to wait for inspiration, which arrived in God's time. <br /><br />Trying to complete a painting, or any of life's projects, before the path has been revealed is about as successful as pushing rocks or water up hill.Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-85478115213422519802011-12-20T18:25:00.000-08:002011-12-20T23:13:16.630-08:00SILENCE AND THE SOULThis morning I was feeling considerable angst over a business situation. I wanted to do something about it. I wanted to fix it, as if I could. I was caught up in my ego and the illusions of the world. <br /><br />Finally, I knew, if I was to have any peace today, I must sit quietly, pray and listen. I was directed to the book shelf where my copy of Yogananda's <em>In the Sanctuary of the Soul</em> resides. Upon locating the book, I settled into my comfort chair.<br /><br />I opened the book to its concluding pages, 115-124. Yogananda speaks of the "inner temple of silence" and said, "When tigers of worries, sickness and death are chasing you, your only sanctuary is the inner temple of silence." Within that temple, "receive God with your awakened intuition ... God is in the heart of soul of every being. And when you open within yourself the secret temple in your heart, then with the all-knowing intuition of the soul you shall read the book of life. Then, and only then, will you contact the living God. And you will feel Him as the very essence of your being."<br /><br />On closing the book, I went into my temple. As I sat in blissful silence, I knew to the depth of my being worldly objects and thoughts were of no value. I can live without them, but I do not want to live without God's peace.Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-12584201068279124592011-12-19T18:56:00.000-08:002011-12-20T21:50:49.449-08:00STOPMy Divine Guides are attempting to teach me when to stop. I am given very clear inner directions in my painting. Yesterday, I knew I was to use bright-red paint on a 16x20 canvas. Initially, I thought I knew where I was going. All of a sudden the painting made a turn. My original idea was abandoned, and I began loading the canvas with another 16 ounces of paint. <br /><br />(A friend of mine said that I do "paint sculptures.")<br /><br />As I moved the luscious color with a brush, gorgeous patterns began to emerge. Suddenly, an exquisite design presented itself, and my inner voice directed me to "Stop." I hesitated, but thought I could improve it by one more stroke. Wrong. The vision now only exists in my mind. <br /><br />With one stroke, it was gone. I worked the paint for another hour. Finally, exhausted, I came to what I considered a quasi acceptable form. My spirit guide said, "Don't analyze. Leave it." <br /><br />The painting will dry in about a week. Then, I'll have a better idea of its form. <br /><br />Today, I had a similar situation. I have worked on one piece for two months. I have applied layer after layer, with intervening drying time. The painting was coming into focus. I thought I was almost there. I was again instructed to stop, but I continued. At one point, I became so frustrated I started to smear paint all over the canvas and obliterate the design, which had come to me in a vision. I was into it a bit. Then, I heard, "Now that you have had your tantrum, clean it off and do it again." <br /><br />With many warm, wet clothes, I removed the paint and resurrected the dry undercoat and began again. Believe me, the next time I was told to stop, I listened.<br /><br />Obviously, it is very difficult for me to stop in the middle of a project. Especially, when I think, "If I work just a little bit longer, it will be the way I want it." You see where that philosophy took me the last two days.<br /><br />Sometimes, I think I know where I am going, so I want everyone to move out of my way and let me "get'er done," as Larry the Cable Guy would say.<br /><br />The truth is I don't know where God is taking me. So, when instructed, I must stop, rest and wait for guidance.Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-34088564438748426072011-12-17T15:57:00.000-08:002011-12-17T16:19:29.578-08:00BIRTHDAYSYesterday, I traversed my 65th birthday. Yes. Medicare.<br /><br />I received two wonderful cards. I'll lay some of their wisdom on you.<br /><br />One began with, "On your birthday let's analyze your mind with this fun test! The answer will reveal your mental attitude?"<br /><br />"Which of the following would you prefer to receive?"<br />A. a cake<br />B. a present<br />C. money<br />D. a card<br /><br />With retirement in mind, I choose money.<br /><br />The test results were printed inside the card. If you choose - <br /><br />A. (a cake)It means you are practical. You are satisfied with the barest essentials of life.<br /><br />B. (a present) It means you are optimistic and you enjoy surprises.<br /><br />C. (money) Indicates you are highly imaginative. You believe in the impossible(like opening this card and finding money in it).<br /><br />D. (a card) This shows you are a realist. You don't expect too much, and in this case, you were not disappointed.<br /><br />A good laugh was had by all, especially me.<br /><br />I'll share the second card later.<br /><br />Many Blessings L.BRed Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-54566721916119767692011-12-12T18:20:00.000-08:002011-12-12T18:38:39.166-08:00OLD FRIENDSOld, flannel nightgowns are like old shoes and old friends, priceless. <br /><br />A few minutes ago, I pulled my tried and true, favorite gown from the dryer. I felt a moment of panic, when I spied its frayed neck and cuffs. Immediately, I thought, "How am I going to survive the winter without its warmth and comfort?" <br /><br />Then, I relaxed a bit. I remembered the catalog from which it was purchased. I recalled recently having seen the same gown in the company's current book. Whew, thank you God, a reprieve. That was a close one. Unlike friends and sometimes old shoes, I can order a new flannel nightgown. However, to honor my red friend, I'll order a blue one this time.Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-39747222801578573042011-12-10T14:57:00.000-08:002011-12-10T15:30:28.267-08:00FIRST ART SHOWLast night saw the first exhibition of any of my work, which consisted of two paintings. What was special for me was another exhibiting artist, Michael, raved about one of my pieces, "Roll With It," and complimented me by saying, "I wish I had painted it." <br /><br />My art teacher, Patti, also said, "I've never seen anyone do the things with paint that you do."<br /><br />Truly, the only thing I can claim as my own is hard work and perseverance. My emotional and spiritual healing opened the channels within me through which the Divine energy flows onto canvas. The visions and inner voice issues from the collective conscious of all that is and ever shall be. I feel blessed to be their recipient. <br /><br />May each of you receive the Universe's blessings. L.B.Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-6741800456874034482011-12-05T21:39:00.000-08:002011-12-05T22:23:49.959-08:00GOD BLESS COWGIRLSNot too long ago, I visited my nephew, Rick, and his two daughters, Evelyn, age 7, and Mary, age 2, on their cattle ranch.<br /><br />During calving season, Rick keeps the expectant cows near the house, where they can be seen from the yard.<br /><br />As we prepared for an outing, Rick spied a baby calf. Promptly, he straddled a 4-wheeler, put Mary on behind him and off they went into the herd.<br /><br />From the yard, Evelyn and I watched.<br /><br />Rick captured the calf, hoisted it onto a set of scales mounted behind the vehicle and recorded its weight and its mother's ear-tag number. Then, he tagged the calf's ear with its own number.<br /><br />(The tags and record keeping process details the breeding line of the calf's mother, its sire and is followed by the calf's developmental history.)<br /><br />Afterward, the four of us piled into Rick's truck and headed out. While driving, Rick put on a Garth Brook's CD, <em>That Girl is a Cowboy</em>, and Mary and Evelyn sang along. They particularly punched home the phrase, "Sometimes the best cowboys aren't cowboys at all."<br /><br />On our return to the ranch, Rick spied another new calf. From the back seat, Mary piped up about needing to tag the calf. Then, she started talking about "balls."<br /><br />I was puzzled.<br /><br />Then, Rick said, "Mary, what do we do with rubber bands?"<br /><br />Mary promptly replied, "Put them around the calf's balls."<br /><br />I was stunned and delighted.<br /><br />(Rick later explained that the calf's testicles would fall off in about 10 days, changing the critter from a bull to a steer.)<br /><br />Everyone dismounted the truck, and Mary and Rick rode off to weigh and tag the calf. However, on another 4-wheeler, Evelyn and I followed in hot pursuit.<br /><br />You haven't lived until you have ridden behind a 7-year-old driver. She knew no fear. I was looking for something to hold on to, but Evelyn insisted that I hold on to her, because it made her feel better.<br /><br />Soon, Evelyn discovered that I didn't like driving over cow piles, so she delighted in hitting every wet one. Finally, Evelyn rolled the machine to a stop, turned around and looked at me and said, "You have something on your cheek." She immediately flicked it off with her hand and matter-of-factly said, "cow manure."<br /><br />At this juncture, Evelyn demonstrated, for my edification, the proper etiquette of spitting. She leaned out over the machine and spit on the ground.<br /><br />Then, Evelyn proceeded to show me how to blow my nose. Resuming her same posture for spitting, she held one nostril with her finger and honked out through the other. Then, she reversed sides.<br /><br />I was appropriately impressed.<br /><br />Evelyn then revved up the engine and took off at high speed to find more, fresh, cow piles.<br /><br />Rick later told me that Evelyn has ridden horses for years and, in the local 4-H Club, she practiced barrel racing and tying goats, which I suspect is a prelude to calf roping.<br /><br />To say the least, Evelyn and Mary are cowgirls to be reckoned with, and woe be to any cowboy who attempts to stand in their way.Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-33484252842618061482011-12-04T18:04:00.000-08:002011-12-04T19:23:07.297-08:00THE GIVING GIFTAre you wondering what to buy for someone who has everything he or she needs, plus some? For the child who has a myriad of toys, are you tired of throwing money down the drain? I am certainly tired of buying presents for folks that don't need anything. <br /><br />I have struck upon the perfect solution, Heifer International, (www.heifer.org/worldark.org/catalog). For less than you would spend on an unneeded item, you can change a family's future.<br /><br />For the past few years, I have given my adult children and their spouses a llama ($150), sheep ($120) or goat ($120). I have stayed on the practical side with my six <br />grandchildren, clothes. Each one of them also receives a flock of chicks, ducks or geese ($20), honeybees ($30) or trio of rabbits ($60). For those of you who are more affluent, consider a water buffalo ($250), heifer ($500) or camel ($850). <br /><br />Included in their Christmas card, which states their gift to another, I include a sheet on how that particular animal or group of animals can create a new life for those who live in great need. My grandchildren enjoy reading about how their gifthelps someone else.<br /><br />Last year, a friend of mine gave her husband a goat. She thought it matched his personality. He laughed. <br /><br />Purchasing any one of these gifts can help nourish and create an income for a family. With the money, children can receive an education. As their animals multiply, part of recipient's obligation is to pass on a portion of their offspring to others in their community. Make a difference with your money. Help others.Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-12346373499606179702011-12-03T20:30:00.000-08:002011-12-03T21:24:18.528-08:00Sixty-FiveSixty-five is the magic number. I have a Medicare card. Yes. I have been without insurance for 17 years. I consider insurance companies another form of organized crime. Therefore, I have refused to give them any of my money. I have paid for my medical needs, which included a major surgery and the spin-off from a broken back, and I am way ahead of the economic game.<br /><br />There are those who are attempting to cut back on "entitlements." Certainly, I believe our health-care needs can be provided with simple, basic, good medicine, without all the expensive toys. MRIs and CAT scans have their place but not with the frequency they are currently used.<br /><br />I am one of the 99 percent. I have paid into Medicare for forty-seven years, and I will continue to pay into it. If the government had put a lock on Medicare and Social Security revenues, as President Clinton suggested, our nation's finances would have a different complexion. <br /><br />The last President Bush drained our nation's funds into the pockets of the wealthy and gave them tax deductions galore. In the name of "terrorism," this president began two wars and created a staggering national debt, in the neighborhood of $14-to-17 trillion. <br /><br />Now the wealthy 1 percent want to keep their "entitlements," lower taxes, and cut Social Security benefits. I hope everyone realizes that $4.6 trillion of the national debt is owed to Social Security.<br /><br />I support the "Occupy Wall Street" movement. It is time to level the playing field, and I celebrate being 65 and having Medicare.Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-71611993011066125932011-12-02T15:11:00.000-08:002011-12-02T16:03:06.835-08:00MISSING IN ACTIONFor several days, I was abducted by paint brushes, beautiful colors and canvas. During such periods, I am fairly silent and non-verbal. Having surfaced for a few hours, I thought I'd catch up with my fledgling audience, whomever you might be. I recently made the leap from three to four followers. God bless you. <br /><br />I often wonder, "What is the point of all this writing?" Then, something, like a new follower, helps me feel this blog might be useful to a very small sector of humanity.<br /><br />I have been writing for fifteen years, resulting in five, adult works of non-fiction and six children's books. My investment, in time, emotions and dollars, has been enormous. My book sales have been negligible. This time of the year, I often become discouraged about these facts. However, after the slump passes, I pick up and go again. I write because I must write. The Universe will determine if any words that issue through me merit reading.<br /><br />The good news is two of my books, <em>Red Earth Woman</em> and <em>Red Earth Wisdom</em>, are, or soon will be, in Amazon's e-book library. <em>Carol and Edna</em> will follow. Next, my newest book, <em>Ivey Hayes: The Art of Living</em>, will join its sibling's ranks. Then, my 2006 book, <em>Renaissance Woman</em> will join them.<br /><br />I wish many blessings to all who wander into this blog. May you live in peace.Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-10369458852393756072011-11-24T15:30:00.000-08:002011-11-24T16:29:43.870-08:00WASHING DISHESMy daughter and her husband, both excellent chefs, invited me for Thanksgiving dinner. On my arrival, much to my delight, three of my grandchildren, ages 4-to-9, surrounded me as I sat on the couch. They talked non-stop. Each one had multiple tales to tell. I partook of their loving bounty.<br /><br />As all three of my children know, I am not much in the cooking department. However, following the meal, I am great in the clean-up crew. In dish washing, I believe in a sink of hot, soapy water, another of rinse water and a dish towel. Today, my seven-year-old granddaughter, Azriela, pulled up a stool and helped me. <br /><br />As we worked and talked together, I thought nostalgically of my childhood, the holidays and large family gatherings, with their accompanying meals and dirty dishes.<br /><br />I fondly remember those times, standing around the kitchen sink, washing and drying the dishes with my Grandmother Ollie, my aunts and my mother. It was the time the women chatted and caught up on the family news. <br /><br />Women commune together as they work in the kitchen, the quintessential hearth. There, they return to their primal essence, the giver of life and sustenance.Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-44269154100294277792011-11-23T20:19:00.000-08:002011-12-02T16:10:23.328-08:00RELEASING EXPECTATIONSRecently, Chris, my art teacher's son-in-law, photographed fifty of my completed paintings. Earlier Chris had seen some of my work and appeared enthusiastic about it. After Chris saw more of my pieces, he seemed excited about showing them to his friend, who owns an art gallery. I am smiling inside. <br /><br />In my art's process, be it writing or painting, I must release any expectations of the outcome. My job is to surrender to the Divine Source and follow the path that opens before me. When I release all of my expectations, the Source takes me on grand adventures, which are beyond my wildest imagination.Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7502848597287078313.post-2725494219144782622011-11-21T00:03:00.000-08:002011-12-02T16:11:38.713-08:00WHEN THE MUSE SINGS, DANCEI awoke on the morning of 11/20/11, which was actually noon, with a painting dancing in my mind's eye. I saw one bold, central, dark color flanked by a bright color. The painting occupied my mind throughout the day. One by one, the canvas size, 24"x30," and its colors, turquoise green and orange, were revealed to me.<br /><br />It is currently 2:00 a.m., my time, on 11/21/11. The bare bones of the painting is on the canvas. I know the piece will require several layers. However, I can now rest. Whether it is writing or painting, I know, when the muse sings, I must dance.Red Earth Womanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03657901753526344156noreply@blogger.com0