“Being powerful without honor & moral values isn’t being strong at all. Rather it’s brawn made up of fear & greed masquerading as same & failing miserably. Bravery with honor and valor on the other hand is a most magnificent thing to behold.” ~Plh
Always true, from the smallest every day bravery to the largest.
With much affection, I wish you well.
Penny ~ Plh
When did it become okay to eat chemically processed food? Food that we know, for a fact is chemically processed, but oh so amazingly convenient – a part of our modern addictive lifestyle and easily available with very little effort on our part.
What is food today in Consumer Land (you know – right here, right now)?
Food (a loose interpretation): Items bought packaged for longer shelf life in megastores and minimarts. Food bought at fast food locations. Food grown and sprayed with poisonous pesticides and processed using artificial methods and mutiple chemical additives for flavor enhancements and longevity.
When did it become okay to make money off of treating and healing sick people? Or worse, not seeing them at all if they haven’t got the right insurance.
When did it become okay to not be able to afford to take your animal to the vet? When did it become okay to buy products (almost everything) with built-in, short term obsolescence … guaranteeing you’ll buy the “new & improved” version?
Not only are too few of us not thinking about cause and effect, even more of us are not seeing beyond our nose, or should I say the view screen of our smartphones, tablets, computers, television, and so on. Not my opinion, just absolutely true facts!
“It saddens me when, as a race, we humans have been given so many advantages and yet our worst emotions still rule us.”~ Plh
Greed (now called profit margins & for us lesser folks, the constant seeking for a “better quality of life”)
Laziness (now called convenience)
Sloth (now called comfort)
Hatred (against anything and everything you don’t like or fear)
And so we’re left with our own personal rationales for why we do what we do, as we each (more or less) contribute to our downfall.
Wake up! Open your minds, your heart and your awareness. We can bring about dramatic improvements, if we want to, or continue to be harbingers of our eventual failure as a human race.
As always – our own individual choice to make.
Penny L Howe
We live off our perceptions. Advertisers have known & cultivated this for quite a while, politicians have known this, no doubt forever.
If you live in the USA you may recall (a few decades ago) a popular commercial where a sweet but gutsy little old lady belts out “where’s the beef?” suggesting there was very little beef in her hamburger. Using this as an analogy the point I’m making is … “Where’s the TRUTH?” … exchanging the word beef for truth as it relates to us and our lives today.
The truth is we don’t know “the truth”. Even these written words you’re reading here are only my interpretation of things.
But it does seem we are acting out our lives through an ever thickening veil of perception, some of which are …
Events going on in our world
Whats right & wrong
Whats good and bad
What we eat
What is or isn’t in the food we eat
What is or isn’t in the air we breath
and the water we drink
What we want in life
Where we’re headed
And so on … and so on …
So many things have become scaled up falsehoods of reality (with us increasingly bypassing our own intelligent comprehension). More and more we base our decisions on the made-up reality of commercializations and the “in your face” mentality of media. Any and all forms of media. Not just social interactive media found on our Internet but television, radio and movies too.
Regardless of where you look or listen, it isn’t completely accurate. Its interpretive, depending on the M.O. of who’s presenting the information and while this is scary in and of itself, the even scarier thing is we’ve become conditioned to accept this virtual reality of our lives and what’s happening around us … even while inside ourselves, there’s a gut instinct, a wrenching sensation sending us this urgent message that … something just isn’t right.
Because it isn’t!
I believe in my heart we (the people) are headed for a showdown. A personal one within ourselves, where we simply decide enough is enough. Starting by getting rid of the excess in our lives and coming up with a simpler, cleaner and clearer way of doing things.
As for me. I’m already there. How about you?
Thank you,
~ Penny ♡
We do so many things today where we don’t really think about the ‘why’ of it. We think about the ‘what for’ and ‘how come’, not so much the why or …
… the rest of the story.
Here’s an example: Why do so many people frequent fast food restaurants every day? They didn’t used to. Before life became so hectic and busy (at home) they’d eat almost all their meals there, including preparing lunches to take to school or work. It was just the way it was. Connecting with the family and helping out with the meal preparation. So you’re thinking to yourself, “Oh so that’s the reason why. We’ve gotten too busy. Picking up fast food is convenient.” Well yes and no. That’s just the first part of the story.
The rest of the story has to do with how we initially felt when we stopped in at a fast food restaurant. It was fun. No work involved. yummy fat laden richness wrapped up in a treat like environment. These sensations hitting all of our “feel good” places. It was affordable, quick and pleasurable. At some point these same feelings were passed on to the next generation. Simply stated it became addictive. An easy enjoyable treat … and ‘in our minds eye” a solution to a meal.
Now it has become a part of many millions of people’s life styles. They will tell you and themselves that it is because its convenient, cheap, fast and fun but truthfully, It’s because it’s easier and it definitely (the moment it hits our addictive “feel good” center) has become a way of life, starting as soon as we’re old enough to “get it”.
The sad part is, the food is heavily processed, so as a constant diet, a very bad idea. but even more importantly we need to grow or purchase, in a market, fresh food items (to reconnect ourselves, more closely, to our interactions with the natural part of the planet we live on). Our awareness and involvement of the ecosystems (of which we are a part) is increasingly missing. And we need this connection for our health and the planet’s health as well.
We may live longer, but I don’t think most of us are happier. Many (at a young age) suffer from a variety of health complaints that didn’t exist 50 years ago. Stress not withstanding, (as it is certainly the main “killer” in our over processed life), the food we eat, where it comes from, the processing of it and our own lack of personal hands on involvement is the continuing results of the “fast food” mentality …
*… and that’s the rest of the story.
(*if these words sound familiar to any of you it’s because a very famous American radio talk show host from the 1950’s to the `90’s Paul Harvey” used these lines … as a part of his commentary. They served him well, so I’m borrowing them now. They do help to make a point!)
Have an excellent labor day today if you live in the U.S.A and a great week ahead for my friends who’ve already started their new week in our global community,
Good Day!
~ Penny
Family
“Nothing better! The foundation of life that we grow upon. Sharing of ourselves with each other. Family is only as strong as it’s weakest link, be there for yours. The results will be astounding!”
Penny L Howe, 2013
Throw Away Society
I first posted this last fall. Some things bear repeating!
We are the definitive “throw away” society. I include myself, as I am in that group as well. We compose approximately 18 to 25% of the people on the planet. The other 75-82% may/will go without food, sanitary water, clothing, shelter. More than 5 billion if you’re into numbers.
So as I was saying, we are the throw away society. It is so very easy.
The interesting thing is we do this mostly without conscious thought of our actions. It is just what we do. Quicker, Easier, More convenient and so on. The value of what we eat, drink, wear, or where we reside is secondary to our convenience. Isn’t that interesting? A way of life. Just throw it away, replace as needed. Just about everything is expendable, price not withstanding.
We throw away life too. Another interesting thing. Also done without much thought. If certain criteria aren’t met, it seems the simple thing is to remove those (from your lifestyle) who interfere with the mode of “quicker, easier, more convenient methodology. And the rationalization used for being a “throw away” society stretches the bounds of incredibility.
I’m thinking included in this group can be the elderly, the poor, children, families experiencing a life altering transition in life (loss of income, illness or the death of a family member for example), those who may be viewed as handicapped or disabled in some way, minority groups or those who may not think the way you do, a country that isn’t up to speed yet as a throw away consumer themselves, animals, living plants and trees of the planet that are vital for keeping the ecological system running smoothly.
There, that’s about it. Thought you might like to know. But I do wonder? Who will we throw away tomorrow … or more to the point what will we do when we run out of things to throw away?
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Our choice – as always!
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Just a few things to ponder, I do believe I speak of all our tomorrows. Thank you for stopping by!
~ Penny
As a child most of us are told to play well with friends, be nice with our sisters or brothers. Be fair with how we treat others. So we grow up and are “nice” to others and try to be fair, but then we begin to discover (some sooner than others) that “life isn’t fair“. Some discover this rather brutally, others find it out in the bits and pieces of life’s experiences that turn out poorly or less than we might have wanted.
Life comes at us, many days fast and hard. Can barely catch our breath trying to keep up with everything that goes on … and emotionally, there are those days we think we can just barely hold on.
So where does it leave us? Life isn’t fair but … (we get to finish the sentence)!
You and I are the ones who still have the power within us to be fair. Beginning with ourselves. We are human beings living in a rich climate of evolving changes and developments. Lots of emotions out there too.
My thought for today. It is a very good thing to have loving and honorable values. Treat others well. Know that there will be better days ahead. Believe in something (it makes a big difference for you and those around you). Love, care, and reach out (and yes this does makes you vulnerable and open to pain, hurt and disappointment – so you’re going to have to toughen up!)
But … bottom line …
“Even though life isn’t fair, you can be – and sometimes that makes all the difference in the world – for you and … someone else!”~ Penny L. Howe, 2013
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Happy 4th of July America!
Today the people of the United States of America celebrate their Independence Day. The day they became their own country. Freedom is important. The Foundation so many things grow on.
Lisa, in her Time Out For Art (Series, each Thursday) of Playmart – Zeebra Designs illustrates well the importance of the “foundation of things” when it comes to a work of art. The sketch, the first drawing of a piece of art, is the foundation from which the beauty of the finished product will emerge. And equally important is the loving and nurturing (of her talent with art) that she shares and encourages with others. A Foundation of Love! Just excellent!
Thank you,
~ Penny
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In most plants (such as the tree) the roots are the part of the plant that attaches it to the ground to convey nourishment to the plant so it can grow. Strong roots are essential for the well being of plant life.
Humans need roots too. Might I inquire as to the nature of the roots that human beings are utilizing right now?
Roots of ancestry are less and less important as cultures combine with others in the ever increasing migration of peoples to different countries and lands.
Roots of family ties have been pretty much pushed usunder by societal changes where individuals are grouped by ages, and employment as to where they will be, becoming separated from the nurturing of a 
rich, healthy family environment (of all ages, young, adult, elderly).
Roots from comradery within the workforce where people used to get a job or hire on for their career for most of their working years. This happens rarely now.
Roots from the community and organizations where change is constant and many organizations (including churches) are failing because of monetary considerations, and different values and interests by local individuals.
And as a result of all the above, more and more of us prefer to connect with one another via the instant connection of modern technology.
Politics – local, national, and international? Well, let’s not even go there, shall we? So what are we left with then!
Where are the roots to be found for humanity to come together, and grow on? And how can we find them?
We create our roots. Beginning at the heart of things. The heart of the human being and who we really are. Remembering that some things are of a natural order. No special studies or double blind testing needed to just “know” how you feel about yourself and those around you.
And we are at the beginning of awareness again. The hearts are gathering around the world. The roots are beginning to spread. We, many of us, are remembering. More time is needed, but it is happening.
In the meantime civilization goes on it’s way, not necessarily expanding humanities capabilities but running parallel with technology, nudging us, reminding us that this isn’t quite right! that at some point in time, we lost our way.
And it’s time to get our roots back again, so we can finally begin to realize our full potential in life as human beings! Past time, actually, but not too late!
Thank you for stopping by, have a wonderful Friday!
~ Penny
Therefore a few posts expressing my ponderings in short verses.
A kitten’s contemplation on the unfinished multi-colored mat of life. Note the dangling strings – to play or not to play with them is the contemplation.
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Life – a privilege to nurture
The first to give honor The second to share, The third to be humble and try to be there.~
When making the difference, in that which you do, you make for a difference the truth within you. *~ Penny L Howe, 2013
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Thank you for your visit, have an excellent weekend!
~ Penny
