HOT DOGS

THE VERDE WORD 

This article is not about food rather, it is about freedom in the clothes we wear.

Sometimes in life we have little choice in the clothes we wear. It may be because of our occupation such as military, law enforcement, clergy or education such as school uniforms, the faith we follow such as wearing a hijab, our recreational pursuits such as baseball uniforms or, even wearing our club football jerseys while watching the game.

When we wear clothing that is identified with an occupation, education, faith or hobby, we are proud of and identify with our organisations.  This is rightly so as generally it is a matter of personal choice.

However, when we consider those who are forced to wear uniforms, such as prison inmates, or cultural expectations such as in some Middle East and Asian nations, women must wear a head covering, have long sleeves, or ensure no portion of skin showing.  In some nations, there can be religious or cultural expectations that men must wear a head covering and/or grow facial hair. 

If the above people had a choice, would they choose to be unlabelled or unbadged as belonging to a particular occupation, cultural, national, religious or faith identity?

In the past we may have been a person of uniform however there were times when there is a need to be incognito.  Then of course, there are the occasions when we are glad to get home and into the jeans, trackpants and sneakers, or in my case, my hot dog slippers.

My Hot Dogs

How wonderful it is that we have a choice of clothing to wear and, the freedom of expression. 

When we were kids, did we not wear our Mickey Mouse Club pullovers and ears, or dress like Superman, Batman or even a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle?  This is the same thing, we often dress not only in required uniforms, but also dress to reflect our personal interest or passion.

 I have recently read and also have been told by some Muslim ladies that by wearing their hijab, in public, people tend to avoided making eye contact.  Some people even pretend to not notice the hijab wearer and this tends to make Muslim women feel almost invisible.

It is like being an overweight person in a shop.  Quite often shop staff attempt to either see straight through the overweight customer pretending they are not there or hide so they don't have to serve them and consequently, the overweight person feels almost invisible.

I wonder if it is the same for people who wear Indian, Islander or any other cultural derived clothing, do they tend to feel invisible as people try to not look at them.

Do we tend to avoid looking at people of whose culture we are unfamiliar, or even those who have a different lifestyle?  Why do we avoid eye contact with people who dress or appear different than what may stupidly seem normal.  Do we allow ourselves to feel uncomfortable in their presence?

There is no such thing as normal because each and everyone of us are so wonderfully diverse and different!

RELIGION AND NATIONALISM

Westernised female tourists from developed countries may be frowned upon when visiting some countries if they do not respect local custom on dress...which in some areas is law.

In some countries, although whilst in public, the displaying of dressing and behaving according to religious tomes and laws, I understand that citizens have no choice if they want to avoid trouble and avoid being maligned by family and friends.  Yet, although the folks in these countries certainly have freedom of expression of dress, if females want to wear jeans and a shirt in private, they can, but they can be made to feel very uncomfortable or at the very least, frowned upon if they appear in public in those same jeans and shirt.

We in westernised nations have the freedom to dress and go pretty much where we like, how we like and when we like however, it is not always so everywhere else in the world.

It is suggested that those of us who have the right to wear what we like, go where we want, with whom we want and, are able to express our opinion without fear of being harmed, are indeed most fortunate to live in a semi or fully free democratic society.

It is very likely that those of you who are reading this live in a free society.

When you have a day when you change your clothes a few times before deciding which is the most comfortable for your mental place, or mood you are in, give a thought that the luxury of wearing what you like and when you like is an expression of personal freedom that comes with a true democratic society.

So, while trying your shirts on for the day, think about others who are not so free and forbidden by religious, national law or threatened by subversive possible persecution if they wear other than prescribed dress.

Celebrate freedom of democracy, thought, speech and, the right to represent yourself as you feel inside.  And wear your metaphorical hot dogs.


Verde
∞

SALT

THE VERDE WORD

This week's article is about salt in it's various forms and how we may use it as an example to conduct our mental and physical lives sparingly.

As I was saying in my last post entitled 'Oh Celery...'  we as human, animals and others would not survive without food.  I was also saying that food tastes so much better if we put some admiration and appreciative thought towards it.  However, as celery or courgettes or any other food may taste wonderful, in order to provide new flavours, aromas and interest to food, we also add spices and herbs.  So, although this article has Salt as the focal point, it is another example of common daily practises that  we may use salt as an analogy in our personal lives.

There are many types, styles and uses for salt.
There is pouring salt both with iodine and without, there is sprinkling salt, salt flakes, salt rocks that also may be bought smoked or unsmoked, and even pink rock salt from the Himalayas.

Three examples of Pink Himalayan salt: sprinkling salt, salt flakes and salt rocks. 

We may include salt whilst cooking or spread and sprinkle on our food afterwards.

Sparingly casting very fine pouring salt over meals helps to add flavour and taste that may be missing.  Alternatively, small flakes or chunks rock salt may also be cast over the food.  The difference is, do you want the taste of salt throughout your meal or, having the infrequent crunch and taste that adds occasional bits that add a sudden burst of surprise, interest and pleasure and perhaps, a more memorable occasion and meal?

Life is like this, infrequently experiencing occasional bits of everything is more pleasurable than having it all the time, because by having it all the time it becomes expected, the novelty is lost.  It also may not be looked forward to as much because it is habit and, by having it all the time you get used to things and the flavour and do not notice the subtle nuances.

We, in our lives are similar when dealing with family or personal events, issues and problems.

As a parent we know we wear ourselves thin.   We try to look after babies, small children, teenagers, older youth, husbands, wives, lovers, grandparents and other family members and friends.  On top of this, we hold down part or full time jobs, attend university or college also part or full time, whilst attempting to look and care for everyone in the immediate and not so immediate family.

We run here and there, are on the phone, communicating with everyone trying to ensure all their needs are looked after.

In effect, to use the salt on food analogy, to those around you, are you the salt sprinkled all over the food, the  salt flakes with a less dispersed flavour or, the rock salt with the occasional crunch?

If you are the sprinkled salt, you can cover all situations and problems all the time, but the input of your time is sparing and may have less of an effect and following, achieving less of an impact and positive outcome for those you are trying to look after.  In contrast, if you are the rock salt, you can only cover some of the situations but your efforts are more intense and drain your mental and physical energies however, it has a higher possibility for a positive outcome for others, not so much you.

However, if you choose to be the salt flakes and take the middle line, you are able to be more effective because you are less spread around and also less hit and miss, as per the rock salt.

Consider looking at situations and judge which folks around you need the most immediate attention, assistance and care. Then tackle everyone on an as needs priority basis.

Everyone can be taken care of, but it is not necessary to need to know the whole story about everyone, or continual updates, instead, just look after the main issue but make yourself available on a 'just in case things get worse' basis.  

By minimising the amount of time, effort, energy and angst, not to mention all the hours spent in bed at night worrying about everyone, after a good nights sleep, you will be in a much better physical and mental place to look after all those you love and still continue your daily functions and requirements such as work an study and, whatever else.

So, are you pouring salt all over and doing a less than perfect job, or sprinkling rock salts hoping to hit randomly and help those folks, or, casting your salt flakes with evaluated targets with the object of prioritising to help the most needy?

It is impossible to help everyone and be on top of what is happening. Look after yourself first, otherwise your health and well being will suffer.  By placing your own personal health and well being at risk and becoming ill through doing or worrying too much, you will end up helping no one. 

Moral:  Use your physical and mental energies like salt flakes.

Verde

∞

OH CELERY...

THE VERDE WORD

Oh Celery, how I love thee, let me state thy ways!

Celery, my beloved Celery, I love thy appearance with green luxurious leaves and long, strong stalks.  I love thy sweet, earthy but slightly tangy aroma with a hint of wild rich humus soil in a forest.  I love thy touch as my hand caresses thy leaves, thy stalks whilst enjoying the solidity and feel of veins under my fingers. I relish thy woody sound as I remove thy stalk from thy bunched body allowing a loud woody scrunching sound as I make the separation.  Celery, You are an organic orgasmitron.

Yes Celery, I adore you, I venerate you.

You come from greatness, you attract greatness, Celery, you are greatness.

You are my love.

VALUING THAT WHICH GIVES LIFE

This article is about valuing all food that we grow, cook and imbibe.

We may take a can from the cupboard, open it, throw the contents into a saucepan, heat and eat.
We may take the meat, veggies, anything from the garden or fridge with our mind on our coming meal.

There are times when we think about nutrition when hunter-gathering at the markets or supermarket whilst selecting fruit and vegetables.  However, do we think and truly value and love the food we prepare and serve?

Foods is the most important thing in our human life.  Without their vitamins, minerals and moisture etc., we and other animals would die.  We need food for survival.

We may have a love-hate relationship with corporate or multi-national companies that invest in the food industry.  We may also feel the same way with cage, pen or other animal or fish lot farming.  As well, we may also have negative feelings towards the use of chemicals used during vegetable farming as well as freeze storage of our food.



FOOD PRODUCTION


Farmers and food producers of protein and vegetable based products place a lot of themselves into their product.  Farmers in particular arise very early in the morning and either observe their vegetable or animal domain, they walk the crop, field and paddocks.  Farmers talk to their plants and animals and they ensure they are fed, nourished and watered.  Farmers love what they are doing, it gives them pleasure and a meagre living otherwise they would not be in the industry.  Farming is a very hard, long and difficult job with little guarantee of sustainable crops or profits.  Farmers love their environment and products and therefore it is not only preferable but also desirable that we as consumers appreciate not only the farmers efforts but also, their products.

Animals and plants long before the planting, growing and processing process began, embarked on their life journey before the pre-seed or pre-embryonic stage began. They were alive and as all things, plants and animals (including us), came from somewhere and are going somewhere.  At the micro-organic or quark stage everything lives, grows and keeps on growing.

As we consume food for nutrition and energy, which we as animals need, the foods or substances we imbibe continues forever.  The sub-atomic particles help to process and feed our bodies and when waste substances are ejected, those particles still continue to live and give life to other organics.


MAKE LOVE TO FOOD

When preparing food, think about it.

Place the vegetables, fruit, meat or cereals or other on the chopping board, lets say courgettes.

Pick up the courgettes, feel their weight and texture, smell their earthiness, feel their skin.  Think and see them as a wonderful organic plant that came from a sub-organic particle, grew to a seed, were planted and grew.

Those lovely courgettes enjoyed the rain as it fell.  The courgette roots in the subterranean underground explored and reached out through millions of years of soil. Who knows, those same little courgettes you are holding in your 21st Century hand, could well be growing and nourished by soil that was once a plant or tree over 20 million years old.  So, in your hand you are holding a nourishing food that has been in production for a very long time.  Think about it.

Place those courgettes on the chopping board and keep in mind where they came from, what they came from and where they are going.

As you take the knife in hand, feel the courgettes and allow your hand and mind to be tender.
Give them love, mentally appreciate them, enjoy thinking how beautiful they will taste and how wonderful it is that we may cherish and nourish our body with their vitamins.  Be accepting and grateful.

The courgette has given you it's life.  Your life will continue on and be helped by a courgette.  I promise you, by placing more emphasis and thought on your food during preparation, it will taste so much more delicious.

Bon Appetite

Verde

DROP THE ANCHOR

THE VERDE WORD

'Cruising down the river on a Sunday afternoon' is a very old song.

 Do we all sing from the same song book?  

Do we cruise the same river?  

Are we on the same boat?  

How do we know when to drop the anchor?

In boating, there can be many unseen or unknown obstacles or issues such as tides, water depth, rocks, sandy or weedy bottoms, boat reliability, weather, odd bits of flotsam and jetsam and, other boaters who may or may not be proficient with their craft or navigational expertise.  Of course, the biggest worry, is being on a leaky boat.  

How is your craft?  Is it leaky?  On board are there life jackets, or water wings. Are there port and starboard lights or only a torch.  How about emergency beacons, or is there only a red rag.  How about going offshore, is there a compass or GPS system?

This is like our life, are things in place to cope in an emergency.  Are our heart, mind and soul healthy or are we drifting aimlessly on a leaky boat.

Whether the boat is the SS Minnow, PT 109, Mayflower or the Endeavour, we are always in control, we are the Captain, the Master of our ship and it's seaworthiness is in our control.

Life is akin to being on a boat cruising down rivers, floating with the tides or drifting with ocean currents. There can be dramas, disasters and unforeseen unfortunate events.  Do they occur because 'that's life' or do they occur because we see them happening in our minds aforehand.

Often, when seeing situations we often build them into problems without knowing the full facts. Irrationally we imagine things being worse than they are.  We may see disasters continually happening however, if we alter our mindset to see positive events, those positivities have more chance of fruition than the negatives.  The power of the mind is phenomenal.  We are the Captain , we are in control and how we mentally see things dictates our course and final outcome.

The boat is heading for rocks.  To avert or avoid hitting the rocks do we cut the engine, throw the sea anchor over the stern, reverse the engines, use the bow thrusters, drop the bow anchor or yell for everyone to jump overboard, each man for himself?


LIFE IS A CRUISE  

Life may be a cruise but before boarding and embarking there are preparations to be made. 

The boat has to be secure and safely tied up at the jetty with sufficient water and fuel on board and the engine bay and tank area has to be aired for petrol fumes.  

Following, there have to be enough life jackets for everyone, the weather forecast has to be checked, charts have to be surveyed for water depth (and/or, have a sounder on board).  It is wise to establish the locations of beacons, speed limits, obstacles, wash areas, submarine cables, off-limit areas, rocks and shoals.  There are also additional checks and procedures when going offshore because it is wise to advise the authorities of the name, size and type of our vessel, time of departure, intended course and destination and, estimated time of return.

All of these procedures and tasks hold the same principle for the metaphorical boat that is our life.  

There is no such thing as constantly calm seas.  Life can become wild, rough and tough and we may be tossed around in a dark cauldron of storm fury.  Life is about learning as, 'A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor'.  Experience is often the teacher of life's lessons.  How well we survive is often dictated by our level of preparedness.

When personal emergencies happen, how well do we handle them?  Will our boat be leaky or sound. Will we be mentally prepared and able to readily handle things or do we drop the anchor and tell everyone to jump.


EMOTIONAL PREPARATION

There is an old saying, 'forwarned is forarmed'.  This is very well however there are many times in life when the unexpected happens.  There is no telling when Jack will fall out of the tree, a partner has a health emergency, someone needs immediate mental help or, grandma fell off the roof.  The words continually going through your head are... 

"What on earth was grandma doing on the roof?"  

Are we able to spot gradual behavioural changes of those around us, can we see a negative effect from a loved one who uses social networking and may be a target of trolls.  

Can we identify stress, or that a child seems unusually very quiet lately, the horse is lame, the cat not eating her food, the goldfish floating on the water, they are all the mark of those around us being in need of help. Mind you, I think it is too late for the goldfish.

With less than desired events happening around us, if our main concern is the light in the fridge not working, this is a pretty good indication that our priorities are misplaced and we need to see things differently.  


BE REALLY PREPARED

By preparing and having personal practices and procedures in place to assist those with mental issues is a part of our emergency kit.  Naturally, also important is having spare medications and/or pharmacist scripts for those who may need them as well as phone numbers of people to contact in a 'just in case' situation.  Put everyone who may be needed, from the police to the local park ranger on the list.  We all know these things but make them specific to our area.  For example, if living in the bush, forest or park area, we ensure we have the phone numbers for bush fire emergencies, snake and bear handlers.

But most of all, try and keep grandma off the roof.

Loving those around us is wonderful but it is vast overkill to be constantly asking those folks every day, how things are going, and advising them they should do this, that or the other.  Even worse, is expecting disaster to happen.  Relax.  If those those we love need help, we will be contacted.

If we think bad or unfortunate events happen in threes, they will, because we are waiting for them to happen. What we think will happen, will, because our mind is encouraging the event.  If we are constantly waiting for 'the other shoe to drop', be prepared and either wear shoes with laces, don't wear shoes or take the other one off before it falls.  That is preparation. 

Like boating, although it is prudent to be prepared for the unforeseen disaster, by expecting and waiting for disaster to happen is a total waste of emotional, physical and mental energy.

Running our own individual life can be tough sometimes, running others is nigh on impossible.

Relax, roll with the flow, if we are caught in a storm, or suddenly heading for newly revealed rocks, like life, there are options.  We can head in from the storm or try and avoid the rocks by opening the throttle, sharply veer to port or starboard, and cruise home.

Things are rearly serious enough, nor is it always wise to simply drop the anchor.  
Preparation is a key to survival.

We don't all sing from the same songbook

We are not all on the same boat

We don't all cruise the same river and,

When and where we drop anchor depends on the situation.

Namaste,

Verde.

WESTERN SUNRISE

THE VERDE WORD

Many of you know that my personal ethos is 'When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change'.  Thus, I know there are many who also believe and practice this paradigm.

Western Sunrise takes this idea further and demonstrates that there is always another valid perspective.


THE SUNRISE

We accept and have observed the sun rising in the East and setting in the West.

Looking at this from a scientific perspective, the sun does not actually rise in the East.  Rather, planet Earth rotates towards the East giving the effect of the sun rising from the eastern horizon.  We all know this.

I assume the placement of north, south, east and west cardinal points on the compass is because thousands of years ago as the first map was conceived, the mapmaker had his paper, cloth, wood or soil in front on him and decided to place the areas he knew according to the placement of his blank map.  So, the concept of 'up' and 'down'  or 'over there' - (left) or 'over there' - (right) in the mapmakers mind were transferred to the flat plane of paper, cloth, stone or soil.

The invention of mapping with meridians of latitude and longitude and a compass with cardinal points were needed for land and water navigation to enable safe travel and to map the location of new discoveries.

We all know planet Earth is not at the centre of the universe, in fact as I understand it, we are further towards the edge, if indeed, the universe has an edge at all.

In space, the vacuum that is the universe, there is no such thing as up, down or sideways. So, viewing Earth from space, where is the East?  Planet Earth is a sphere, an orb and therefore only has one side, if the external of an orb is considered a side at all.


EAST OR WEST?

So, does the sun rise in the East or the West?

If we are on a space station or the moon, where are the compass cardinal points of north, south, east and west?  In space, do the cardinal points of the compass exist to reflect a particular position in space?

If a space station is in geo-stationary orbit over (opposite) the Equator, certainly the sun appears from the right hand side, or eastern side of our planet.  But what if the space station is geo-stationary orbiting directly over the North or South Poles?  In this case, it may be a reasonable assumption that the sun appears to make a clockwise journey around Earth.  However, in truth, the Sun is stationary. The sun does not revolve around planet Earth.  The sun does not rise in the East nor set in the West.  The sun is stationary.  It is planet Earth's axis rotation that we 'see' the sunrise and sunset.

A matter of language perhaps.  The reality is that instead of the sun rising and setting on our planet, rather, areas of planet Earth are coming into and out of the shadow of the Sun.  Then, instead we could say we are at shadup or shadown because there is no such thing as sun up and sun down because, the sun is stationary.

It is a combination of language and human understanding that continues since the beginning of mankind to this day that 'the sun rises in the East and sets in the West'.  Science has taught us that this statement is incorrect yet we continue to use the terms 'sun up' and 'sun down'  because it best fits our understanding of the world.  But what about other things, do we blindly accept without thinking or challenging what we are told about our world?

Looking at things from a different angle not only alters our perspective but also challenges our understanding and mindset.  In turn, this aids our intellectual growth.


ACCEPTING THE GIVEN

Many of us sometimes accept the given, and believe what we are told without question.

There are times we readily accept news items in print and digital media as being factual and true events being reported without bais and misrepresentation.  This is the aim of honest journalism.

Thus, often news reports and media show pictures and footage of citizens, people in the streets with their sticks, Molotov cocktails (bottle bombs) whilst wearing masks, bike helmets and thick clothing demonstrating or causing harm to personal and public property and, attacking government police or militia.

Do we really know what is going on or do we just 'tut tut' and think these people are simply malicious trouble-makers rising up in protest against their government for the fun of it.  Are they trouble-makers, religious fanatics or zealots after the freedom of democracy?  Perhaps we see them as down-trodden citizens attempting to overthrow a despotic corrupt government?

It unwise to accept the given without understanding and examination of the facts.  Look at things from a different perspective.  Attempt to see things differently.

Does the sun rise in the West?  Well, it all depends on your viewpoint.


SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY

We have seen much footage of war, aggression, and crimes against humanity, but how do we recognise the truth?  Journalists report news as factual issues however in the limited time and editorial space we as readers or observers are not always able to grasp, understand or fully comprehend the implications of the action or events reported.  For many years I have been trying to truly understand the Israeli / Palestine situation yet only now, I am finally beginning to understand.

The situation is complex, began at least a thousand years ago and involves arguments over home, territory and power.  It is a shame that basic human needs of home, family, faith and love is faced by the bloodiness of religion.

Humans can experience the need of a compass for moral, ethical, physical and mental health issues to find comfort, safety and security.  Some use the compass and direction of a god, belief, faith or philosophy.  Wherever that compass is found is at the sole discretion of the individual.

All humans have independant thought.  It is sheer folly to enlist, entreat, or force others to follow our personal beliefs, faiths or philosophies as everyone likes to find their own way.  By bringing others 'to the fold' is to treat them like sheep and put them in a pen. No one likes to be caged.

As civilisation progresses so does education and intellectual ability.  Research has shown that as each century passes, human beings are becoming more intelligent than those of previous centuries. Therefore, we are all able to develop our own path/s either with or without belief or faith and do not necessarily need religion to lead morally healthy and productive lives.

It is my opinion for humanity to peacefully survive, humans need four things:

1. Recognise and accept inherent love and kindness
2. Develop an ability to see things differently
3. Continue intellectual growth
4. Know there is a compass available when needed.

Namaste, 

Verde

FOLLOW YOUR STREAM

THE VERDE WORD

Follow Your Stream reflects the perspective that our life has a dome with many rivers of silver flowing to the pinnacle.  The myriad capillaries, veins, streams or rivers of silver are your life journey streaming to a bright and beautiful future.  Use the steam of silver to guide and lift your life.

The more complex your life and choices and paths followed, the more silver streams can be seen. The silver streams can be straight, narrow, thin, wide, never ending or like tendrils of a grape vine.


STREAMS OF SILVER

You have entered, and are alone in a large marble building with a magnificent dome.  It is comfortably cool after the heat outside. The interior being the floor, walls and dome are shining opalescence marble.  A small virginal white silk pillow is placed in the middle of the floor.

Laying down, facing upwards you feel the weight of your head sink deeply into the pillow.

Close your eyes.

Your body is completely relaxed.

Underneath, feel the coolness of the marble under your legs, hands, arms and torso.

Listen.

It is so peaceful and quiet that once the sound of blood pulsing through your head has disappeared, the sound of quietness is heard, and it is almost palpable.

Comfortable and relaxed, the mind empty, not conscious of any thought.

Feeling nothing physical, you feel yourself drifting, floating.

You feel an impulse to open your eyes.

It is as a dream.  You move a finger, you are awake. You are not only awake but you are experiencing a true awakening.  An awakening you have never felt before.

The sight of the white opalescence walls and dome is the same.  However you slowly become aware of tiny silver streams and rivulets flowing across the floor and up the cool walls to the domed pinnacle.

The streams appear as tiny capillaries and veins, but instead they are of shining liquid silver.

To find the silvery source, your eyes follow the rivulets down the walls and across the floor.  The beautiful silvery fluid streams emanate from yourself.

You see and feel the silver capillaries and veins flowing from your source as they slowly, gently ease their way across the floor towards the walls.  The silver steams are indeed sourced from your being.  The silver streams are yours and only you are allowing them to flow.

The silver, looks solid, but dense, thick but light, imagined but real.  At your heart there is one single flowing silver stream but leading to the dome, there are many.  It is your life, commencing with one stream which leads to a multitude of others.  Upon reaching the dome, all the streams meet at the pinnacle as one shining glowing silver sun.  The pinnacle is radiant, it is dazzling.

Your conscious thought reflects and realises that the silver stream sourced and coming from you is the beginning of your life. As the streams flow and divide into ever increasing veins, capillaries and tendrils of silver, they represent your journey through life.

Then you  realise, these silvered steams flowing upwards, ever flowing, never endingly proceeding to the pinnacle, they are not only your past and current life, they are also your destiny.  Thus, as each path taken in life, regardless of the stones or pebbles in the way, the rivers still proceed their pre-determined way.  Regardless of decisions made and opportunities chosen, you end up exactly where you are supposed to be.  At the pinnacle.

Feeling the silver throbbing in your heart, soaking and saturating your soul, you find clarity that everything you ever imagined is possible.

Then comes further clarity.  The various silver shimmering streams can be how you want your life to be.  You see the shimmer of professional success, streams to personal comfort and love.  You see your life flowing to a very old age with excellent health.  Most of all, you see much love of wisdom.

The dome, the walls reach to the pinnacle of light.  In your mind, written in the streams and rivulets on the walls leading upwards, is the information and the steps  you need to reach the pinnacle that you want in your life.  All has been revealed to you with succinct clear beautiful streams of silver.

With kindness, compassion, love and honesty, no matter where, why or what you do, your life is a continual silver stream that must be followed in order to reach the pinnacle of your life.  The silver streams are forever and everlasting.

Take advantage of this gift and allow the shining glowing silvered dome of your life to shine everlastingly upon you.

Verde.

SHOPPING TROLLEY

THE VERDE WORD

Hunting and Gathering in the 21st Century

Life is like a supermarket, it is a constant state of change.  Like life, many new and different things are happening all the time.  There are new events, products and displays that are very tempting.  This is like life.  As constant change continues, we must adapt for survival.

The tools of hunter-gathers centuries ago were spears and, bows and arrows.  The hunter had to act fast or the game would bound away over the countryside never to be seen again.

In today's civilised world, the hunting and gathering tools are the shopping trolley and the flat piece of plastic in our wallets.

So, with the change and adaptation to our civilised modern world of hunter-gathering, lets take the challenge and view the opportunities for 'game' in the local supermarket.

Let's see what's on special, grab our trolley and tackle the shopping!

                                                       

Ok, as is customary, we start at the fruit and veggies...mmm..look at that delicious celery! and it is on special at 75cents a bunch!  Mmmmm..mmmmmmmmm.  Think I'll come back later.

Down past the smallgoods, the glorious smokey smell of the ham, continental sausages, cheese, olives and salami, love this great aroma!

Oh look, the fresh Atlantic salmon is on special..50% off...gosh, now that is a good buy, I'll come back to that as well the celery after I have all my other stuff.  Through the tinned goods, around to packaged cereals, no...too much sugar and salt,  I'd rather yoghurt and fruit for breakfast.

Down the next aisle full of personal items, soap, toothpaste, vitamins, deodorant yes, I need deodorant, into the trolley it goes.  Down to toilet paper wow, four dollars off, that will make some bum happy, I'll come back to that as well.

The freezer section, ice-cream, I have to avoid that, far, far too addictive for me.  Mind you, some French vanilla would be lovely.  Be strong, be strong, save my money for the specials, what were they?

Oh yes, Celery is on special, 50% off fresh Atlantic salmon and toilet paper only $3.50.  It is a rule of thumb with toilet paper isn't it?  No matter how much you have at home, if it is on special, buy it!

Bit like a tourist bus really.  If you see a toilet, you go regardless because you never know when the next opportunity will come.

Time passes and your trolley has most of the things you normally buy at normal prices.  The time has come to retrace your steps and pick up the 'on-special' toilet paper, Atlantic salmon and the luscious celery.  The hunter gatherer of the 21st century is on a roll with her tools of a trolley and a piece of plastic whilst taking advantage of opportunities of price drops and modern products.

However, while gathering we return to the toilet paper.  All that is left are the rolls at normal price, then to the fresh Atlantic salmon, all that that is left of that are the small and left-over pieces.  What of the celery?  It still looks fresh but there are now only smaller bunches that look a bit battered as they were squished under weight of the really good bunches.

  

So, in a manner of speaking, the hunter and gather's game or quarry had bounded away never to be seen again.

So the question is do you want:

• Celery at 75 cents or $1.25 a bunch
• Atlantic salmon at $6.00 or $12.00 a pound
• Toilet paper at $3.50 or $5.00

THE KEY

• Recognise opportunities when they arise
• Accept opportunities when they arise
• Allow for an opt-out option just in case

It is important to be able to recognise and act on opportunities when they arise.  If things you use are on special, put them in your trolley because as you come closer to the check-out if you decide you don't want them, you can always put them back.  However, without putting them in your trolley in the first place, there is no choice of keeping or disposing of the products.  The decision to not make a selection when the opportunity arises will prohibit your options.

THE PHILOSOPHY

Standing by the ocean, the cool icy water brushes against, over and under your feet. The water continually washes the sand away from under you.  Whilst standing still, it is not long before you are calve deep in the water.  Without moving your feet, you sink deeper and deeper.  Constant change to which we must adapt, this is life.  We must move our feet to the sands of time.

As humanity is undergoing continual and constant change, the best chance for survival is to recognise, accept, adapt, grow and move forward. Those who recognise, accept, adapt, grow and move forward are those who recognise opportunities and act upon them.  Those who act upon opportunities are those who hold the best chance for survival, positive progress and success.

Verde