Falling

Tis the season to be sneezing. Growing up in the west, I admired the native, rustic, bare, arid, Saharan, landscape. I have lived in several states in the United States. Currently, I find myself residing somewhere in the mid south. Among the perks I cherish about living in the mid south is the change of seasons. I know there is an actual change in weather from spring and summer to fall and winter. I can visually see and feel the evidence that the weather has changed. Summer in the mid south is beautiful. Not only is the sunshine warm and friendly (much like the people here) but the scenery is full of color, fragrances, activity and life. Living my childhood in the west has made me appreciative of desert beauty. One of my most treasured visual memories of growing up in the west is the vivid, scenic, breath taking, sunsets generously lavished in indescribable colors. There was nothing better than driving up to the mountains just to watch the sun sink into the sprawling city landscape.

One of the drawbacks to living in the mid south is the hyper activation of dormant allergies. Yes, the plant life is lovely. However, in order for me to function in a somewhat normal fashion (without sneezing constantly, watery red irritated eyes, raspy voice, lethargic, skin nicely decorated with hives) I must subject myself to ingesting antihistamines or immunology (also known as allergy shots). Another thing I have to deal with in this region of America is changing my clocks twice a year due to daylight savings time. This is one thing I did not have to contend with in the west. All in all I think these minor issues are manageable and do not detract from living here.

After driving my daughter to the doctor's office, I saw a huge yellow and black spider in a very large web among some hydrangeas. I took the time (as my impatient teenage daughter who is always on the go) to ogle with surprise (What does that huge spider eat: people?) wonderment (These creatures do not exist out west.) and a little trepidation ( I'd like to take a picture but I do not want the spider to leap on me). After approaching cautiously and waiting patiently (My daughter is very comical. She knew I wanted to take a picture of the spider so in turn she tried to scare and agitate my unusual photographic subject. She even threw flower petals into the web. She successfully caused the huge spider to move beyond the perfect amateur picture pose.) I eventually took this picture. The spider eventually moved back into position. I was most impressed by the design inside the huge web spun by the spider. There was a zigzag pattern on it. I'm sure just like my native born mid southern children, this spider and it's web is a common site to most lifelong residents in this area. However, in my case I was an explorer who just stumbled upon a wonderfully unusual maybe even rare insect.

Copyright 2010 miva-music@icopyright.com

Postcards and Other Thoughts

It's summertime! One of my favorite seasons. Summertime is full of life. The outdoor landscape is decorated with animals, pets and people in colorful summer clothes, walking, jogging, bicycling, gardening, painting, yard selling, shopping, picnicking, swimming, and lounging.

I did not go anywhere exotic or far on my vacation this summer. Instead, I enjoyed a staycation. Since January 2010, I have been trying to live a little more green. So far, I have not bought any new clothes items for myself. Though I have purchased clothes for others (my kids) .Why is it when I commit to not buying clothes all the clothing stores I use to frequent have the best merchandise on sale? Another commitment I have made is driving less.

One day out of the week, I park Seabiscuit (my car) and get around on foot. What things are missed as Seabiscuit and I whiz by? While walking, fragrant perfumed whiffs from summer blossoms tingle my nose. I witness the indigenous animals, the ancient ones living their life. A family of raccoons hurrying back from a bountiful day of foraging in neighborhood garbage cans. Have you ever stopped to see, touch, and smell the world around you?

Picture postcards are nice to get in the mail. I am also getting back to the ancient art of sending hand written cards.

Copyright 2010 miva-music@icopyright.com

Seabiscuit Goes to Washington

On March 23, 2010 President Barack Obama signed the Health Care Reform Act. Amazingly, I was there in Washington, DC on Capitol Hill when the President signed the Health Care Bill. Seabiscuit (my 2002 Mazda Sedan) and I drove 9 hours on a Saturday night from Kentucky to DC. I was in downtown DC driving (to a conference) and listening to the radio Sunday morning, March 21, 2010, waiting for an update on the vote in Congress. Would the bill finally be approved? I was elated with awe and joy as I heard the news later that evening on the radio

on my drive from the conference to my cousin's home.

What does the Health Care Bill mean for someone who is unemployed and has no health insurance coverage? An unemployed person would qualify for the government subsidized plan. The new health care bill (H.R. 3962) would contain and lower medical costs for the average working American. If you change jobs, you would get to keep your insurance coverage. If you work for a business with 50 or more employees, your employer has to pay for your insurance coverage or face a fine of $2,000 per employee. Children would not be denied coverage for pre-existing conditions. In 2014, no one will be denied coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Wow. I think this is not only historical but very awesome. I think H.R. 3962 should be on every American's read list. (Click on the title Seabiscuit Goes to Washington to read H.R. 3962.)

Copyright 2010 miva-music@icopyright.com

On May 8, Letter Carriers all over the nation will be collecting food for the "Stamp Out Hunger" food drive. Look for a postcard in your mailbox. If you are able to donate, please give canned food items. Have you ever walked 10 miles carrying a 50 pound load? That's what most letter carriers do 5 days a week through hot sun, pouring rain, trecherous ice, and snow. You can lighten your carrier's load. How? The next time you visit your local Post Office, bring your canned food donations with you.

Ms C, Rosebud and 2020

Listen, as I tell the tale of what the not too distant future holds.

Copyright 2010 miva-music@icopyright.com

She's Using what She's Got

"I will do my best to be: honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place and be a sister to every Girl Scout." The Girl Scout Law

It is January, 2010. I wonder how all those New Year's Resolutions are going? I have gotten out of the habit of making annual resolutions. Instead, I periodically reflect on: how things are going, what is working or not, and what changes I want to make. I am in an eternal mode of improvement. I am constantly making lemonade. One of the changes I want to make this year is to be more conservative.

The United States is a capitalist economy. The economy that is driven by production and fueled by the consumer. Americans are collectors and hoarders of lots and lots of stuff. We are not satisfied with just one: two income household, two career family, two automobiles, etc. Is it possible to have too much? Most Americans are rich in comparison to citizens in other countries. In America, all children can go to school. We have electricity, clean water, and cheap consumer goods.

This year, I chose to honor my commitment on being active in conservation by consuming less. I do not need to purchase items I already have. Why purchase a new stylish pair of jeans when I have jeans from 1990 that are in good condition? (Watch out folks in the office.) I have lots and lots of resources.

Some of the best friends and fun I had were with the members of Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana. (http://www.kyanags.org/ ) Girl Scouts is where I learned how to build a fire, pitch a tent, and cook over a campfire. It is at Girl Scouts where I learned about a great mosquito and bug repellent: fabric softener sheets. Instead of using bug spray, just smooth a fabric softner sheet over the exposed skin. It works!

This year, I am committing to the Girl Scout Law "...use resources wisely." My energy will be focused on using what I have. (click on the title "She's Using what She's Got" for a treat.)

Copyright 2010 miva-music@icopyright.com

The Sounds of Music

I enjoy creating. It is a great stress reliever for me. I wrote the song "Do Ya Thank?" in 2000. This song is from my cd 'Cruise Control'.

Since I was a very young child, I have sang. My mother used to sing in a kind of humming way. She didn't sing much but played a lot of music. As a young child music was all around. When mom was in a jovial mood she would play any and all kinds of music on the radio and on the stereo. Her musical variety included: soul, rock, soft rock, jazz, instrumental, orchestra and country. In times of sadness mom would play the blues. I remember hearing BB King while strumming Lucy(his guitar), bellow in his voice full of memories, experience and pain about his troubles. I guess maybe the blues made momma feel better. I personally don't like the blues. I find it depressing. That's the great thing about music, there's a song for everyone, every mood or emotion.

When I wasn't submersed in sounds of music, I started creating my own. I started making up my own lyrics and melodies. One year when I was 7, mom sis and I were in a consignment shop. My sister and I spotted an electric piano. I remember being so excited and asking mom if she would get. The price was right! Sis and I played and played that little electric piano a lot. Sometimes, we would argue about who was on it longer. "It's my turn now. Get off. You've been on it too long...Mom!!!"

I have cassette tapes of songs I have written 20 years ago. Mostly, the music I make is just for me. However, that changed a couple of years ago when I was brainstorming for a fundraiser for The Leukemia Society. I was inspired to fund raise for LS on behalf of my niece Renee. She has Hodgkins Disease which is now in remission. After years of chemotherapy and blood transfusions, my niece is doing well. Despite her initial grim prognosis, Renee gave birth to a healthy baby girl in September 2009. My commitment along with other participants was to run a min-marathon and raised $2,000. While working out at the gym, I happened to mention my fundraising dilemma to one of the gals in my cycling class. Maria said she would gladly contribute. I told Maria about my songwriting. I had just finished making my cd "Cruise Control". I didn't have any plans for my music except maybe sharing with friends. Maria said she'd purchase my cd. Thus, my fundraising was on the way. For a contribution of $10 to The Leukemia Society, my donors received a cd. All things worked out well. I completed the mini-marathon and met my fundraising goal. Thanks to all the great people who donated.

How did I create the music for this video? Yeah, that's me a-playing and a-singing on a full sized Yamaha keyboard. I purchased it at a pawn shop. The price was right!

"Copyright Michelle Peterson 2010. Some rights reserved. miva-music.icopyright.com ."

It's a New Year!

I am grateful to God for blessing me to see another Earth year: 2010. Every year, at the year's end, I reflect upon the year that is passed, anticipate and plan for the year to come.

These are some things I am thankful for in 2009. I am glad I was able to reconnect with family ties. I also have made new friends and reunited with old friends. Sometimes my family and friends challenge me, and encourage me. Other times they present me with opportunities to experience different view points and hear other voices.

How did I bring in the new year?

Quietness with candle light,
sitting in silence.
Listening to my thoughts,
feeling God's presence.
Uttering words of rememberance,
thankfulness and hope.

On New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, I participated in a telephone prayer and meditation led by Harry Pickens.(http://www.harrypickens.com/) How did the meditation affect me? I am inspired to continue living life and striving to make things better. I desire to be a good steward of the many blessings I have been given. I desire to be a blessing to others. Using the Earth's resources responsibly, is important to me. (Click on the title "It's a New Year! for a gift.)

Copyright 2010 Michelle I Peterson. Some rights reserved. To reproduce or distribute, visit: miva-music.icopyright.com