Colosseum

Today we enter into a colosseum where we will witness a battle between opposing forces. 

Each opponent has been declared and decorated with appropriate colors and battle gear designed to not only protect but to inflict as much damage on the opposing player as possible. 

Each participant has been promised fame and fortune that will follow them for the rest of their life, regardless of the damage that may be inflicted upon themselves. 

This battle will be witnessed by many hundreds of millions of people who will be immersed and intrenched in the support of their players and team. 

The energy will be palpable and regardless of who you are, those who participate or witness will feel the emotions, there will be a palpable tidal wave of immense proportion moving across the globe.

Who or what benefits from this experience?

Will those who witness be better for the experience?

Will this battle make this world a better place?

I have long believed that events like this degrade the human spirit and devolve the world into continual conflict. What has been promoted by the media as entertainment is a carefully planned event to mine our spirit and energy, to be manipulated by unseen forces to feed the masters who control us. 

There are among us energy vampires who manipulate us for nefarious purposes.

We freely give this energy to employers, family, friends and enemies alike who take our energy and then use it to further control us.

World power brokers take the energy from these emotions and sell it to the highest bidders. 

They feast upon our emotions as we feast upon food.

Emotional energy is powerful and many unseen beings will be there to take advantage of us.

Watch the frenzy and the dedication of the fans today, be the observer and witness the immense energy.

What if we were to unify that energy to benefit and uplift the spirits of mankind instead of dividing and defeating us?

We are powerful beings capable of creating anything we choose. 

We can create a heaven on earth. 

A beautiful and peaceful existence here upon this earth is possible if we channel positive energy to positive means.

I challenge each one who attends the battle this day to be an observer, to step back and watch how your energy flows out from your spirit. 

Be aware and beware of energy vampires who will feed off us and our negativity this day.

Instead, choose to be a conscious creator of positive outcome.

Runners

Runners

Today our little town hosted a marathon between Escalante and Boulder. There were hundreds of visitors here to participate and support the runners.

The park across the street from my home is where everything wrapped up with a small fair, vendors and music.

Last night the musical entertainment included a singer storyteller, Clive Romney who gave an amazing version of early mormon history with a anecdotal spin. His stories were from the lives of those that helped to settle this area over 100 years ago. He was inspiring and personable. It was a shame that the cold night and lack of interest, it was only me and my wife listening. We sat on the edge of the stage with Clive as he played and sang his songs.

Today I slept in late, something I ate yesterday gave me a whopping headache. I can usually backtrack and find the culprit. I think it was the honey baked turkey, it had “additives.” I think the culprit was nitrites used in the processing of the meat. Each time I get one of these whoppers I vow to be more diligent but sometimes I let my tastebuds get the best of me.

The sound of the loudspeakers this morning woke me announcing the runners as they crossed the finish line. The cow bells and cheers from the spectators was infectious so I wandered over to spectate.

26.2 miles, thats a long way to run, at least for me. If you ever see me running it’s probable because something large and hairy is chasing me, otherwise I choose to walk and that is where you will find me on gentle evenings here in Escalante.

What is it that makes us run or walk?

Are we running from something or to something?

I can still remember several bad relationships in my life where I ran.

Now days I try to choose my destinations and go towards those things that will make my life better. 

We have an internal navigational beacon that helps us to make the choices in life that will enrich us and those around us.

Each of the runners had their navigational beacon set on the finish line with such dedication and determination. I wonder what made each of them run? Are they running away from unpleasant experiences or running towards a fulfilling goal?

Cow bells generally don’t merit the reason to run so I have to think that each runner set a goal to run because of an inner strength or maybe because of a challenge they wanted to achieve today.

In the midst of all this activity, I have an interview looming with a video journalist who connected with me several weeks ago. He wanted to do a followup on some comments I made then. 

Is that the reason for my headache? Am I running from something I don’t want to face? I don’t think so, but I would like to soften my tone and clarify some thoughts. This documentary may end up viral and then what? 

I mostly feel good about where I have been over the years and where I am going. It’s not a good feeling to keep looking over your shoulder and wondering what might be following you. It could be that large hairy thing or something that we said in haste on social media. 

I would like to think we might be sitting on a stage some time sharing our life stories, our successes, our songs and our failures, for in doing this lives are enriched and made better. And if there are only two others listening, it still makes it all worth while.

Reflections

lt is a wet and soggy Sunday morning today, perfect for reflecting on life and being grateful for the lessons that life has taught me. 

Over the past week I have had an opportunity to interact with hundreds of people as they came to Escalante to participate in the annual Art Festival.

At first I was going to coast through and just be an observer, but a handful of neighbors commented on my potato bar and hoped that I would do it again, so with less than a week to get ready I ordered the organic potatoes and unpacked the supplies that I needed to serve the public. As the day approached I got more excited with anticipation.

My home is directly across the street from the festival and after watching the festival for years, I wanted to be a part and add my own unique energy.

I wasn’t disappointed, we had several hundred people who enjoyed the organics, and I had the opportunity to engage with each of them.

One German fellow lectured me on the use or rather the abuse of using plastics. He pointed out to me what I already knew, but had failed to do my diligence to find a better alternative. Twice more he came over and told me of the successes that his countrymen had in reducing plastics.

He was right and I promised to do better next year.

Each of the artists that entered paintings interpreted what they saw in our local town and landscapes in a unique way that I hadn’t been able to see. They saw what I could not. 

I met some new friends and caught up with old friends. My life is richer because I participated, shared and listened.

Our community is currently struggling to find balance between the old traditions and the new opportunities here on the edge of a National Monument. 

Old prejudices meeting untapped opportunities. 

It is unsettling for everyone and there is a lot of finger pointing and complaining going on.

It’s not unlike what is going on in the world.

We have allowed ourselves to engage in electronic dialogue and have removed ourselves from face to face interaction. 

We live in boxes, we drive in boxes and work in boxes, then we watch a box to find entertainment and mold our opinions. 

Last week I chose to step outside my box and meet face to face with those who came to my home, it was risky but ultimately very rewarding.

What would happen if we all decided to look one another in the eye and share part of ourselves, our story?

We are living in an ever changing world and whether we like it or not we are part of that change.

I spent several hours last night sharing and listening to a small group of new friends who helped to mold some new ideas and firm up old ones. I probably talked too much, I blame that on the good food and drink.

Instead of reposting someone else’s thoughts and ideas, I am challenging myself and you to share your own unique thoughts, your successes and your failures, for in your sharing, my life will be better and I hope I can do the same for you.

The ripples that we leave behind will forever shape the lives that they reach.

My heart swelled

A recent event at the Mormon General conference triggered  memory that happened to me over 25 years ago.

Yesterday, a lone voice in the vast audience of members in the Salt Lake Conference center called out, “STOP PROTECTING SEXUAL PREDATORS, 

STOP PROTECTING SEXUAL PREDATORS,

STOP PROTECTING SEXUAL PREDATORS.”

My heart swelled.

In 1992 I Lived in the small community of Manti Utah. I found a common theme among many of the people there, they had all felt the abuse of their church leaders.

I was given a copy of a paper distributed by Malcolm Jepson, a member of the General Authorities in the Utah central area. The paper was titled, WE SHALL NOT BE LED ASTRAY - III. 

He had called a special meeting for Bishops and Stake Presidents to inform them that members who followed certain principal would be in suspect of being apostates.

I watched as my neighbors were called in one by one by the local bishops in Manti. They were asked the same questions in their interviews. I determined not to allow the same harassment to happen to me so I contacted the bishop and ask for a meeting. I told him to either stop harassing me or hold a court to determine my worthiness.

In the meantime I decided to attend a stake conference where Neil Maxwell would be attending. I dressed in my best suit and tie and got to the meeting early to get a seat near the front of the chapel.

I wondered at the time why I was dogged by several men who kept close to me. Now I know.

As the time came to sustain the leaders of the church, my heart began to pound inside my chest for I had determined to appose the leaders in public for their unrighteous actions against me and my friends. 

With the usual blah, blah, blah, the stake president read off the names of the various leaders and then asked for a raise of the hand. 

All in favor?

All Apposed? 

There it was … that was my cue. I stood and raised my hand … nothing, Greg Maylett, the stake president, ignored me. Each time a vote was called for, I did the same but to no avail. I was ignored each time.

A few days later I received a letter from the stake president asking me to appear before a disciplinary council.

I don’t think many in my family or friends know why I was excommunicated that night. 

It was because I took a stand against those church leaders who abused their power and terrorized members who asked the hard questions and who voiced any opposition.

I kept a copy of that paper given to Bishops and
Stake Presidents, the one used to cleanse the church. The Salt Lake Tribune called it a witch hunt.

Here is the list:

Profile of the Splinter Group Members of Others with Troublesome Ideologies.

They follow the practice of home school.

There is a preoccupation with the end of the world and the events preceding the coming of the Savior.

Many have John Birch membership of leanings.

Many do not work and have no jobs.

They study the mysteries, feeling that what is provided in our meetings today is superficial.

They meet in study groups.

They listen to tapes such as the “Bo Gritz” tapes and others about such topics as Armageddon.

They are inordinately preoccupied with food storage.

They feel and teach that there is a great conspiracy, that the government is corrupt and that you can trust few people.

They feel many of the members and Church leaders have gone astray.

They feel that President Benson’s counselors have muzzled the prophet so that he cannot tell us the things he would like to tell us, especially about the last days.

They staunchly profess that they sustain the prophet and local leaders, but when asked to stop doing certain things, like meeting in groups to study the mysteries, they tell you straight out they will have to take the matter to the Lord to see what He tells them before they will agree.

Some have met or are meeting with leaders of the Church of the Firstborn.

They believe we must be super spiritual to know the will of God or even our leaders may lead us astray.

They read the books of Avraham Gileadi and other materials which are unapproved by the Church.

Many of these folks are on state welfare and others to try to obtain Church welfare.

We observe that many of these people reportedly have visions and dreams which they share with group members but not priesthood leaders.

The element of plural marriage, though seldom spoken of outside this group, continues to surface as a part of the belief structure of many.

Some have held prayer circles in full temple clothing outside the temple.

While this practice has now been stopped, some of these folk would linger in the celestial room of the Manti Temple for hours to teach one another.

I thank my good friend, Lee Thurston for giving me a copy of this letter so many years ago. It showed me his courage and the fear that leaders of the church face when they are not followed obediently and blindly.

“When our leaders speak, the thinking has been done. When they propose a plan–it is God’s plan. When they point the way, there is no other which is safe. When they give direction, it should mark the end of controversy. God works in no other way. To think otherwise, without immediate repentance, may cost one his faith, may destroy his testimony, and leave him a stranger to the kingdom of God.”  https://www.fairmormon.org/archive/publications/when-the-prophet-speaks-is-the-thinking-done

This statement originally appeared in the Improvement Era, in June 1945, as the Ward Teaching message for the month. 

Brain Dead

My evening strolls give me an opportunity to reset with nature. Last week on one of these walks I saw 3 different people using toxic sprays to kill weeds and bugs. My patience with these people is Nil. 

During my time at the local Do it Best store I had to deal with brain dead morons who wanted to kill anything that moved or grew. It infuriated me that they were so uncaring. I called the isle where the poisons, pesticides and weed killers were, Death Row. I tried in vain to get the hardware store to stop selling these products. The registers were next to Death Row and I had to smell these toxic substances when ever I worked the registers. I suggested a ventilation fan to clear out the toxic smell and off gassing from all the packaged goods. That suggestion was ignored. I always tried to substitute a gentler less toxic product to customers, but mostly in vain.

All this came flooding back when I watched these uneducated, uncaring neighbors spray toxic poisons.

I confronted one neighbor and asked what she was spraying? 

2-4 D.

        Do you know what's in it?

        Yes, I am from Nebraska.

I asked if she had children or pets? 

I asked if she knew that  2-4 D was used in Viet Nam and caused birth defects? 

I asked if she knew that it could permanently cause DNA damage that could be passed down to her children as well as sicken her dogs? 

Do you know what she said? 

I DON’T CARE!

I was in Lava Hot Springs last month soaking in the water, it was glorious. While there I was eating some street food from the big bus next to the park. Great tacos by the way. Anyway, in walked an older woman wearing a Monsanto uniform. I watched as she ordered her food and  then sat next to me waiting for her food. Several minutes passed by in silence then I couldn’t resist any longer. 

How do you like working for Monsanto? 

After a short pause she said it was a good place to work.

What kind of work do you do?  

I service the big trucks that haul dirt. Our plant digs the dirt and it gets sent to another plant. 

I asked was she aware of the toxic nature of Monsanto products? 

She paused before speaking and then feeling more comfortable with our conversation began to reveal that she had only a few years before retirement and will be glad to leave Monsanto. She started unloading on the evil nature of the company and the executives. She is afraid to say anything at work that might get her fired but said as an insider she was watching very carefully.

One of my neighbors last week was spraying Round Up, one of Monsanto’s products.

Do you know what is even worse? 

Two of the people were health care practitioners, one a Hospice Worker and one a Registered Nurse, the last person worked for the Bureau of Land Management.

How is it that people risk permanent DNA damage and lasting health problems by using these products? 

Is It ignorance? 

Stupidity? 

Education? 

Or just plain brain dead zombies?

Last week the city of Escalante paid Bulls Eye Pest Control to spray the city lawns. I checked with the owner and found out that the product they were spraying is Suspend SC, an insecticide. I looked up the company website and read the spec sheet. 

“Hazards to humans and domestic animals” is the first statement on the sheet.

I have chickens, bees and my family and I am concerned about my health.

For two days the smell caused me to have burning eyes and burning lungs. The smell still lingers after nearly two weeks. 

I filed a complaint against the city of Escalante for breaking their own city ordinance. 

I am waiting for a response …

What will it take for people to stop killing?

There are alternatives to killer poisons. 

Here is one off the internet …

Weed-Be-Gone

1 Gallon Vinegar

2 Cups Epson Salt

1/4 Cup Dawn Dish Soap (blue original)

It will kill anything you spray it on. Just mix and spray in the morning after the dew has evaporated. Walk away. Go back after dinner and the  weeds are all gone.

Maybe I’ll spray the neighbors … Nah, they are already brain dead.

Unfriended

Unfriended

To my former childhood friend … and to all would be friends, virtual and otherwise.

I have a rule in my life, one that I pretty much stick too.

It’s the 3 strikes you are out rule. Some have called it the no asshole rule.

When Facebook became popular I joined in. First because I was curious and second to find old friends from my early life.

One by one I friended those with whom I had memories and history.

Sometimes I would friend a stranger who had similar thoughts and ideas, those strangers became my friends.

A few years ago I got a request to friend an old acquaintance, I accepted. Almost at once this “old friend” began shooting insults and barbs. I tried to ignore but his words were hurtful. I unfriended him. Again came the request to be a Facebook friend, once again I accepted. I hopped for better. Wrong, soon came the same hurtful words so I unfriended him again. When the third request came with promises to do better, I decided I would friend him but monitor him closely. Unfortunately he followed the same negative pattern. Hence the 3 strike rule became my motto for the future.

Several “friends and relatives” have been unfriended by my 3 strike rule. It’s my way of protecting myself from unwanted negative energy.

I have wondered about my friend at times. I heard him describe how he lost his virginity in a darkened party bedroom waiting his “turn.” I watched how he partied with the wild bunch on Center street. I watched him find and marry a sweetheart of a girl who helped him to see better things in life. He “got” religion and followed a very different path. I met up with him 20 years later in the small town of Snowflake. He had changed, I had changed. I could tell he was troubled by my “story.”

I grew up in mainstream Provo and followed the straight and narrow. For 20 years I was the ultimate follower of the Church, and then I had an epiphany. 

I became a free agent, I sought after the mysteries of life and followed my heart.

I don’t like judgmental people, I do my best to avoid any judgements. My life path has taught me that what I put out, I get back.

I have unfriended many “friends” over the years that have been a part of my Facebook experience. It is my way of protecting my self from the negative people. They may be good people, but they choose to see the bad in life. 

There is plenty of bad around, but there is plenty of good too. And that is what I choose to see. The PollyAnna way.

Some may say It is too simplistic.

Recent scientific studies have shown that thought can change our very DNA.

Thoughts are powerful and where our attention goes, energy flows.

We are each powerful transmitters of energy. Others can feel and sense our moods and we can feel the moods and energy of others. 

Be careful of the signals that you send out, the Universe is listening and will respond with like energy.

Be mind full of the programs you watch and the people that you associate with, you are constantly being shaped by those you follow.

To my “old friend,’ I can no longer trust you or your intentions. You have met my 3 strike, no asshole rule and you are out.

Still, I send you best wishes and hope you find happiness in life.

Light Tresspass

Light Trespass

That is the proper term when an individual or government entity installs lights that invade your privacy.

This subject brings more enmity in city council meetings than most other items.

Several years ago when I approached city council to consider removing a street light in front of my house, I was met with criticism and negativity, mostly from uninformed people who were looking for any reason to complain.

The former Mayor and newly elected County commissioner suggested that problematic street lights in his day were shot out.

That was then.

This is now.

Last month my neighbor had Garkane install a new LED street light on a city pole adjacent to their property.

The light lit up my entire backyard. 

I wrote a letter to my neighbors voicing my objections and concerns.

The next email went to Garkane to inform them that I objected to the street light and wanted it removed.

Then I waited.

And waited.

Nothing, no response from either party.

I mulled over the advice that the former Mayor gave at city council several years ago.

No, I won’t go that route.

I called the CEO of Garkane, Dan McClendon and voiced my concern.

Then I waited.

Nothing.

I called again, this time apologies and promises to look into the matter.

I waited.

Finally a phone call from Casey the operations manager gave me hope that I had reached a listening ear. He let me know that he was looking into the matter.

I waited.

And waited.

Finally, several weeks later I got a calls from Casey and Dan to inform me that they had a possible solution and Casey would be out later that evening.

8:30 PM

Knock at the door … three Garkane employees working overtime informed me that they had a possible solution and were there to try it out.

9:00 PM

A shield to confine the light to the neighbors property was installed.

Success!

So … If you have a bothersome street light, what should you do? 

I can’t give you that answer, but here are some suggestions.

Don’t panic

Write a letter to all party’s involved voicing your concern and any possible solutions.

Persistence and the sticky wheel will get the grease.

Speak kindly and show appreciation.

Sometimes it takes weeks to get things through the proper channels.

Sometimes you have to go to the top to get solutions.

Final follow up: Dan McClendon called me this afternoon to get my feedback and any possible suggestions. He said they were working to find solutions to future conflicts with light pollution. He suggested that anyone having similar problems with light trespass call him directly and he will work with them to find a solution.

Thank you Dan and Casey at Garkane.