New friends

I finally downloaded my pictures from our trip in early January. There are lots but I want to share those of the new friends we made.

Just another moment in the morning

Another moment just before the sunrise. It wasn't the best moment because I couldn't find my camera fast enough and missed the best moment.

They say red sky in the morning, sailors take warning. I have a red sky or purple sky for a moment every morning, no matter what the weather is like but I have to be looking at the right time to catch it. This particular morning, the other day, it was sprinkling out so I couldn't get the best composition without standing in the rain and getting wet.

The Littlest Angel, Christina Taylor Green. Let us not forget her!

I found this on Huffington Post:

"Christina Taylor Green was only 9, but the third-grader already was an aspiring politician. Her parents say Christina had just been elected to the student council at Mesa Verde Elementary School and had been interested in politics from a young age. She already had told her parents she wanted to attend Penn State and have a career that involved helping those less fortunate than her. The brown-eyed athletic girl loved to swim with her 11-year-old brother Dallas, her lone sibling. Her mother, Roxanna Green, said Christina also loved animals, singing, dancing and gymnastics. She also was the only girl on her Canyon del Oro Little League baseball team. Her grandfather, former major-league pitcher Dallas Green, managed the 1980 world champion Philadelphia Phillies. Christina's father, John Green, is a scout for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Christina was born on the tragic day of Sept. 11, 2001."

She came into this world on a tragic day. She left on another tragic day but I feel she left a message. She wants us to all learn to get along and work together. Her life had meaning. She should not be forgotten.



http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/10/arizona-shooting-victims_n_806768.html#s221614&title=Christina_Taylor_Green

People are armed and angry. Are we in trouble yet?

People are armed and angry. It's not a good combination. Some of those who seem to be setting the policies that are screwing so many are some of the same who believe everyone should be armed. It never made sense to me and believe me, I have pondered the serious consequences of it. Maybe that is because I work in corrections and denial is a little more difficult for me. I'm seeing people in jail who look like those I used to have in my classes when I taught at the local university. It's concerns me.

Dylan Ratigan, one of my heros, has written an article on Huff Post, "A Destructive Crossroads". The man always makes a lot of sense and he does again here.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dylan-ratigan/a-destructive-crossroads_b_806276.html

What's really crazy is that it is some of those who are doing the cheerleading for those doing most of the screwing of us who are telling people to get armed and they are targeting those who are actually trying to help.

2011, What will she bring?

To borrow from the Daily Word's New Year prayer...

"I enter this new year with enthusiasm!
This is a new day at the start of a new year, and I choose a new way of being. I choose to be free of the limiting thoughts of the past and to not allow outworn habits or beliefs to control my life."

If our thoughts create our reality, it's time to change our thoughts if we want to change our reality.

We would like to invite anyone who happens to stumble into the swamp to share your thoughts and ideas. We welcome new friends for the new year.