When I’m depressed, nothing interests me. At other times I enjoy many things, as I reminded myself in a 1985 Journal Entry:

Image by katiemiafrederick.com

Among these are drawing, doodling. cutting and pasting (collaging), writing, browsing in the library or second hand book stores, singing, looking for Indian artifacts in a plowed field after it rains, brainstorming or discussing ideas with a friend, smelling the earth after it rains, looking at rainbows, feeling the warmth of a purring cat, exchanging soul gazes with my pet dog, sharing food with friends, lying out under the stars, reading aloud with an intimate, snuggling under the covers while the rain patters on the roof, singing Christmas carols, the lit Christmas tree, walking along the beach collecting gifts from the sea, attending a Quaker meeting, viewing a sunset, picking and enjoying flowers, speculating on strange encounters, watching a heart-warming movie… Now I would add reading on evolution and consciousness.

I also think of the things I’m grateful for…Family; friends; curiosity; creativity; sleep; the ability to faint when physical pain gets too great; the lessening of fear of death with age; prolonged infancy developing into love; the “cooperative” gene; the “religious” gene serving to draw people together beyond family lines; mathematics, which leads us to believe that this is a rational world; the aesthetic experience associated with this world and its characteristics; the cherishing of nostalgic memories; the sense of peace associated with clinical near or after death experiences; the survival instinct which permits life on this planet to evolve; “emergence” –which unfolds what is and affects what is to be; the ability to read and write; consciousness–so that we can reflectively experience; and humor–the saving grace…

A surprising way to lessen depression–for me at least–is to go to Google and look at all the different species of birds. I accidentally discovered this method.

I also want to announce that I don’t intend to post any more until my helper arrives so I know how to control the site. Hats off to those still sufficiently nimble of wit to understand it.

BAD POOR PERSON!?

Opinion Today: The push to criminalize homelessness The New York Times <nytdirect@nytimes.com>  Read it. No comment. _________________ Experts estimate that at least $1 trillion a year is needed to help developing countries adapt to hotter temperatures and rising seas, build out clean energy projects and cope with climate disasters.  (I forget why we didn’t raise…

by Nan Mykel April 19, 2024

OH MY GOD….

  Thanks to Ned Hanson for calling attention to the following: nedhamson Far-right US Senate candidate tells crowd to carry guns ahead of election | Arizona | The Guardian “They’re going to come after us with everything. That’s why the next six months is going to be intense. And we need to strap on our…

by Nan Mykel April 17, 2024

ANGRY LUST?

OH NO! The mass shooting in Australia on a recent Saturday raises the suspicion of more woman-hating.  Incel again? All but three of the 18 people killed or injured were women. While the attacker’s motive may never be known, many said the episode spoke to a larger problem. Monday was a national day of mourning…

by Nan Mykel April 17, 2024