another little update

Hey folks...

    I'm still here at my post in the Tipp City 'brary... in between preparing for the Live Clue program I have been checking out stuff on NPR's website (oh NPR, you're so sweet)...

http://www.npr.org/news/specials/climate/video/

Check out these videos about global warming.  I appreciate how simplistic they are.  While I also recognize the irony (I mean I'm using electricity to learn about global warming, caused in part by electricity production), but if you're on the computer anyway... give it a check see.

love

meg

MMMMkay kiddies...
I'm currently chillin' at my summer volunteer post aka-the Tipp City Public Library. I bring good news. Ricky is still completely adorable, sweet, and healthy. Ava loves him so much! She tried to get into his bassinet today. The two of them are such a delight. Aww... little people. I do love them.
So, since I'm in the 'brary I figured I ought to come at ya with a few recent book reviews:

-Choice Theory by William Glasser.
He has some good points. The main point is that the only person you can control is yourself. Live like that is the case and you'll get along a lot easier. One bone of contention I must pick is his disdain for any types of medicine. I mean, I appreciate natural methods as much as anyone else, but I won't be convinced that diseases like asthma and arthritis are all in our heads. Really now. (good news on the asthma front-I'm on less medicine! Hooray!) He also talks about having a safe space for negotiating for relationships. This is cute. I like his point that in such a space you are free to offer what you will do, but you do not plead for what you want others to do. Just how does one translate this self-control psychology into their lives? Well, that's the tough part (isn't it always?!). I'm in the practice section right now... but I did go through recent journal entries of mine and pick out things where I can make empowered decisions about, which seemed helpful.
He also talks about the five needs of people: love, power, belonging, survival, and freedom. He discusses how these play out in relating to one another. I found that I have a high need for love, but not necessarily belonging, as I am content to run with a small close-knit group rather than a large one. It might appear that I take a fair amount of risks, so I am low on the survival end...and the freedom end... any guesses? Pretty darn high... which is interesting to reflect upon (especially in the context of my recent evaluation of romantic relationships in our culture).

-Wicked
This is about the wicked witch of the west and how she became who she is. It was interesting, but didn't give as much perspective as I had hoped. Also, there was way too much sex in this book. Maybe that's what I don't like about novels.

-The Faith Club
This book describes three women building interfaith relations. One is Muslim, Christian, and Jew. I appreciated their perspectives, but was disappointed that they considered pluralism only the religions of Abraham. I learned a lot about Islam, which I think is especially important in America today. I liked how the women had a stereotypes discussion. They were brave to share and receive stereotypes; and then dissect and tackle them together. I hope I have some open-minded housemates in the fall. This book might be one worth mentioning as we try to have interfaith discussions and build community together.
Some points that I found very interesting: The Muslim woman pointed out how much "Jesus propaganda" there is in the US, which I agree.
One quote I appreciated (pg 108):
"But we should all recognize that when religion is used as a rationale for aggression, a tactic for war, or to justify a promise of land, then it is politicized religion. It becomes a human ideology that has nothing to do with Godly values."
************************************
Those are the books I've read recently that stuck out in my memory.

As promised I am going to share a few things from my journal lately too...
I wrote this after someone told me they hoped Ricky wouldn't have any deformities, that they were praying for him....
People often thank God for health. But what is this saying about illness, disabilities, and other forms of diversity? I'm starting to think the word 'disability' is misleading. A person who is blind might have an acute sense of hearing. Just as an autistic child my have an acute sense of joy. I, more than most people I know, appreciate breathing. I just wonder if we might be kidding ourselves when we are grateful to be "normal" and "healthy". Go ahead and be grateful to be, but perhaps we should also be thankful for diversity?
*****
I wrote this after Missy and I passed a funeral procession on the way to work one day:
Not that funerals are for the dead, but when I die at age 102, I'd like to have a party. I want to be cremated and for everyone to have a big ol' bonfire instead of a viewing, a farewell party/talent show perhaps. If for some reason they want to have a procession, it too should be a party. I'm not kidding, it should be more of a parade than anything else. I want people's cars to say "Honk if you're joyful!" and have a trail of cans on strings. I'd like one car to say "Just buried!" Then I want someone to bury my ashes (legal or not!) under some maple tree. Heck, maybe they could even plant one for the occasion. It doesn't need to be long living like the oak, just bright. And if I live in a climate that maples don't love how about a Metasequoia glyptostroboides? I sure like those trees... and their seeds like fire, and well, that might be significant to me too. Oh and if folks wanted they could write letters to me and burn them at my bon-fire, that seems symbolic enough... and I'd rather that no one pretends I was perfect. Really, y'all could laugh about how much of a turkey I am to live with, etc, etc.
*****

and that's it for now... Missy wants me to get back to work! I don't know why she's so bossy for $2 and hour... I do alright ;)
love!
megsy

thankful list:
-pudding
-clean drinking water
-Ricky!
-Ava!
-re fried beans
-tiny prayers that look a lot like joy
-laughter
-the promise of swimming soon
-the big white Ohio sky, thick with summer's heat and humidity
-that Dawny is alright
-the banjo in my life
-stickers
-clean air
-friends

The newest of all news is that little Ricky Bertke is here! He came this morning at 1:39 am, and weighs a little over 5lbs. Below is babe and mama in the hospital. He is a sweet thing! His feet and hands are turned in, but I think it is actually extra sweet of him to be unique. He will likely be in casts before the week is out. He smiles and nurses. Such a little darling. I of course cried when I met him, he's just so darn special. Ava will love her baby brother when she meets him. My little 'mator plants in the garden getting ready for some fun. They've got nice little flowers, but no fruit just yet.
The latest garden endeavor, below are cosmo seedlings. Cosmos remind me of Connie Briggs :) I love gettin' in the garden, even if it is hard with only one working foot.

Here's what I've been excited about and working on for a while. This is my outdoor space. In the very back of the yard I've got my hammock, which I've been sleeping in often. This weekend I rigged up a tarp with bungees so that I can sleep out in the rain too. Note the tree in the light has delightful hanging plants. They want to grow up to be full of wildflowers, but we'll see how it all works out. I've also got my little watering can out there. Most nights I water the garden at 9:30, when the fireflies are just waking up then retire to my hammock to read myself to sleep under the stars. It has been so good. It's been the little peice of independence that I have been able to muster without being very mobile. So there's the quick update... and that's all I've got time for, mama and I are trying to put little Ava to bed.

I've been writing a lot, but mostly in my journal, I'll try to put some of it up here and share with y'all.

love,
megs

thankful list:
-Ricky is here and well
-Jennie and Jeff are well
-Ava is with us, currently telling us "I don't like you, I don't want to go to sleep". How special it is to be with little ones. Her honesty, really, is sweet. She's tired because when Jeff and Jennie went to the hospital at 11pm last night she heard them getting ready and woke up. So they said farewell to their darling and she stayed up with mama and me waiting for them to call us with news. So we spent a decent chunk of the night playing with Ava and it is obvious that she missed a good deal of sleep. I too was feeling snappy with my mama, but wasn't as open as Ava in admiting the obvious... but after my hammock nap, I felt better. Kids really aren't that different, they're just more open. For Ava's refreshing honesty I am grateful.
-That Ricky has expanded my ideas about diversity and beauty... thank heavens he's unique.
-fireflies
-my hammock and the personal space it give me
-the banjo in my life
-Anna water, yum
-hearing from friends
-listening to music with mandolins... I don't know why, but I've got a bit of a crush on that instrument these days
-being home for Ricky's welcome

SHAZAM! I am excited!

Alright folks,

   I am on quite the high... it is 3:30am and I stayed up reading a novel.  What?! You might ask... well those of you who know my reading style, might ask.  Yes, the girl who would generally prefer to read field guides front to back than novels (but I actually like field guides, a lot), just stayed up reading one.... and that's not all... this is the second novel I've devoured in the last 48 hours.  Hmmm... To be perfectly honest, neither of the books seemed like novels because they actually talked about real issues: inequality, defense spending, homelessness, hunger, campaign fraud, the environment, etc, etc... I was so refreshed to hear these being woven into a story.  Shazam... I dare you to read the books... The Gospel According to Larry  and Vote for Larry.  They conveyed a sense of hope that I have found largely missing from many activist endeavors, along with a riveting storyline of one boy's search to learn who he wants to be.  Above all these books speak of a passion to fully live life, according to whatever calling you might hear.   Josh doesn't know how to fit into a consumer culture and live a way he considers authentic... hmmm... that sounds a bit familiar.  Especially to a girl who finds herself at home unintentionally alienating her lovely family because of their different lifestyles.  Also a plus for these little books they actually came from the teen section in the library (I was working with missy in the teen section and couldn't move far to choose a book) so they are a quick read.  I am so refreshed by reading these novels.  I hope they are popular among the younger folks... they sure should be.  They have accomplished what I consider to be one of literature's (are they literature?) ultimate goals... to remind us that we are not alone.  To remind us that the human struggle is one worth jumping whole-heartedly into.  Great literature to me is a story that cuts to something I'm dealing with.  A story that rings true for reader after reader because the issues are so central to the human experience.  (What issues you might ask... these books raise questions about empowerment, bravery, idealism, and living life authenticaly, to name a few.)  Maybe that's egocentric, but don't you like a book you can relate to? The timing is great as I am also still delighted from a phone conversation of story sharing that reminded me of that same concept: none of us are alone, all bad, or all good.  Life is an adventure!  We're somewhere in the middle of all of those things... and perhaps this is worth celebrating.  One down side is that now I'm done with those books... any recommendations? 

 

Thankful list:

-letters and notes from friends

-Missy Suzanne who has been such a joy to spend time with

-Anna water, it really is just so darn tasty

-Things that inspire people

-the recent books I've read

-having the time to read books

-being able to read.

-crawling around the house because I'm too lazy to put my walking cast back on after I've gone to bed (I never was really good at sleeping, I don't know why I'm so quick to take off the boot at the end of the day).  I'm really thankful for this new fun way of getting around and the amusement it brings

-having legs

-being able to walk the entire day in the boot without much pain at all

-fireflies.  this just might be my last summer with them.

-friends.  period.

-sugar maple leaf green with the summer sun behind it

Alrighty now...
Confession: I'm going to blog a lot less this summer. I keep promising more, but let's just be honest... I've found a delightful journaling spot on the front porch and that's where I put most of my thoughts these days. I did finally get around to putting up a few pictures. I've been surprisingly busy for a person without an official job. I've been helping mama and missy at work, playing with Ava, pickin' the 'jo, starting to sell green cleaners, reading lots, and trying to keep in touch with lovely friends everywhere.

Thankful list:
-the front porch!
-my maple tree that is the symbol of both home and summer (right now)
-the Ohio sky, that is so giant it stuns me several times a day. If you've never been to Ohio, I'll gladly provide you a vacation destination this summer.... seriously, feel free to visit me and the fam here in the tiny little village of Anna.
-Missy Suzanne who will be visiting again tonight, I am excited to eat cereal with her in the morning.
-Mama, and our recent time together. I think we're striking a balance and finding good things to do together (like make brochures about my foot and write book reviews.... by the way- if you'd like our brochure let me know, I'll send it along!). I hope to get to know my mama's heart more this summer
-Beth, Paige, Meike, Katidid, Jessa baby, Eli, Alix, Brandie and other delightful Berea sweetie pies who are helpin' me keep my promise to keep in touch
-Ava who continually delights everyone with her laughter, dancing, smiling, and last but not least her funny antics. She thinks she has a broken foot, because I do. She now limps when we're together. Also, she's pretending to be a baby because Rickey is coming.
-my day "off" today.
-this day. period.
-the banjo and mama's lap harp that we're learning "home on the range" on.
-food
-Anna water (it's actually a little sweet, like Spectra's water)
-eating dinner outside every night
-summer!
-fireflies
-books

Jen is about to pop! Below little Ava says goodnight to Rickey. Seriously, Jen has been having contractions here and there and we're expecting a baby boy any day now! Jen's little belly button and her "mom" ring. She's so adorable these days. She can actually pop her belly button out when she wants, but I'll spare y'all.

Jessa and I after graduation... in one of my favorite red maples on campus. :) The Ohio sky! It's big sky country here... it has been interesting to get used to sky rather than mountains.
Everyone's favorite photographer, my little Ava dear.
The tatt is healing nicely! You can see the yellows a lot better these days.

a short book review...

Hello folks...

    I have been slow to update the blog considering I've been free for the last week.  It feels like I've been out of school for much longer, as I've felt countless transitions in this brief period.  I promise to update the blog more fully soon... perhaps even a few pics... but in the meantime.... I've just finished reading Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer.  Interested read.  It's about Chris McCandless, a boy who perished in the Alaskan wilderness.  Besides the fact that he passed away on a huge adventure, his life is notable as well.  This book caused me to think about my place in society and how much I am (and am not) a part of the dominant culture.  I identified with Chris in his desire and need for the outdoors, as well as his disdain at times for mainstream American ways.  This is especially relevant as I've recently had the culture shockin' adventures of returning home to Anna, Ohio.  It's a bit different than little liberal Berea and my life here is much different than it was in the Ecovillage.  Also interesting because LVC has a simple living component, which I will no doubt understand much more in the coming year.  The book also motivated me to hone up on more survival skills before my next backpackin' trip (whenever this darn foot heals that is!).  The book also calls into question the pursuit of one's dreams.  I appreciate Chris' sense of adventure and his determination to follow his heart.  I am not as extreme as he is in any arena, but I can certainly appreciate his genuineness.  One quote that stands out to me is actually a quote from another book:

 

"Lara walked along the tracks following a path worm by pilgrims and then turned into fields.  Here she stopped and, closing her eyes, took a deep breath of the flower-scented air of the broad expanse around her.  It was dearer to her than her kin, better than a lover, wiser than a book.  For a moment she rediscovered the purpose of her life.  She was here on earth to grasp the meaning of its wild enchantment and to call each thing by its right name, or, if this were not within her power, to give birth out of love for life to successors who would do it in her place"

-Doctor Zhivago

 

Overall, I recommend the book.  Also this week I read Marley and Me which I recommend for any dog lovers. 

 

Promise to share more recent thoughts with y'all, although I must confess I've spent much less time on the computer recently as I've taken to occupying our front porch bench most evening and journaling out there.  I don't reckon anyone will try and convince me this is a bad thing!