Never Too Old To Learn.

DANGER PLANTS!

As everything poofs back into life I am reminded of the battle I had in "my" little piece of the planet. When people speak of poisonous plants... I often heard about giant hogweed and parsnip. What I encountered was a plant that didn't quite fit those descriptions but packed more of a punch than either ever has for me. That plant was hemlock. Now I know.... giant hogweed, parsnip, and most definitely hemlock.... AVOID AT ALL COSTS! If you find them in your yard or somewhere you need to clear... COVER EVERYTHING. Mask, goggles, long sleeves, full pants... gloves, the works. Those plants are seriously NO JOKE. I was lucky and only had a rash on my arm but I won't lie, it was not a nice one, and it stuck around much longer than expected. That was from what seemed like a very quick bump when putting it in the bag to go out. With more research I've learned what all three are capable of and honestly... I don't plan to take ANY chances should they pop up again. I'll be covered head to toe and I'll be burning whatever bits of the base I can't dig out. NOT FUN!

Things...

It's a $15 coffee pot... why go through so much hassle to extend the life of it? Because it's about appreciating what you have. Appreciate that you have a working coffee pot. Put forth the effort to care for it and extend it's life because it is of value and it serves you well.

This was the conversation that led to me finally understanding that far too many people don't value what they have. Stuff is just... things to buy, sell, use, and replace... and sadly, that includes people. Far too many value the money to buy the stuff and the power money gives them over people, but they can't... or don't want to... see the value in the things themselves. It's sad. It explains a lot but, it's ... sad. Maybe I'm a big weirdo but I think things, people included, are more than just items to be bought, sold, used, and replaced.

... Okay... rant over. Have a wonderful day.

Craftsmanship.

I am beginning to realize that I appreciate those who value true craftsmanship. Modern life is full of products and services but the true art of creating something, or doing something with a genuine passion is usually lost behind the desire for profit and ease. Items, relationships, general interactions... the true attention to detail, effort for quality, and non profit desire to build something that will serve the receiver well is so hard to find. For me, it's not so much about the prize, but rather the process of creating that prize. Whether it's a friendship, a deeper relationship, a product, a service of some sort, it should be more about what you are creating than how easily you can make a certain profit. Shallow human connections and poorly made products have definitely helped me see the real value in craftsmanship, and those who truly seek it. hah Well there's this round of food for thought. Laters!

While I do understand the message they are trying to express, I could not help but giggle as my toddler brain went.... since when did being in a wheelchair become a gender??

And yes, I am aware of how bothered some humans are by signs like this but, because of that very mentality, I appreciate that more places are offering... safe spaces... to perform bodily functions. Bad human behavior comes in all types of packages. Making someone feel unsafe, or unwelcome simply because of their personal (not dangerous to anyone else) lifestyle decisions is not a very nice thing so yes... I fully support spaces like this and the businesses that have them.

Real human love. I have seen a lot of folks struggle due to the possibilities in AI art. I understand the work that goes into it but, I also understand the damage it does in other areas of human life. Me personally, I will always aim to support non AI art. Not hatin, just tryin to keep the non computer options alive and well.

The many faces of loss

I always get so grumbly with humans that think loss is a simple thing. A death, job change, relationship end, and many other forms of loss can have lasting, and often hidden (even to the one dealing with it) effects. So many people focus on the short term handling of the loss, or the lingering obvious issues and seem to think they know how the person should or shouldn't be acting. It's complete ridiculousness. NOBODY has ANY right to tell ANYONE how they should feel, or how the loss impacts them in their own realities. EVERY SINGLE CREATURE deals with each loss in their own ways. Some of the effects can be dealt with quickly and easily, some make permanent changes and will never be fully understood. NEVER.... EVER... let ANYONE tell you that you are somehow broken, or messed up, for how a loss impacts your own thoughts. Those who are trying to help will usually offer support, reassurance, patience, and space. If the person you think is there to help is pressuring you, making you feel like something is wrong with you, or is irritated by how things are effecting you... they are clearly NOT as helpful as they want to believe they are. If someone doesn't understand and is a bit inconvenienced because of your handling of a loss, that... is completely understandable... BUT... if they allow that to become an attitude towards you... THEY are the ones with a problem... NOT YOU! This human experience does not come with complete and foolproof instructions. We each have to figure things out in our own ways, no matter how many others try to tell us they have all the answers. So, if you're out there, and you're dealing with something, and you're feeling a bit beaten.... just remember.... you got this. There are those of us out there that understand it's complicated, it takes time, and USUALLY it's a lot more messy than anyone cares to admit. Just keep picking at it. You'll get where you need to be with it, if you really want to. Believe. ... Much love.

Just a couple of today's pretties.

haha Okay, I won't lie, I bought this because my curiosity was sparked by a soda called Curiosity Cola. It's actually pretty good so, no regrets. haha

Reflection...

It has come to my attention that I have not yet really played with reflections in photography. It seems to be such a popular thing and yet, I dig and find... I don't really have any of that sort of thing. Reflections in calm lakes, mirror and glass sorts of reflections... hmmm. I'm not feeling great today so maybe I'll see about trying some of that with some small items.

Intro post?

It seems that's a rather popular thing so, I suppose I'll give it a shot. Let's see.... this blog is me being me. Random, silly, sometimes grumpy, and basically just wanting to share neat stuff with the humans that find their way to my little spot of the internet. I'm over 50. I've been through quite a bit and at the moment, I'm chest deep in an adventure to figure out what the picture of "me" looks like at this stage. I'm learning new tricks, trying new things, and just trying to make the most of this human experience. Sometimes I accomplish great things, sometimes I fall, scrape a few parts, and probably look like an idiot but... meh... it comes with being human?

Anyway, if you're here, hope you find something enjoyable. K.. bye.