In times of old, The Furies protected Mother Right. If a mother (or any woman) was harmed, The Furies swooped down and took their vengeance. They were one of the last vestiges of a world that existed before the patriarchy. When we feel righteous anger, it is The Furies who are calling out to us to make what is wrong right again.

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Compassion Harvest 

On this Lammas day, on this day of the first harvest, I wish that the American people would wake up from their self-induced slumber; I wish that the American politicians would fill up with compassion and activism. We've been talking with friends about this issue. It's as though the public has been hypnotized or something. It is very odd. It's as though they want to believe the terrorist mantra sent out by the administration, by the media. We watched V for Vendetta last night. Although I think the movie is quite flawed, it had some moments (which were probably taken right from the comic). Someone in the media said, "Our job is to report the news, not fabricate it. That's the government's job." When V doesn't die after being shot many times, the bad guy asks why. V says, "Ideas are bulletproof." But they aren't ignoranceproof, are they?

I plan to continue "creating a garden" while so many work to destroy the world. Does that sound like I'm fiddling while Rome is burning? Maybe. The idea of "creating a garden" isn't original with me. I read it recently, but I'm not sure where. Keep creating while they destroy. If we get enough Creatrixes, we'll eventually outnumber the Destroyers, eh? Hey, I don't have the answers. I'm struggling to find the right action, too. Patricia is still in D.C. I admire her and am grateful to her for her work. What's happening in Lebanon is horrific. I was listening to Randi Rhodes the other day. She pointed out that we have terrorist cells all over the United States. There were terrorist cells in Florida. Would it have made sense to bomb Florida or bomb the Midwest? Of course not. Well, that's exactly what is going on in Lebanon. It is a law enforcement issue. That's how you prevent the terrible carnage we are seeing all over the Middle East.

I'm sitting here at my kitchen table looking out at the hummingbirds at my feeder. Every time I see a hummingbird I feel a burst of joy. Today I will work on Church of the Old Mermaids. I want the rewrite done before I leave for my trip to the Southwest in September. Subdue the demons with splendour.

I'm making a spaghetti sauce with the produce that was just about to go bad in my fridge. Eggplant, zucchini, green peppers, and tomatoes. I just realized that sounds a lot like ratatouille, which neither of us likes. Hmmm. Well, I feel silly.

Ain't it grand?

I went over to Linda's the other day for a few hours when her caregiver didn't show up again. I'm almost finished reading Opal to her. We convinced her she could be alone for a while, but then yesterday when her caregiver had to leave early and both Serena and I were gone, her catheter shut down and caused her bladder to spasm (quite painfully), so we're back to having someone with her at all times. I wonder how other people do these things? Another friend of mine goes every night to care for her mother. She spends every evening taking care of her. She works all day, plus she helps with her husband's business, and she takes care of her mother every night. I admire so many people. We hear stories of what shits everyone is, but then every single day I see people just walking through the fire. Every day I want to bow down and kiss their feet. Every single day.

Enjoy your harvest, whatever it is.

Much love. You are all amazing.

Yes, you are.

May You Celebrate in Beauty! 5 comments

5 Comments:

Well, Kim, now we get to experience for ourselves how Hitler became such a threat. I'm sure there were those who felt horrified and powerless at the time, and guilty ever after. I don't really know what to do now except shoot off my mouth, which I do at every opportunity. I suppose I could self-immolate, but I fear it would be an empty, unappreciated gesture. So, I create gardens, too, of art. I think you're onto something. Gardens are the answer. At least part of it anyway.

By Monica, at 7:34 PM  

Here is one of the 'american people' checking in to say as gently and lovingly as possible that some of us have been awake and radiant for quite awhile.

It's a good post on a nice blog despite my personalized cringe at the broadstrokes of the opening statements.

By ACey, at 8:23 PM  

Hi Kim. 'Creating a garden' - I've been going around southern Spain seeking out people who are doing just that. These are the inspiring people who just get on with healing the planet in the hope someone else will notice. I've written about them here...

http://www.theolivepress.es/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=141&Itemid=59

and here..

http://www.theolivepress.es/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=179&Itemid=67

Keep on creating!

Jason.

By Jason, at 11:15 PM  

Kim, I relate to your posts so often. I know you know that it's not ALL Americans who are asleep. On the other hand, we're all responsible in some way for allowing this shit to keep happening aren't we?

Here in Las Vegas, our organic garden is ripe with squash and zucchini. Watermelon plants are going crazy. Others did not fare so well.

We lovingly care for my wife's parents (stroke, cancer, beginning dementia) as best we can. Yes, it's hard. And it's a privilege.

In the meantime, we are focused on Green Living and turning this city of excess into an example of positive change. Signs are appearing that the shift is underway.

Thank you again for your sharing. We are with you...and Mario...and Linda...together we journey on.

Love.

The solution is so simple. Why don't we get it?

By Steve, at 10:48 PM  

Monica: I agree that self-immolation isn't the answer! And I love your quilts. Subduing the demons with splendor.

Acey: If you stick around you'll get used to my broad strokes. :-)

Jason: Great articles! Thanks. I think if each person or family takes a piece of land and/or body of water and cares for it (and each other) sustainably, pretty soon most of our problems would be solved. Bravo! Looks like your paper is doing well. Love to Michelle and the kids.

Thanks, Steve. I really admire what you're doing in your area—in your life! Just walking through the fire, eh?

So many readers have written to me about this issue of "gardening." So many of us are feeling the need to do something, so we do what we can with our own lives. Susan in Belgium reminded me of what the Dalai Lama said, "Although attempting to bring about world peace through the internal transformation of individuals is difficult, it is the only way. I believe that love, compassion and altruism are the fundamental basis for peace."

And Cate in Canada sent me Wage Peace, that wonderful poem/declaration by Judyth Hill. Thanks, Cate.

Patricia from Michigan is still in Washington, D.C., doing what she can to stop what's happening in Lebanon. (Scroll down and look at the photographs; they're quite inspiring.)

I always love hearing what you all are doing to be Creatrixes/creators. I am inspired by you! Thank you for letting me know how you're tending your gardens. We need to talk to each other. We need to know we aren't the only ones. I don't even think we're the minority.

Happy Harvests.

May You Garden in Beauty!

By Kim Antieau, at 2:28 AM  

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