Sebastopol, You , Me and Compassion

[realfire]

<TABLE style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" vAlign=top>Dearest Community , <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
My name is Betina and I have been a part of Sebastopol life for over six years now . <o:p></o:p>
I just went out of the US for three months . Upon return I realized how special this place really is . We have a diversity of people , an intensity of location and energy . We live in an area that is stunning . The potential to make things happen is predominant here . <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
With such awesomeness there does exist the contrast . <o:p></o:p>
I have been on foot ( without vehicle ) for a few weeks now and as such have had a new experience of this, my old home . <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
We have many homeless people here with varying stories of how they ended up or chose this experience . Irrelevant to the why ‘s , I had a heart opening and ego awakening yesterday . I sat with a beautiful and intelligent homeless woman who I had spoken with many times before . This time wad different . <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
She had two black eyes amongst other bruises , emotional and physical . <o:p></o:p>
I sat with her and felt her …………….I looked in my wallet and handed her 2 dollars ( I could have given her more ) . I began to cry for what had happened to her and then cried for my desire to be a better person ; to give more , to care more , to act more . <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
I realized that I would go home ( albeit a temporary one house sit ) and she would be in the street ,the night after being beaten . No home , no clean clothes , no food . Why did I not find a way to get her a place to sleep ? How did I just hug her and then walk away going back to my life ? What does true compassion and community mean ? I asked her how she believes in a tomorrow and she said “it has to get better “ . She has faith in a world without security . and I am afraid while still having my basic needs met ? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
I told her I wish I could do more . I can do more ! She said that my tears was caring enough ( not exact words ) . I am moved to write this letter . This for today is my action . <o:p></o:p>
Does anyone want to help me to become a better person ? <o:p></o:p>
Can we help one another become better people and find a way to do more and feel more ? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Can I become completely vulnerable to everyone and act in accordance with this ? <o:p></o:p>
What does this look like ? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Writing this took fifteen minutes , have I done enough ? <o:p></o:p>
What can this note inspire in myself and you ? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
If you want to do something with me to become a better person , email me directly . <o:p></o:p>
Sometimes the answer is in the questioning and then something wonderful happens <o:p></o:p>
The intention of this letter to our sweet community is to share and see what happens … <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Let us try not to turn this into some debate about homeless people or some organization or this or that . This is written from my heart . Thanks<o:p></o:p>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<o:p></o:p>

[JuliaB]

Finding more and effective ways to help support each other and the community in times of crisis and change is exactly what the "Heart and Soul" group of Transition Sebastopol will be holding space for. We are just coalescing these ideas. We have had one very inspiring meeting with the community so far and are planning for another soon. Stay tuned. and come add your voice to this growing community movement.

in joy,
Julia


<table style="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="border: medium none rgb(212, 208, 200); padding: 0in; background-color: transparent;" valign="top">Dearest Community , <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
My name is Betina and I have been a part of Sebastopol life for over six years now . <o:p></o:p>
I just went out of the US for three months . Upon return I realized how special this place really is . We have a diversity of people , an intensity of location and energy . We live in an area that is stunning . The potential to make things happen is predominant here . <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
With such awesomeness there does exist the contrast . <o:p></o:p>
I have been on foot ( without vehicle ) for a few weeks now and as such have had a new experience of this, my old home . <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
We have many homeless people here with varying stories of how they ended up or chose this experience . Irrelevant to the why ‘s , I had a heart opening and ego awakening yesterday . I sat with a beautiful and intelligent homeless woman who I had spoken with many times before . This time wad different . <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
She had two black eyes amongst other bruises , emotional and physical . <o:p></o:p>
I sat with her and felt her …………….I looked in my wallet and handed her 2 dollars ( I could have given her more ) . I began to cry for what had happened to her and then cried for my desire to be a better person ; to give more , to care more , to act more . <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
I realized that I would go home ( albeit a temporary one house sit ) and she would be in the street ,the night after being beaten . No home , no clean clothes , no food . Why did I not find a way to get her a place to sleep ? How did I just hug her and then walk away going back to my life ? What does true compassion and community mean ? I asked her how she believes in a tomorrow and she said “it has to get better “ . She has faith in a world without security . and I am afraid while still having my basic needs met ? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
I told her I wish I could do more . I can do more ! She said that my tears was caring enough ( not exact words ) . I am moved to write this letter . This for today is my action . <o:p></o:p>
Does anyone want to help me to become a better person ? <o:p></o:p>
Can we help one another become better people and find a way to do more and feel more ? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Can I become completely vulnerable to everyone and act in accordance with this ? <o:p></o:p>
What does this look like ? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Writing this took fifteen minutes , have I done enough ? <o:p></o:p>
What can this note inspire in myself and you ? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
If you want to do something with me to become a better person , email me directly . <o:p></o:p>
Sometimes the answer is in the questioning and then something wonderful happens <o:p></o:p>
The intention of this letter to our sweet community is to share and see what happens … <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Let us try not to turn this into some debate about homeless people or some organization or this or that . This is written from my heart . Thanks<o:p></o:p>
</td></tr></tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p>

[Dianala]

Betina, Blessings to you for your reflective questioning of how you can be a better person. A very rewarding journey.

Practically speaking, there are homeless resources in Santa Rosa and Petaluma. There is the West County Community Services agency who may be able to help with some resources, but no physical shelter in the west county that I know of. Can the west county create a safe homeless shelter in near future? Who should coordinate this effort? Churches, non-profits? People need to step up!
Dianala



<TABLE style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in" border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8; PADDING-TOP: 0in" vAlign=top>Dearest Community , <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
My name is Betina and I have been a part of Sebastopol life for over six years now . <o:p></o:p>
I just went out of the US for three months . Upon return I realized how special this place really is . We have a diversity of people , an intensity of location and energy . We live in an area that is stunning . The potential to make things happen is predominant here . <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
With such awesomeness there does exist the contrast . <o:p></o:p>
I have been on foot ( without vehicle ) for a few weeks now and as such have had a new experience of this, my old home . <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
We have many homeless people here with varying stories of how they ended up or chose this experience . Irrelevant to the why ‘s , I had a heart opening and ego awakening yesterday . I sat with a beautiful and intelligent homeless woman who I had spoken with many times before . This time wad different . <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
She had two black eyes amongst other bruises , emotional and physical . <o:p></o:p>
I sat with her and felt her …………….I looked in my wallet and handed her 2 dollars ( I could have given her more ) . I began to cry for what had happened to her and then cried for my desire to be a better person ; to give more , to care more , to act more . <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
I realized that I would go home ( albeit a temporary one house sit ) and she would be in the street ,the night after being beaten . No home , no clean clothes , no food . Why did I not find a way to get her a place to sleep ? How did I just hug her and then walk away going back to my life ? What does true compassion and community mean ? I asked her how she believes in a tomorrow and she said “it has to get better “ . She has faith in a world without security . and I am afraid while still having my basic needs met ? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
I told her I wish I could do more . I can do more ! She said that my tears was caring enough ( not exact words ) . I am moved to write this letter . This for today is my action . <o:p></o:p>
Does anyone want to help me to become a better person ? <o:p></o:p>
Can we help one another become better people and find a way to do more and feel more ? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Can I become completely vulnerable to everyone and act in accordance with this ? <o:p></o:p>
What does this look like ? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Writing this took fifteen minutes , have I done enough ? <o:p></o:p>
What can this note inspire in myself and you ? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
If you want to do something with me to become a better person , email me directly . <o:p></o:p>
Sometimes the answer is in the questioning and then something wonderful happens <o:p></o:p>
The intention of this letter to our sweet community is to share and see what happens … <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Let us try not to turn this into some debate about homeless people or some organization or this or that . This is written from my heart . Thanks<o:p></o:p>

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<o:p></o:p>

[massagemaiden]

Dear One...

Though I don't live in Sebastopol, I want to weigh in on what you have said because this issue has nothing to do with what city we live in. The awakening of compassion you have expressed is the gift you have to give to all who are experiencing difficulty. From this expanded heart, which eliminates the separation between you and everyone else, each moment will offer an opportunity to choose what is the most loving and compassionate action in every situation. It stimulates the invitation to change and build something different. Your awakened heart is a part of the shift that I believe the current financial and resources crisis has stimulated.

As intelligent, caring adults we must open ourselves to know that what is needed is ours to give. We are the hands and the hearts that are required to rebuild this world and take care of each other. And wouldn't we all benefit from getting out from in front of the computer or the tv to physically participate in building a shelter or serving up soup or reading to a child or ???

I know you and the powerful, creative energy you exude. Now I feel another dimension to you...that which lives in connection with the rest of the world without judgment. Your awakened heart is a part of the shift that I believe the current financial and resources crisis stimulated. From this perspective I am thankful for the challenges we are facing and for all those, like yourself, who are experiencing the gift of being moved to action.

Blessings,
Maggie Rose

[cdegenhardt]

In far West County, specifically, Guerneville, the Russian River Interfaith Coalition has been working for several years to do just as you've mentioned. We've finally managed to have a full time shelter in the Veteran's Building during the Winter. It has worked up to meals in the evening and morning, as well as meals for folks leaving for work in the morning. The next project is keeping a place open all year 'round. We have run into a road block in that the county now wants to block free use of county-type places. And the Veteran building is run by the County now. Sigh:-(


Betina, Blessings to you for your reflective questioning of how you can be a better person. A very rewarding journey.

Practically speaking, there are homeless resources in Santa Rosa and Petaluma. There is the West County Community Services agency who may be able to help with some resources, but no physical shelter in the west county that I know of. Can the west county create a safe homeless shelter in near future? Who should coordinate this effort? Churches, non-profits? People need to step up!
Dianala

[Shandi]

Hi Betina,

Do you remember when we first met, and I put gas in your tank? That's what you needed, and what I could do.

As various people cross my path, I'm honored to hear their stories, past and present. The first gift I give is to "listen". Many people have never been heard in their lifetime. I find that many times, people trust me immediately.
They can tell that I care.

The second gift is to reflect on what I can do to help. My perspective on helping is not confined to giving money, although if someone needs gas, then money may be the best help.

My financial situation has had it's ups and downs. While I was working as an estate manager for the past 15 years, I made good money. A mentally ill (bipolar) young man of 23 crossed my path in 1994, soon after I arrived in Marin county from Hawaii. I noticed that he had headphones on almost all the time, to drown out the voices which told him to kill himself.

After sitting with me a couple of times, he took off his headphones, and looked at me, with tears in his eyes, and said "You're really listening....".
And I said "yes, I am." The 3rd time I met with him, I shared half of my
sandwich. He and I began to meet once or twice a week, as I listened, and
observed. I felt strongly that this young man was providing me a way to help, that I'd been unable to do with my own brother, who was also bipolar, and ended his life at 40.

Little by little, I began to give more money, clothes, food, transportation, etc. I found an apt for him, and committed to spending $100 a week for his
food. I'd take him to the grocery store.

He had a grandmother, and 3 aunts, in addition to his mother and father. His parents are also mentally ill, and had very little to give. I wrote a letter to his grandmother and aunts, who had plenty of financial resources. I asked if each one of them could commit to $25 a month! No one did, and one of his aunts wrote that I "must be getting something out of helping him." I was in shock for awhile, but she was right. I was getting a lot of satisfaction out of enhancing this young man's life.

Fast forward to 2007, when I became unable to work, because of arthritis in my hip and foot. I quit my job. I was an independent contractor, so no
benefits. After about 6 months of no income, I began receiving disability of
$900 a month. There wasn't much to squeeze out of that check to help him anymore. He moved into a low income hotel in San Rafael, where he was introduced to drugs by the hotel janitor. These provided some relief in a way because he didn't need to eat as much. He ate at St. Vincents Dining Room, where drugs are a daily commodity.

After losing a hotel acquaintance to suicide, he said he could no longer live in the hotel; he was considering living on the street, rather than be there.
His new social worker found him a "low income" studio at the Motel 6 on Francisco, for which he pays $850 RENT deducted from his SSI check of $900. Believe it or not, this is factual. I've talked with his conservator and
payee from the county.

This man now 39, has a heart of gold, and is the most compassionate person I've ever met. Everything I've ever given him whether it was food, shoes, blankets, towels, clothes, etc. he's shared with the homeless. He's well known on the streets of San Rafael.

He's lost 2 more friends to suicide, and is very despondent about this. I try to be available to "listen", and have made a commitment to visit him at least once a week.

Because of my own health situation, I was unable to drive for a long time, and I don't allow him to visit me because of past experiences when he's been off his meds.

I'd rather give directly, and know where my money and energy is going than to give to a big organization. That's because I have a person to help. If each of us could make a "commitment" to help 1 other person in need, it would make a huge difference.

Decide what you can do, be realistic, don't promise something you'd like to do, but your own reality prevents you from doing. Remember, your "ENERGY" CAN BE THE GREATEST GIFT!

Thank you Betina, for sharing your compassionate feelings, and asking what you can do! Even my mentally ill friend finds a way to help others on a daily basis. I'm in the process of writing a book on his life.

Sandy

<table style="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="border: medium none rgb(212, 208, 200); padding: 0in; background-color: transparent;" valign="top">Dearest Community , <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
My name is Betina and I have been a part of Sebastopol life for over six years now . <o:p></o:p>
I just went out of the US for three months . Upon return I realized how special this place really is . We have a diversity of people , an intensity of location and energy . We live in an area that is stunning . The potential to make things happen is predominant here . <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
With such awesomeness there does exist the contrast . <o:p></o:p>
I have been on foot ( without vehicle ) for a few weeks now and as such have had a new experience of this, my old home . <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
We have many homeless people here with varying stories of how they ended up or chose this experience . Irrelevant to the why ‘s , I had a heart opening and ego awakening yesterday . I sat with a beautiful and intelligent homeless woman who I had spoken with many times before . This time wad different . <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
She had two black eyes amongst other bruises , emotional and physical . <o:p></o:p>
I sat with her and felt her …………….I looked in my wallet and handed her 2 dollars ( I could have given her more ) . I began to cry for what had happened to her and then cried for my desire to be a better person ; to give more , to care more , to act more . <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
I realized that I would go home ( albeit a temporary one house sit ) and she would be in the street ,the night after being beaten . No home , no clean clothes , no food . Why did I not find a way to get her a place to sleep ? How did I just hug her and then walk away going back to my life ? What does true compassion and community mean ? I asked her how she believes in a tomorrow and she said “it has to get better “ . She has faith in a world without security . and I am afraid while still having my basic needs met ? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
I told her I wish I could do more . I can do more ! She said that my tears was caring enough ( not exact words ) . I am moved to write this letter . This for today is my action . <o:p></o:p>
Does anyone want to help me to become a better person ? <o:p></o:p>
Can we help one another become better people and find a way to do more and feel more ? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Can I become completely vulnerable to everyone and act in accordance with this ? <o:p></o:p>
What does this look like ? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Writing this took fifteen minutes , have I done enough ? <o:p></o:p>
What can this note inspire in myself and you ? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
If you want to do something with me to become a better person , email me directly . <o:p></o:p>
Sometimes the answer is in the questioning and then something wonderful happens <o:p></o:p>
The intention of this letter to our sweet community is to share and see what happens … <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Let us try not to turn this into some debate about homeless people or some organization or this or that . This is written from my heart . Thanks<o:p></o:p>
</td></tr></tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p>

[hearthstone]

Dear Betina,

next thing you do is to write to your representative and demand that the natural right to sleep is constitutionalized!

There is nothing better for "black eyes" than going home and heal!

Read:

Direct Route to Sustainability: Using the Natural Right to Live Sustainably. (https://www.modelearth.org/sleepright.html)

Thank you much - Mr. Jan Hearthstone - ModelEarth.Org .


<table style="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="border: medium none rgb(212, 208, 200); padding: 0in; background-color: transparent;" valign="top">Dearest Community , <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
My name is Betina and I have been a part of Sebastopol life for over six years now . <o:p></o:p>
I just went out of the US for three months . Upon return I realized how special this place really is . We have a diversity of people , an intensity of location and energy . We live in an area that is stunning . The potential to make things happen is predominant here . <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
With such awesomeness there does exist the contrast . <o:p></o:p>
I have been on foot ( without vehicle ) for a few weeks now and as such have had a new experience of this, my old home . <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
We have many homeless people here with varying stories of how they ended up or chose this experience . Irrelevant to the why ‘s , I had a heart opening and ego awakening yesterday . I sat with a beautiful and intelligent homeless woman who I had spoken with many times before . This time wad different . <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
She had two black eyes amongst other bruises , emotional and physical . <o:p></o:p>
I sat with her and felt her …………….I looked in my wallet and handed her 2 dollars ( I could have given her more ) . I began to cry for what had happened to her and then cried for my desire to be a better person ; to give more , to care more , to act more . <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
I realized that I would go home ( albeit a temporary one house sit ) and she would be in the street ,the night after being beaten . No home , no clean clothes , no food . Why did I not find a way to get her a place to sleep ? How did I just hug her and then walk away going back to my life ? What does true compassion and community mean ? I asked her how she believes in a tomorrow and she said “it has to get better “ . She has faith in a world without security . and I am afraid while still having my basic needs met ? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
I told her I wish I could do more . I can do more ! She said that my tears was caring enough ( not exact words ) . I am moved to write this letter . This for today is my action . <o:p></o:p>
Does anyone want to help me to become a better person ? <o:p></o:p>
Can we help one another become better people and find a way to do more and feel more ? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Can I become completely vulnerable to everyone and act in accordance with this ? <o:p></o:p>
What does this look like ? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Writing this took fifteen minutes , have I done enough ? <o:p></o:p>
What can this note inspire in myself and you ? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
If you want to do something with me to become a better person , email me directly . <o:p></o:p>
Sometimes the answer is in the questioning and then something wonderful happens <o:p></o:p>
The intention of this letter to our sweet community is to share and see what happens … <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Let us try not to turn this into some debate about homeless people or some organization or this or that . This is written from my heart . Thanks<o:p></o:p>
</td></tr></tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p>

[Jude Iam]

The Sonoma County Task Force for the Homeless is having its annual fundraiser - October in Paradise 2009 - on Thursday, the 1st of October
Sonoma County Task Force of The Homeless - Task Force Oversees Emergency Funds for Food and Shelter (https://www.sonomacountyhomeless.org/october.php)
You can buy tickets to attend or donate your services to help out - they can use volunteers. Call Fawn at 575-4494
Enjoying supporting each other! Love, Judith



<table style="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="border: medium none rgb(212, 208, 200); padding: 0in; background-color: transparent;" valign="top">Dearest Community , <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
My name is Betina and I have been a part of Sebastopol life for over six years now . <o:p></o:p>
I just went out of the US for three months . Upon return I realized how special this place really is . We have a diversity of people , an intensity of location and energy . We live in an area that is stunning . The potential to make things happen is predominant here . <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
With such awesomeness there does exist the contrast . <o:p></o:p>
I have been on foot ( without vehicle ) for a few weeks now and as such have had a new experience of this, my old home . <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
We have many homeless people here with varying stories of how they ended up or chose this experience . Irrelevant to the why ‘s , I had a heart opening and ego awakening yesterday . I sat with a beautiful and intelligent homeless woman who I had spoken with many times before . This time wad different . <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
She had two black eyes amongst other bruises , emotional and physical . <o:p></o:p>
I sat with her and felt her …………….I looked in my wallet and handed her 2 dollars ( I could have given her more ) . I began to cry for what had happened to her and then cried for my desire to be a better person ; to give more , to care more , to act more . <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
I realized that I would go home ( albeit a temporary one house sit ) and she would be in the street ,the night after being beaten . No home , no clean clothes , no food . Why did I not find a way to get her a place to sleep ? How did I just hug her and then walk away going back to my life ? What does true compassion and community mean ? I asked her how she believes in a tomorrow and she said “it has to get better “ . She has faith in a world without security . and I am afraid while still having my basic needs met ? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
I told her I wish I could do more . I can do more ! She said that my tears was caring enough ( not exact words ) . I am moved to write this letter . This for today is my action . <o:p></o:p>
Does anyone want to help me to become a better person ? <o:p></o:p>
Can we help one another become better people and find a way to do more and feel more ? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Can I become completely vulnerable to everyone and act in accordance with this ? <o:p></o:p>
What does this look like ? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Writing this took fifteen minutes , have I done enough ? <o:p></o:p>
What can this note inspire in myself and you ? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
If you want to do something with me to become a better person , email me directly . <o:p></o:p>
Sometimes the answer is in the questioning and then something wonderful happens <o:p></o:p>
The intention of this letter to our sweet community is to share and see what happens … <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Let us try not to turn this into some debate about homeless people or some organization or this or that . This is written from my heart . Thanks<o:p></o:p>
</td></tr></tbody></table>
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[realfire]

Hello community ,

I am so grateful for all the open hearts that I see here .
Does anyone want to get together and see what small things we can do with great love ( mother teresa ) ?

Betina

[nicofrog]

Hi Betina;
You story is sweet and wise .
the tears water the soil of new ways of being
I remember when I was in Marin they did a "homeless study" that probably cost several million dollars, and developed a home less office of some sort that probably spends 3 or 4 million a year on new computers and desk chairs etc.
they finally(took like 6 or 8 years) build(renovated) a homeless shelter
that could house 6 or 8 homeless people for a limited time(this is after figuringing out that there were like two or three thousand homeless people in marin...
Usually shelters that work are like under a bridge somewhere and people just do it, Until the insurance freaks show up and say no no and call the health dept that naturally finds a turd somewhere and calls in the listerene squad etc. etc. sigh We could DO that
I have like six or eight tents I'd donate if anyone can think of a space where it will take some time for authorities to un-authorise something...
betcha everyone reading this has at least one extra old tent somewhere in the garage right next to that older computer,and the not so modern old stereo.
Since I lived in Marin in a squatting situation for 45 yrs I have been technically homeless ( I say technically because I have a wonderful partner who lets me stay at her house rent free and use this computer) I work full time to support my "Teaching environmental awareness through the arts dream" and my "Lets Compost all this food that is going into landfill and causing global warming" obsession" this has been wonderful I prefer my
homless status, Irresponsible as it may seem I just got my money taken away by the Law...and I kind of liked it, theirs a certain freedom in no bank account. Although now I have to walk up and play for gas at the counter
like the old days! talk to some one...hey but I'm missing the t.v.show on the pump!
I was helped once,30 yrs ago, by a Homeless man, He said (as he rubbed the edge of a shovel with a rock) "SHARPEN A SHOVEL" I said as anyone probably would "what?" he said " Yeah, when I get to town, I borrow a shovel((this requires personal skills enough to be trusted with a borrowed tool)) and sharpen it up, then I find a scruffy yard and start cleanin' her up" when someone comes around and asks him what he's doing,he hands them an apple,and says "cleanin up this yard",by the end of the week he'd have 5 customers giving him meals, money, places to stay etc, he was also a crack dumpster diver(( the real worlds oldest profession)) and always had fruit etc to hand out.
:idea:I have often thought we could start a "sharpen a shovel foundation", in "Big Sur Zeke's " honor, and wander around Santa Rosa weeding and Mulching
yards regardless of pay or grants,etc. and just see who shows up with what. Gleaning is another important fun task, there seem to be many people who don't like fruit, or don't have time to pick it who could enjoy seeing a nice safe "registered" team of folks coming in and gettin that bounty to mouths that could enjoy it!
There are a million pounds of blackberries right now that the raccoons will get more of than humans will ever see.
Ever seen the front yard of the "Sonoma Water Management agency"?
most pathetic landscaping I've ever seen, how about a catchment system there, and a heap of mulch.The problem, as I see it is our Society sees homeless or jobless people as "useless" and some of us buy into that racket, get in line for welfare, and think poorly of themselves. WE ARE ALL PRECIOUS
and can find the gift within that keeps on giving.
Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond by Brad Lancaster (https://www.harvestingrainwater.com/events/)
Get out your shovels and dance in the rain!
That is what Brad Lancaster's second volume in his trilogy on Rainwater Harvesting will make you want to do.
this is big, this is real work for all,not about money, its about Paradise and how lucky we are to live here! real fun for all if we're lucky, It's gonna rain a lot,if we're SMART
Were gonna learn to catch it! MULCH MULCH MULCH ,shovel!
gotcher shovel sharp yet? We need everybody from all walks to step up
pretend its a flood or an earthquake! Jump up and do It!I'm not saying we should work for free,and I rarely do,but SOMEONE needs to begin making sense around here and there are groups doing urban gorilla gardens etc.
little by little we may be able to hook up,Document the work, and discover the homeless teachers out there creating a healthier planet.If anyone wants to help make this real,or knows of similar projects that are cool let me know.

Or perhaps the county will spend another few million on a survey first
to determine if there's really a need.
In Homeless Blissitude
El Frogo