No matter who or what you are voting for, GET OUT and VOTE! Most states offer early voting with operational hours to fit any ones schedule. There is no excuse to not take advantage of this right and responsibility!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Sunday, October 21, 2012
I have been to quite for too long
I have been to quite for too long. Yep, that is true. While I sit here working hard to keep my business alive, and to not upset peoples feelings and thoughts, the reality is this: I am HOMELESS and the Politicians don't give a DAMN!
Don't get me wrong, I AM part of Romney's 47%. I am a consumer who has created not only one business, but two and a non profit to help others live their dreams, to make a difference in the world. I do currently have food stamps, a grateful $200 a month that allows me to eat about 15-20 days a month. I am currently using free medical services as needed, thank God not often. So yeah, while I work my ass off to keep my business alive and to try and get it to where it should be, I am one of those that feels some help from the government is needed to survive.
And yet, it seems that all of the regulations and politics that goes on in our country actually helped put me in this position. I can't afford a lawyer to fight for what was taken from me simply because Lawyers don't believe in the free market concept...yes, they have a fixed rate that they swear to uphold as attorney's and a mutual agreement to never sue each other...talk about price fixing and lack of customer satisfaction.
So while the Politicians talk about the Middle Class and how to help them grow, the reality is, they don't. Not one of the Presidential candidates has put forth a plan to help Americans get out of this crazy economic mess. Not one of them really cares about Americans! They only care about keeping their job, or getting an elected job.
I am SOOOOOO tired of it! But, I can't be the only one, can I? I mean, what happen to those millions of people who supported Occupy Wall Street? Where did they go? Why are they allowing for this to continue? Oh, I forgot, they and yes like myself are just Sheep that are lead around and told what to do. We are sold the bill of goods that to be successful, we must have this, that and that...really?
I guess that's why my business is just not succeeding. I would much rather share the wealth with my Authors and Artist then to rip people off by selling them over priced crap so I could become a Millionaire...a Success Story.
Am I wrong to share the wealth? Am I wrong to believe that as a group of people devoted to supporting each other, that we can succeed in more ways then just financial? What happened to supporting the creative aspect of our lives? There has been so much gained from writers, artist and musician's over our entire life span as humans, it over shadows that of technology and science...after all those ideas in technology and science came from those who are creative. yet, we treat creative energy as a step child instead of embracing it and supporting it.
Now I see why Big Bird is worried about his funding cut, the cuts have been happening for years all in the name of progress and richness.
Ok, I vented. I hope I am not alone is the aspect that things have to change in a positive way in politics and in supporting the creative energy. After all, $6.00 for a cup of coffee would actually serve a greater cause if the $6.00 was used to support the Arts.
Life goes on...I go on.
Don't get me wrong, I AM part of Romney's 47%. I am a consumer who has created not only one business, but two and a non profit to help others live their dreams, to make a difference in the world. I do currently have food stamps, a grateful $200 a month that allows me to eat about 15-20 days a month. I am currently using free medical services as needed, thank God not often. So yeah, while I work my ass off to keep my business alive and to try and get it to where it should be, I am one of those that feels some help from the government is needed to survive.
And yet, it seems that all of the regulations and politics that goes on in our country actually helped put me in this position. I can't afford a lawyer to fight for what was taken from me simply because Lawyers don't believe in the free market concept...yes, they have a fixed rate that they swear to uphold as attorney's and a mutual agreement to never sue each other...talk about price fixing and lack of customer satisfaction.
So while the Politicians talk about the Middle Class and how to help them grow, the reality is, they don't. Not one of the Presidential candidates has put forth a plan to help Americans get out of this crazy economic mess. Not one of them really cares about Americans! They only care about keeping their job, or getting an elected job.
I am SOOOOOO tired of it! But, I can't be the only one, can I? I mean, what happen to those millions of people who supported Occupy Wall Street? Where did they go? Why are they allowing for this to continue? Oh, I forgot, they and yes like myself are just Sheep that are lead around and told what to do. We are sold the bill of goods that to be successful, we must have this, that and that...really?
I guess that's why my business is just not succeeding. I would much rather share the wealth with my Authors and Artist then to rip people off by selling them over priced crap so I could become a Millionaire...a Success Story.
Am I wrong to share the wealth? Am I wrong to believe that as a group of people devoted to supporting each other, that we can succeed in more ways then just financial? What happened to supporting the creative aspect of our lives? There has been so much gained from writers, artist and musician's over our entire life span as humans, it over shadows that of technology and science...after all those ideas in technology and science came from those who are creative. yet, we treat creative energy as a step child instead of embracing it and supporting it.
Now I see why Big Bird is worried about his funding cut, the cuts have been happening for years all in the name of progress and richness.
Ok, I vented. I hope I am not alone is the aspect that things have to change in a positive way in politics and in supporting the creative energy. After all, $6.00 for a cup of coffee would actually serve a greater cause if the $6.00 was used to support the Arts.
Life goes on...I go on.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Update - Moving Forward?
Howdy;
It's been a month since my last posting and the 1st year anniversary of me being homeless has now past. I did not mark it with any party, crying or anything at all, after all why should I? It is a milestone that I had hoped not to have gone through, but I have and I am still homeless and I am still alive. I am grateful for what I do have!
I would love to say that things are getting better, and yet I don't see that as my reality. Even with my change of words and meanings in my affirmation, I am getting further in debt, am struggling even harder to keep my business open and my love life sucks.
However, with that being said. I have kept myself from getting more depressed overall, thanks to my new mantra and the fact that I do believe in the aspect that things WILL get better, it's just a question of when.
I continue to create new ideas for income possibilities. I continue to publish books. I continue to be creative with ideas for my own future books, and activities. In essence, I continue to do what I can to move forward in some direction. That direction is yet for God & the Universe to tell or show me where it will lead, but it is forward none the less.
That is what is important, moving forward and willing to keep moving forward. I see too many times on the streets of people who no longer move forward, they just exist and it's not the homeless either. It's everyday people that accept their limited aspect of life and choose to do nothing about it...just exist. There are times though that they are forced to move in some direction, and how they handle it will be the key to wither it is forward or backward. What are you doing? Are you stagnant, just existing?
Life is full of challenges and a good amount of set backs, I can't sugar coat that. But if you choose to allow it to keep you down, keep you stuck, then you will get stuck and you will not be able to get out of it. In fact, you will one day realize that all you have done is go backwards, sink into some hole that seems so big that you can't get out of it.
Like I have said, there are times that I feel that I am not making progress, that at times I feel I am letting down all the people who trusted me to make their book, their art, or what ever it is I work with succeed. To become something of value. I have succeeded in many ways, and I have failed in more ways then I would like to acknowledge in public. I am my own worst critic in that aspect, and I have felt the sadness of what has not happen in the way I believe it should.
But, even with all of that, I still keep doing what I can to make things work. To move things forward and to correct, or to change what has not happen the way I feel it should. I am moving forward by doing, by being alive and by creating. Doing what I can to change what is, not just for my self, but for everyone involved, and ultimately for the Universe as a whole.
As always, time will tell if I succeed in changing my status for good, or just fall further back into the hole.
Life goes on...I go on
It's been a month since my last posting and the 1st year anniversary of me being homeless has now past. I did not mark it with any party, crying or anything at all, after all why should I? It is a milestone that I had hoped not to have gone through, but I have and I am still homeless and I am still alive. I am grateful for what I do have!
I would love to say that things are getting better, and yet I don't see that as my reality. Even with my change of words and meanings in my affirmation, I am getting further in debt, am struggling even harder to keep my business open and my love life sucks.
However, with that being said. I have kept myself from getting more depressed overall, thanks to my new mantra and the fact that I do believe in the aspect that things WILL get better, it's just a question of when.
I continue to create new ideas for income possibilities. I continue to publish books. I continue to be creative with ideas for my own future books, and activities. In essence, I continue to do what I can to move forward in some direction. That direction is yet for God & the Universe to tell or show me where it will lead, but it is forward none the less.
That is what is important, moving forward and willing to keep moving forward. I see too many times on the streets of people who no longer move forward, they just exist and it's not the homeless either. It's everyday people that accept their limited aspect of life and choose to do nothing about it...just exist. There are times though that they are forced to move in some direction, and how they handle it will be the key to wither it is forward or backward. What are you doing? Are you stagnant, just existing?
Life is full of challenges and a good amount of set backs, I can't sugar coat that. But if you choose to allow it to keep you down, keep you stuck, then you will get stuck and you will not be able to get out of it. In fact, you will one day realize that all you have done is go backwards, sink into some hole that seems so big that you can't get out of it.
Like I have said, there are times that I feel that I am not making progress, that at times I feel I am letting down all the people who trusted me to make their book, their art, or what ever it is I work with succeed. To become something of value. I have succeeded in many ways, and I have failed in more ways then I would like to acknowledge in public. I am my own worst critic in that aspect, and I have felt the sadness of what has not happen in the way I believe it should.
But, even with all of that, I still keep doing what I can to make things work. To move things forward and to correct, or to change what has not happen the way I feel it should. I am moving forward by doing, by being alive and by creating. Doing what I can to change what is, not just for my self, but for everyone involved, and ultimately for the Universe as a whole.
As always, time will tell if I succeed in changing my status for good, or just fall further back into the hole.
Life goes on...I go on
Monday, September 17, 2012
Change Words - Shift Thought
For a year now I have been homeless and I saw myself struggling trying to recover from what I saw and felt as a lack of...home, relationships, and most importantly, money.
During this time, I did my best to stay positive, to believe that all of this was temporary. But, it seems my words were never really showing that. I would bitch about what the printers had done to me, or the authors who took advantage of my good natured side, the list could go on. All while doing mantras that I believed would help me stay positive and change my attitude towards feeling the lack-ness in my life.
There was an interesting shift that happened recently that has showed me to alter my wording, thus changing my perspective.
Let's deal with Karma first. What has happened against me is either due to my past shit that I have done to others, or for the lessons that those involved need to deal with. The fact is that the damage is done. I can sit and wallow in misery over it, or get on with my life. I'm choosing to move forward and let Karma do its thing.
Yes, I know that materialistically I was lacking those things. But I should not be reinforcing that belief. Instead, I should acknowledge that I am those by accepting it and being grateful for it. Which if you have read my posting on Penny Pinching, you know I am grateful for everything that comes into my life: good health, money, relationships and the ability to do what I love doing while changing the world.
However, I had to change the wording of my mantra, my belief system to reflect that I am not in lack. My new mantra is this: I am free to share (insert word). This now says that I do have and that I am willing to share it. After all, if you don't share what you have, you are cutting off the flow. Everything must be kept in balance from receiving to giving.
Has anything changed since I started my new mantra? Stay tuned in as I add posts to share what has happened. I can tell you this, the first day I started to use the new mantra, I did get an extra $50 I was not expecting. I was able to pay a bill with it, so I'm happy.
Life goes on...I go on
Thursday, September 6, 2012
The System is Rigid Against Them
On Sept. 5th at the national Democratic convention, Mrs. Elizabeth Warren was one of the speakers for that night. While her speech was a good ol' democratic speech, she said one thing a couple of times that hit home for me. "The system is rigid against them." She was referring to how for the poor and the middle class, certain people have made it nearly impossible for them to climb out of their situation, such as to get a better education and in fact cause them to remain dependent on the government for help. That is true in many respects. Here is an example that I can personally relate to.
In 2000 I was involved in a car accident that caused the death of a person. It was not something I had intended to do, but it was something I was responsible for. I was charged with Intoxicated Manslaughter. I did not fight the charges, I accepted my responsibility and did my time in prison for what had happened.
At that time, I had no idea the damage of what doing the right thing, accepting responsibility, would do to me. I doubt seriously that I would have changed any thing, but the fact remains that I am now severely limited on what I can do for a living. In the state of Texas and many states around the country, once you have a Felony on your record, you are prohibited from getting licensed in a variety of occupations. In fact, for the state of Texas, I can not get licensed in over 30 different occupations, involving over 300 certifications or licenses. In addition, due to the fear that has been generated in the media, most companies will not hire you with certain types of Felonies on your record, mine is one of those. Thus, if I don't have my own business that does not require being licensed, I would become a ward of the state.
I continue to get punished for what I had done over 12 years ago, even though I have been discharged by the state for 'serving' my time and meeting all of their requirements, the state wishes to continue to punish me. They claim they want me to be a viable part of the community, have a good job, a safe home, etc., but their restrictions keep me from being able to properly do so.
It has now even gone as far as being able to get certain grants or loans. Again, because of my record, I am prohibited from growing and becoming a part of society in a positive way. So it appears the system is clearly rigid against me.
Do I allow that to keep me from growing and from doing something I love to do, NO! But it sure in hell doesn't make it easy. Everyone makes a mistake in their life, some times its a minor mistake, sometimes it's a major one that impacts many lives. But, do we need to continue to punish them for that mistake? Had they learned their lesson, and thus are they better people because of it? Are they using their lives to make others better? What is the determining factor when we stop punishing them?
It's clear in the state of Texas that they love their prison system, with over 130 prisons and a population of over 150,000 inmates annually, they make money off the prisoners by using them as slave labor. I'm going to stop here as this in itself is a loaded discussion.
The reality for me, is that I have to think outside the box to get things accomplished that an average person would have an easier time getting done; like earning money.
Through it all, I do my best to keep moving forward and to not be a burden to the state, but boy do they DO have it rigid against me!
Life goes on...I go on
In 2000 I was involved in a car accident that caused the death of a person. It was not something I had intended to do, but it was something I was responsible for. I was charged with Intoxicated Manslaughter. I did not fight the charges, I accepted my responsibility and did my time in prison for what had happened.
At that time, I had no idea the damage of what doing the right thing, accepting responsibility, would do to me. I doubt seriously that I would have changed any thing, but the fact remains that I am now severely limited on what I can do for a living. In the state of Texas and many states around the country, once you have a Felony on your record, you are prohibited from getting licensed in a variety of occupations. In fact, for the state of Texas, I can not get licensed in over 30 different occupations, involving over 300 certifications or licenses. In addition, due to the fear that has been generated in the media, most companies will not hire you with certain types of Felonies on your record, mine is one of those. Thus, if I don't have my own business that does not require being licensed, I would become a ward of the state.
I continue to get punished for what I had done over 12 years ago, even though I have been discharged by the state for 'serving' my time and meeting all of their requirements, the state wishes to continue to punish me. They claim they want me to be a viable part of the community, have a good job, a safe home, etc., but their restrictions keep me from being able to properly do so.
It has now even gone as far as being able to get certain grants or loans. Again, because of my record, I am prohibited from growing and becoming a part of society in a positive way. So it appears the system is clearly rigid against me.
Do I allow that to keep me from growing and from doing something I love to do, NO! But it sure in hell doesn't make it easy. Everyone makes a mistake in their life, some times its a minor mistake, sometimes it's a major one that impacts many lives. But, do we need to continue to punish them for that mistake? Had they learned their lesson, and thus are they better people because of it? Are they using their lives to make others better? What is the determining factor when we stop punishing them?
It's clear in the state of Texas that they love their prison system, with over 130 prisons and a population of over 150,000 inmates annually, they make money off the prisoners by using them as slave labor. I'm going to stop here as this in itself is a loaded discussion.
The reality for me, is that I have to think outside the box to get things accomplished that an average person would have an easier time getting done; like earning money.
Through it all, I do my best to keep moving forward and to not be a burden to the state, but boy do they DO have it rigid against me!
Life goes on...I go on
Thursday, August 30, 2012
I'm a Happy Penny Pincher
There was once a time when calling someone a "Penny Pincher" was a statement about how cheap they were. Always squeezing out the best deals, being cheap as hell, etc. It still applies for those of us older folks who remember and use the term. For this blog posting though, I am using the term with a slight change.
If you have been following my blog, you know it's been tough as hell for the past 11 months. I am homeless and I am struggling to keep my business alive, etc. I'm not going into all the details here as you can read the posting to learn more. Thus, it's easy to say that I don't have money to burn or waste in any way.
And yet, as I go through the day, I am blessed when I find a penny on the ground. Yes, I know, a penny is not even worth what it's made of. But it's a penny! It's one more penny then I had. It can be put into my little piggy bank for when I really need a few extra cents to have a meal of some sort, or to help pay for laundry, etc. It is a gift as well.
I have watched with awe at when I find a penny, nickle, dime or even a quarter, I end up with at least a book sale that day. It's a strange blessing, an indicator that money is coming to me in a larger amount. Oh, don't get me wrong, I would love a penny to indicate a few thousand dollars coming my way, but it does not. And I am grateful for what does come my way.
That's the thing, a small worthless penny is still something to be thankful for. We get caught up in our day to day life of work and paying bills, that we begin to take it for granted. Being able to take a vacation, one which I have not had in 6 years. Or to buy gas for our car, clothes, dinners out, etc. The normal day to day stuff that we feel entitled to, deserve and expect. The reality is, ANYTHING can come along and take it away from you. You are left with nothing, but bills, used items that no one will pay you a fair price for, nothing but your body and soul.
While most people would pass up that penny, I've learned something in my life that has been hard to accept, and it's been a valuable lesson during these past few months. NEVER EVER pass up a gift. By doing so, you are in effect telling God/Universe that you don't need it or want it. Who are you to pass up a gift from God or the Universe? Are you really that much better then It? Next time you might need it and it wont come to you because you said No so many other times.
So while you enjoy what you have, remember to be grateful for it. Even if it is a simple little penny that you find on the street. It's more then you had and it may be a gift that has greater value.
Life goes on...I go on
If you have been following my blog, you know it's been tough as hell for the past 11 months. I am homeless and I am struggling to keep my business alive, etc. I'm not going into all the details here as you can read the posting to learn more. Thus, it's easy to say that I don't have money to burn or waste in any way.
And yet, as I go through the day, I am blessed when I find a penny on the ground. Yes, I know, a penny is not even worth what it's made of. But it's a penny! It's one more penny then I had. It can be put into my little piggy bank for when I really need a few extra cents to have a meal of some sort, or to help pay for laundry, etc. It is a gift as well.
I have watched with awe at when I find a penny, nickle, dime or even a quarter, I end up with at least a book sale that day. It's a strange blessing, an indicator that money is coming to me in a larger amount. Oh, don't get me wrong, I would love a penny to indicate a few thousand dollars coming my way, but it does not. And I am grateful for what does come my way.
That's the thing, a small worthless penny is still something to be thankful for. We get caught up in our day to day life of work and paying bills, that we begin to take it for granted. Being able to take a vacation, one which I have not had in 6 years. Or to buy gas for our car, clothes, dinners out, etc. The normal day to day stuff that we feel entitled to, deserve and expect. The reality is, ANYTHING can come along and take it away from you. You are left with nothing, but bills, used items that no one will pay you a fair price for, nothing but your body and soul.
While most people would pass up that penny, I've learned something in my life that has been hard to accept, and it's been a valuable lesson during these past few months. NEVER EVER pass up a gift. By doing so, you are in effect telling God/Universe that you don't need it or want it. Who are you to pass up a gift from God or the Universe? Are you really that much better then It? Next time you might need it and it wont come to you because you said No so many other times.
So while you enjoy what you have, remember to be grateful for it. Even if it is a simple little penny that you find on the street. It's more then you had and it may be a gift that has greater value.
Life goes on...I go on
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Mrs. Romney Clueless
As a writer I like to keep up on certain aspects of what is happening around the world. In one such case I watched Mrs. Romney give a speech that was suppose to be about her husband, Mitt who is running for President of the United States. I was curious to hear what she had to say, and to see if anything she said would persuade me to vote for him.
Well, sadly she didn't say anything of great value to me. I was intrigued by how she pointed out how rough their life was when they first got married...living in a basement apartment, having to use a door on seahorses as a desk, or an pull out ironing board as a dinner table. How they walked to the University together each day. Ah, how sweet...really, it is.
Then she wanted to talk to the Mom's of the world and single them out as the main reason that our country is so great. Excuse me? Don't get me wrong, I know it's hard on mom's to raise a child, work and try to have a life of their own, which sadly they rarely get. But by singling out the Mom's that seemed to indicate to me that everyone else was not as valuable to the Country. So here I am, a single male who is working 50-80 hours a week trying to keep my business alive, who is willing to accept his homeless fate in so doing and I'm not as valuable as a Mom?
Ok, I know I may be getting some mom's upset by making it appear they are not valuable, that's not the case. What annoyed me is that Mrs. Romney, in a desperate attempt to win over the women votes tried to make one group more important then another. Didn't they do that before the Civil Rights movement? Don't the Republicans still do this with Gay Marriage? Why is is so important for the Republicans to keep separating people? Why is it that they can not just treat everyone equally?
Yes, Mom's you do a great job, I get it. I had to help my mom raise my sister who was 9 years younger then I was. I was the full time babysitter when I wasn't at school. I know it's not easy. I also wish I had the chance to have my own kids, but that is not meant to happen. So, yes, you DO work hard, harder then a lot of people. You have my full respect for what you do.
As for Mrs. Romney, she also brought up the success of her husband and what he had accomplished without really mentioning his former businesses, or employers names. But at what cost? How many people suffered under his leadership? I'm not sure I'm ready for more suffering. Heck, I thought we would be much further along now in recovery then we are. Oh, but I forgot, the Republican party doesn't want to accept the blame for putting us here in the first place under President Bush (2). Nah, they would rather keep fighting President Obama and say it's all his fault. Sorry, but it's both parties fault.
No, it was very clear that Mrs. Romney lived in that sweet adorable basement apartment for a short time before she began to move up the ladder of success with her husband. No doubt, she had forgotten what it was like then, and her kids have no clue what it is like now for people like me who are homeless.
Life goes on...I go on
Well, sadly she didn't say anything of great value to me. I was intrigued by how she pointed out how rough their life was when they first got married...living in a basement apartment, having to use a door on seahorses as a desk, or an pull out ironing board as a dinner table. How they walked to the University together each day. Ah, how sweet...really, it is.
Then she wanted to talk to the Mom's of the world and single them out as the main reason that our country is so great. Excuse me? Don't get me wrong, I know it's hard on mom's to raise a child, work and try to have a life of their own, which sadly they rarely get. But by singling out the Mom's that seemed to indicate to me that everyone else was not as valuable to the Country. So here I am, a single male who is working 50-80 hours a week trying to keep my business alive, who is willing to accept his homeless fate in so doing and I'm not as valuable as a Mom?
Ok, I know I may be getting some mom's upset by making it appear they are not valuable, that's not the case. What annoyed me is that Mrs. Romney, in a desperate attempt to win over the women votes tried to make one group more important then another. Didn't they do that before the Civil Rights movement? Don't the Republicans still do this with Gay Marriage? Why is is so important for the Republicans to keep separating people? Why is it that they can not just treat everyone equally?
Yes, Mom's you do a great job, I get it. I had to help my mom raise my sister who was 9 years younger then I was. I was the full time babysitter when I wasn't at school. I know it's not easy. I also wish I had the chance to have my own kids, but that is not meant to happen. So, yes, you DO work hard, harder then a lot of people. You have my full respect for what you do.
As for Mrs. Romney, she also brought up the success of her husband and what he had accomplished without really mentioning his former businesses, or employers names. But at what cost? How many people suffered under his leadership? I'm not sure I'm ready for more suffering. Heck, I thought we would be much further along now in recovery then we are. Oh, but I forgot, the Republican party doesn't want to accept the blame for putting us here in the first place under President Bush (2). Nah, they would rather keep fighting President Obama and say it's all his fault. Sorry, but it's both parties fault.
No, it was very clear that Mrs. Romney lived in that sweet adorable basement apartment for a short time before she began to move up the ladder of success with her husband. No doubt, she had forgotten what it was like then, and her kids have no clue what it is like now for people like me who are homeless.
Life goes on...I go on
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)