Live and Learn New Mexico!

I didn't bother to watch the debate Monday. I am not interested in what those two presidential candidates have to say. The candidates I would have liked to hear from were not represented, which reinforces my decision to not support a corrupt system by actually voting in a sham election that reads more like a bad television reality show. I am much more captivated by what is happening with the Dakota Access Pipeline. Now there's democracy in action,  the very people who were in this country in the first place exercising their right to speak out -- literally raising their voices -- against corruption and greed. And yet, I am hearing nothing of it on my favorite radio morning show or from mainstream news. What's up with that? So I plan to blog about it long and loud, get the word out in my own small way. I've signed the No DAPL petition and pledged to send supplies to Standing Rock this week. I'm Liking and Sharing Facebook posts. I'll keep this short today a...

I've been fascinated by the DAPL protest, watching people whose rights have long been violated stand strong against American capitalism/corporatocracy and take their power back. This is much more than a protest against something that will hurt our planet -- it's also oppressed/underserved populations realizing that they have a voice and using it. I have had many feelings about the protest. I wanted to go to Standing Rock and show my support but it didn't feel right.  I have absolutely no American Indian blood in me and because of that, this protest just seemed like something I can't be a part of. But I still want to find a way to show my support because this issue -- jeopardizing water supplies in the name of money -- is one the world should be paying attention to.  Leading the Way Who has stood up to lead the charge? The tribes, pueblos, first nations, indigenous cultures around the continent and even the world, of course. I'm watching it play out on social medi...

Today I am having a hard time wrapping my brain around the tragedy of Victoria Martens, who was killed by her mother and two other meth addicts a few weeks ago. More of Victoria's story has come out since and it isn't pretty. In fact, it's so ugly, I can't quit crying for that little girl who deserved so much better.  I know, too, that Victoria isn't the only child out there in desperate need of help, and obviously, agencies like CYFD aren't able to solve all the problems. They never will be, either, as long as we work on a money model. I could go on about money but I'm tired of it. I would rather look at things with some common sense and compassion.  What if we tried tackling this problem as a community? What if it wasn't about money at all but resources?  I listened to the conversation about Victoria on my favorite radio station this morning and the point was made that teachers had reported concerns about her a while back but CYFD's actions w...

I wrote the following article last spring for a NM magazine that will remain nameless. The article was never published and I never was able to find out why. I think it was just an oversight. However, because it was never published, a lot of kids at Tomasita Elementary School were disappointed. I thought about this for a while and then realized all I need to do is blog about it. It may not reach the  same number of people the magazine I refer to does, but at least it would be something.  So here is the story of the Tomasita Elementary Zumba Family and the difference they make in seniors’ lives.  Please Like and Share to help me make this oversight up to the kids and their sponsor CJ Mays. *********** What started as an after-school club to help Tomasita Elementary School kids get into better shape and be happier turned into something much more. A year and a half ago, Cynthia (CJ) Mays, secretary at Tomasita Elementary School in Albuquerque, encouraged stud...

Today  OASIS  class registration opens for the Fall 2016 Session. I have to wait until 10:00 to sign up and I plan to start right away. Last session I missed a lot of great classes because I waited too long to sign up. I have 35 minutes to wait so I thought I'd blog about them. First of all, let me say that the classes I've attended have been well worth the small fees ($8 for 1.5 hour class). Great instruction and conversation for much less than taking a college class. A wide variety in subject matter, too. Here are some that I plan to sign up for this session: 1. Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness & Poverty: Field Trip to Saranam (I had never heard of this place and can't wait to see what they do.) 2. Food Waste: Where Does it Go? (and do I really want to know? yes, I do) 3. Qigong/Breathing Meditation ("incorporates breath and movement awareness") 4. UFOs: An Introductory Course (YES!) 5. Earth Sheltering for Sustainability (I just found some ...