A LAZY MORNING

I have yet to do my dishes. They are still languishing in the sink, waiting patiently for me. I have been a little slow to get to things. I did my animal chores with Elijah, my almost four, grandson, and then he entertained me for a couple hours. We learned counting with Richard Scarry and Grandpa tried to catch a little snooze but Elijah found ways to keep Grandpa's eyes open.

It puzzles me why there is not more open communication about these times. There is a great deal of writing on the internet about the changes that are occurring. I lived through the back-to the-land movement of the 70s, there were groups formed all over the country and several magazines catering to the movement. In our area we formed a Homesteading Club that had several members and held together for several years. It was a rich and rewarding experience.

What is happening now is a much, much bigger event. It is a major upheaval and yet it is not talked about among the people I know. The collapse of the economy and the rest of the social structure, as we have known it, is on the verge of being clear to everybody. Yet, I don't know of many people coming together in anticipation of future needs. I hear a conversation, occasionally, but so far no real coming together.  I have a friend who built a root cellar and I know other folks who have gradually stored up non-perishable food stuffs. However, I don't see the coming together that I did in the 70s.

In the 70s the feeling was hopeful. We were convinced that we were a vanguard of people who were preparing the way for the rest of the population to follow. We dreamed of a society where the vast majority would live close to the Earth, raising our own food and contributing to the whole. We believed we could live with nature and were dedicated to restoring the Earth to its pristine beauty. Then came the 80s. It became clear that the world was not going in our direction. Most of us returned to fulfill roles in the old world. I don't think our hearts were changed.

Today, we are on the verge of great changes. Is there much coming together? Many of my friends and acquaintances seem to feel the coming changes acutely, but I think they feel helpless or even dread. That is very sad. It is a hopeful time! Even a time for celebration! I think it is time, again, for folks to come together and dream of the glorious world.

Love and Peace, Gregg