Can We Talk About SEXX?

Who, but Lisa Larges, Master of Divinity and Minister Coordinator for “That All May Freely Serve,” could follow Santa Claus’s December act?  Powerful, witty, compassionate and FUN, Lisa is coming to Salt Lake City, following Santa’s trail, to refute the negative, hateful messages from Mormon leadership and other religious sources, in hopes of saving lives from suicide.

Lisa will take on tough questions regarding social, theological and biological perspectives on homosexuality, respond to questions like, “Can/should sexual orientation be changed?” and “Why do some get to have a life, while I am only entitled to a lifestyle?”

Bring your family, bring your friends, bring your neighbors to Sugarhouse’s 15th Street Gallery, Thursday, January 13, 2011:  they will all  want to hear what Lisa has to say about SEXX and SEXual orientation.  Come prepared to enjoy the presentation and join the conversation with Lisa Larges.

Just click on this link for all the information you need on :  Can We Talk About SEXX

On Death and Dying: “Dangling Priscilla’s” Slow Descent

Have you ever seen an disabled person suspended in mid-air–somewhere between heaven and hell by a HOYA ?  It’s the stuff my nightmares are made of.  I dangle Priscilla, a ninety year old invalid, by day and see nightmarish visions of her by night.  The real nightmare is hers.  She can’t take it anymore…she mumbles over and over during her daily ”danglings” that transport Priscilla from her bed to her wheelchair and back again…day in and day out.

Life forced upon her, Priscilla dangles, kept alive by a feeding tube and a catheter–in one bag and out the other; visiting her husband of over 60 years for several moments or several hours at a time, determined by various factors effecting her tolerance and tolerability.

By day, I dangle her in suspension between wheelchair and bed; by night, I see her dangling in her HOYA Sling, suspended in vast Universal space, between heaven and hell.  With her mouth drooping to the side and agape, painted in bright red lipstick, short lime green hair spiked, body useless and limp, Priscilla hangs in her Royal Blue sling, slumping to the right, utterly helpless and defenseless…at the mercy of everyone and everything…sometimes aware, but mostly not…this is my nightmare.  Could the flames of Hades be any worse?

A few weeks ago, she asked me if I was going to shoot her.  I looked her in the eyes and said, “No, Priscilla, not today.”  With a look of shock and surprise, she actually managed a lopsided smile and said, “I like you, you’re funny.”

More recently, Priscilla spoke out loud, “I’m so lonely and so bored…”  But now, she can barely mumble, “I can’t take it anymore.” 

I’m ready when you are Priscilla, because I can’t take it anymore either.

“NAZI ISRAEL,” Man Displays Sign on 21/7 in SLC, UT Today

If I had a photo, the image would say it all. Instead, you’ll have to imagine seeing the words, NAZI ISRAEL, being brandished on the street corner, and feeling an enormous, invisible fist thrusting into your gut.  That was my experience today.  Barely able to park, I had to ask why.  “Who are you, sir?”  No answer.  “Why are you displaying this sign, here?”  No reply.  “What does this mean?” I persisted.  Why didn’t I know the meaning of this?  One more time, I prodded, “Sir, WHY are you doing this?”  At long last, the bearded, spectacled man, together with his sign, slowly revolved until we were face to face.  ”I can’t talk,” he said and further e-nun-ci-at-ed, “Read the words and say them a-loud.”  The words nor their hatred could form in my mouth or my heart–only the enlarging fist in my stomach began to twist.  Sign bearer turned away, flailing his indictment to oncomers from the east, west, north and south.  The knuckles inside turned harder and deeper.  As I walked away, flames of determination ignited.

I sought out a young couple, (the wife from Israel, the husband from Palestine), with businesses in Salt Lake, who were nearby, and perhaps the perfect source to begin my search.  “Do you know what “NAZI ISRAEL” means, I implored.  “I can show you,”  husband replied.  He pulled up images on the internet which juxtaposed scenes from the Holocaust of World War II and from today’s Israel/Palestine unrest.  As these pictures appeared on his computer screen,  he began to explain in surprisingly neutral language, the history and evolution of the political and religious battle there.

“There can be no peace, there can be no war…only ongoing conflict and turmoil,”  husband concluded.  Just then, an email from my own husband appeared, inviting me to attend a film on this very topic.  Is that timing?  Two hours later, we met at the Tower on 9/9 to watch “Ajami:“ 

A powerful crime drama set on the streets of Jaffa’s Ajami neighborhood–a melting pot of cultures and conflicting views among Jews, Muslims and Christians–and told through the eyes of a cross-section of the city’s inhabitants: a young Israeli fighting a criminal vendetta against his family, a Palestinian refugee working illegally to finance a life-saving surgery, a Jewish police detective obsessed with finding his missing brother, and an affluent Palestinian dreaming of a future with his Jewish girlfriend. As their stories intersect–and the film’s narrative shifts back and forth in time–we witness a dramatic collision of different worlds and the tragic consequences of enemies living as neighbors. ~ (Kino International)

“…enemies living as neighbors.”  Muslims, Jews and Christians living in continuous enemy combative contention, without resolution…peace for no one.  I found my answers; but the revolt in my gut won’t ever go away,  will it?

Love IS!

Life keeps changing, doesn’t it?  When we were young, did we believe that life could be full of fun and opportunity beyond 50?  Just when I finally settled into life, thinking there couldn’t possibly be any more surprises or anything more exciting than I had already experienced, David walked across the room to meet me.  That was last year.  We married September 09, 2009.  Our life together is so full, we decided to measure our marriage in “dog years.”  On our first anniversary, we will have been married our first seven years.

David is everything I wrote about, in “Gee Whiz, I’m Dreamin’ My Life Away.”  He’s hugely kind and abundant.  A brilliant artist and architect, he’s always there for me, for his children, for his church community, for his larger community, for his friends and family.  He lives life large, with no fear, adapting his philosphy from Frank Lloyd Wright, “…make no small plans.”  Don’t you love it!

Living in the moment, making no excuses, knowing full well that God, not the devil, is in every detail, we experience first hand, every day, the magnificent law of attraction.  We want what we have and have what we want.  We are blessed beyond measure, inhaling peace with each breath, regardless of what appears. 

Retirement approaches.  We’re ready to make ourselves available for speaking engagements.  If your organization is looking for illuminating speakers on service, life quality, spiritual, radical forgiveness or wellness topics, we would love to hear from you.  Write us with your information at izee4mee@hotmail.com.  Working with your group will be our great pleasure.

Inspired by Wonderland & Other Starving Artists

Today,  while looking for courage in my hot, black liquid brew and listening to an older Carolyn Wonderland interview, I googgled the words, “Unemployed, Starving, and Stuck,” where I found a somewhat different take on life in “Kokes Notes.”  Here’s one of the more inspiring thoughts from this blog:

So here’s to the life of a starving artist! Only it’s not a physiological starve. I’ve found there is no such thing as an anorexic artist. Not only do you lack the energy to pick up a pen, paintbrush, or instrument, but the arts are reflections of life and refusing to eat is an invitation to death so it just doesn’t work. The starve of an artist is one of ambitious yearning in the midst of mystery.

What happens when you don’t have a steady income is that you can’t afford the distractions – the ones that keep you from concentrating on your dreams or the ones that screen your imagination, or most importantly the ones that fuel your reckless vices. You start to see signs. You start to appreciate what you already have. You start to trust your gut feelings.~~Kokes Notes

After being awestruck by Little Red Elfinghood Wonderland for years, as she visibly dances with her muses, and thanks to the eloquence of  “Kokes Notes,” I now realize the guts it takes each and every day, to keep concentrating on your dreams in order to be the artist you are becoming.  What an artist Carolyn is.  No distractions.  Only her music.

Because of you, Carolyn Wonderland, I’m willing to just be with my muses, just be the starving artist for as long as it takes, because nothing else matters.  Think of me and others like me, who are looking hard to find the guts it takes.  You’ve got it all.

Tea Party: Your Invitation to Unreason

2010

Come one, Come all!

Y’all are heartily invited to

Abandon Hope, Science, Reason, Civil Liberties, Social Responsibilities,

and Progress Towards Peace, Economic Recovery, and Health Care Reform.

Who needs ‘em, anyway?

Come join the Maddest Alaskan’s Tea Party!

Bring your  irrational religions, junk thought, bogus notions,

laziness, ignorance, reckless emotions and prejudices to this

Grand Ol’ Tea Party

(GOTP)

Where together, we will drink the teas of

Dangerous Villifications and Unreasonable Dehumanizations.

Congressional Seats

Will be awarded to those who are most passionate about

Their irrational beliefs, junk science and prejudices–and who can

Disregard our Constitution and the well-being of our Nation

to the greatest degree.

No education required.  You don’t need to know anything.

Feel free to BYOT.

No RSVP required.  Just show up, fired up.

Sarah Palin, founder of the Tea Party

I believe it’s fair to say, most of us don’t even begin to understand the religions, philosophies or politics we defend.  Uncomfortable with this Tea Party of Unreason, which has its treacherous aspects, I would like to issue this as your invitation and call to read, research, investigate, think, and debunk your own ignorance.  Inform your community.  Encourage others to debunk for themselves.  If you ignore this invitation, the above invitation may be the only one left to respond to.

How Different Would Your Life Be…

If you knew EVERYTHING that happens is the result of the Universe conspiring tirelessly on our behalf, for our highest good?
How differently would we choose our thoughts, words and actions if we knew we were creating and manifesting our own reality with every breath we take?
What would life feel like if we noticed our feelings and judgments, and cherished ourselves for having them?
And if we were willing to see the perfection in ALL, could we then choose PEACE?
I’m willing.

Professor Jensen Speaks Out: Arrogance, Ignorance, and Cowardice: What We Should Learn From 9/11 or War Made Easy

If you’re going to be in Austin, Texas, this coming Thursday, September 11, 2008 (09/11/08), 7:00 pm, you’re in luck.  It’s perfect timing for a Jensen Encounter:

Never slowing down nor deviating from his chosen path of exposing truth, the diligent, authentic, humble role model Robert Jensen, UT journalism professor and author of Citizens of the Empire: The Struggle to Claim Our Humanity, will deliver a lecture on “Arrogance, Ignorance, and Cowardice: What we should learn from 9/11.” The talk will be followed by a screening of the film War Made Easy. Jensen was widely criticized for his anti-war writings after 9/11, which led many to call for his dismissal from his teaching job. Jensen’s talk is the opening event of a four day series, “Struggle for Global Justice: Screenings in Solidarity with Dr. Binayak Sen,” details can be found by visiting http://www.thirdcoastactivist.org.

Location: UT – Austin, Welch Hall, Room 2.246, map at http://www.utexas.edu/maps/main/buildings/wel.html

Red, Green and Brown, The Earth is Where Truth Is or What is It You’ve Traded Your Real Worth For?

The Humility of Christ Podcast, Dr. Jim Rigby for Small Things podcast, see http://ashtoraspeaks.wordpress.com

Gifted and beloved, Reverend Dr. James Rigby has pastored the Wells Branch Community’s congregation of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX for more than twenty-five years.

 

The Humility of Christ Podcast–unlike lessons heard from any other pulpit, let alone those of Rick Warren, Joel Olsteen or from any other “mega church” pulpit; and quite frankly, unlike any mainstream theologian, Dr. Rigby works to establish the truth that Real Love is Being Your Authentic Self!

These are my notes from the Reverend Dr. James Rigby’s most recent podcast.~~Ashtora

Confessing that our own Christian texts can be hard to hear~~we’ve heard them in such bad ways, they may sound like Jesus is “King” and we can never find worth, Dr. Rigby refutes this interpretation, saying instead that Christ in his humility revealed our own humanity to us…that by being willing not to be a King; that by being willing to be naked, and to be abused and not having his own worth effected by that, that he took us to our own worth as human beings…this sacred message has been heard all over the world.  Listen to the sacred text from Taoism.

From Taoism, a Nature Religion, the Sage speaks:

Joyful are the masses as though feasting after a great sacrifice of oxen…motionless am I…how dejected as though having nowhere to return…I alone am bereft…I alone seem confused…I alone am vague and uncertain…how nebulous as the ocean…the masses all have a purpose, I alone am stubborn and uncouth.  I desire to be uniquely different from others by honoring the Parent who nourishes.

What is the biggest problem you now face in life?  Mystics through the ages tell us the biggest problem we all share is our ego which is somehow related to a wound that’s hard to deal with.  Dr. Rigby defines ego as a problem we all have… a constricted notion of ourself that clutches on to our own being…we’re so afraid of losing ourselves that essentially we choke ourselves into numbness. 

When you began this journey, he says, there was a tenderness in your heart….Much of the religious journey is getting back to your heart, simply making it where you can feel again.  This may not sound religious, but what else has meaning in the world, if your own heart is numb? he asks.

Reverend Rigby speaks of disowned humanity.  Human beings will sometimes appear muddled, stupid and confused in the eyes of other people and we have to be willing to suffer being scoffed, if we’re going to be authentic.

Though nobody wants to be an orphan, and nobody wants to be rejected, the loving person risking authenticity is willing to be rejected…can’t quench your thirst with a mirage…can’t find self-esteem in the eyes of another person.  Every little afront will rip your heart out when you don’t know your own value.  When we try to live in images, it’s incredibly easy to be upstaged.

Red symbolizes the one human blood.  We may not know anything else in the world, but we know we’re all human.

We know that we’re all human…humility brings us to a basic sanity.

Secondly, We can Lose our true self when we think our worth increases when we pile up stuff.

Jim reveals his own ego lies in accumulating books.  He’s a literary addict.  Nothing jazzes him like books.  Cannot leave a bookstore without buying a book.

Piling up stuff can trick us into not realizing our real worth…into thinking if we have “that”, then people will know how valuable we are.

We can counter that trickery with this mantra:  I have nothing.  I am nothing.

Quote from Johnny Cash, right before he died,  “You can have it all, my empire of dirt”…talking about how worthless everything is if you don’t realize what your heart is worth.

The Life in You is the Most Valuable Thing You Have!  What would you trade it for?

Green- symbolizes Life.  Value your life over any object.

Scripture doesn’t really give us miracle stories but rather stories celebrating the basic irresistability of life itself~~i.e., stories of miracles~~Water into Wine.

Trade away our true selves by wanting to be higher up in the hierarchy…happens in families, churches, jobs…we think we’re worth more by obtaining elevated status.  Whoever wins the rat race is still the biggest rat.  Can we have the self-love to get off that track?

Brown symbolizes we’re made out of clay.  We come from the soil.  If that makes you feel worthless or worth less, you’re suffering from an essential disorientation.  Your link into the earth is where the gravity comes from.

Buddah bent over and touched the earth when asked where his authority came from–that’s where truth is.

Have you ever been so enraptured by someone that when asked who you were, you couldn’t answer for just a second?  I hope you’ve been that close to somebody before.  When you have, you’ve been in touch with a much more important place.

Whatever we identify as our “biggest problem” is really just a symbol for what we’ve replaced our true worth for.  Leave the foam of all our problems and settle into the broth of reality.  I have nothing.  I am nothing.  I’m everything.

Red, the one common blood of our humanity; Green, the Life; Brown of the Earth.

The Humility of Christ Podcast, Dr. Jim Rigby

It’s a Wonderful Life! Dr. Rigby and you are loved for your authentic self, your authentic love…not for your books.~~Ash

Small Things~~”If We “Do Not Find Our Roots In Nature, We Will Perish As A Species”

Small Things for The Humility of Christ podcast see http://itsawonderfulife.wordpress.com

In listening to Small Things, a call to nature with spiritual and practical instruction on organic vs. mechanical,  we are invited to allow Tao wisdom to enrich the parable comparing the kindom of heaven to the small little mustard seed when surrendered to the soil, gives birth to a magnificent tree where the birds of the air come to perch upon its branches, given by Jesus.

If we do not find our roots in nature, we will perish as a species…If we do not return to these roots, our children will live in a poisonous world.~~Dr. James Rigby, Small Things, 2008

Speaker, Dr. Jim Rigby, though a minister and pastor of a Presbyterian Church, in Austin, Texas, says he loves Tao scripture, that it helps him to understand what Jesus was saying, so much more deeply.

Though Jesus uses images from nature frequently, Jesus spoke mystically insists Rigby.

It’s very, very important not to take the Bible literally, because you cannot understand the mystical and also be literal.”~~Dr. Jim  Rigby, Small Things, 2008

With his passion for humanity resonating in every word, Dr. Rigby pleas with us to find the truths of our own being, to learn:

…we are not the frightened little creatures we think we are…we need to know and feel from the inside out that we are children of nature…we are the world…as natural as a tree.~~Rigby, Small Things, 2008

Rev. Rigby also urges us to “let life support us,” “let the mountain lift us up,” “to integrate every human activity within the balanace of nature,” proclaiming that “there’s only one Balance.”

Rigby reveals that every day, some Bush activity takes his breath away; but, leaves us with this encouragement:

When we look at life organically, no matter how bleak the present [moment] may seem, we always have a seed we can plant for the future.~~Rigby, Small Things, 2008

You may find this podcast, that invites us to wake up to our Unity with All of Life, to open to the depth of life, and to realize we are the One, worth listening to, over and over again. ~~Ashtora, 2008

Thank you Rev. Rigby for your passionate love for humanity and all of nature…for helping us to recognize our unity…to recognize the great in the small.

Visit  http://www.staopen.com/podcast/index.php in order to select other podcasts by Dr. James Rigby or others who have spoken at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX.

 

Dr. James Rigby