my own drum

Here we are in the enlightened 21st Century, and the world is supposed to be a better place -- at least that was the impression that I received from my youth. My parents struggled to make ends meet, ensuring that all of the children were fed and clothed and ready for school, and had a roof over their heads at night to keep away the darkness, the cold, and the bogeymen.

I'm looking around today and I'm wondering where it is better? To be sure there are some, perhaps many, who are at least better off financially. That is evident in the number of SUV's and Road Rangers prowling the streets. It is also evident in the great halls of our business infrastructures. Oil companies are reaping huge profits, Coca Cola is worldwide and growing, banks and investments companies (some of them) are bigger and have assets that I cannot comprehend. And the people that run these businesses are going home to their their trendy condo's, their mansions, their art, and their other SUV. Nothing wrong with that, per se, people who run things well have always been compensated well. I certainly would expected to be compensated for my leadership abilities. Alas, I have none.

But show me where the world is a better place. Show me a place where greed has been overcome to help the needy. Show me a profit that is turned to helping others. The stockholders won't hear of it!

Out here on the streets, where I live, there is little improvement. Drugs and prostitution continue to take the meager earnings of hardworking people. And now, in most states, the states themselves have joined in the action by introducing the lotteries. I can't begin to count the number of losing $5.00 scratch-off cards that litter our city busses and trains. $5.00!! That's enough the feed a person for a day, seriously. Sure, that person will be hungry all the time, but they will get one decent meal at least. I actually try to exist on no more than $2.00 a day. It's difficult, let me assure you. But I'm getting off track.

The neighborhood I live in is getting gentrified. This is no secret. New condos are replacing older apartments and homes at a record pace. One even advertises, "A new way of living in the Old Fourth Ward" It seems that the only thing to slow down this progress is the drying up of development money. The residents have little say in the matter, something I know as fact on the street where I live. Even my own little hovel, a squatters shack on a small piece of property, is in danger. I've recently been advised that the place which I call home is to be deconstructed.

Fine! I'll throw up a tarp and make believe that I'm enlightened and better off for the experience.

In this post I think I shall cheat a bit, and quote from one of our historic literary personages, Henry David Thoreau, from his book, Walden. I've been re-reading this book of late, and there on page 12 I seem to have found, once again, a pattern or a template for living, for my own life. I could only wish that all men would adopt the same sort of self-critical introspection of their lives.

Walden is one of those books that is designed, in my belief, to teach us about ourselves more than about the actual subject matter. Mr. Thoreau did not retreat to to Walden pond to write about the trees, the birds, the insects, the weather or even the pond itself. He was frustrated with what he saw as a failure of modern man to grasp the simple realities of this thing which we call life. He knew, deep within his soul, that man was reaching much farther than was necessary and was becoming more mired in the results.

In my own life, I have made the decision to withdraw from so many of the luxuries that make our current existence that which it is. To be certain, I still avail myself of those luxuries - the fact that I am writing in a blog that is posted instantaneously around the globe via the internet, and that whilst I write said blog I can avail myself of the instantaneous spell checker is proof enough that I have not retreated to the caveman existence of my humble ancestry. Yet I try. In my abode there is no television, no radio, no telephone, no bathroom! Imagine! Yet I survive, and have done so for some time now, with little more than minor inconvenience. It has been my discovery that there is no need for a car, or any of those other items I've already mentioned. Living life on life's terms is just not that difficult. And, it is sometimes made easier by the kind generosity of those curious folks around me. They can sense something is different here, and I can sense their fear of the unknown, and of the unwilling. Life is, indeed, good.

And so, without further ado, let me get back to Mr. Thoreau and his book, Walden. Please do yourself a favor and read this book at the first opportunity.

The greater part of what my neighbors call good I believe in my soul to be bad, and if I repent of any thing, it is very likely to be my good behavior. What demon possessed me that I behaved so well? You may say the wisest thing you can old man, -- you who have lived seventy years, not without honor of a kind, -- I hear an irrestible voice which invites me away from all that. One generation abandons the enterprises of another like stranded vessels.

I think that we may safely trust a good deal more than we do. We may waive just so much care of ourselves as we honestly bestow elsewhere. Nature is well adapted to our weakness as to our strength. The incessant anxiety and strain of some is a well nigh incurable form of disease. We are made to exaggerate the importance of what work we do; and yet how much is not done by us! or, what if we had taken sick? How vigilant we are! determined not to live by faith if we can avoid it; all the day long on the alert, at night we unwillingly say our prayers and commit ourselves to uncertainties. So thoroughly and sincerely are we compelled to live, reverencing our life, and denying the possibility of change. This is the only way, we say; but there are as many ways as there can be drawn radii from one centre. All change is a miracle to contemplate; but it is a miracle which is taking place in every instant. Confucius said, "To know that we know what we know, and that we do not know what we do not know, that is true knowledge." When a man has reduced a fact of the imagination to be a fact to his understanding, I forsee that all men will at length establish their lives on that basis.

Thoreau, Henry David. Walden
Edited with an Introduction and Notes by Stephen Fender
Oxford University Press, 1997.
(pg 12)

I've just read yet another tragic American story, one that is repeated far too often in too many of our cities. This particular story appeared in the New York Times online edition on August 18, 2008, and recounts a recent and senseless killing in Birmingham, Alabama. The victim, LaWanda Russell, aged 17, was caught in the crossfire of an argument that was being settled with gunfire. She knew all of the shooters, the one who fired the fatal shots was a neighbor and lifelong friend. That one was shooting at her boyfriend as he (the boyfriend) was driving up to the home where LaWanda lived with her parents. She was in the car. And as the gunfire broke out she attempted to flee into her parents home. She didn't make it.

The media in Birmingham is playing this up, attempting to galvanize the citizenry into doing something, anything, about the escalating violence in their city. And I hope they find success. But how many more innocent victims in how many more American cities will it take before we, as a nation of free citizens, decide that enough is enough and begin to take responsibility for restoring a sense of decency back into our lives.

How many of you hear gunfire every night, and simply hope that the bullets pass you by this time? How many of you witness the drug dealing, the prostitution, the idleness that seems to be at the core of much of our violence? How many of you have read to your child today, or told him or her that you love them, or have done much of anything beyond ensuring that your own meager needs have been met, without a care or consideration of your neighbors, friends, countrymen? I think, far too many.

This is a country of citizens, founded on moral principles that have been refined over the years to become all inclusive. We are all citizens. Not just a few of us, not just the white men, but everyone. This change didn't come easy, but here we are today, with so many American citizens refusing to exert a finger to help promote a sense of decency in our cities. What are you afraid of, America? Why won't you do anything? And be sure of this, when the rights that you enjoy today are stripped away, you will be the first to scream. So take some action, today.

Here's a little known fact, criminals are afraid of law-abiding citizens. They run like cockroaches at the first hint of light. So grab a flashlight and start shining it on your streets and alleyways. We can solve many of the problems in our society if we act as a concerned society. If you think our government will fix everything, and if you are waiting for that to happen, then you have absolutely no right to wail when you lose your cherished rights, either through the enactment of legislation or by the bullet of a thug.

It's no secret that there are numerous people in this country that are living on the edge, paycheck to paycheck, one step away from homelessness and hunger. For most of them it's not a matter of fault (at least not theirs) because they simply lack the education, or wherewithal, to make any financial improvements in their lives. They are stuck. And there are some, like myself, who have consciously decided to eschew the system, to live life one day at a time, without worrying about the next paycheck. There is an immense freedom in that, if you can do it.

But, let it be understood that to live in our society, a certain amount of cash is often required. I cannot march into the local Kroger store and barter for a cart full of groceries. It simply doesn't work, those people want cash. And so for them, and thousands more like them, I do work from time to time in order to generate a small cash flow. It should be noted that my average yearly income for the past several years has been less than $6000.00. Remember I'm not complaining, this is a choice I made.

So it really gripes my ass when I do happen to perform some work, expecting cash remuneration, and then get stiffed. That doesn't happen too often, but since my arrival in Atlanta last January it's happened three times.

The first time was a "had to have it done now" paint job. I'm no painter and I made that clear from the beginning. No problem, I was assured. The job came to me on a Saturday afternoon (late) and it needed to be done before the following Monday morning - less than 48 hours; and I did just that. Then I got stiffed for half of the amount due. And the jerk who still owes me is just that, a jerk. I've given up on calling him; instead I've turned him over to my Higher Power, and I truly hope he receives the Karmic reaction that he so well deserves.

The final time occurred just very recently. I was asked to be a webmaster for a new site, and we discussed duties and a payment schedule. It was all verbal, done on a handshake. Since I tend to trust people, I assumed the deal was done. So we registered a domain, set up a web host, and I went to work. In the first two weeks I was paid a pittance of $40.00 each week. On the third week, I was told (not directly) that I was on hold until further notice. Hold my ass! I put my best effort on building that small site, and that effort is reflected in today's SERP's (Search Engine Result Placement). The site currently holds the number one position for all of the relevant search phrases. Now you tell me, did I do shabby work with those results after just one month? How about I tell you... No! My work was excellent. So why can't I get paid? Who knows. None of my messages are being answered anymore. I have a solution to this problem, but my concern is that it's even a problem. I kept up my end of the bargain. If I've received no response by next week then I'll gladly post the relevant information here.

Why are some people seemingly so cheap? To be sure, this sort of behavior is not inherent in everyone I work for. Many of the people (my clients) are not only happy with my performance, they are generous to a large degree. And still others have been generous with providing services, like this computer I'm using today. But overall I'm beginning to doubt the wisdom of trying to make a living in Atlanta. I can't survive off the good graces of a few, especially knowing there are those out there who could have been able to help make a difference in my meager existence. Cheap Bastards!

I'll get off my soapbox now, Thank You.

OK, I don't usually cross post stuff from YouTube, you know what you like and how to find it already, right? But I'm going to make an exception this one time. A friend, let's call her Em, created this totally awesome video of her art in motion, music in motion, motion in motion. I'm at a loss to describe it to you, so you really should just click the button and watch for yourself.

Em is darned good artist too, so this post links back to her blog where you can view a sampling of her work. I have a friend who is an art teacher and he tells me this girl is a natural artist, one who would be tainted by a formal art education. She is inspired and uninhibited, fresh and edgy, and just too damn cool for words. In her own words, "Don't put me in a box, man."

Enjoy.

I have a couple of new web development projects that you might find interesting. One called Green City Atlanta, and is being developed for the Dr. Randolph Blackwell Economic & Financial Literacy Institute. Their ultimate goal is to fund and provide material support for the Center for Sustainable Energy Center of Atlanta, Ga. To this end they are proposing to revitalize the Lakewood Fairgrounds in Atlanta, restoring the original buildings and bringing in antiques dealers. A consortium of antiques dealers across America has already been established for this purpose.

Dr. Blackwell was a significant force in the civil rights movement across the South in the early 60's. He not only participated on the front lines, with sit-ins and marches, but he provided behind the scenes support as well, in the form of financial assistance and providing his home as a way-station for weary and hungry travelers of the movement. He was instrumental in getting black people registered to vote. Later, in the Carter Administration, he was appointed as the Director of the Department of Commerce’s Office of Minority Business Enterprise. This office provided seed money to struggling black business owners. You can read more of Dr. Blackwell's biography on the Green City Atlanta website.

If you have comments or thoughts about this website design or function, I would appreciate your feedback.

Another new site under development is called Never Too Late Designs, and it features handcrafted jewelry. This site is based on the osCommerce shopping cart platform, which is being customized for use with the site. I have to admit this site is a real pleasure to work on for a couple of reasons. First, the product is interesting and unique. Second, the site owner was able to take the lead on entering the inventory. I showed her how do this once, and away she went. It's a miracle! Most new site owners seem to be overwhelmed with the prospect of managing their own inventory.

If quality handcrafted jewelry is in your future then I know Lisa would appreciate your having a look at her product line.

If you have comments or thoughts about this website design or function, I would appreciate your feedback.

At the 2008 Annual Gathering of the Tribes, commonly known as the Rainbow Gathering, the Law Enforcement Officers (LEO) of the Forest Service entered Kiddie Village to make arrests. What ensued should not be tolerated by any American citizen.

First, some background. The Annual Gathering of the Tribes has been an event since the first Gathering in 1972 in the Roosevelt National Forest. By consensus of those at the Gathering, the next years site is selected.

Kiddie Village is the one place in the Gathering where people with small children and families can congregate and camp together during the Gathering. It is supposed to be a safe place for our children, and the LEO's know that; many of them have been working the Gathering for years.

This year the LEO's went into Kiddie Village, with weapons. It should be noted that no weapons are allowed into the Gathering, a rule that the LEO's regularly flout. While there one woman implored them to leave the area with their guns, she was arrested. At this point many hundreds of Gathering participants raced to Kiddie Village and formed a circle around the offending (and offensive) LEO's. The cops got scared and started shooting.

Imagine, if you can, that you are peacefully camping with your family in a National Forest, and the cops arrive with guns drawn, and then start shooting. Would you feel safe?

For years the Forest Service has been attempting to stop the Annual Gatherings by use of force, intimidation and various changes to their own regulations. None of this has worked, the Gatherings continue. And they will continue. But their tactics have worked to some degree. Many people now stay away from the Gatherings, and once the knowledge is out that guns can and will be used in Kiddie Village, you can expect that many law-abiding families will no longer attend.

No matter what side if this issue you may take, it is clear that guns in the presence of families and children should not be tolerated. These people aren't criminals, they are American citizens exercising their Constitutional Rights.

More info:
LEOs Gone Wild

Arrest Leads to Rainbow Riot

2008 Wyoming Rainbow Gathering

YouTube Videos

Rainbow Gathering 2008 Wyoming Police Attack

Police Attack Kiddie Village, Rainbow Gathering '08, clip1

Wyoming 2008 Gathering
Cops with guns drawn in Kiddie Village

Is this small boy really a threat?
Does he deserve this from those who are
sworn to Uphold and Protect?

Peace

Over the last couple of weeks the garden has flourished. Weekend rains, daily sunshine and warmer temperatures have all combined to create a climate of prosperity for anything green. It's already apparent that there will be a lot of weeding and maintenance for this garden.

I've taken a new batch of photos and posted them on this site. As I discover or learn a new plant name, I'll update that page with the information. I will also be adding more pictures as they come.

I've also done some research about the Boulevard Community Garden (ala Google). So far, there is only one link that I thought was work referencing, and it was from 2000. But the article describes how our garden began, and shows an image of the original sign out front. This sign is currently under renovation. The original lettering had been replaced by stick-on letters, and the paint was faded and peeling. Our friend Emily is doing the artwork.

Bookmark this new page and check back often.

Today I took pictures of the many flowering blooms in our garden. Unfortunately, some flowers have already bloomed and then lost their color or foliage. Seeing that happen, I thought it was a good time to snap a few new photos. These can be viewed at the link below, Garden in Bloom.

How does our garden grow

Garden in Bloom

This might also be a good time to mention that the Boulevard Community Garden has a new e-mail address at "BoulevardCommunityGarden@gmail.com"
Please use this e-mail address for any garden correspondence. Thank You.

It is also worth noting that very soon the garden will be identified on Google Maps. Anyone looking at the maps in the vicinity of the garden will see a marker on the map, directing them to the garden.

I'm posting a few random items, because I can. First, you may or may not have noticed a name change. For some time I have been making anagrams using the following letters - A E O C P R S T. I don't have a reason for this, it was an idea that came to me late one night, and I followed it. I've decided to change to something completely different, and for now, more appropriate - Aromaman. You see, I'll soon be making premium quality fresh hand dipped incense. For people in Atlanta, this is good news. For the rest of you, my apologies. This incense won't be available on the internet for some time, if at all.

Last weekend I was in Suches, GA. The event was a pig roast, given by a fellow to gather his friends and acquaintances for fun and fellowship. It was a great time. On Sunday morning a few of us hiked a short distance on the Appalacian Trail (from Woody Gap) and meditated in the glory of nature's bounty. I took a lot of pictures, and these can be viewed at http://theworldwidewiki.com/pigroast/

During the last week the drug dealers visited my rose bushes, located outside the fence of my garden. Both rose bushes were trampled. I'm certain this had nothing to do with what I wrote about those morons in this blog; they're simply bullying morons who cannot stand to see anything nice in their midst. Oh well.

A friend sent me a link about using styrofoam cups to build a simple hydroponics system. After reading the article I thought I would post the link here for my gardening readers.

Hydroponics with McDonalds cups

Enjoy!

del.icio.us tag: Hydroponics

del.icio.us tag: Community Gardening

It rained Saturday, and Sunday, and Monday. Because we are in a period of severe drought this rain is more than welcome. It isn't enough rain to end the drought, but every little bit helps. And for the garden it is truly a blessing. Everyone has applied some sort of mulch or covering, mostly straw, to help preserve the soil moisture.

Last week I planted more in my own little plot of the garden. There are some volunteer tomatoes (found in a walkway), okra and onions (donated). I noticed this morning that some of the flower seeds I planted last week might be coming up already.

There are two plots left in the garden that haven't been claimed. Two others seem to have a claim on them, but they haven't been worked at all this spring. The two remaining plots are near the back of the garden, and get a generous amount on shade in the morning, but plenty of direct light from noon on through the afternoon. I'm thinking about doing a little landscaping on them to improve their appeal. One of those plots has parsley and oregano from a previous season.

Our volunteer sign painter came by last week. She loves the garden, but the neighborhood is a bit daunting. She wants me to remove the sign out front so she can paint it in a safer environment. But I've noticed the bolts holding it in place are bent, and so it can't be removed. I'll have to be there when she works on it. She also wants to put up a shrine in the garden. I gave her the OK to do this, and I'm sure it will enhance the natural beauty of this spot.

del.icio.us tag: Community Gardening

OK, I hear you thinking, "What has this got to do with gardening?" Well let me explain.

The Boulevard Community Garden is on Boulevard Avenue in Atlanta. Mention that street to any local and they'll nod in a knowing way - Boulevard is a haven for drug dealers. The garden is on the site of a former apartment building, and there are apartments on either side and across the street. One on side is a nice Christian based group for young people. On the other side is subsidized housing, and the scene for daily drug dealing. The dealers also lounge at the subsidized apartments across the street.

These particular dealers are not very smart at all. (Don't tell them I said that!) They tend to mix business and personal issues together, right there on the sidewalk. This, of course, results in problems for them, and for others.

About two weeks ago there was a fight. The dealers were beating up a fellow who I assume was a disgruntled customer. Anyway, I was working in the garden at the time and my view was obstructed by their apartment building. But I heard the shouting and wrongly assumed it was more of the same that I hear almost daily. I did notice that some people were watching from the Wendy's parking lot across the street, but still I didn't bother to go have a look for myself. Soon enough I heard the sirens approaching - first the police and then the ambulance. For the rest of the day there was a police presence on the street, which of course, is bad for the drug business.

This morning I once again heard loud voices, expressing lots of anger. Taking a quick look on the street I could see there wasn't a fight, only an argument. From what I could tell someone owed someone else money. And the police had been called again (not by me). And, once again, there was a police presence on the street today. First it was a uniformed officer parked down the street. I walked by him when I went to get the seeds today (see previous post), and as I passed him I offered a quick "Thank You".

He left the scene and returned later for a drive around the apartments. Then another officer, in uniform, arrived in his personal vehicle. He parked on the sidewalk right in front of the garden. The dealers sauntered away when he got out of his truck. He spent an hour or so walking around the area. He walked the apartment parking lots, he walked over to Wendy's, he talked to the old ladies on the lawn next door, and he came to the garden gate and talked to me. Our entire converstaion was about gardening. He asked what we were growing, and explained that he was gardening at home.

Finally he left and I saw him make at least one trip around the block. Eventually the drug dealers meandered back to the sidewalk, but I suspect that now their business is going to be interrupted more frequently. I can't say that I'll be sorry to see the dealers leave. But the truth is, there has been drug dealing on this block for as long as there have been drugs, and I don't hold out a lot of hope that will be changed any time soon.

Ahhhhh! That was the sound my neighbors heard last night. I came in after 10pm, and took my flashlight out to the garden to have a last look at my new tomato sprouts. I had planted the seeds in a plat, and set that plat on one the paid spots in the garden so it could get some afternoon sun. Sometime after I left yesterday that gardener came in in worked their space. My best guess is they never saw the few little sprouts in my plat. They emptied the plat onto one or more mounds that were built. My poor seedlings! I'm bummed.

Today I went to the dollar store in hopes of finding more tomato seeds. There weren't any, but I did pick up quite a few other things.

Back at the garden I got busy with my new seeds. At the front of the garden I planted flowers - marigolds, bachelor bottoms (mixed colors), cockscomb (plumosa mixed colors), and gypsophila (babys breath). These were planted in the first two plots near the front. These two plots are under the trees and mostly shaded all day. I hope to have some color near the front of the garden now. No one else is planting flowers that I can tell.

Then I got busy in my plot at the back, where I planted vegetables. I started there about 10 days ago with Wanda peas, which are already out of the ground. Today I planted lettuce (Black Seesed Simpson), summer squash, turnips, carrots (Mantes Coreless), early radish, and eggplant (Black Beauty).

I still have a few more things to plant there, including two varieties of radish, and okra. I'll post more when those get into the ground.

For those who are following my blog, you'll have noticed that today I crated a new category, Community Gardening, where I'll be writing about the garden. There is much to learn and much more to tell.

del.icio.us tag: Community Gardening

There are some new arrivals in the Boulevard Community Garden, besides the new sprouts showing up everywhere. These new arrivals are three robins (there might be others). Mom has been very busy digging up grubs and worms, and she's been very assertive about not being disturbed in her pursuit of feeding the hungry little fliers. There are three in the nest, but on the day I spotted them one had already made the first few attempts to fly, and was on the ground near the front gate. Mom and dad were protectively watching nearby. Here are a few pictures of the young birds, their nest, and their mom.

While I was out with my camera I also took a few pictures of the garden. This is the view from the rear of the garden, looking out towards Boulevard Avenue, to the west.

Each garden plot is individually planted and maintained. Garden members are free to plant whatever they desire, and to arrange their garden space as they like.

That ends the Boulevard Community Garden tour for today. You can be certain that as the seasons continue, there will be much more to take pictures of and to talk about. I hope you come back.

del.icio.us tag: Community Gardening

Now that I have a roof over my head it's more and more often that I may sleep in, whereas when staying at a shelter I was rousted every single day at 5:00am. I still have to get up before 6:00am if I'm to catch the bus to an AA meeting at 7:30. However, for whatever reasons (there were some legitimate ones)I slept in for a few days in a row, and missed those "Early Bird" meetings. (I still managed to make a later meeting on those days.)

Apparently I was missed, and some discussion was made as to my whereabouts. Then one morning last week came a knock on my door, and a fellow AA'er was standing there, inquiring if I was allright. Wow!

The following poem was written by yet another AA member, who gave it to me this morning. There was also a handwritten note and a phone number written on the page. Without further ado, here is "Humanity".

Humanity

He asked me if I seen Jeff today
the question hit me strong
I wondered if it been asked before
And now my guilt was rising

Jeff's a humble homeless man
His nights always uncertain
I see him by the place I go
Hi greeting, a quiet smile

He knows my name he says hello
He never asks for nothing
He's just someone who comes here
To be a better man today

Vague remembering those Bible words
About my brothers keeper
It seems that in this world we live
No time for you... too busy

"I think I'll go look for him
He's gone now these two days"
My words were quick, excused myself
So he left to search alone

And as I drove on to my day's routine
The thought came across my mind
If life should switch our places
Would someone look for me?

Joe B. April 2008

It was Easter in Atlanta and once more the fine folks at Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless turned out to feed lunch to thousands at Atlanta's City Hall East. This was the seventh, and possibly last, Easter meal served at this location. City Hall East is slated for renovation to become loft spaces, and all of the current tenants have been asked to vacate.

It was my privilege to be a part of this function this year, and I took my camera to record the event.

Here are some photos from the Easter event. It started on Saturday with setup at City Hall East. The first set of images show, from left to right, the main hall for the event. Chairs were set up in front of the stage area. The next photo show supplies being staged on the loading dock.

Signs around the facility helped identify areas of the hall for our volunteers and guests. Home delivery of meals was made possible by volunteers, and donations of toys and easter baskets brightened the faces of children.

Clothing was available for free, and there was something for everyone. Barbers donated their time and skill to privide free haircuts.

None of this would be possible without the generous support of an army of volunteers. This year college students from Morehouse and Spellman colleges, Hands on Altanta was represented, as well as many individuals. Here are just a few of them:

These volunteers helped by delivering meals to homes of people that could not attend.

The corporate sponsors for Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless play a vital role, providing funding and products that help make these events possible. Here, Coca-Cola is represented.

Inspirational and religious messages were delivered at this event.

And in the final set of images we see the most important people of all, those who benefit the most from these events, the poor, the homeless, and the hungry.

del.icio.us tag: Hosea Williams

I am at long last on my way to becoming a gardener, this after years of claiming a 'brown thumb'. I've rarely had success with growing anything. I've killed cactus, ornamental trees, flowers, vegetables, shrubs. I simply don't have the gift of gardening. My dad used to grow tomatos in a five gallon bucket, all I could grow was weeds.

But I have noticed a change in direction over the past several months. It started in Arkansas, at Karen's garden. I was drawn to that garden, possibly because it was overgrown with weeds. But I did a little work in that garden, and it felt good. There is, however, only so much one can do in anothers garden. Karen would not let me pull weeds unless she was there, lest I pull something valuable. Fair enough, I thought, after all I can't tell a flowering weed from a flowering flower. They all look like plants to me. Unfortunately I learned very little in Karen's garden because she was so attention deficit that it was nearly impossible to get her to spend more than a few minutes showing me what was good and what was bad. But, I was drawn to the possibilities.

A few weeks ago someone suggested that I could be the manager for a community garden. I jumped at the opportunity. After a short interview, in which I did not hide my lack of knowledge or experience, I was allowed to assume the position. Now, to be honest, I don't have to do any gardening. This is a community garden, and as such there are individuals who are responsible for their own plot of garden space. My role is to keep the trash picked up out on the sidewalk. But here is a golden opportunity and I intend to use it fully. Already I have started pulling weeds from a couple of unused plots. It's a beginning.

I have recruited someone who does know about gardening to give me a hand. I hope that with her help I can get a crash course in vegetable growing. Meanwhile I'll continue pulling weeds and picking up trash, and trying to visualize how this garden will grow.

del.icio.us tag: Community Gardening

It's being reported that the Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Co. is closing it's doors in the wake of the largest processed beef recall in U.S. history. Some 143 million pounds have been recalled. Unfortunately, for consumers, some of this beef has already been eaten. School districts across the country are holding the potentially tainted beef, and apparently have little recourse except to order more beef from other sources.

The plant was closed after an undercover video was released which showed employees using various methods to get down cows back on their feet and on the way to slaughter. Electric prods, high pressure water and forklifts were the preferred methods.

Downer cows are potential sources of mad-cow disease, which can lead to a rare but fatal brain disorder in people. The incubation period in humans can be up to 30 years, so your school age kids could be having their own kids before any symptoms would appear.

The U.S.D.A. had inspectors inside this plant, because the plant was one of 10 processors approved to supply beef to the National School Lunch Program. So I question where these inspectors were, and what were they doing? I understand that a person cannot be in many places at once, but this practice was not isolated... and you can be sure that it is not isolated to Hallmark/Westland. This is as much a failure of the U.S.D.A. as it is of the meat packers. Hopefully those inspectors in the remaining nine plants are drinking less coffee and doing more inspection.

If you're a regular reader of this blog then you already realize the awful truth about those people we trust when it comes to the safety of our food sources. It would be pointless to fire the inspectors who failed to inspect. The Secretary of Agriculture, Ed Schafer, should be falling on his sword. He is a disgrace to this department, responsible for the feeding of our school children.

Here I am, like Waldo, turning up just about everywhere. This time I'm in Atlanta, one of the few big cities that I like. For the record, the other is San Fran/Bay Area. I don't seem to have much to write about tonight. However, for all the time - about 6 weeks - that I've been without an internet, I seemingly had a lot to say. One of these days I'll get a pocket journal.

One aspect of Atlanta is that my situation of being homeless seems to be exaggerated. It's hard to get into a decent shelter unless one is willing to get off of drugs and/or alcohol. That leaves me out, because I'm already clean and sober. I guess I could tell a lie...nahhh. And here's why. Going into one of the recovery situations also means giving up considerable rights and freedoms. I like coming and going as I please, going to meetings that I enjoy, and doing whatever work that brings me pleasure. I'm not about to tell some silly lie just to give those things up.

I learned a new word today, and interestingly enough, it applies to me. Here's how it came about. Last week I was taking a shower at a facility which caters to those in my situation. Unknown to me at that time, I had somehow lost a book that I had been reading. As I was getting dressed after my shower, a fellow entered the room and began giving away his possessions - we shall assume they were his to give away. He was giving all manner of things, clothes, shoes, bags, even a book, "The Bourne Ultimatum". It seems that the fellow had made up with his former girlfriend, and was moving back to her place. He didn't need these things. Besides the book, I managed to get a decent pair of tennis shoes, a knit cap and scarf, and even a small portable camp shower. It looks more like a colostomy bag, holding only a gallon of water. Still, it's a portable shower.

So I've been reading this book, and I ran across the word 'impecunious'. It means lacking money, penniless. I'm not quite there yet, but pretty darn close. (If you want to send money, I'll be happy to provide my PayPal ID to you.) So life is pretty good out on the streets. I'm relatively happy, particularly since I've gotten over my cold/flu/congestion/whatever the hell I had. I've learned a new word, and I've been staying busy every day. There is also the matter of getting a laptop, so now I can once again participate in the world of the web. Happy Days.