7 Billion People

My focus has shifted. I choose to teach again; through writing. Spinning metaphors, analogies, prose, and accumulated wisdom to help kids learn the importance of finding and expressing their "true-selves."

Eventually young humans confront the ultimate question: "I am?" This is one of the significant ways that people-beings are different from the rest of Earth's living things. Our brains make it almost impossible to just BE. Humans expand and contract, rise and fall, lose and find, learn and forget; and always have the opportunity to transform. 

Toddlers have instincts and genetic mapping, and they are heavily influenced by their environment, parents, and food intake. When you observe a group of kids, you notice some of them try new things, while others are hesitant. Some lead, others follow ..... some organize, others leave a mess and get distracted. 

"Trying on different hats" has been my metaphor for a willingness to change directions. I have often morphed to explore new choices; not afraid to be wrong. I am writing a new kids book about children finding themselves. Many kids are labeled early in life; wrong name, wrong body, wrong family ........ stuck in situations that are the wrong "skin."

What if you could go into a "changing room" in a Department store? This big box is filled with names, skins, clothes, and a travel machine that transports you to another place on Earth. A chance to try on new and different appearances and situations. A place to be free enough to express your voice, your Q, and suddenly be able to find your "true-self."


Being stuck as an adult is often referred to as the inability to shed your baggage. The good news is that now some grown-ups have finally started shouting "enough is enough."

segue .....  I know it isn't an obvious or smooth transition, but in my mind it works.


During most of 2011, I have been venting and calling attention to the need for humans to be fed up. Of course, talking heads are already spinning the Occupy Wall St. protests; declaring that they are irrational and irrelevant because there "seems to be no focus on one issue." HELLO! There are so many colliding realities that have been caused by dysfunctional politics and deregulated economics, people young and old have been affected in all kinds of ways. In these times, the harm done to our national treasure, our collective spirits, and the fabric of our society cannot be summed up with a slogan as simple as "Stop War!"

I am heartened that a protest movement has been launched on our streets. An American Spring has arrived. It reminds us that we were outraged 40 years ago, emboldened by images of napalm and dead bodies. There were grassroots leaders willing to speak out, and singer/songwriters filling our consciousness with truths about the lies we were being fed. It has been remarkably quiet in the USA for far too long.


The rest of the world has evolved and the awareness of corruption and deceit in other countries has exploded around the globe. Most of Earth's humans have had to overcome the strangling of free speech, while 35 years of "good times" has softened a generation in America. Consumption of fast food, outrageous entertainment, and cheap mortgages has us deep in crisis, but unable to respond. Too many are brain washed, uneducated, and unmotivated. Its' past time to call out the bullshitters.


Find your voice. Don't just sit there. At the very least, help a child understand what it means to be expressive.

Live Long and Prosper

As my friend's daughter left to catch her plane, the salutation that came to mind was a simple word, "Thrive." As her car pulled out of the driveway, I pondered the source of that expression and realized how genuine, heartfelt, and specific it was.

I've known her since she was small and although I have only seen her a handful of times over the years, I am aware of her journey through the eyes of her Dad, a dear friend. He has been sharing stories of her adventures all these years. He is now 65, and she must be about 32. The road to this moment of departure back to her bliss has been filled with change, exploration, tests, and her share of growing pains. 

As a symbol of my current re-awakening, her journey of self-discovery provides me a window into the collective experience I have been writing about in my yet to be published book for kids of all ages. I don't have writer's block, no resistance to completing it, simply waiting for my illustrator. I won't take this moment to talk anymore about the Book about ONE, but know that these past 4 days in the Northwest has re-vitalized my vision. Thank you to all I have spent quality time with this weekend; you know who you are.

thrive (verb)  =  to do well; prosper

Some humans blossom into interesting, profound, and productive participants in/on the global landscape. Others flourish in simple ways when their "Q" intersects with their work. If you don't want to take a moment to look back at my last Blog post, The Never Ending Story, I'll repeat my definition of "Q": it is your "voice;" your passion, your gift. My friend's daughter has found her voice as a teacher. Not all that surprising in light of her Father's unlimited capacity to mentor/teach. His grasp of what it takes for a young person to become a functioning adult has grown with his accumulated wisdom about his life and his "Q".

Spock was from another world; a planet where Vulcans evolved to "saluting" each other with this magnificent phrase; "Live Long and Prosper."* I practiced Spock's greeting in the late 60's and found it was easy for my fingers to move in his way. The fact that I wanted to perform this salute, does speak to my identity crisis and belief that I must be from another world. I might be a Vulcan; which would explain my stone cold logic in the face of all trauma.

But now my heart leads and my connections deepen. I am more fully engaged and my "Q" is ever present. It is a grand feeling to be so vulnerable. THRIVE!

*All credit to Gene Roddenbury and his visionary Star Trek Franchise

The Never Ending Story

How well do you know yourself? Have you uncovered the unique talent passed to you through your DNA? Did your parents encourage you to express yourself? Were you part of your family conversation? Do you struggle with your self-esteem?   


We're all "wired" differently. Unfortunately, most humans grow to become a person who fits into a square that defines them for life. Instead of a planet filled with 7 billion unique individuals, we have a planet filled with humans defined by their parents, their economics, their country, their religion, and government and corporate institutions. 


The fact that humans don't act on their free will and realize their destiny is a big reason why history repeats itself. This has become Earth's never ending story. If you haven't read the book or seen the movie by the same name, "The NeverEnding Story," take the time to at least read a synopsis. This timeless tale is about the potential disaster caused when "The Nothing" wipes out imagination and creativity. 


I call self-discovery finding your "Q." I have been thinking and writing about "Q" since a day 4 years ago when I met Zoey at work. This Blog is my way of expressing my "Q." 


In the early days of this website, my spirit got ambushed and distracted when Gabrielle Giffords was shot in Tucson. Recently, during a remarkable visit with friends, a revelation appeared in my brain. I know I have found my "Q" and that no matter what triggers the topics I write about, I am expressing my true SELF. 


As a parent, I have always encouraged my son to be confident and to find his passion/mission. Even when he was a toddler, we offered him ideas about an uncovering his individual path. We emphasized that he needed to learn to express himself in whatever ways felt fun, safe, and interesting. *  


In 1990, we recorded "The Never Ending Story" on a VHS tape and for about a year and a half Casey watched a particular scene every morning before school. It is the moment when "Bastian" must learn to "be confident" in order to pass through the gates of "Fantastica," as "The Nothing" has almost completely overwhelmed and destroyed everything. 


We played lots of kids games, too, including Tic-Tac-Toe. Back in those days, I didn't realize that Tic-Tac-Toe can be a negative game in a child's development. After losing a few times, kids learn to focus on blocking the success of their opponent and give up your desire for success. Two years ago, this realization about Tic-Tac-Toe became an integral component of the metamorphosis of my repressed creative spirit.

Out of nowhere, the word X O Q jumped into my brain, and my understanding of life expanded. It dawned on me that if everyone was able to find their "Q," their voice, it would change their vision and open new horizons in their life. I always research words and ideas. When I "Googled" "xoq" I found it is a word in the native Aruban language Papiamento. Xoq means "crossing over." What a revelation and how very synchronistic. As I have mentioned in the past, I love when that happens.


Today I am reminding you to let go of your old stories and don't play games that yield no result. Find your true SELF, be your true SELF, and find inspiration in this wisdom from Steve Jobs:


"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."


*In 1985, we discovered Ragananda (pictured above.) Through her inspiring creator, Gabrielle, Ragananda and her friends guide and entertain children and their parents with  musical stories and meditations for kids of all ages. 


Check out Ragananda's YouTube Channel - Click Here

Inception

Is it time for Another Beginning? That's where I started to go on December 30, 2010. But I got lost; right at the start of a new maze. I have gone so far off of the intended path that some friends have suggested I take a breath, meditate, and/or get back into yoga. These same friends believe that the self-destructive path of humans is inevitable and cyclical; maybe even written. 


But other friends and family encourage me to be passionate, intense, and yes, even angry about the human condition. This week, two events have crossed into my field of vision that make me proud I have been speaking out. 


#1 - An article at Salon.com calling for an American Spring.

#2 - The protests at Wall St.

I don't pretend my voice has added to the public debate, but I do know that I had to speak. At one moment in January of this year, my agitation about politics and economics began. I went back and read all of my Blog posts and it is clear that when Gabrielle Giffords was shot in Tucson in January my thoughts and focus turned outside of personal journey. And although I began this week thinking about reversing the content of my writing, an American Spring and a good old fashioned democratic protest sprung out of nowhere.

In the not too distant past, MLK and Nelson Mandela were catalysts for change. They accomplished their goals in different ways, but both sacrificed so much. This is done with deep commitment, unwavering determination, and by not listening to the advise of loved ones who are concerned about the well being of the person willing to express their anger through writing, speeches, marching; basically shouting "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take this anymore."

A new inception, Another Beginning (AB), has been my fantasy for 35 years. AB has it's origin as a slogan on my first canvas tote bag. Long before bringing your own bag to the supermarket was the in thing, Berkeley's Richard Register produced this inspiration circa 1976 ....... Alan might still have his? But that's now become another story for next week.

[But that's another story] ..... a cool, fancy way of saying, 

"I could tell you about this, but I won't because it's not really 

that related to what I'm telling you about now." 

Used quite often in the book, "The Neverending Story" ...... 

It's basically one of those phrases that everyone yearns 

to find a good opportunity to say .... 

Urban Dictionary

NOTE FOR ANOTHER POST:  
The mention of "The Never Ending Story" in this definition is incredibly synchronistic. That happens to me a lot. I will be researching one thing and land on a reference that contains elements of what is already percolating in my mind. If you have never read the book or seen the original movie "The Never Ending Story," take the time to at least read a synopsis.  For inspiration, my young son watched part of "The Never Ending Story" every morning before school. We played kids games like Tic-Tac-Toe, but that doesn't build confidence; even a child realizes that with 9 squares and X's and O's, you end up focusing on blocking the success of your opponent. Sounds like Congress doesn't it?

Sounds of Silence

Solutions ........ do you have any? As you watch what is happening around you, in your circle of life and on the national and international stage, do you take it in stride, accepting it as beyond your control? How are you coping? 


From strangers, I hear loud posturing, lies repeated, misunderstood Bible passages, but from you I hear silence.


I know many of you. You take the time to read this and other forwarded commentaries, revealing jokes, relevant videos clips, and some journalists rants. Other folks arrive on this page through some degrees of separation. If you Googled a key word and landed here, than you are curious and interested in something that is embedded in these thoughts.


The Sounds of Silence are deafening:


Hello darkness, my old friend
I've come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains; Within the sound of silence*

I hated history when I was in school, but when I became a Math Teacher I realized why. Many of the "facts" that I was taught in my first 20 years are not true. My solution in my classroom was to spend time emphasizing the reason for learning. Having an open mind and knowing how to use our brain should be the focus of early education. Tests based on memorized data should be replaced by challenging students to collaborate, investigate, explore, and create. 


Columbus didn't discover America and Pluto is not a planet. The narrow mindedness, bigotry, and arrogance of the Columbus story is a great example of the root of America's mess. The "tea party" spews this kind of fabricated information. 


The new Pluto story reminds us that with the ever expanding explosions in technology we will always discover new truths to replace old facts. We can't possibly foresee or imagine the future at any stage of evolution. 


And in the naked light I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more
People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening ....
"Fools", said I, "You do not know"
Silence like a cancer grows
And echoed; In the wells of silence*



Last week, a respected friend commented on my previous post, "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." This is what I heard when I read it:


"[Earth] is NOT a vacation planet. It's in vast transition and the old greedy model is thrashing about trying to make its illusion of reality last ..... all these tacky people ...... stay in this zoo of madness ......" 


And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made
And the sign flashed out its warning
In the words that it was forming
And the sign said, 
"The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls
And tenement halls"
And whispered in the sounds of silence*


A solution was given this week by a Senator I had not heard of before. Lamar Alexander, an influential Republican, will step down from his leadership job in January, saying he can do more to help set budget priorities and curb government regulations as an “independent senior senator.”  I applaud his action.


Now, I want to promote a solution and encourage you to take the time to tell us your new ideas for real change. In what would be a bold, courageous and wise decision, I suggest President Obama tell the world he is not running for a second term. He should do this for his children, his wife, and for us. I respect him, like his style, know he his a brilliant attorney, and would be a great international diplomat. I applaud his American story and he has paved the way for more diversity at every level of our society. 


But this has turned out to be a time when Hilary Clinton should have been our President and she could be convinced to run again in this scenario. With her added international experience, her connections in Washington DC, her savvy and understanding of deal making and brokering in a very corrupt and self -serving US Government, she would beat any Republican candidate in the election, which Barrack may not be able to accomplish, and we would be better armed to tackle our problems in spite of the divisiveness and rancor in our 2 party system. Do I hear an AMEN!


*Simon and Garfunkel

While My Guitar Gently Weeps

Bad role models                                       Poverty/Welfare
No telephone skills                                   Billions of Foreign Aid
Lack of respect/civility                             Military Waste
No accountability                                     Lobbyists and Greed
Inadequate education                                Tax Evasion
Zombies/Horror are funny                        Religious Fanaticism
Too much junk food                                 Healthcare & Fuel Costs



Emboldened by a conversation on the phone at work with Contractor Keith, I am agitated to the point of taking risks. The maze has trapped us and no one has a map to the exit. Constantly turning down dark alleys has taken us ever further away from solutions. Their is no leadership with a true desire to be part of planning a way forward, only egos seeking power and money.

Keith and I are now connected. Even though we have different backgrounds, education, locations and political beliefs, we agree that America is in deep trouble. The significance of our phone call on Tuesday has caused me to get very worked up again about this crisis. I was pushed over the edge yesterday when a friend at my work place was terminated. A smart, calm, friendly guy, a man who had quickly become part of our team, our work family, was suddenly dismissed.

These 2 events have set me off and find my brain churning and my fingers shaking. I am hopeful I can make a point in the next 3 paragraphs that will cause you to action. George Harrison emphasizes my point:


I look at the trouble and see that it's raging,
While my guitar gently weeps.
As I'm sitting here, doing nothing but ageing,
Still, my guitar gently weeps.

America is beyond the tipping point. This is about the economy, education, false idols, and the shift in American values. The people under 40 at my work place have grown up playing violent video games, wasting their education, and disrespecting authority. They are distracted by "reality TV", play fantasy sports, get no nutrition from junk food, do not have conversation skills, spend hours texting nonsense, love zombies and horror, and idolize and emulate people like Snoop Dog, Snookie, and Lindsay Lohan.

Keith is the owner of a large contracting company and has to have skilled carpenters in his employ. His workers spend every day in our customer's homes and they have to communicate with respect and personality while working efficiently and thoroughly. Think about the pool of 20-30 something men he has to choose from and realize how hard it is for him to maintain his professional service company.

My company hires hourly retail staff. They pay peanuts and get monkeys. Young people who are lazy, overweight, under educated, with no work ethic, and little desire to improve. Our retail staff is reminded endlessly that customer service is paramount and that positive customer feedback is essential. Yet the company does no customer service training nor does it screen potential workers for interpersonal skills, telephone skills, or sales skills. They look at the pool of candidates on a weekly basis and if an individual has no criminal background, doesn't have drugs show up in their pee test, shows up to interviews on time, and are desperate enough to sit still and be moderately polite during their interview, they are head and shoulders above their peers.

It is a sad state of affairs. During the past 20 years as our major corporations have focused on their stock values, lowered their costs and improved their profits by moving manufacturing jobs and customer service phone jobs overseas, we have lost the middle class. The reason these jobs are gone is not only because labor is cheaper overseas, but also because without unions and watch dog organizations like the ACLU, overseas workers can be brow beaten to get results, given no benefits, and still appreciate their opportunity to work.

OK that's 4 paragraphs and I'm just getting started. We have to have this conversation. More people have to speak up and we have to provoke more voices like yours to tell the truth about our real problems.

1. The solutions to this mess DOES include collecting more taxes from tax evading corporations and millionaires.
2. The solution DOES include more jobs created to fix our crumbling infrastructure; roads, bridges, waterlines, dams, power grid, etc.
3. The solution DOES include health care for everyone and more sales tax on unhealthy products like cigarettes, junk food, and polluting vehicles.
4. The solution DOES include more exercise for our youth, more reading and less computer and cell phone time, better control over graduating illiterates.

TO BE CONTINUED SOON ..........  Please comment below

Magical Mystery Tour

Sixty years on Earth is a chunk of time. If your 25, it seems like forever. If your 90, you think it's young. That's the interesting thing about perspective; it all depends on which side of the fence you're on.  I've been observing my reactions, feelings, and attitudes during the past 9 months, and I'll admit they have been varied. I just finished writing an email to my 2 best friends, and realized in that composition that a theme has formed for the final 4 months of my 60th year. A Magical Mystery Tour (MMT)

Today's thoughts remind me of yesterdays. The van, as a symbol for my life, is profound. I never had one painted this way, but I did want to honor the Beatles "Magical Mystery Tour" (MMT). I have had 4 vans during the past 40 years, so they have dominated my driving experiences and added to my personal MMT. My first van was a VW, much like the one pictured here. It was light green, had a stick shift, and its' engine froze in the middle lane of the northbound NJ Turnpike, somewhere between Elizabeth, Bayonne, and Newark.

My second van was a red Chevy window van and it was part of my life for 10 years; from Long Island to Princeton to Berkeley to Sedona. My friend Alan and I had magical tours in that van, visiting Vermont, listening to 8 track tapes, creating visions of that van as a big community bus; a vehicle for change and inclusiveness. "You've Got a Friend" was born in that van and someday I will write more about those days; the mid 70's deserve a post of their own.

I did illegal things in the red van, including light drugs and innocently smuggling a rabbit into Canada. Around 1980, I had it painted a strange blue color and converted it to a camper van. You can remake your ride to reflect your transformation from wandering to commitment. Many years went by before I bought another van.

In 2005, I bought the celery colored Dodge Grand Caravan in Ramona from the Russian guy for $3,000 cash. It was the best desert vehicle for my construction work. If you have ever left a hammer in the back of your pickup truck and went to grab it on a hot June day, you'll understand why a van is the right vehicle. Austin and I had all we needed in that van; it was a cash machine. Transporting merchandise from Home Depot and all of my tools, we'd pull up to someone's home, complete a project and drive away with cash. Those were good times in Borrego Springs.

That van transported me to my current location, and recently I sold it after it turned 200,000 miles. Although it wasn't the smoothest transition, I soon bought my current champagne gold 2001 Toyota Sienna Van. We drove it to Sedona a few weeks back, and if you have been following along here, you know that was a magical trip. Once again the tunes and the scenery were grand through the large windows of a van.

I have been asked many times why does an older guy drive a soccer mom's vehicle. This speaks to images in SoCal that you are supposed to have the right car. To be honest, if you look at me, really look at who I am and have been, you'd have a hard time figuring out what is the right car for Robby. Some think its a sports car, some say its a 4 door sedan, maybe something classic like an old Mercedes. I've owned an RX-7, a Jaguar, an Audi lemon, a green Volare (look it up), a 1969 red Camaro with a 396, and at least 6 other vehicles.

But my vans bring MMTs and symbolize my ride through life. The tour continues in a few weeks; back to the NW to visit my best friends and reflect on past, present and future. Anybody got a time machine?