Drought In The Land

Water is a powerful medicine for our people.
Water can cut through the thickest rock yet it is soft enough to run through our fingers.
Our entire world depends on water for survival.
Our bodies are mostly water, as are the bodies of the animals.
Water purifies, cleanses, and washes our bodies, our clothing, and our homes.
Where there is little water there is little life. Where there is much water there is abundant life.
Water speaks to us in streams, creeks, and the ocean, yet water, itself, is silent.
Water is magical and can take many forms, like ice, snow, and steam.
Water binds people together yet always remains separate itself.
Water has deep color when gathered but is without color in the hand.
Water carves out the beauty of the land for us to use and enjoy.
Water feeds our crops, flowers, and herbs, keeping us healthy and wise.
Water is a powerful medicine, one of the greatest of Grandfather’s gifts.

~Words of an American Native~

* There is much in the news, lately, about droughts, and water shortages around the country. According to the newspapers from down-home, they are already enforcing water restrictions in several towns and communities, and from what I read, it is that way in other places around the country, too. I don't know about you, but I know that I tend to take the priviliege of abundant water usage for granted. I, also, know that in all probability, that priviliege is going to come to a screeching halt at some point in the future.

Drought is the consequence of a natural reduction in the amount of precipitation expected over an extended period of time, usually a season or more in length. It is a period of abnormally dry weather, which persists long enough to produce a serious hydrologic imbalance. The severity of the drought depends upon the degree of moisture deficiency, the duration and the size of the affected area.

During severe droughts, agricultural crops do not mature, wildlife and livestock are undernourished, land values decline, and unemployment increases, causing serious impacts on the safety and economic wealth of the communities.

Some of the measures being taken in certain cities to assure adequate drinking water are rather extreme, already. Who knows what it will eventually come to?

Watch Out For The Garbage Trucks

Recently, something occurred which caused me a lot of dismay, but mostly, a lot of disappointment in someone who seemed so very nice, and gave every indication of wanting to be friends. As it turned out, that was not the case at all, and it bothered me, a lot. But then, the same thing happened to one of my friends on here, and it really seemed to hurt her.

I, more or less, knew why it happened to me, but my friend was totally in the dark as to why it happened to her. I think we both let it bother us too much.

A couple of days ago I came across this article, and saw some pretty good advice offered for dealing with unpleasant situations, instigated by insensitive people. I think we can all benefit from it. There will always be insensitive people, treating others shabbily, to further their own self interests, so the sooner we learn to just consider the source, and get on with other things, the better off we'll be.

"How often do you let other people's nonsense change your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive employee ruin your day? Unless you're the Terminator, for an instant you're probably set back on your heels. However, the mark of a successful person is how quickly she can get back her focus on what's important.

Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it. And if you let them, they'll dump it on you. When someone wants to dump on you, don't take it personally. You just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. You'll be happy you did.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let Garbage Trucks take over their day. What about you? What would happen in your life, starting today, if you let more garbage trucks pass you by?

Here's my bet. You'll be happier. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so…Love the people who treat you right.Forget about the ones who don't.Believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, TAKE IT! If it changes your life, LET IT!Nobody said it would be easy...They just promised it would be worth it! "

*Excerpts from "Beware of Garbage Trucks," by David J. Pollay